by Glen Depke
Let me start with this question, “Do you really thing the women were created or evolved to suffer for 5 to 10 years during their mid-forties to mid-fifties? Of course this is not the case, yet this pain and suffering is truly to an epidemic proportion.
Menopause is typically defined in this way; menopause is the transition period in a woman's life when her ovaries stop producing eggs, her body produces less estrogen and progesterone, and menstruation becomes less frequent, eventually stopping altogether.
In some women, menstrual flow comes to a sudden halt. More commonly, it slowly stops over time. During this time, the menstrual periods generally become either more closely or more widely spaced. This irregularity may last for 1 - 3 years before menstruation finally ends completely. Before this the cycle length may shorten to as little as every 3 weeks.
Common symptoms of menopause include:
• Heart pounding or racing
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Skin flushing
• Sleeping problems (insomnia)
Other symptoms of menopause may include:
• Decreased interest in sex, possibly decreased response to sexual stimulation
• Forgetfulness (in some women)
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Mood swings including irritability, depression, and anxiety
• Urine leakage
• Vaginal dryness and painful sexual intercourse
• Vaginal infections
• Joint aches and pains
• Irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
I want to let you know right now that these symptoms listed above are NOT a normal part of menopause. The transition of menopause could be and should be symptom free!
In indigenous cultures around the world women did not and do not suffer from these symptoms and are actually honored and worshiped for this transition, while holding higher levels of stature within their community due to their recognized strength and wisdom. When is the last time you heard a women share that she cannot wait to make the transition into menopause, so she can be honored in her community?
There may be some women out there that are thinking at this point, “Why would I listen to a man about menopause?” I can share that I have never and will never experience menopause in the way that a woman will. With this said, I can also share that the higher percentage of my client base over the years is female and from the ages of 35 to 55, so I regularly work with women suffering the pain and discomfort of menopause or other hormonal challenges such as PMS and infertility. With this base of clients, I have been able to understand the core aspects that lead to this pain and suffering and will share that it does not have to be. Many of my clients are quickly able to enjoy a positive shift in their symptom challenges by addressing the core of the issue. They actually enjoy balancing their body and walking away from their symptoms.
The other positive aspect of being a male while looking at the challenges with menopausal symptoms; I have never “bought into” the horrific stories of menopause. I am able to look at menopausal symptoms for what they are; a basic fundamental imbalance that can be understood and addressed.
If you would like more information on the core issues that lead to menopausal symptoms visit this link provided.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Recent Testimonial
My journey to health started 3 years ago. I first met Glen when I went to a clinic to find out why I was waking up in the middle of the night consistently. Regular exercise, cardio and resistance exercise had been a part of my routine as well as nutritionally eating the recommended 10 raw veggies and 2 fruits with a small amount of protein and fat daily.
I had multiple blood tests run by regular M.D.’s. The results came back perfect and they said I was the picture of health. Right then I knew that if I didn’t look elsewhere, they would say that it was all in my head.
After meeting Glen, he ran a special adrenal test. My results indicated that I had an adrenal insufficiency which resulted from a stressful, workaholic lifestyle, no time for relaxation and a lifetime of suppressed emotions. I also took a quiz based on my eating habits and we discovered that the “perfect diet” was not so perfect for me. The standard recommendation was pretty much for carb types and it turns out that I am a fast metabolizer and I needed much more protein and fat to balance my metabolism.
Along the way, Glen has worked with me to heal my adrenals as well as severe and chronic insomnia, hypertension, an H-pylori infection, malabsorption of my nutrients and minerals as a result of digestive issues, and candida. I learned that much of my body’s physical issues were a result of my emotional suppression. I learned to suppress my emotions as a child, and what may have worked for me as a child, was no longer benefiting me as an adult. Glen is compassionate and especially gifted in helping uncover my suppressed emotions. It took much dedication and persistence on his part as well as mine. The journey involved permanent, lifestyle changes.
I would say the most important work we have done has to do with healing my emotions. I literally lived in an emotional prison, where my emotions were in control of me. I have learned how to live in the present, no longer bothered by issues of the past. I have developed skills under Glen’s tutelage to enable me to live a life of ease and balance. My entire life has been transformed because of the emotional work I have done with Glen, and I am excited to be living a vibrant, healthy life. I will always be grateful for Glen’s patience, dedication, and passion for assisting me in reaching optimal health.
Diane W.
To learn more about Depke Wellness visit this link.
I had multiple blood tests run by regular M.D.’s. The results came back perfect and they said I was the picture of health. Right then I knew that if I didn’t look elsewhere, they would say that it was all in my head.
After meeting Glen, he ran a special adrenal test. My results indicated that I had an adrenal insufficiency which resulted from a stressful, workaholic lifestyle, no time for relaxation and a lifetime of suppressed emotions. I also took a quiz based on my eating habits and we discovered that the “perfect diet” was not so perfect for me. The standard recommendation was pretty much for carb types and it turns out that I am a fast metabolizer and I needed much more protein and fat to balance my metabolism.
Along the way, Glen has worked with me to heal my adrenals as well as severe and chronic insomnia, hypertension, an H-pylori infection, malabsorption of my nutrients and minerals as a result of digestive issues, and candida. I learned that much of my body’s physical issues were a result of my emotional suppression. I learned to suppress my emotions as a child, and what may have worked for me as a child, was no longer benefiting me as an adult. Glen is compassionate and especially gifted in helping uncover my suppressed emotions. It took much dedication and persistence on his part as well as mine. The journey involved permanent, lifestyle changes.
I would say the most important work we have done has to do with healing my emotions. I literally lived in an emotional prison, where my emotions were in control of me. I have learned how to live in the present, no longer bothered by issues of the past. I have developed skills under Glen’s tutelage to enable me to live a life of ease and balance. My entire life has been transformed because of the emotional work I have done with Glen, and I am excited to be living a vibrant, healthy life. I will always be grateful for Glen’s patience, dedication, and passion for assisting me in reaching optimal health.
Diane W.
To learn more about Depke Wellness visit this link.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Could You Have Auto-Immune Challenges?
by Glen Depke
First of all, what is auto-immune disease? This includes but is not limited to rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile RA, lupus, scleroderma, endometriosis, Sjogren’s syndrome, type I diabetes, Hashimoto’s, MS, and Addison’s disease.
For most that are diagnosed with these challenges there are often many challenging years ahead, so it is best to address this from a preventive matter.
Let’s get wrapped around some important information first. Before you are diagnosed with an auto-immune disease there must first be tissue damage or destruction. Before this happens there will first be an auto-immune reaction, somewhere within your body. This would be comparable to knowing that the tires on your care are bald and your breaks are out and not understanding the problem until you get into a car accident. Instead of waiting for the accident, how about fixing the underlying challenges that lead to the accident itself?
Looking at the function of the immune system, we can understand that there are two sides that work in synergy with each other. These are called TH-1 and TH-2. When either TH-1 or TH-2 is low the other is high and likewise. If the body is not able to maintain this balance, we have a TH-3 which is able to assist in the balancing act. Auto-immune disorders are actually either TH-1 or TH-2 dominant due to an overall poorly functioning immune system. This happens when the TH-1 and TH-2 are not able to self regulate and the TH-3 is unable to perform its job as needed. Often the mechanism for this poor regulation is mental/emotional stress, adrenal imbalances, chronic poor fundamentals and such. This leads to a weakened immune system function and the dysfunction of the TH-1, TH-2 and TH-3 as mentioned above.
Once the dysfunction above is initiated this will lead to the activation of TH-17. This is where we really begin to see some challenges. Once TH-17 is activated this “turns on” free radical activity and tissue destruction begins.
There are two areas to address once this begins. One is addressing the role of glutathione and also the role of nitric oxide in the body. While these two areas are not a cure for auto-immune disease, they can allow for a much more sustainable life and the needed hope for recovery long term. For those that would like to learn more about these protocols to assist in balancing proper immune function, feel free to post your question at the end of this article.
The main goal is to continue to support your immune system function so you do not even begin the auto-immune reaction. To do this you will want to keep your gastro-intestinal tract healthy. Remember from previous posts that about 80% of your immune system actually originates in your GI. Do this by taking a high quality probiotic daily and your Prime Digestive Support with every meal. Be sure to focus on all of your fundamentals of health and to look into these deeper, please visit the series of post on this blog from January of this year that addresses the air you breathe, the water you drink, the food you eat, your sleep, movement, exposure to the sun and the underlying energetic component to your health. I will also share that your immune system function is substantially affected by your adrenal function and for anyone that follows me regularly; you know how important and often challenged adrenal function is.
Two areas that can often be significant triggers for this auto-immune reaction is, extreme mental/emotional stress and abusing the use of alcohol. This creates a very poor recycling of the glutathione that we spoke of earlier.
I will also add that I have seen many clients in my career with auto-immune challenges and I must say that there are typically multiple imbalances that are needed to be addressed to allow the body to utilize its natural healing abilities.
If you have any questions or comments in regard to the post please do not hesitate to leave them below for me to answer personally.
First of all, what is auto-immune disease? This includes but is not limited to rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile RA, lupus, scleroderma, endometriosis, Sjogren’s syndrome, type I diabetes, Hashimoto’s, MS, and Addison’s disease.
For most that are diagnosed with these challenges there are often many challenging years ahead, so it is best to address this from a preventive matter.
Let’s get wrapped around some important information first. Before you are diagnosed with an auto-immune disease there must first be tissue damage or destruction. Before this happens there will first be an auto-immune reaction, somewhere within your body. This would be comparable to knowing that the tires on your care are bald and your breaks are out and not understanding the problem until you get into a car accident. Instead of waiting for the accident, how about fixing the underlying challenges that lead to the accident itself?
Looking at the function of the immune system, we can understand that there are two sides that work in synergy with each other. These are called TH-1 and TH-2. When either TH-1 or TH-2 is low the other is high and likewise. If the body is not able to maintain this balance, we have a TH-3 which is able to assist in the balancing act. Auto-immune disorders are actually either TH-1 or TH-2 dominant due to an overall poorly functioning immune system. This happens when the TH-1 and TH-2 are not able to self regulate and the TH-3 is unable to perform its job as needed. Often the mechanism for this poor regulation is mental/emotional stress, adrenal imbalances, chronic poor fundamentals and such. This leads to a weakened immune system function and the dysfunction of the TH-1, TH-2 and TH-3 as mentioned above.
Once the dysfunction above is initiated this will lead to the activation of TH-17. This is where we really begin to see some challenges. Once TH-17 is activated this “turns on” free radical activity and tissue destruction begins.
There are two areas to address once this begins. One is addressing the role of glutathione and also the role of nitric oxide in the body. While these two areas are not a cure for auto-immune disease, they can allow for a much more sustainable life and the needed hope for recovery long term. For those that would like to learn more about these protocols to assist in balancing proper immune function, feel free to post your question at the end of this article.
The main goal is to continue to support your immune system function so you do not even begin the auto-immune reaction. To do this you will want to keep your gastro-intestinal tract healthy. Remember from previous posts that about 80% of your immune system actually originates in your GI. Do this by taking a high quality probiotic daily and your Prime Digestive Support with every meal. Be sure to focus on all of your fundamentals of health and to look into these deeper, please visit the series of post on this blog from January of this year that addresses the air you breathe, the water you drink, the food you eat, your sleep, movement, exposure to the sun and the underlying energetic component to your health. I will also share that your immune system function is substantially affected by your adrenal function and for anyone that follows me regularly; you know how important and often challenged adrenal function is.
Two areas that can often be significant triggers for this auto-immune reaction is, extreme mental/emotional stress and abusing the use of alcohol. This creates a very poor recycling of the glutathione that we spoke of earlier.
I will also add that I have seen many clients in my career with auto-immune challenges and I must say that there are typically multiple imbalances that are needed to be addressed to allow the body to utilize its natural healing abilities.
If you have any questions or comments in regard to the post please do not hesitate to leave them below for me to answer personally.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
How do I Afford Alternative Health Care?
by Glen and Dawn Depke
Due to the frustration of many American's with our current system of health care, really disease maintenance; many individuals are looking toward alternative health care to address their issues. This may be with a Traditional Naturopath, Chiropractor, Acupuncturist, Herbalist and the list goes on. One of the challenges though is that insurance often does not cover these services.
Both Dawn and I are extremely compassionate to this due to the fact that in me healing epilepsy and Dawn healing endometriosis; we both went the alternative health route and are blessed to no longer live with these challenges. But ouch…the financial aspect was overwhelming at times!
Let’s take a look at some alternatives to create some affordability for you.
First of all we can look at the health savings accounts. Many individuals have these plans through their place of employment but don’t really understand the utilization of these accounts.
A Health Savings Account is an alternative to traditional health insurance; it is a savings product that offers a different way for consumers to pay for their health care. HSAs enable you to pay for current health expenses and save for future qualified medical and retiree health expenses on a tax-free basis.
You must be covered by a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) to be able to take advantage of HSAs. An HDHP generally costs less than what traditional health care coverage costs, so the money that you save on insurance can therefore be put into the Health Savings Account.
You own and you control the money in your HSA. Decisions on how to spend the money are made by you without relying on a third party or a health insurer. You will also decide what types of investments to make with the money in the account in order to make it grow.
You must have an HDHP if you want to open an HSA. Sometimes referred to as a “catastrophic” health insurance plan, an HDHP is an inexpensive health insurance plan that generally doesn’t pay for the first several thousand dollars of health care expenses (i.e., your “deductible”) but will generally cover you after that. Of course, your HSA is available to help you pay for the expenses your plan does not cover.
Consumers can sign up for HSAs with banks, credit unions, insurance companies and other approved companies. Your employer may also set up a plan for employees as well.
An HSA is not something you purchase; it’s a savings account into which you can deposit money on a tax-preferred basis. The only product you purchase with an HSA is a High Deductible Health Plan, an inexpensive plan that will cover you should your medical expenses exceed the funds you have in your HSA. However, HSA trustees often will charge fees for their services.
Another way to address the cost of alternative health care is to ask if the practitioner you are working with has a sliding scale. Many practitioners will take into consideration your current financial state when looking for payment. Often you may be asked to verify income and your current outflow also; basically your personal profit/loss statement. Often individuals are too embarrassed to ask if a sliding scale is available but hey, it never hurts to ask. You may save yourself thousands of dollars.
It is always a good idea to also ask if there is a payment plan available. Often the practitioner may offer a payment plan or they can provide you with an application for a third party payment plan that is very often interest free for a certain period of time. These types of plans are becoming much more common in alternative health practices. One of these companies is called Care Credit and you can visit Care Credit to find a practitioner in your area that offers this payment option.
Another way to address the cost of alternative health care is to attend workshops and often you can learn so much in this way at a very low cost. Often you can receive thousands of dollars worth of information for only a small fraction of the cost. I must admit that this is one of the reasons I often offer workshops on a regular basis. Individuals have the ability to learn the necessary steps to move forward in their goals of health and wellness while also sharing the stories and results of others in attendance.
I would also recommend that you ask if your practitioner has any day or time of the month that they accept donations for services. Personally, I offer one day per month in my practice as a donation day. I also know of other practitioners that offer either one day per month or some even offer one day per week as a donation. Once again, it does not hurt to ask. The worst that can happen is they say no.
I would also ask if your practitioner offers any packages. This is very common for practitioners that provide a regular protocol of healing that touches multiple modalities. Packages are definitely a way to save some cash while being able to address your health needs.
Another option is to seek assistance from a friend or family member. Often we have a family member that can assist us financially at this time of need. If you are going to seek this help, I would suggest researching the focus and direction of your health plan and already discuss this with your preferred alternative health practitioner. Most alternative health practitioners offer a short complimentary session to explain their services because they want you understand their protocols and direction of care. When you ask your friend or family member, they may be more comfortable covering your finances if they feel you have a viable plan to reach your health goals. I have recognized over the years that my client’s ability to create financial success is often directly tied into their health and wellness. It’s simple; when you feel better your life typically improves on every level.
Last but not least is using unsecured credit. I save this for last because there are so many individuals in trouble financially due to this form of payment. Even though this is less than optimal, it is of utmost importance to put yourself in a positive health state. Since financial stress is such a significant challenge for many in regard to health and wellness, please be sure to be addressing your mental/emotional health along with any health building plan.
You may be asking, “Which of these suggestions do we offer at Depke Wellness?” To assist with any financial difficulties for my clients I regularly offer workshops as a cost effective way to gain the knowledge needed to reach your health and wellness goals. For clients working with me long term, packages are offered that may be a financial output up front, but long term you can save hundreds of dollars. I also offer a donation day typically on the second Saturday of every month for my clients in need. These sessions are all 30 minute sessions and the session type is based on need. Visit Depke Wellness to learn more about our Locations and Services.
Remember that your health and wellness is one of the most important factors in your life and it is of utmost importance to provide the necessary steps to reach your goals on this level. Don’t be afraid to ask your alternative health provider for assistance in addressing your financial challenges.
If you are an alternative health practitioner, you may have found some ways to make life easier for your patients/clients or you may even have other creative ways of assisting that you can share. If you have any comments or questions, I welcome you to share with a post.
Due to the frustration of many American's with our current system of health care, really disease maintenance; many individuals are looking toward alternative health care to address their issues. This may be with a Traditional Naturopath, Chiropractor, Acupuncturist, Herbalist and the list goes on. One of the challenges though is that insurance often does not cover these services.
Both Dawn and I are extremely compassionate to this due to the fact that in me healing epilepsy and Dawn healing endometriosis; we both went the alternative health route and are blessed to no longer live with these challenges. But ouch…the financial aspect was overwhelming at times!
Let’s take a look at some alternatives to create some affordability for you.
First of all we can look at the health savings accounts. Many individuals have these plans through their place of employment but don’t really understand the utilization of these accounts.
A Health Savings Account is an alternative to traditional health insurance; it is a savings product that offers a different way for consumers to pay for their health care. HSAs enable you to pay for current health expenses and save for future qualified medical and retiree health expenses on a tax-free basis.
You must be covered by a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) to be able to take advantage of HSAs. An HDHP generally costs less than what traditional health care coverage costs, so the money that you save on insurance can therefore be put into the Health Savings Account.
You own and you control the money in your HSA. Decisions on how to spend the money are made by you without relying on a third party or a health insurer. You will also decide what types of investments to make with the money in the account in order to make it grow.
You must have an HDHP if you want to open an HSA. Sometimes referred to as a “catastrophic” health insurance plan, an HDHP is an inexpensive health insurance plan that generally doesn’t pay for the first several thousand dollars of health care expenses (i.e., your “deductible”) but will generally cover you after that. Of course, your HSA is available to help you pay for the expenses your plan does not cover.
Consumers can sign up for HSAs with banks, credit unions, insurance companies and other approved companies. Your employer may also set up a plan for employees as well.
An HSA is not something you purchase; it’s a savings account into which you can deposit money on a tax-preferred basis. The only product you purchase with an HSA is a High Deductible Health Plan, an inexpensive plan that will cover you should your medical expenses exceed the funds you have in your HSA. However, HSA trustees often will charge fees for their services.
Another way to address the cost of alternative health care is to ask if the practitioner you are working with has a sliding scale. Many practitioners will take into consideration your current financial state when looking for payment. Often you may be asked to verify income and your current outflow also; basically your personal profit/loss statement. Often individuals are too embarrassed to ask if a sliding scale is available but hey, it never hurts to ask. You may save yourself thousands of dollars.
It is always a good idea to also ask if there is a payment plan available. Often the practitioner may offer a payment plan or they can provide you with an application for a third party payment plan that is very often interest free for a certain period of time. These types of plans are becoming much more common in alternative health practices. One of these companies is called Care Credit and you can visit Care Credit to find a practitioner in your area that offers this payment option.
Another way to address the cost of alternative health care is to attend workshops and often you can learn so much in this way at a very low cost. Often you can receive thousands of dollars worth of information for only a small fraction of the cost. I must admit that this is one of the reasons I often offer workshops on a regular basis. Individuals have the ability to learn the necessary steps to move forward in their goals of health and wellness while also sharing the stories and results of others in attendance.
I would also recommend that you ask if your practitioner has any day or time of the month that they accept donations for services. Personally, I offer one day per month in my practice as a donation day. I also know of other practitioners that offer either one day per month or some even offer one day per week as a donation. Once again, it does not hurt to ask. The worst that can happen is they say no.
I would also ask if your practitioner offers any packages. This is very common for practitioners that provide a regular protocol of healing that touches multiple modalities. Packages are definitely a way to save some cash while being able to address your health needs.
Another option is to seek assistance from a friend or family member. Often we have a family member that can assist us financially at this time of need. If you are going to seek this help, I would suggest researching the focus and direction of your health plan and already discuss this with your preferred alternative health practitioner. Most alternative health practitioners offer a short complimentary session to explain their services because they want you understand their protocols and direction of care. When you ask your friend or family member, they may be more comfortable covering your finances if they feel you have a viable plan to reach your health goals. I have recognized over the years that my client’s ability to create financial success is often directly tied into their health and wellness. It’s simple; when you feel better your life typically improves on every level.
Last but not least is using unsecured credit. I save this for last because there are so many individuals in trouble financially due to this form of payment. Even though this is less than optimal, it is of utmost importance to put yourself in a positive health state. Since financial stress is such a significant challenge for many in regard to health and wellness, please be sure to be addressing your mental/emotional health along with any health building plan.
You may be asking, “Which of these suggestions do we offer at Depke Wellness?” To assist with any financial difficulties for my clients I regularly offer workshops as a cost effective way to gain the knowledge needed to reach your health and wellness goals. For clients working with me long term, packages are offered that may be a financial output up front, but long term you can save hundreds of dollars. I also offer a donation day typically on the second Saturday of every month for my clients in need. These sessions are all 30 minute sessions and the session type is based on need. Visit Depke Wellness to learn more about our Locations and Services.
Remember that your health and wellness is one of the most important factors in your life and it is of utmost importance to provide the necessary steps to reach your goals on this level. Don’t be afraid to ask your alternative health provider for assistance in addressing your financial challenges.
If you are an alternative health practitioner, you may have found some ways to make life easier for your patients/clients or you may even have other creative ways of assisting that you can share. If you have any comments or questions, I welcome you to share with a post.
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Health Coaches, Orange, CA