Spring is in the air! With Spring comes flowers blooming, longer days, warmer temperatures, and a time of renewal. In Oriental Medicine, and here at Organic Health Services, this is a season of fertility, growth, and new beginnings.

We are proud to announce that Andrea Travers, RD, HFS, is the newest addition to our team. Her unique experience as both a Registered Dietitian and a Health Fitness Specialist provide her with a well-rounded approach to health and wellness. Whether you are just beginning to explore your options, have some extra baby weight to lose, or have specific concerns such as diabetes, PCOS, or unexplained infertility, Andrea is available to help you. She is qualified to provide not only nutritional counseling, but also individualized fitness prescriptions. Regardless of where you are on your journey, we encourage you to take advantage of Andrea's expertise. Just one hour of your time can provide you with guidance for years to come! We also encourage you to read this month's article entitled "Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids", written by Andrea.

We are also excited to share the news that Jen Jones, our Certified Massage Therapist, has returned to school to become a Registered Nurse. Although this has resulted in some changes to her schedule at OHS, she will continue to see patients on Friday afternoons and some Saturdays. Those of you that know Jen will agree that this will be a great fit for her!

As we continue to grow, our hope is that this Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal for you as well. We encourage you to stop and smell the flowers, spend warm evenings out in the fresh air, and open yourself up to all the possibilities this time offers!

Take care and be well,

David Youran
Director and Founder

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids. This means that they must be obtained through food sources since our bodies cannot make them. Omega-3s are components of all cell membranes in the body and are also precursors for many hormones. There have been many developments in the health benefits of these healthy fats. DHA (Docosahexanoic Acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) are long-chain fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties and have been shown to lower triglyceride levels and increase HDL “good cholesterol” levels. They are the most beneficial for heart health and prevention of many chronic health conditions such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, and arthritis. The best sources of DHA and EPA are fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and herring. ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) is a shorter-chain fatty acid found in some plant foods such as walnuts, flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, and canola oil. ALA can be converted to DHA, but only in trace amounts. Therefore, DHA and EPA are utilized by the body best when consumed directly from fish or DHA/EPA supplements.

DHA and EPA are also important for women trying to conceive or who have become pregnant. Studies have shown that Omega-3s can improve blood flow in the uterus and decrease clotting of endometrial cells in the uterine lining, which may help improve the likelihood of fertilized egg implantation. Omega-3s can help improve fertility in women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) by regulating hormones and decreasing insulin resistance. Pregnant women should also consume DHA and EPA to improve the health of their baby. Omega-3s can lower the risk of premature birth and low birth weight in infants and may help decrease the risk of preeclampsia and postpartum depression in the mother. Omega-3s also play an integral part in fetal brain development.

Aim to consume two servings (about 3-4 ounces per serving) of fatty fish per week. This amount can provide the benefits of Omega-3s without the risk of consuming too much mercury. Avoid shark, king mackerel, tilefish, and swordfish, as these can contain higher levels of mercury. Choose chunk light tuna over albacore tuna. Limit albacore tuna to 6 ounces per week. Consume DHA and EPA in food or obtain through supplementation. It is recommended to consume 500mg per day for heart health benefits. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consume at least 200 mg per day. Look for an Omega-3 supplement that contains both DHA and EPA and has been purified via molecular distillation.

Andrea Travers, RD, HFS

Studies abound about the benefits of mind-body therapies in conjunction with conventional treatments for infertility. Touch therapy treatments are used mainly to ease stress and contribute to well-being, both of which former fertility patients will swear helped them overcome infertility. There are a great variety of touch therapies. Some, like acupuncture, have been around for centuries, while others are relatively new.

Touch therapies use a hands-on approach. Massage and reflexology, along with acupuncture, are touch therapies, all found to be great stress relievers in a variety of studies. A 2004 study published in Medical Study News reviewed a new massage technique developed by a Physical Therapist and a Massage Therapist called the Wurn Technique. The study showed a 71 percent pregnancy rate within one year of the receiving the treatment. A 2008 review of randomized controlled trials from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, in Baltimore, found acupuncture significantly improved pregnancy rates resulting from the embryo transfer process. Touch therapies are said to reduce stress because they improve blood flow, balance the body’s energy flow, and reduce cortisol levels.

To read more of this article...

At 36, Lucy Appert has suffered through two miscarriages, a stillbirth at 8 1/2 months and, because of a rare pregnancy-related liver dysfunction, intensive illness and surgery.

Yet after enduring five painful years of trying to have their own baby, Lucy and her husband Edward finally saw their dream come true last month when their son Henry was born – premature, but healthy.

For all the fertility treatments, technologies, and prenatal care available to women today, Lucy credits the success of her pregnancy to an ancient Chinese secret. "I recommend acupuncture to everyone," she said. "It does work. I did everything possible for years to have a baby. I almost lost hope."

To read more of this article...

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from our services, please contact us today... we're here to help!