Glass Straws

Who needs one? Everyone who uses plastic straws!

What the heck – REALLY?? Yes, here’s why:

Drinking daily from a plastic straw is daily exposure to toxic plastics on your lips and in your mouth, two very permeable surfaces giving entrance to the rest of your body. The more you use the same straw, wash it, drink different kinds of beverages through it, the more micro-particles of plastic are released as it ages.
Plastic straws are also in the top 10 items found each year as marine debris. During beach cleanups over the last 25 years it is estimated that over 6 million straws and stirrers have been picked up.
It has been said that by the year 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.
Less plastic in our lives means healthier lives and a healthier world.

What’s so great about Glass Straws?

The manufacturer offers a lifetime guarantee. (see manufacturer’s website)
Made from extremely durable glass
Each straw comes with a cleaning brush
Protective carrying case available made from upcycled and/or organic fabrics
Dishwasher safe
Reusable and ecofriendly
Choose from a wide selection of diameters suitable for everything from water to smoothie’s
Choose a plain straw or one with artistic designs for personal expression.
Makes a fun and unique gift item! Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Birthdays, and much more.
Handcrafted with LOVE in the Pacific Northwest (not China!)

Come by and take a look at our selection. Buy one for yourself and another one for a friend. If you purchase a straw, receive 30% off a Glass Straw Sleeve.

By Mila McManus MD|2019-01-17T13:51:27-06:00January 17th, 2019|General|

A Simple Thing, Profound Effects

Nutrition Nugget By Nancy Mehlert, MS

I wanted to remind you about a simple thing with profound effects: harmful oils in our food. In my opinion, it is one of our “big rocks” for reducing inflammation, preventing disease and improving health. Yet you may be surprised how easily they can sneak back into your pantry, cabinets and refrigerator. Strictly avoiding these has huge health benefits and can dramatically improve your lipid profile and reduce many factors for disease. Watch out especially for salad dressings, hummus, mayonnaise, chips and snacks, restaurant food and fast food. Even brands that seem otherwise cleaner or healthier can have these harmful oils. If you see the words expeller pressed in front of the oil, it is slightly less refined.

Here’s why: These oils are highly processed and damaged. Your body has no good use for them. They interfere, obstruct and cause damage. They are often stored as garbage in your fat cells. They are well documented to cause inflammation, oxidative stress, elevation of LDL cholesterol levels, harm to endothelial cells lining your blood vessels, damage to gut bacteria, DNA damage and have glyphosate residues in them which harm your gut lining and increase permeability. [i] You can see why we recommend total avoidance if at all possible.

Here are the oils to avoid:

Soybean oil
Sunflower oil
Safflower oil
Canola oil
Corn oil
Cottonseed oil
Hydrogenated oil
Refined Palm oil

Healthy oils are unrefined or gently refined without harmful chemicals such as hexane. Better choices are olive oil, avocado oil, butter, ghee, beef tallow, duck fat, cocoa butter, macadamia nut oil, coconut oil, almond oil, unrefined palm oil and palm kernel oil. Check out salad dressings and oils made by Primal Kitchen, Spectrum Brands and Chosen Foods as good examples of better choices. Your body knows how to make good use of undamaged, natural oils. There have been controversies and issues in the olive oil industry over the last decade, so our current recommendations are to stick with high quality olive oil made in the United States, Australia or Chile. Cobram Estate and Bragg olive oil are other reputable resources. Mediterranean olive oils have been found to be contaminated and blended with many of the damaged oils listed above.

Coconut Oil and Olive Oil Article

Audit your kitchen and take a simple step with profound effects for the entire family.

[i] https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2019/01/07/replace-dangerous-oils-with-healthy-fats.aspx?utm_source=dnl&utm_medium=mail&ut…

By Mila McManus MD|2019-01-17T13:35:31-06:00January 17th, 2019|General, NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|

“Do Yourself A Favor”

Do Yourself A Favor

“I have been a patient at TWIHW for several months now. I love that Dr. McManus treats each patient as an individual – there’s no cookie cutter formula or one-size fits all solution used in her practice. Instead, she’s committed to finding answers to my very complicated, very individual, and very long-standing health issues. Most of the doctors I’ve seen get frustrated and throw their hands up, not knowing what to do next. But, I know Dr. McManus has a variety of ideas about my treatment that we’re trying in a systematic and thoughtful way. After each visit, I get a written summary from Dr. McManus about what we discussed, as well as next steps. I’ve never experienced this level of communication with a health care professional. The staff at TWIHW are top notch as well – incredibly friendly and personable while being professional and compassionate. Tami, Diane, Nancy and Kim make every visit something I look forward to and even enjoy. If you’ve been on the fence about trying all that TWIHW has to offer, do yourself a favor, and take that step toward better health now, so you can start the New Year off on the right foot.”

-LG

By Mila McManus MD|2019-01-17T14:12:16-06:00January 4th, 2019|Testimonials|

Viracid & WholeMune *

Viracid, by Ortho Molecular Products provides support for immune challenges and can be taken to immediately boost the immune system or for immune maintenance. Viracid strengthens immune function and helps to maintain normal inflammatory balance. Viracid has a powerful combination of key nutrients and botanical extracts which significantly boost immune cell function including antibody response, natural killer (NK) cell activity, thymus hormone secretions and T-cell activation. Viracid boosts immune defenses by providing nutrients such as L-lysine, vitamins A and C, pantothenic acid, B₁₂, and zinc. Also included is a synergistic blend of botanical extracts including black elderberry, astragalus, echinacea, and andrographis, all of which have been used traditionally for their clinically effective immune-modulating properties. This supplement comes in a convenient pill pack to have handy at home or in travel, when you feel like you may be coming down with something.

WholeMune, by Orthomolecular Products is used to prime and mobilize key immune cells and protects against immune challenges resulting from ongoing stress. Wholemune is formulated with Wellmune WGP®, the most well-researched, single beta-glucan, proven in human trials to prepare and protect the immune system form repeated and ongoing stressors. Wellmune WGP® is a highly purified, yeast -free beta glucan extract derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It is standardized to contain 75% pure beta-glucan and is considered the most effective single nutrient to naturally prime immune cells. Wholemune increases immune vitality and mental clarity as well as protects against exercise-induced stress.

For information or to purchase, visit our office or call 281-298-6742.

*Information taken from Ortho Molecular Products, Product Info Sheet/pdf.

By Mila McManus MD|2019-01-05T10:08:00-06:00January 4th, 2019|Articles, General|

Seared Scallops with Arugula Pesto

Adapted from Cooking From Scratch from PCC Community Markets

Makes 4 Servings

Ingredients:

4 cups baby arugula (about 4 ounces)

4 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted

1 clove garlic

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

½ ounce (3 tablespoons) grated Pecorino Romano sheep cheese

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

Sea salt and ground pepper

1 pound scallops

1 tablespoon ghee

1 tablespoon butter

Directions:

1. In the work bowl of a food processor, combine the arugula, 3 tablespoons of the pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, and Pecorino; pulse about eight times, until everything is chopped. With the machine running, drizzle in the olive oil until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper; set aside.
2. Rinse the scallops, pat them dry with paper towels, and season them generously with salt and pepper. In a cast-iron or stainless-steel sauté pan over high heat, heat the ghee and butter until they shimmer, then place the scallops in the pan so they are not touching. Don’t touch them again until you are ready to flip so that a golden crust forms, about 1 ½ to 3 minutes on the first side. Gently flip them over and cook for an additional 30-90 seconds. They should have a golden crust on each side while the centers remain slightly translucent. The scallops will continue to cook a little once removed from the heat.
3. Spread the pesto on a plate, top with the scallops and sprinkle with the additional 1 tablespoon pine nuts and serve immediately.

Note: Save extra pesto in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 1 month. A perfect toss with spaghetti squash or other spiralized vegetable or served with roasted chicken or white fish.

By Mila McManus MD|2019-01-05T10:03:41-06:00January 4th, 2019|General, Recipes|

Boundaries

This is a quote that I have found helpful in my journey and relationship with food and myself. It has helped me to:

see boundaries as a way to love myself and know who I am and who I don’t want to be.
get comfortable reaching for a longer perspective, rather than be overcome with short term gratification.
be courageous and set some reasonable and needed boundaries for my life without concern for what others may think.

I hope you will take some time to read it a couple times, maybe even out loud. May you find in it a nugget of encouragement or help for you or someone you love.

Boundaries

“Boundaries, in a broad sense, are lines or things that mark a limit, bound, or border. In a psychological sense, boundaries are the realization of our own person apart from others. This sense of separateness forms the basis of personal identity. It says what we are and what we are not, what we will choose and what we will not choose, what we will endure and what we will not endure, what we feel and what we will not feel, what we like and what we do not like, and what we want and what we do not want. Boundaries, in short, define us. In the same way that a physical boundary defines where a property line begins and ends, a psychological and spiritual boundary defines who we are and who we are not.” Dr. Henry Cloud, Changes that Heal, Zondervan Publishing House, 1992.

May 2019 be a year of greater health, better relationships, meaningful work and daily gratitude.

Peace be with you.

By Mila McManus MD|2019-01-04T11:57:20-06:00January 4th, 2019|General, NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|

Neurofeedback Changes Your Mind, Literally!

Written by Guest Contributor:

Spring Hill, MS, LMFT, LPC

Individual, Couples, Family Counseling

Neurofeedback Services

Have you ever felt like “if I could just relax instead of being anxious, depressed, or distracted I would enjoy life more?” Well, you’re not alone. The brain controls everything we do in our lives from relaxing, to sports activities, to writing this article. Specifically, it is our brain waves that control what and how we think, how we feel physically, mentally and emotionally, and how we behave with others.
If our brainwave distribution becomes out of balance (much like our hormones), symptoms may result, such as anxiety, depression, lack of energy, foggy thinking, etc. Neurofeedback is a non-invasive, pain-free computer-based technique which retrains the brain to produce brainwave patterns that are beneficial to better functioning. When the electrical system (brainwaves) is modulated through Neurofeedback, the brain becomes more flexible, calming the brain and helping the client to have better control of their emotions, feelings and thoughts. The results of the brain changes are enduring, unlike medication.
What does a Neurofeedback session look like?
• During a session a cap with sensors is placed on the head to monitor the brainwave activity, much like the electrical activity you see when having an EKG. (There is NO electricity going into the head)
• This activity is displayed onto the therapist’s computer monitor. On a separate screen, the client plays a video game or watches a movie that is generated using their brainwave activity.
• Each time a healthy brainwave is achieved, the client is rewarded via graphics and auditory sound. As healthier brainwaves are achieved, a healthier state of mind (e.g., focused, relaxed, less anxiety) is learned.
Neurofeedback is a safe, long-lasting, drug-free alternative to treating symptoms including:
• Focus/Foggy thinking/Cognitive Processing
• Anxiety/Panic Attacks/ Obsessive thoughts, Compulsions
• Depression
• Sleep issues
• Pain
• Other Conditions and Symptoms
The overall goal is to help the client manage their symptoms and improve their performance in whatever area of life they desire such as school, work, or relaxation. For more information regarding neurofeedback contact Spring Hill at shill1@springhill4counseling.com or call 713.927.5093.

By Mila McManus MD|2019-01-04T12:17:21-06:00January 4th, 2019|Articles, General|

ONDAMED Results in 3 months!

ONDAMED

Feedback from a patient K.H. who’s been having ONDAMED sessions for the past 3 months:

Really had significant things happen…

Went from constipated to regular BMs.
Lost 15 lbs without changing diet.
moved from depressed moods to better moods.

Just to name a few!

By Mila McManus MD|2019-01-04T13:03:26-06:00November 21st, 2018|General, Testimonials|

Keto Cranberry Sauce

From https://www.wholesomeyum.com/recipes/4-ingredient-sugar-free-low-carb-cranberry-sauce-paleo-gluten-free/

Makes 1 ½ cup

12 ounces fresh cranberries

1 cup powdered erythritol (recommend Swerve brand)

¾ cup filtered water

1 teaspoon orange zest

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1. 1. Combine the cranberries, water, erythritol, and orange zest in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries pop and a sauce forms.
2. 2. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
3. 3. Serve or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes and Serving Suggestions: The confectioners, powdered Swerve will prevent the sauce from crystalizing in the refrigerator so if making ahead, use this product for best results. It is available on line and at most grocery stores. Use orange zest to taste. If you enjoy the orange flavor, you may wish to increase to 2 teaspoons to intensify the orange flavor.

By Mila McManus MD|2018-11-21T01:30:02-06:00November 21st, 2018|General, Recipes|

Rising Concerns – Electropollution

We Can’t Ignore It

By Mila McManus, MD

This year, my staff and I have witnessed an undeniable escalation of concern about the constant barrage of electromagnetic radiation and its effects on our health and the health of our children.

Other names used for electromagnetic radiation include electrosmog and electro-pollution. This radiation occurs in the higher frequency ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum, usually as megahertz (MHz) and gigahertz (GHz). Our bodies need and require very low frequencies (0.1 to 32000 Hertz, or Hz) to live. These low frequencies are life-giving and restorative. Unfortunately, we greatly interrupt these healing frequencies, found in the human body and in the earth’s surface, with much higher frequencies that disturb and harm the human body (MHz and GHz). There is now a significant body of published scientific and anecdotal evidence that supports a correlation between these higher levels of electromagnetic radiation and various negative health effects including cancer, asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, ADD, autism and a number of neurological disorders.

Sources of potentially harmful electromagnetic radiation include wireless technologies (WiFi technologies) such as cell phones, iPads, laptops, baby monitors and cell towers, as well as sources of power traveling through electrical wires into our homes and businesses called High Frequency Voltage Transients (HFVT’s). HFVT’s include electrical appliances/equipment of every kind, fluorescent light bulbs, AC/DC power mode converters, rectangular black boxes on power cords, televisions, computers, printer/copier/fax machines, dimmer switches, “smart” digital readers (SMART Meters), energy efficient appliances, cordless phone base stations and microwaves.

Electrical pollution is a difficult subject because we are all greatly exposed to it and our lifestyles are heavily dependent upon it. Most of the sources have become routine in the pattern of our everyday lives. We don’t feel it or see it, so it is easy to believe it does not exist. Yet 1 in 2 Americans have a chronic disease and 1 in 4 have multiple chronic diseases.[1] Another real concern is for our children, including those still in the womb. Research shows radiation emitted from cell phones and Wi-Fi negatively impacts children’s development in the womb.[2]

Our exposure increases as greater technological advances occur. For example, there are great concerns about the Smart Meters being added to residences and businesses, touted as “green energy”, as well as the imminent 5G mobile network and matching cell phones. Both of these additions are expected to increase microwave radiation from electromagnetic frequencies exponentially. Despite the fact that government and corporate entities have been informed of these health concerns, they appear to be far less concerned about potential harm to our health than implementing the next greatest thing in technology to reap the profits from it.

Here Are Ways to Protect Yourself and Your Family[3]

Put your phone in airplane mode when you are carrying it or sleeping near it.
Consider a Faraday bag for your cell phone. faradaybag.com
When using your cell phone, use the speaker phone and hold the phone at least 3 feet away from you.
Decrease your time on the cell phone as much as possible.
Explore the use of VoIP software phones that can be used while connected to the internet via a wired connection.
Connect your desktop/laptop to the internet via a wired Ethernet connection and keep it in airplane mode as much as possible.
Avoid using wireless keyboards, trackballs, mice, game systems, printers and portable house phones. Opt for wired versions.
If you must use Wi-Fi, shut if off when not in use, especially at night when sleeping. Ideally work toward hardwiring your house so you can eliminate Wi-Fi all together. There are USB Ethernet adapters for notebooks that allow connection to the internet with a wired connection.
Shut off electricity to the bedroom at night. This reduces electrical fields from the wires in your walls, unless there is an adjoining room next to it. In this case, a meter will help determine the severity of the electrical fields and if you need to shut off electricity in both rooms or not.
Use a battery powered alarm clock, ideally one without any light. Talking clocks for the visually impaired work well.
Replace your microwave oven with a steam convection oven, which will heat your food as quickly and far more safely.
Avoid “smart” appliances and thermostats that depend on wireless signaling. This includes “smart” televisions. Consider replacing the TV with a large computer monitor instead, as this will not emit Wi-Fi signals.
Refuse smart meters as long as you can or add a shield to an existing smart meter.
Consider moving your baby’s bed into your room instead of using a wireless baby monitor. Alternatively, used a hard-wired monitor.
Replace CFL and LED bulbs with incandescent bulbs. Ideally remove all fluorescent lights from the house. Fluorescent lighting emits unhealthy light and transfers a current to the body just being close to them.
Do not use light bulbs you can control from your cell phone as they emit radio frequency just like a Wi-Fi router.

Here are some resources to learn more:

http://electromagnetichealth.org/electromagnetic-health-blog/summary-and-audio/

www.blushield-us.com

https://emfields-solutions.com/

Book: How To Break Up With Your Cell Phone, By Catherine Price

Be Well, Choose Health

[1] https://www.drbenlynch.com/chronic-disease/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DrBenLynch+%28Dr+Ben+Lynch%29

[2] http://electromagnetichealth.org/electromagnetic-health-blog/summary-and-audio/

[3] https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/11/14/heart-tumors-from-cellphone-radiation.aspx?utm_source=dnl&utm_medium=email&ut

By Mila McManus MD|2018-11-30T14:44:41-06:00November 19th, 2018|Articles, General|

About Mila McManus MD