Podcasts about pacific western university

Episode 133: Neonatal JaundiceJennifer explained the pathophysiology of neonatal jaundice and how to treat it and described why screening for hyperbilirubinemia is important.    Written by Jennifer Lai, MS3, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Western University of Health Sciences. Comments by Hector Arreaza, MD.  You are listening to Rio Bravo qWeek Podcast, your weekly dose of knowledge brought to you by the Rio Bravo Family Medicine Residency Program from Bakersfield, California, a UCLA-affiliated program sponsored by Clinica Sierra Vista, Let Us Be Your Healthcare Home. This podcast was created for educational purposes only. Visit your primary care provider for additional medical advice.What is neonatal jaundice? Jenni: Infant jaundice, also known as hyperbilirubinemia, is when there is a high level of serum bilirubin causing yellow discoloration of the newborn's skin and eyes. Bilirubin is a red-orange byproduct of hemoglobin catabolism that gives yellow pigment to skin and mucosa membranes. Arreaza: When we see jaundice on the eyes, it is actually the conjunctiva color we are seeing. So, the term “scleral icterus” should be changed to “conjunctival icterus,” but you may get corrected by unaware clinicians. Bilirubin actually binds elastin.What's the pathophysiology/ big picture?Jenni: The key problem is the accumulation of high levels of bilirubin in serum and if left untreated, it can bind to tissues and cause toxicity. There are multiple reasons why there might be too much bilirubin in the serum. Excess bilirubin can be due to a benign normal condition, but it can also be due to a pathologic reason. It is important to differentiate between these two because the management and treatment can differ significantly. Arreaza: Highly bilirubin means that it is being either overproduced or under-eliminated. Physiologic jaundice Most of the time, hyperbilirubinemia is benign and physiologic, with yellowing typically occurring between 2-4 days. Normally, there is a period of transition caused by the turnover of the fetal red blood cells and the immaturity of the newborn's liver to efficiently metabolize bilirubin and increased enterohepatic circulation. The most common reason is that the liver isn't mature enough to get rid of the bilirubin in the bloodstream or because the baby's gut is sterile, so it does not have the bacteria to convert the bilirubin to get it out of the body. In general, newborns have a higher level of total serum or plasma bilirubin levels compared to adults for the following reasons: Newborns have more red blood cells (hematocrit between 50-60), and fetal red blood cells have a shorter life span (85 days vs. 120 days) than those of adults. After birth, there is an increased turnover of fetal red blood cells, so there is more bilirubin.Bilirubin clearance (conjugation and excretion) is decreased in newborns, mainly because of a deficiency of the hepatic enzyme UGT.Increase in the enterohepatic circulation of bilirubin as the amount of unconjugated bilirubin increases due to the limited bacterial conversion of conjugated bilirubin to urobilin.Pathologic JaundicePathologic jaundice includes severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, extreme neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, and bilirubin-induced neurologic disorders. We determine the severity of the jaundice using the total serum bilirubin (TSB). It is defined as a TSB >25 (severe) and TSB >30 (extreme). Other concerning signs include a TSB over the 95% percentile, a greater than 5mg/dL/day or 0.2mg/dL/hour, or jaundice that lasts for more than 2-3 weeks. Potential pathologic causes include but are not limited to: Increased bilirubin production from increased hemolysis which is when the red blood cells in the baby are being destroyed faster than normal, this can be due to blood group incompatibilities where the mom's immune system starts to attack the baby's red blood cells (such as Rh incompatibility) or from RBC membrane defects (spherocytosis).Birth Trauma when the head gets bruised after a vacuum or forceps is used to remove the baby from the vaginal canalInfection which prevents the bilirubin from being metabolized and excretedProblems with bilirubin clearance either from enzyme deficiencies such as Crigler-Najjar or Gilbert syndromeObstructed biliary systems causing bile to get stuck in the liverArreaza: Indirect bilirubin is the one elevated in newborns, but if you see direct hyperbilirubinemia, then you have to think of an obstruction.Jenni: Severe hyperbilirubinemia can cause brain damage. The amount of bilirubin and the duration of bilirubin ultimately determine the severity of the brain damage. This is because the bilirubin blocks some mitochondrial enzymes from being able to function properly, also it inhibits DNA synthesis/protein synthesis, and can cause DNA damage. This can ultimately lead to acute bilirubin encephalopathy which is described as 3 different phases: Phase 1 with poor feeding, lethargy, hypotonia, and seizures, Phase 2 with increased tone in extensor muscles causing neck contractions (retrocollis and opisthotonos), and Phase 3 with generalized increased tone. If the bilirubin encephalopathy persists it can also ultimately cause cerebral palsy, sensorineural hearing loss, and gaze abnormalities.  How and when do we treat? No phototherapy:The goal of treating jaundice is to safely decrease the amount of bilirubin in the body. Oftentimes babies with mild hyperbilirubinemia don't get any treatment and we just watch and wait. In premature babies, there is an increased risk for brain toxicity because a lower amount of bilirubin can result in brain toxicity. For these babies, it is important to ensure there is adequate breast milk to both prevent and treat jaundice because it helps the baby get rid of bilirubin through the stool and urine. Arreaza: Indirect sunlight exposure of the baby.Phototherapy:Other babies get phototherapy or more commonly known as light therapy. Phototherapy light treatment is when the baby's skin is exposed to a special blue light which will help break down bilirubin and help with the excretion in stool and urine. The phototherapy should be continuous and placed on as much skin as possible and the treatment should be administered until bilirubin levels drop to a safe level based on the baby's hour-specific thresholds. Arreaza: Home phototherapy is an option (UV blanket) available for rent or purchase.Phototherapy is very safe, however, with any treatment, there are risks and potential side effects. Some of these include skin rashes, loose stools, overheating, and dehydration. Occasionally, babies turn a dark gray-brown color in their skin and urine, but this is temporary and usually resolves on its own. While the baby is receiving phototherapy, it is important to continue breastfeeding to ensure appropriate fluid hydration, but in babies that cannot get enough breast milk, they may need to supplement with formula or even potentially start IV fluids. Benefits of screeningIt is therefore essential for universal bilirubin screening for all newborns prior to discharge to identify newborns who are at risk for developing severe hyperbilirubinemia. Hyperbilirubinemia is extremely common in newborns, with nearly all neonates having a higher total serum bilirubin than adults. The reason we screen is that this reduces the risk of developing severe hyperbilirubinemia and ultimately brain damage. This universal screening also then decreases hospital readmissions for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Arreaza: So, we check at 12-24 hours in a typical pediatric unit. We use a bilimeter (transcutaneous) and if we suspect it is not accurate, we do a serum bili. Be aware of the accuracy of bilimeters.How do we screen? We do this prior to newborn discharge through a transcutaneous bilirubin device (TcB) or lab total serum bilirubin (TSB). The bilirubin level is used with the assessment of risk for the development of severe hyperbilirubinemia. Newborn bilirubin screening guidelines include TSB or TcB within 24-48 hours after birth or before discharge. TcB is the noninvasive test, but TSB is the gold standard for assessing neonatal bilirubin. Newborns with visible jaundice in the first 24 hours should be concerned for severe hyperbilirubinemia. These babies should be screened earlier because of the risk of pathologic causes of jaundice. In addition to the bilirubin test, physicians will clinically assess by examining the skin under ambient or daylight to assess whether there is a yellow discoloration of the buccal, gingival, or conjunctival mucosa. Additionally, if a baby presents with scleral icterus, pallor, bruising, hepatosplenomegaly, or cephalohematoma (enclosed hemorrhage), these can be clinical presentations of neonatal jaundice. Follow up:After screening, we recommend that babies be closely monitored if jaundice does occur as it can be well managed with early treatment. A quick way to assess this at home is to press gently on the baby's forehead and if the skin looks yellow where you press, it's probably jaundice. If your baby doesn't have jaundice, then the place where you pressed it should look lighter than normal. _____________________Conclusion: Now we conclude episode number 133, “Neonatal Jaundice.” Jennifer explained the pathophysiology behind the increased levels of bilirubin in babies. She reminded us that it is a physiologic process, but when the level of bilirubin is too high, then we need to start treatment. Treatments include indirect sunlight exposure of the baby, breastfeeding, and in some cases phototherapy, IV fluids, and even antibiotics and exchange transfusion in some cases. Dr. Arreaza reminded us of the importance of screening and monitoring “bili babies” in the clinic. This week we thank Hector Arreaza and Jennifer Lai. Audio editing by Adrianne Silva.Even without trying, every night you go to bed a little wiser. Thanks for listening to Rio Bravo qWeek Podcast. We want to hear from you, send us an email at RioBravoqWeek@clinicasierravista.org, or visit our website riobravofmrp.org/qweek. See you next week! ___________________Links:Episode 17: Why does bilirubin deposit in the eyes? – The Curious Clinicians, https://curiousclinicians.com/2021/01/20/episode-17-why-does-bilirubin-deposit-in-the-eyes/.Ansong-Assoku B, Shah SD, Adnan M, et al. Neonatal Jaundice. [Updated 2022 Aug 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532930/.Mayo Clinic. “Infant Jaundice – Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/disease-conditions/infant-jaundice/symptoms-causes/syc-20373865.“Newborn Jaundice.” Nhs.uk, 19 Oct. 2017, www.nhs.uk/conditions/jaundice-newborn/#:~:text=Jaundcie%20in%20newborn%20babies%20is.Preud'Homme D., “Neonatal Jaundice.” American College of Gastroenterology, Dec 2012, https://gi.org/topics/neonatal-jaundice/.Wong R., et al. “Risk factors, Clinical Manifestations, and Neurologic Complications of Neonatal Uncomplicated Hyperbilirubinemia.” Up to Date, Last Updated: Jan 5, 2023, https://www.uptodate.com/contents/risk-factors-clinical-manifestations-and-neurologic-complications-of-neonatal-unconjugated-hyperbilirubinemiaRoyalty-free music used for this episode: “Gushito - Burn Flow." Downloaded on October 13, 2022, from https://www.videvo.net/

Episode 132: Harm Reduction and Reproductive HealthMeghana explains how to implement harm reduction strategies in at-risk populations such as unhoused patients and injected drug users. Dr. Arreaza adds comments about PrEP for HIV and Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT)  Written by Meghana Munnangi, MPH, third-year osteopathic medical student, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Western University of Health Sciences. Comments by Hector Arreaza, MD.You are listening to Rio Bravo qWeek Podcast, your weekly dose of knowledge brought to you by the Rio Bravo Family Medicine Residency Program from Bakersfield, California, a UCLA-affiliated program sponsored by Clinica Sierra Vista, Let Us Be Your Healthcare Home. This podcast was created for educational purposes only. Visit your primary care provider for additional medical advice.Arreaza: It can be frustrating for physicians trying to change “risky” behaviors in their patients and turn those behaviors into “healthy” behaviors. Doctors deal with this issue every day, but after reading more about the principle of harm reduction, I'm feeling more prepared to help our patients reduce their risks.What is harm reduction?Meghana: Harm reduction is a set of evidence-based interventions that arose within the public health community to reduce the harms associated with risky health behaviors. Most commonly, harm reduction refers to the policies and programs that aim to minimize the negative impacts associated with substance use disorder. The goal is to “meet people where they are” and to provide compassionate, judgment-free interventions and resources to at-risk populations.Examples of people who are part of the “at-risk population.”Some examples are injection-drug users and sex workers. With America experiencing the largest substance use and overdose epidemic we have ever faced, it is exceedingly important we provide services such as clean needle exchange, overdose reversal training, safer sex kits, and more to prevent unnecessary injury, disease, and death. Arreaza: In some countries where prostitution is legal, women are required to have regular check-ups to continue work. I see that as a harm-reduction strategy. I disagree with having sexual workers, but if we are unable to eliminate them, then harm reduction may be the way to go. Why is harm reduction important in medicine?Meghana: Healthcare providers have a unique opportunity to improve the quality of life and limit the negative outcomes associated with risky health behaviors by incorporating harm reduction strategies into their practice. Harm reduction interventions not only decrease health risks in an individual but also in the community. Examples of harm reduction strategies. Meghana: Studies have shown that areas that have introduced clean needle exchange interventions have lower HIV seroprevalence compared to areas that do not have similar interventions [1]. It is critical  as health care providers to respect our patient's choices and provide supportive care that will not deter patients from accessing care in the future. Patients who engage in risky activities often face stigma and are treated poorly by the medical system making behavioral changes even more difficult [2]. Understanding that many patients may not be willing to change their behaviors and using a practical approach to medical counseling can strengthen physician-patient relationships. Arreaza: I can think of another example. Pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV in patients who have multiple sex partners. You wish those patients would have more insight into the risks associated with having multiple sexual partners, but if you cannot change them, you can still reduce the risk.What is harm reduction in the context of the reproductive health field?Meghana: Within Harm Reduction programs, there are many important strategies targeted toward improving sexual and reproductive health. Individuals who inject drugs and sex workers have limited access to family planning services and HIV testing. Studies have shown that individuals with substance use disorder have higher rates of unintended pregnancies, pregnancy-related mortality and morbidity, and lower rates of contraceptive use compared to the general population [3,4]. Harm reduction within the reproductive health field must include expanding access to condoms, contraceptive methods, STI and HIV testing, and prenatal care. Reproductive health harm reduction strategies can reduce rates of STIs, HIV, and unintended pregnancies. In addition to expanding access to condoms, STI screening, treatment, and partner therapy must be offered and encouraged to all patients. Arreaza: As a reminder to our listeners, Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) consists in treating the partner(s) of a patient with chlamydia or gonorrhea. You, as a physician, treat a patient with STI, but you also give a prescription or medication to that patient, and he/she takes the prescription or medication to his/her partner(s) without me (the doctor) seeing the partner in the clinic or hospital. This is a harm-reduction strategy. It is permissible in 46 states in the US and potentially allowable in Alabama, Kansas, Oklahoma, and South Dakota. It is prohibited in 0 states. Meghana: Regarding birth control, a recent study by Dr. Frank and Dr. Morrison from the University of Michigan suggests that long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) such as the Intrauterine Device (IUD) or the “Implant” should be offered and easily accessible to women with substance use disorder [5].  In America, around 45% of all pregnancies are unintended, and among women with substance use disorders, this number is doubled [6,7]. More so, women with substance use disorders are 25% less likely to use any form of contraception and are more likely to use less effective methods [5]. Patient autonomy is important.Meghana: Autonomy is one of the fundamental principles of ethics in medicine, so it is important that all contraceptive decisions are made without any form of coercion. Also, all discussions must take into consideration previous trauma, such as intimate partner violence. Contraceptive counseling should be comprehensive, and patients should be educated on all methods, including emergency contraception and barrier methods.  Patients should not be coerced into choosing a LARC simply because they engage in risky health behaviors and should be offered the same methods as the general population [8]. Arreaza: Let's remember to offer Nexplanon to unhoused patients. On the topic of emergency contraception, you can listen to episode 129. Now, please give us a conclusion.“If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”― Martin Luther King Jr.Meghana: Overall, family physicians are in a unique position to incorporate harm reduction strategies into their practice to improve the quality of life of their patients and to improve health outcomes in their community. Reproductive health harm reduction strategies should be considered and offered to all patients who engage in risky health behaviors. Individuals with substance use disorder and sex workers should be routinely tested for STIs, including HIV and Hepatitis C, as well as offered pregnancy testing and prenatal care if needed. Comprehensive contraceptive counseling, including condom use and emergency contraception, should be discussed with all patients, and conversations should be stigma-free and collaborative. Incorporating reproductive health interventions into already existing harm reduction programs is key to improving the overall health and well-being of our most vulnerable communities. _____________________Conclusion: Now we conclude episode number 132, “Harm Reduction and Reproductive Health.” Meghana gave us an excellent introduction to the principles of harm reduction in medicine. Applied to reproductive health, we can reduce risk by improving access to condoms, HIV and STI tests, and birth control methods, especially IUD and subdermal implants. Dr. Arreaza also reminded us of strategies such as pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV (PrEP) and Expedited Partner Therapy for STIs. This week we thank Hector Arreaza and Meghana Munnangi. Audio editing by Adrianne Silva.Even without trying, every night, you go to bed a little wiser. Thanks for listening to Rio Bravo qWeek Podcast. We want to hear from you. Send us an email at RioBravoqWeek@clinicasierravista.org, or visit our website riobravofmrp.org/qweek. See you next week! _____________________References:Amundsen EJ. Measuring effectiveness of needle and syringe exchange programmes for prevention of HIV among injecting drug users. Addiction. 2006;101:911–2. Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2006.01519.x?sid=nlm%3ApubmedNyblade L, Stockton MA, Giger K, et al.; Stigma in health facilities: why it matters and how we can change it. BMC Med. 2019;17(1):25. Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6376713/.Woodhams E. Partners in contraceptive choice and knowledge. November 18, 2021. Available at https://picck.org/enduring-sud/.Patel P. Forced sterilization of women as discrimination. Public Health Rev. 2017;38:15. Available at https://publichealthreviews.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40985-017-0060-9Frank CJ, Morrison L. Harm reduction for patients with substance use disorders. Am Fam Physician. 2022;105(1):90-92. Preview available at https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2022/0100/p90.html.Heil SH, Jones HE, Arria A, et al.; Unintended pregnancy in opioid-abusing women. J Subst Abuse Treat. 2011;40(2):199-202. Preview available at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21036512/.Terplan M, Hand DJ, Hutchinson M, et al.; Contraceptive use and method choice among women with opioid and other substance use disorders: a systematic review. Prev Med. 2015;80:23-31. Preview available at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0091743515001140?via%3DihubBaca-Atlas MH, Nimalendran R, Baca-Atlas SN. Applying Harm Reduction Principles to Reproductive Health. Am Fam Physician. 2023 Jan;107(1):Online. PMID: 36689956. Available at https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2023/0100/letter-reproductive-health.html.Royalty-free music used for this episode: “Gushito - Burn Flow." Downloaded on October 13, 2022, from https://www.videvo.net/

Join us as we chat with Hanshi George Alexander, a 10th Dan Shorinji Ryu JuJitsu Master and an inductee into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 1991. Currently he is the president of both International Shorinji-Ryu Jujitsu and Shorin Ryu Karate Kobudo Federation. Hanshi Alexander began training in Judo and Jujitsu in 1960, and later in Shorin Ryu Karate in 1964 while serving in the United States Marine Corps. His Marine Corps assignments enabled him to travel to mainland Japan, Okinawa and Southeast Asia. Since then he has become a uniquely qualified, popular instructor with international teaching credentials and experience and has traveled widely to spread the teachings of the martial arts. Hanshi Alexander earned a Baccalaureate Degree in Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University in 1979 and did graduate work in Asian history under Dr. Tsung I. Dow. Later, he received his Ph.D. degree from Pacific Western University in political science. He has competed in Karate, Kendo and Judo tournaments and was a USA Karate Champion, National AAU Karate Champion and World Karate Champion. Hanshi Alexander has written several books on the martial arts including Okinawa Island of Karate, Bubishi Martial Art Spirit, Shorin Ryu Karate Training Manual, and Warrior Jujitsu. Additionally, he has made over thirty instructional videos on the martial arts and is the editor of Fighting Spirit magazine. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The "Western" world of medicine is said to be infamously known for its churning of prescriptions of pharmacologic modalities to target almost all of the conditions and pathologies that exist. When something is painful, just prop an ibuprofen. When you're having green phlegmatic coughs, you'll probably take an antibiotic. When something goes haywire with an organ, you will most likely require surgery. However, in many countries outside of the United States, this approach is not always the case. Manual manipulations of certain parts of the body and utilization of nature's products are their standards of bodily defense in times of ailment. From the word "osteon," a structural unit of bone, the field of osteopathic medicine was created in 1874 to bring forth physicians who harness the healing capabilities enveloped within the human musculoskeletal system as one of the many additional evidence-based modalities of treatment in conjunction with the world of our usual medications and surgeries to provide the most holistic care as possible.Receiving her bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from UC Davis in 1996, attaining her medical degree from the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific/Western University of Health Sciences in 2000, and completing her internal medicine residency at St. Mary's Medical Center in 2004 where she served an extra year as Chief Medical Resident until 2005, Dr. Stella has been a board-certified Internist and Hospitalist in the San Francisco area for almost two decades where she also stands as a medical officer who teaches and trains the next wave of future physicians.With her expertise rooted in the sphere of the hospital, Dr. Stella has seen first-hand the gruesome effects that COVID-19 has done to patients, families, and healthcare workers. From countless deaths to worker burnout, we tackled the emotional and psychological tolls that the pandemic has imbued within the four walls of the hospital and beyond. Is medicine still worth it? Is this challenge worth fighting for? With full transparency and vulnerability, Dr. Stella shows what the "internal" in internal medicine meant: the heart to care.Livestream Air Date: July 17, 2021Dr. Stella C.: IG @drstellac, Tik Tok @drstellacFriends of Franz: IG @friendsoffranzpodChristian Franz (Host): IG @chrsfranz & YT Christian Franz

Dr. Mary Elizabeth speaks with Dr. Stephen Marini, a chiropractor and international lecturer, and serves on the boards of the ICPA, HPA and Intergrative Health Policy Consortium (IHPC). Dr. Marini was educated in basic science and medicine at Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia where he received a M.S. in Microbiology and Immunology in 1976. Doctoral studies followed at the University of Pennsylvania and Pacific Western University where he conducted dissertation research on avian tumor viruses accomplished at the Wistar Institute in Philadelphia. He received his Ph.D. in Microbiology in 1989. Dr. Marini received vitalistic training and professional development at the Pennsylvania College of Chiropractic where he received his D.C. in 1988. He received the Diplomate in Chiropractic Pediatrics from the Academy of Chiropractic Family Practice in 2007. He served as professor of Microbiology at the Pennsylvania College of Chiropractic from 1980 until 1995, and as Academic Dean from 1990-1993. As a vitalist trained in classical science and conventional medicine, Dr. Marini appreciates the role of energy/information on an individual's health and healing processes. He recognizes the need for a complementary, patient-centered approach to healing and health care options. Dr. Marini incorporates this knowledge and belief into his teaching of psychoneuroimmunology as well as his practice of chiropractic. He currently practices chiropractic with his son Dr. Nicholas in King of Prussia and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and lectures internationally on psychoneuroimmunology and vaccination issues. Connect with Dr. Mary Elizabeth: https://mailchi.mp/5dea388e4560/podcast-coaching-calls Connect with Dr. Stephen Marini: motomarini@msn.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mary-elizabeth-me/support

In this episode we'll be speaking with Dr. Stephen Marini about natural immunity and the importance of staying grounded during uncertain circumstances. Stephen Marini, PhD, DC, is a chiropractor and international lecturer, and serves on the boards of the ICPA, HPA and Intergrative Health Policy Consortium (IHPC). Dr. Marini was educated in basic science and medicine at Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia where he received a M.S. in Microbiology and Immunology in 1976. Doctoral studies followed at the University of Pennsylvania and Pacific Western University where he conducted dissertation research on avian tumor viruses accomplished at the Wistar Institute in Philadelphia. He received his Ph.D. in Microbiology in 1989. Dr. Marini received vitalistic training and professional development at the Pennsylvania College of Chiropractic where he received his D.C. in 1988. He received the Diplomate in Chiropractic Pediatrics from the Academy of Chiropractic Family Practice in 2007. He served as professor of Microbiology at the Pennsylvania College of Chiropractic from 1980 until 1995, and as Academic Dean from 1990-1993. https://www.marinichiroanded.com

In this episode, Dr. Stephen Marini and I discuss how the immune system is supposed to develop given perfect conditions. He was educated in classical science and medicine at Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia where he received his M.S. in Microbiology and Immunology. Doctoral studies followed at the University of Pennsylvania and Pacific Western University. He received his PhD in Microbiology in 1989. Dr. Marini received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Pennsylvania College of Straight Chiropractic in 1988. As a vitalist trained in classical science and medicine, Dr. Marini appreciates the role of energy/ information on an individual's health and healing processes. He incorporates this knowledge and belief into his teaching of psychoneuroimmunology as well as his practice of Chiropractic. He currently practices in King of Prussia, PA and Northeast Philadelphia and lectures internationally on psychoneuroimmunology and vaccination issues. www.MariniChiroandEd.com  

Brigadier-General Garry S. Thomson, CD was born in Dundee, Scotland, attended High School in Thunder Bay and Kincardine, and university at Waterloo College, and holds a B.Sc. in Business from Pacific Western University, Los Angeles. From a police and military family, (his father was a wartime officer in the British Army, captured at Anzio Beachhead as a Platoon Commander, 6th Gordons, 1st British Infantry Division) he was an Army Cadet, then began his own military career as ROTP (Infantry) in […]

Dr. Stephen C. Marini was educated in basic science and medicine at Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia where he received a M.S. in Microbiology and Immunology in 1976.  Doctoral studies followed at the University of Pennsylvania and Pacific Western University with dissertation research on avian tumor viruses accomplished at the Wistar Institute in Philadelphia.  He received his Ph.D. in Microbiology in 1989.  Vitalistic training and professional development occurred at the Pennsylvania College of Chiropractic where he received his D.C. in 1988.  He served as professor of Microbiology at the Pennsylvania College of Chiropractic from 1980-1995 and as Academic Dean from 1990-1993.   As a vitalist trained in classical science and conventional medicine, Dr. Marini appreciates the role of energy/information on an individual's health and healing process.  He recognizes the need for a complementary, patient-centered approach to healing and health care options.  Dr. Steve incorporates this knowledge and belief into his teaching of psychoneuroimmunology and vaccination issues.   Dr. Marini serves on the Boards of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), the Holistic Pediatric Association (HPA), and the Integrated Healthcare Policy Consortium (IHPC).  For more information, please visit his website at www.marinichiroanded.com.  

Celeste Yarnall is a former actress, model, and TV spokeswoman who is well known for her guest-starring role in the original Star Trek, and as Elvis Presley's co-star in "Live a Little, Love a Little." However, her true passion is pets. She was inspired her to earn a doctorate in Nutrition from Pacific Western University and is the author of Cat Care, Naturally;Natural Cat Care, a complete guide to holistic health care for cats; and the companion Natural Dog Care, published in 2000. Her award-winning book, The Complete Guide to Holistic Cat Care, co-authored with Jean Hofve, DVM, was published in 2009 by Quarry Books.  Her newest book with Dr.Hofve, PALEO DOG will be released in 2014 through Rodale Press. Celeste writes a highly popular blog for the social action network Care2.com, “Celestial Musings,” which reaches over 20,000,000 members globally. She contributes to Natural News Network (naturalnews.com), and has been published in The New Zealand Journal of Natural Medicine,Raw Instincts, Healthy Dogs, Naturally and many others. Celeste is a producer and is featured in a documentary film created by Emmanuel Itier, entitled Femme: Women Healing the World; Sharon Stone is the Exec Producer. The film also features Jean Houston, Barbara Marx Hubbard, and Marianne Williamson. Celeste is currently an associate producer on a new Sci Fi spoof film project entitled UNBELIEVABLE!!! Celeste appears as herself in the film. Celeste writes a blog for Care2.com and www.celestialmusingsblog.com

Celeste Yarnall is a former actress, model, and TV spokeswoman who is well known for her guest-starring role in the original Star Trek, and as Elvis Presley's co-star in "Live a Little, Love a Little." However, her true passion is pets. She was inspired her to earn a doctorate in Nutrition from Pacific Western University and is the author of Cat Care, Naturally;Natural Cat Care, a complete guide to holistic health care for cats; and the companion Natural Dog Care, published in 2000. Her award-winning book, The Complete Guide to Holistic Cat Care, co-authored with Jean Hofve, DVM, was published in 2009 by Quarry Books.  Her newest book with Dr.Hofve, PALEO DOG will be released in 2014 through Rodale Press. Celeste writes a highly popular blog for the social action network Care2.com, “Celestial Musings,” which reaches over 20,000,000 members globally. She contributes to Natural News Network (naturalnews.com), and has been published in The New Zealand Journal of Natural Medicine,Raw Instincts, Healthy Dogs, Naturally and many others. Celeste is a producer and is featured in a documentary film created by Emmanuel Itier, entitled Femme: Women Healing the World; Sharon Stone is the Exec Producer. The film also features Jean Houston, Barbara Marx Hubbard, and Marianne Williamson. Celeste is currently an associate producer on a new Sci Fi spoof film project entitled UNBELIEVABLE!!! Celeste appears as herself in the film. Celeste writes a blog for Care2.com and www.celestialmusingsblog.com