Category Archives: Anti-Aging Medicine

FAIRBANKS Alaskas high court has struck down the State Medical Boards medical license revocation for a Fairbanks doctor who specializes in anti-aging and weight loss treatment.

In what had been the states first medical license revocation since 2009, Alaskas medical board revoked Dr. David Odoms medical license in 2014. The board pulled Odoms license after concluding he prescribed drugs inappropriately to his patientSonja Carlson Quebbemann in 2007.Quebbemann died from heart failure about six months after last seeing Odom, but the state investigatorsdidnt directly accuse Odoms treatment of causing her death.

In a 27-page opinion, the courts five justices stated the Medical Board treated Odoms case incorrectly, both intheprocess the board used to pull his license and in the substanceof the boards conclusion that Odoms treatment didnt meet professional standards.

The Medical Boards decisional document is legally insufficient not only with regard to its choice of sanction, but also in its conclusion that Dr. Odom acted incompetently, the court stated in an opinion written by Justice Peter Maassen.

Odom, 74, has been practicing medicine in Palm Springs, California since he lost his licenseto practice in Alaska.Odom said in an interview Friday that he believes the action to take his license was an act of retribution by Banner Health, the nonprofit organization that previously operated Fairbanks Memorial Hospital and the Tanana Valley Clinic. Between 1993 and 2003,Odom fought a legal battle with the hospital over his interest in opening a surgery center in Fairbanks.

In my mind, Banner knewbecause their agent is the one who pursued my licenseand they gave a license to their own employee so basically he could take over my practice, he said.

Odomsaid hed like to come to split his time between California and Alaska practices now that he can practice in Alaska again.

The case against Odomwas based on his prescription of two drugs for weight loss and hormone treatment: the stimulant phentermine, and thyroid hormone drug Armour Thyroid. State investigatorsat theAlaska Division of Corporate, Business and Professional Licensing said Odom prescribed too large of a dose of Armour Thyroid and should not have prescribedphentermine because his patient had cardiomyopathy, a heart condition.

The first judge to hear the case sided with Odom. Administrative Law JudgeAndrew Hemenway concluded in 2014 that the state failed to prove Odoms treatment was below the required standard of care.

However, the Medical Board which ismade up of five physicians, one physicians assistant and two members of the public chose to revoke Odoms license after a meeting in closed-door executive session in June 2014.

In their opinion, the Supreme Court justices stated that revoking Odoms license was too strong a sanction. License revocations are usually caused by offenses like criminal convictions or medical license revocations in other states, the opinion states. In their decision to revokeOdoms license, the State Medical Board went beyond the recommendations of Division of Corporate, Business and Professional Licensing investigators who had suggested a suspension or fine.

In addition, the Medical Board failed to produce a written explanation for its actions as the law requires, the opinion states.

Contact Outdoors Editor Sam Friedman at 459-7545. Follow him on Twitter:@FDNMoutdoors.

More:
State Supreme Court denies medical license revocation - Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

August 09, 2017 07:37 ET | Source: David Steenblock, D.O. Inc.

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., Aug. 09, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- David Steenblock, an osteopathic physician based in San Clemente, CA, uses a 30-minute therapy that enhances a bodys detoxification from pathogens, metals and chemicals. More significantly, hes able to offer beauty, anti-aging and wellness all in one therapy.

The therapy is called HOCATT, and its all part of premier technology offered at his San Clemente based Personalized Rejuvenative Medicine Clinic. HOCATT amazingly provides health, wellness and beauty all in one treatment, through a multi-modality health device that provides up to 10 effective therapies without stepping out of the unit.

It looks and almost feels like a steam bath.

HOCATT enhances beauty, by helping to eliminate cellulite in legs, and making skin feel much younger, firmer, and beautiful. And, its been shown that men and women of all ages feel increased energy, physical and sexual stamina, and enhanced mental clarity and stress reduction.

HOCATT is available at Personalized Rejuvenative Medicine at the offices at Dr. David Steenblock. Dr. David is a leading-edge physician in many fields of medicine, from stroke care, to acute brain trauma, to generative and cell-based medicine in the treatment of ALS, Cerebral Palsy and other chronic and degenerative diseases.

For more information about Dr. David Steenblocks work in anti aging and stem cell therapies, visit http://www.stemcellmd.org.

David Steenblock, D.O. Inc.

San Clemente, California, UNITED STATES

David Steenblock, D.O. Inc. Logo

LOGO URL | Copy the link below

Formats available:

Excerpt from:
David Steenblock Offers Beauty, Anti-Aging and Wellness in One Therapy - GlobeNewswire (press release)

Researchers have created an innovative stem cell testing system to gauge the health effects of everyday chemicals on human beings.

Scientists have found evidence that preservatives in food and other popular products disrupt human hormones and promote obesity. The findings originally stemmed from animal experiments. A recent study highlighted by Nature Communications confirms the findings in human beings.

The Widespread Use of Chemicals

Over 80,000 chemicals are registered for use in the United States in commonly used items like household cleaners, foods, lawn-care products andpersonal care products. Though few chemicals are believed to pose a major risk to human health, the National Toxicology Program's website states the organization is unsure of the effects of the chemicals on human health. Many of the chemicals aren't thoroughly tested due to barriers like cost, health risks of exposure and ethical matters.

Study Details

Investigators from Cedars-Sinai created a unique protocol and platform to test the effects of chemicalson human beings. Tributyltin (TBT) is a compound commonly found in paint that seeps into water and accumulates in seafood. Butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) is an antioxidant regularly added to cereals and other foods. Its purpose is to safeguard nutrients and prevent fats from spoiling. Perfluoroctanoic acid (PFOA) is a polymer used in certain types of carpeting, cookware, and other commonly used products.

The investigators used tissues that produce hormones grown from actual human stem cells. Their aim was to demonstrate how regular exposure to such chemicals can interfere with signals transmitted from the digestive system to the brain to let individuals know when their stomach is full while eating. If this signaling system malfunctions, people tend to overeat and gain weight.

The investigators took blood samples from adults. They applied reprogramming genes to convert the cells to induced pluripotent stem cells. The team used these stem cells to grow human epithelium tissue that lines the gut. The brain's neuronal tissues were also used. They are located in the hypothalamus region of the brain that regulates metabolism and appetite. The investigators subjected the tissues to TBT, PFOA, and BHT separately and in combination. They observed what happened within the cells.

The Findings

The investigators determined each chemical damages hormones that interact with the gut and the brain. When the three chemicals were tested together, the cumulative stress was quite powerful. BHT generated some of the most robust detrimental effects out of the three chemicals.

The investigators determined chemicals disturbed networks that prepare signaling hormones to keep their structure intact and be moved out of cells. This made them ineffective. The investigators also found the chemicals damaged mitochondria. These are cell structures that convert oxygen and food to energy to catalyze the body's metabolism. The chemical damage occurred in young cells at early stages of development so the findings show a defective hormone system might impact pregnant women and their offspring. Scientists have determined effects of endocrine disruptors can be transmitted to future generations in animals yet this has not been proved to be the case in humans.

Why the Study Matters

The study's new testing system might provide a safe, low-cost and much-needed method that can be used to assess the health ramifications of other chemicals. Other scientists have proven the compounds in question can disturb hormone systems in lab animals. Yet the study outlined above is the first to make use of human pluripotent stem tissues and cells to show how such compounds can disturb hormones that help signal between the brain and gut and prevent obesity. It is a landmark study as it dramatically boosts the understanding of how endocrine disruptors might damage the human body's hormonal systems. The finding also helps explain the rise of the obesity epidemic in the United States.

"This is a landmark study that substantially improves our understanding of how endocrine disruptors may damage human hormonal systems and contribute to the obesity epidemic in the U.S.," said Clive Svendsen, PhD, director of the institute and the Kerry and Simone Vickar Family Foundation Distinguished Chair in Regenerative Medicine. More than one-third of U.S. adults are considered to be obese, according to federal statistics.

The rest is here:
Food Preservatives May Disrupt Hormones and Promote Obesity - Anti Aging News

Researchers have created a method to kill cancerous tissue without causing the harmful side effects of chemotherapy.

Medical researchers at the University of California, Irvine have created a stem cell-based method to zero in on cancerous tissue. This method kills the cancerous tissue without causing the nasty side effects of chemotherapy. Such side effects are avoided by treating the disease in a more localized manner. The advancement was spearheaded by associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences Weian Zhao. The details of the stem cell therapy were recently published in Science Translational Medicine.

About the new Stem Cell Therapy

Zhao's team programmed stem cells derived from human bone marrow to pinpoint the specific properties of cancerous tissue. They implemented a portion of code to these engineered cells to identify stiff cancerous tissue, lock onto it and implement therapeutics. The researchers safely used this new stem cell therapy in mice to kill metastatic breast cancer that had moved to the lungs. They transplanted these engineered stem cells in order for the teamto pinpoint and settle in the site of the tumor.

Once the stem cells reached the tumor, they released enzymes referred to as cytosine deaminase. The mice were then provided with an inactive chemotherapy known as prodrug 5-flurocytosine. The tumor enzymes stimulated the chemotherapy into action. Zhao stated his team zeroed in on metastatic cancer that occurs when the disease moves to additional parts of the body. Metastatic tumors are especially dangerous. They are responsible for90 percent of all cancer deaths.

Why the new Stem Cell Therapy is Important

Zhao is adamant his stem cell therapy represents an important newparadigm in the context of cancer therapy. Indeed, Zhao has blazed a trail in a new direction that others will likely follow in the years to come. It is possible his new stem cell therapy serves as an alternative and more effective means of treating cancer. This stem cell therapy will serve as an alternative to numerous forms of chemotherapy that typically have nasty side effects. Chemotherapy certainly kills plenty of growing cancer cells yet it can also harm healthy cells. The new type of treatment keys in on metastatic tissue that allows for the avoidance of the undesirable side effects produced by chemotherapy.

Though the published piece describing this stem cell therapy is centered on breast cancer metastases within thelungs, the method will soon be applicable to additional metastases. This is due to the fact that numerous solid tumors are stiffer than regular tissue. The new system does not force scientists to invest time and effort to pinpoint and create a brand new protein or genetic marker for each kind of cancer.

The Next Step

At this point in time, Zhao's team has performed pre-clinical animal studies to show the treatment is effective and safe. They plan to segue to human studies in the coming months and years. Zhao's team is currently expanding to additional types of cells such as cancer tissue-sensing and engineered immune system CAR-T (T cells) to treat metastasizing colon and breast cancers. Their goal is totransform this technology for the treatment of additional diseases ranging from diabetes to fibrosis and beyond.

Read the original:
Stem Cell Therapy Selectively Targets and Kills Cancerous Tissue - Anti Aging News

A group dedicated to the advancement of treatment for diseases associated with aging disputes what they describe as a mischaracterization that their field of medicine endorses controversial practices.

The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) says there is nothing controversial about anti-aging medicine described in an article about Brenda Fitzgerald, M.D., who was recently appointed director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fitzgerald is board-certified in anti-aging and regenerative medicine by the organization.

The article noted that some practitioners questioned the choice of Fitzgerald for the high-level government position based on her previous support for anti-aging treatments that they said were unproven and anti-scientific.

It also raised concerns that Fitzgerald partnered with Coca-Cola to run a program against child obesity when she was Georgias public health commissioner. That program focused on physical activity but didnt encourage the need to reduce soda consumption due to its high sugar content.

But Robert Hughes, spokesman for A4M, said in an email to FierceHealthcare that the characterization of anti-aging medicine is false and misleading.

While some may not yet embrace the term anti-aging medicine, there is no controversy over the need for physicians to learn how to stem the rising tide of chronic disease through prevention, lifestyle educationand incorporation of the latest scientific research to help patients live healthier, longer lives, he says. Patients want this. Physicians want this for their patients. A4M provides advanced postgraduate Continuing Medical Education (CME) and training that enables this to occur.

Hughes describes A4M as aU.S. federally registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization comprised of more than 26,000 members across the globe, including physicians, scientists and governmental officials, all of whom collectively represent more than 120 nations.

In its 25-year history, he says, A4M has never been the subject of any adverse legal ruling, nor ever been the target of any regulatory procedure or penalty.

We know through experience that, when practiced by trained physicians, the protocols A4M teaches can result in improved patient health. In addition, these techniques help patients avoid chronic conditions that are major drivers of the relentlessly expanding costs of healthcare, he says.

See the rest here:
Anti-aging medicine group says field isn't 'controversial' - FierceHealthcare

In anti-aging skin care, there are many alternative treatments you'll come across, from skin-needling to Ayurvedic medicine to a diet detox, but all of them aren't created equal.

We asked skin care professionals which ones are worth your time and moneyand which ones you can skip. (We've also got loads of good natural skin care tips and tricks, from coconut oil to rosehip oil based moisturizers, to masks containing that anti-bacterial beauty balm, honey.) Below, we break down everything you need to know about four popular treatments.

RELATED: 6 MOST IMPORTANT BEAUTY PRODUCTS TO BUY ORGANIC

AYURVEDIC MEDICINE

This system of traditional Indian healing relies on techniques such as diet changes, breathing exercises and botanical medicine to treat patients based on their dosha, or "mind-body type."

Does it work?

"The doshas seem to line up with skin types we're familiar with," says Jasmina Aganovic, an MIT-trained chemical and biological engineer and founder of the Stages of Beauty skin-care line. "The Vata dosha typically coincides with dry skin," she says, "Pitta coincides with sensitive; and Kapha, with oily or combination skin."

Even so, there's no scientific evidence that treating your skin based on your dosha is beneficial, says Susan Stuart, MD, a dermatologist in San Diego. However, there is proof that many of the powerhouse plant-based ingredients used in Ayurvedic medicine can help you look younger.

For example, "research shows that turmeric and ginger, both used frequently in Ayurvedic medicine, can reduce wrinkles," says Shyam Gupta, PhD, a chemist and founder of Bioderm Research, a cosmetic research company in Scottsdale, AZ. And several studies show that grapeseed extract, another Ayurvedic ingredient, protects against photodamage.

RELATED: I TRIED DRINKING FRESH TURMERIC JUICE EVERY DAY FOR A MONTHHERES WHAT HAPPENED

Bottom Line

Try healing Ayurvedic recipes, and products with Ayurvedic ingredients like turmeric and ginger, but don't overhaul your beauty regimen based on your dosha just yet.

ALKALINE DIET

A few studies have shown acidity can be damaging to the body, so it's thought by some that eating mostly alkaline-forming (or, acid-lowering) foods like fruits and vegetables may slow skin aging.

Does it work?

There's no research proving this theory. Our bodies do a good job of regulating acidity regardless of diet. But there is anecdotal support: "My clients who eat 80% alkaline-forming foods notice fewer lines and more hydrated skin in weeks," says author and nutritionist Kimberly Snyder.

Bottom Line

The diet won't erase wrinkles, but eating more fruits and veggies improves overall health (including preventing weight gain)and that can only be good for skin.

SKIN NEEDLING

In this procedure, you roll a small needle-covered device over your face to create tiny, temporary pricks in your skin, which may trigger a healing response (similar to what occurs after a cut), leading to a smoother complexion.

Does it work?

San Francisco dermatologist Kathy Fields, MD, who helped develop a home skin needling package with a peptide-and retinol-based serum for Rodan + Fields, says her company's analysis shows using it can induce skin's collagen-building process and improve penetration of anti-aging ingredients applied afterward. But there aren't peer-reviewed studies of at-home devices, and Dr. Stuart believes needling is safer and more effective done in a dermatologist's office with a pro version of the tool.

Bottom Line

Used before a retinol-based product, an at-home skin-needling tool can smooth skin, but it's likely the retinol doing most of the work. Check with your dermatologist first.

RELATED: 11 OLD FASHIONED BEAUTY TREATMENTS GRANDMA USED THAT YOU SHOULD TOO

DIET CLEANSE

Some experts think that temporarily restricting your diet (whether with a cleanse, a juice fast or a similar detox plan) can clarify your complexion and make your skin glow.

Does it work?

"Most people's skin improves when they do a cleanse because they're removing foods that have a pro-inflammatory effectand inflammation is the root of many skin issues, including rosacea, acne and premature aging," says Frank Lipman, MD, an integrative physician and founder of Eleven Eleven Wellness in New York City. Although it's best to have an integrative medicine expert guide you in the cleansing process, it's possible to see benefits on your own.

RELATED: 7 DIY FACE MASKS AND SCRUBS THAT ACTUALLY WORK

Dr. Lipman says avoiding caffeine, sugar, dairy, gluten and meat for a few weeks can offer a short-term boost to your complexion. Research supports this theory to some extent (gluten intolerances have been linked to skin issues for some people, and several studies have shown a correlation between dairy consumption and acne). However, Mary Lupo, MD, a dermatologist, says there are no studies showing that a temporary cleanseno matter what types of food are restrictedcan reduce cellular inflammation or provide long-term skin benefits.

Bottom Line

A cleanse won't turn back the clock, but eating less sugar and fewer starchy carbohydrates could be beneficial in the long run, and help you determine what's potentially throwing off your body chemistry. "These foods can spike blood glucose levels, and that accelerates aging of all organs, including the skin," says Dr. Lupo.

This article originally appeared on Rodale Organic Life

See the article here:
Do these 4 natural anti-aging alternatives work? - Fox News