ARTICLES
Environmental Health
Dr. Russell

What is the One Organ You Should Love?

The body is an amazingly complex system, governed by a network of chemical highways.  The best part about this system is that we don’t ever have to consciously think or be aware of it in order to live.  For example, doing a “detox” or “cleanse” has become quite popular but many of us do not realize that our body is constantly detoxing as a normal part of life.  Detoxification is a natural process that is required in order to help your body eliminate

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A New Chapter

Last month we held an open house to celebrate Serenity’s one year anniversary (which was technically September) and honor naturopathic medicine week.  There was great food, great people, and great live music (check out the videos on our YouTube channel). This event gave me a much-needed opportunity to reflect on this past year, so pardon the brief deviation from the typical health-related article. First, I am so grateful to everyone that attended, both in person and in spirit, and can’t wait until

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Flower Power Salad

Since moving to Frederick in August, I’ve been having such a great time identifying and using native herbs.  But many of these plants are probably ignored by most people, thought to be weeds. This hobby of mine is formally known as wildcrafting. Wildcrafting is the harvesting of plants or herbs from the “wild” but sometimes these plants are right outside your front door.  Or down the street at Baker Park.  While it’s relatively easy to get into, wildcrafting does have some ethical and logistical

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Are You Ignoring This Key Relationship?

If you’re anything like a normal American, your schedule is probably busting at the seams due to all the things you’re trying to balance. If you’re not working (or worried about work), then you’re probably busy taking care of your family (my family is currently of the canine variety but she still need to be taken care of nonetheless). And don’t forget about trying to have a social life. Squeezing in time for a coffee date here or a long over-due

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Are You Changing With The Seasons?

Have you noticed now that Winter seems long behind us, people aren’t in such dreadful moods? When I first moved to Frederick, I was amazed at how friendly people were and it seemed completely natural for a total stranger to smile and engage in conversation.  This is a far cry from growing up in Southern California, where you know better than to make eye contact with strangers. But as Winter clobbered us with single digit (or below, factoring in wind chill) temperatures,

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Kick Your Cold (or Flu) to the Curb!

This cold and flu season has been a particularly nasty one.  Symptoms seem to linger for weeks and with the low efficacy of the flu vaccine this year, there’s not much the conventional world of medicine has to offer.  Luckily, us naturopathic doctors have a few tricks up our sleeves to prevent the cold or flu from taking hold or speeding up its resolution if you already have it. One of my favorite remedies to use during this time of

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Still Using Plastic Water Bottles?

In case you haven’t heard, plastic water bottles contain harmful chemicals, such as endocrine-disrupters, that can cause adverse health affects, including cancer.  For more information on some of these chemicals, check out the NRDC’s nifty handout. For a less toxic alternative, Klean Kanteen offers great stainless steel water bottles in all shapes and sizes to fit your needs.  And just think of how much money you’ll save from having a reusable and safe water bottle.  What’s your favorite reusable water

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What Is the Most Common Cause of Infertility in Women?

Picture it: You have the career of your dreams. You look forward to starting your day and sharing your passion with the world. You’ve found the man (or woman) or your dreams and can’t wait to start your family together. However, year after year goes by and no matter how many times you attempt to become pregnant, that family you have desired for so long keeps becoming more elusive. Sadly, this is becoming a common issue with more and more

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Are You Really Ready for Your Kids to Go Back to School?

September is a time of transitions.  Fall begins, bringing cooler weather and cozy sweaters, with the promise of the holidays right around the corner.  But more crucial and coveted by all parents is the transition of the school year starting.  It gives parents a much needed reprieve from having to cook for, entertain, and chauffeur their children, at least for a few hours a day.  With restarting the routines, what better time to try introducing some healthy habits.  It goes without

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Want to Plan Ahead for Your Spring Veggie Garden?

kirstyhall / Foter / CC BY With Fall almost upon us, it’s a great time to start composting.  According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in the U.S., about 24% of our waste comes from food and yard scraps, the majority of which can be composted.  Composting has come a long way in convenience and ease, ranging from small units you can keep in your apartment to the good old compost pile.  Check out the EPA’s page on composting for

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