NSI Stem Cell - October 2017

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October 2017

JOURNAL

Spring Hill | Clearwater | Brandon | Weston

A N ew L evel of P atient C are

Phil Burk Asks the Real Questions

The brick building towered above me, reaching far into the sky. That hospital might have only been three stories high, but as a child, standing on the sidewalk with my grandfather, the structure felt massive and imposing. Back then, children were not allowed in many areas of the hospital, due to the risk for infection or disease. Though my grandmother lay dying inside somewhere inside, I was not permitted to see her. My grandfather squeezed my hand gently and pointed up at one of the high windows. “Your grandmother is standing in the window, waving down at you,” he said. I looked, but I couldn’t see which window he was talking about. All I could see was a cold, brick building that didn’t care if I ever saw my grandmother again. I never did. When I reflect on this memory today, I know my grandmother was likely never standing in that window. She was far too sick to get out of bed that day. The feeling of being separated from my grandmother when she was sick stuck with me as I got older. I’m very business-minded, and from a young age I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur and work in a business environment. I was drawn to the medical field as an adult because I saw a need for a business experience that could help provide better care for patients and their families.

that time, I have worked with numerous organizations, including the American Red Cross, and I helped develop a platform to improve patient services for the Laser Spine Institute from the ground up. Over the last year, prior to coming on board with NSI Stem Cell, I was running my own executive consulting firm, helping direct a team of specialists handle all aspects of patient care. Physicians get into medicine because they want to help cure sick people, but rarely do doctors or medical facilities have the tools necessary to treat patients beyond their medical needs. They aren’t usually able to help make the process easier on their families, either. In my work, before I make a decision, I ask myself, “Does this improve the quality of care for patients?” Every day, I look at ways to more seamlessly integrate medical processes into the human experience. Dr. Depasquale and Dr. Edgerton reached out to me through a mutual connection after they heard about the work I had done with the Laser Spine Institute. They wanted NSI Stem Cell to have access to the same sort of platform that could help as many people as possible get their lives back. When I spoke with them for the first time, it was clear we were like-minded in terms of our approach to patient care. We believe in never asking a patient what they can do for us, but instead, we’re always looking for ways to do something more for the patient. I saw this vision reflected by the staff at numerous clinics. During my visits,

I heard truly amazing stories from patients who saw NSI Stem Cell as something of a miracle, especially when compared to their previous painful experiences. Eager to get on board, I started in June of this year as coordinator of the patient services department. From the moment a patient contacts us, whether it’s by phone, via email, or through the live chat on our website, I direct a team who gathers their medical records, discusses their conditions, and schedules appointments for treatment. Shortly after joining NSI, my mother’s health took a turn for the worse, and she needed help. I already knew the amazing care NSI Stem Cell could provide, so I brought my mother in. She went through therapy with NSI and is doing phenomenal! I was already invested in the work I do, but today, I am more passionate than ever before, because to me, this really is a family matter.

I’ve been in medical business management for almost 20 years. In

– Phil Burk

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U se D iffusers to R eap the

BENEFITS OF ESSENTIAL OILS

If you’ve stopped by a health store recently, you’ve no doubt seen a huge selection of essential oils. These liquids, which contain concentrated, natural aroma compounds found in plants, are the basis of aromatherapy, one of the most popular trends in holistic health. Aromatherapy involves applying these oils to the skin or spraying them into the air. Skin application

requires that you use diluted oils, because aromatic compounds are strong and can cause irritation. As a result of these concerns, many essential oil acolytes have turned to diffusers to get the benefits of aromatherapy in a safe, wonderful- smelling manner. aromatherapy has been touted as a way to help with everything from stress and insomnia to cognitive function and mood enhancement. To receive these benefits, you’ll need to pick up a diffuser and some oils. With so many options, though, how do you know which one is right for you? In addition to filling your house with an all-natural, appealing perfume,

also work as a humidifier, making it a valuable multitasker. Heat and evaporative diffusers are cheaper options, but they tend to alter oils or separate particles according to size. Once you decide on the best diffuser for your home, you need to select a few essential oils and put your new toy to use. Lemon oil is antibacterial and antiseptic, and will freshen your environment. Cinnamon oil can clear congestion and has a homey, autumnal scent. Eucalyptus oil is an air purifier, but its scent is strong and not for everybody. If you want to de- stress, try rosemary oil, which decreases your cortisol levels. Take note that you should alert your doctor before partaking in aromatherapy if you’re pregnant, nursing, or on any medication. While most essential oils are perfectly safe to diffuse, the compounds in certain oils can combine with medication and trigger adverse side effects. Once you begin diffusing, you’ll never go back to commercial, chemical scent sprays. The benefits are evident, and the results smell sweet.

There is no shortage of methods to diffuse essential oils.

Nebulizing diffusers don’t require any heat source, instead atomizing the essential oils. They are extremely effective, but they are also large and

expensive. Ultrasonic diffusers are similarly heatless, preserving

the oils. This type of diffuser can

ZAIDA’S CHANGES H ow a P atient S tunned H er D octors With encouragement from her sister, Zaida Fisher came to NSI Stem Cell for issues related to pain and autoimmune conditions. “I kept putting it off,” Zaida says. But after continued encouragement, if not a little sisterly pestering, Zaida made an appointment. “I came [to NSI] and decided, you know what, I’m going to get it done. I had it done for my lower back and also for lupus, and it’s been fantastic since then. I’ve been able to do more things that I haven’t been able to do in years. Not only do I suffer from lupus, but I suffer from fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, neuropathy, and carpal tunnel syndrome.” Zaida continues, “The day after I had the procedure done, I started noticing changes right away. I was able to move and get out of bed. I mean, I used a mobility chair, a walker, and a cane. Today, I don’t use these unless it’s really necessary.” Since her stem cell therapy, Zaida has visited many of her health care providers. “I saw my doctors, my rheumatologist, my primary care physicians, and my endocrinologist, and they were all stunned. They can’t believe the changes. And my lupus test came back negative! It’s been years and I’ve never had it come back negative. Stem cells work!”

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C aused by P lantar F asciitis 5 Ways to Ease Pain

If you’ve suffered from persistent heel pain at one point or another, chances are you’ve experienced plantar fasciitis. The pain occurs when the plantar fascia, a flat band of tissue that supports the foot’s arch and connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed. For most people, inflammation is caused by running or overexertion. At NSI, we see many cases caused by one or more of the following:

However, there are ways to overcome the pain caused by plantar fasciitis. In fact, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) says that over 90 percent of fasciitis patients show improvement within 10 months of beginning a simple therapy regimen. These are therapeutic, noninvasive techniques that can be done in the comfort of your own home. Remedies include the following:

• Pronation that is repetitive or too extreme • Overtraining • The patient’s weight and/or age • Not using proper form during workouts

1. Resting, massaging, and icing 2. Exercises and stretches 3. Supportive footwear 4. Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight 5. Seeing an experienced professional

In the U.S. alone, 83 percent of patients with plantar fasciitis have jobs that require them to stand or walk for long periods of time. Essentially, the more daily strain you put on your feet, the more likely you are to develop heel pain. At the same time, people who engage in high-impact exercises are also at increased risk. One of the leading causes of plantar fasciitis in athletes is lack of proper rest between workouts.

To read more about these remedies, visit nsistemcell.com/5- great-natural-heel-pain-fixes. There, we break down each remedy and give you specific insights so you, too, can find relief from persistent heel pain.

Refried Bean Poblanos With Cheese

This vegetarian meal comes together in less than 15 minutes. It’s the perfect way to avoid takeout on a busy weeknight.

Ingredients

Directions • 4 medium poblano chilies, halved and seeded • 1 (16-ounce) can fat-free refried beans • 1 (8.8-ounce) pouch microwaveable cooked long- grain rice 1. Place chili halves, cut sides up, on a round microwave- safe plate. Cover with wax paper; microwave on high 3 minutes. 2. While chilies cook, combine

• ½ cup picante sauce • 1 cup (4 ounces) pre- shredded reduced-fat 4-cheese Mexican blend • Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Cover with wax paper; microwave on high 2 minutes. 3. Uncover chilies, sprinkle

each half with 2 tablespoons cheese, and microwave on high 1–2 minutes or until cheese melts. Sprinkle with cilantro, if desired.

beans, rice, and picante sauce in a medium bowl, stirring well. Spoon bean mixture into chili halves.

Recipe courtesy of CookingLight.com.

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INSIDE This Issue A New Level of Patient Care Page 1

The Benefits of Essential Oils How a Patient Stunned Her Doctors Page 2 5 Ways to Ease Pain Caused by Plantar Fasciitis Refried Bean Poblanos With Cheese Page 3 The Acropolis of Athens: Tips for Your Trip Back in Time Page 4

T he A cropolis of A thens :

TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP BACK IN TIME

When people think of a vacation to Greece, the first images that come to mind are often the picturesque beaches of Mykonos Island or plates of delicately layered moussaka. But no trip to the cradle of Western civilization would be complete without a visit to one of the most incredible historical sites in the world: the ancient Acropolis of Athens. Around 468 B.C., while Athens was enjoying its status as the greatest cultural hub of the era, Pericles initiated a robust reconstruction of the Acropolis. Almost half of the population was on the public payroll during the project, generating what would become many of the most memorable structures in history, including the famous Parthenon. Today, the ruins of the Acropolis still stand, a testament to the ingenuity of one of the most advanced civilizations of the classical age.

If you plan on exploring the breathtaking ruins and the Acropolis Museum, which houses over 4,000 artifacts from the site, it’s a good idea to avoid the Mediterranean cruise hordes and get there early, as close to 8 a.m. as possible. A four-day pass to peruse the Parthenon, the temples of Athena and Zeus, and many other world-famous sites costs around 12 euros, but keep in mind you can visit each site only once per pass. Due to the scorching heat that hits the area in the summer, you may want to visit during late winter or early spring. To absorb the incredible history of this ancient monument, it’s a good idea to either pay for the audio guide as you enter or go to the “Watch, Read, Listen” section of ricksteves.com and download his audio guide for free. You can also get a full tour from a local guide. Head to toursbylocals.com/ Athens-Tours to find the perfect guide for your trip.

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