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Health Concerns

Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy - A Safe Way to Accelerate Healing?

Originally posted in June of 2015

If you have a chronic musculoskeletal injury that isn't responding to appropriate rest, stretching, and other rehab measures, you might consider platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.

PRP therapy involves extracting a small amount of blood from your arm, using a centrifuge to collect the platelets in your blood, and then injecting concentrated platelets into injured tissue(s).

The idea is that natural growth factors that are secreted by your platelets can promote healing that would otherwise be difficult because of inadequate blood flow and healing capacity. Read more

 

Times of Conflict Make or Break Relationships

It’s how we behave during times of conflict that ultimately determines the quality of our relationships.

To like, love, and even to adore are effortless when all is good.

But how well do we listen with deep intent to understand when there is disagreement?

How capable are we of considering our shortcomings and how we might have contributed to any conflict at hand?

If we can’t offer heartfelt empathy, and we refuse to take responsibility for our contributions to hurt feelings, the fracture only grows wider. Read more

 

Shelby's Oil-Free Roasted Veggies with Tahini

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Ingredients:

Bite-size pieces of any vegetables that you enjoy.

Vegetables used in the the photo above:

Sweet potatoes
Mushrooms
Brussels sprouts
Broccoli

Sea salt and pepper Read more

 

Appearances Matter

Originally posted in July of 2014 after the passing of my friend, Dr. John.

When I moved to the suburbs of Chicago shortly after my 20th birthday to begin graduate school, as much as I needed to learn about human physiology and clinical sciences, I was in even greater need of general life guidance. Having been raised by ultra conservative immigrant parents, I had more than a few things to learn about how to understand and interact with people.

I had the great fortune of having as a classmate a fellow named John who was 47 years old and excited to begin a second career. He had done well as a real estate appraiser and property flipper on the east coast, and though he never boasted of his wealth, I knew that John had earned enough to be retired, and was pursuing a career as a health care provider because he had restored his own health with alternative therapies and wanted to share his passion for natural healing with others. Read more

 

An Introduction to 90/90 Hip Mobility Exercises

90/90 hip mobility work is highly effective for improving functional range of motion of your hip joints.

Before beginning 90/90 work, I suggest warming up your spine, particularly your lower spine, as sitting in the 90/90 position can put some strain on your spine and surrounding soft tissues, and thoroughly warming up your back will decrease risk of straining muscles and ligaments in and around your spine. Read more

 

Warm Weather Reminder For Parents

Just a reminder that it's never a good idea to leave a young child in a car, even for a minute. Children are not able to regulate core body temperature and tolerate heat and cold to the same extent that grown-ups are; if left in a car in warm weather, young children are at risk of quickly experiencing hyperthermia - stroke, seizures, and even death can occur if hyperthermia is severe enough. Read more

 

Roasted Tomatoes, Creamy Avocado Slices, and Lightly Scrambled Eggs

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Sautéed or roasted tomatoes add wonderful flavour and substantial nutrient value to any meal, and they’re super simple to make. Read more

 

How To Cleanse Without Greens

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In response to recent posts on cleansing with freshly pressed juices and green smoothies, a number of people have written to me (benkim@drbenkim.com) asking for a way to cleanse without a small mountain of leafy greens.

As long as you don't have issues with blood sugar and insulin regulation, you can experience a solid colon cleanse as well as a systemic cleanse of all of your cells with a number of regimens that aren't "greens-centric" - our Apple Cleanse would be one such protocol if you skip the small amount of greens with your dinner meal as suggested.

But for those who want a super simple cleanse to follow, I have long found a 2 or 3 day mono diet of fresh papaya to be highly effective and easy to get through. Read more

 

Variations of Squats to Improve Balance, Core Strength, and Lower Body Mobility

A deck squat is the name for the movement pattern of rolling gently onto one's back, then using the momentum of rolling forward into a body-weight squat. Read more

 

Negative Body Levers to Develop Core Strength

If you feel comfortable with basic plank poses, side twists, arches, and crunches, to further develop functional core strength, you can add negative body levers to your training routine.

You'll need a comfortable surface to lie back on - a yoga mat or gym mats work well - as well as a strong anchor point that you can secure your hands on behind your head. Read more

 

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