Dear Colleagues
As most of you know, I spend a few weeks every spring in AZ attending baseball spring training. Most of it is to get away from the winter in Colorado, visit my son, and watch some baseball. There are a few players I work with and some trainers that know me. In the eyes of major league baseball, chiropractic is just "another modality" (to quote the Rockies trainer, the Rockies being one of about 4 major league teams that keep a chiropractor on staff), along with physical therapists, nutritionists, massage therapists, acupuncturists, etc. They see us as being limited in scope and used for a spinal adjustment in select cases.
On the nutrition end, Major League Baseball certifies nutrition products and to date have only certified 2 companies (according to the trainer). Those companies are Gatorade and EAS. Since most of you that read this know a lot about nutrition- I do not even have to comment on the quality of these products. What it comes down to is those with power and money control professional sports medicine. Certain savvy athletes who want more, search out practitioners like us, and are rewarded with better performance, less injuries, more endurance, better recovery time, etc. etc. It would make sense that teams would flock to hire AK docs and would be rewarded with better won-loss records etc., but "brainwashing" by the other health practitioners who have their foot in the door makes it almost impossible for us to enter on a larger scale than the individual athlete. Looking at the "bigger picture", it is not that bad as we treat people with chronic illnesses that other practitioners have been unable to impact and bring back a degree of wellness that people of all types and ages wouldn't have had without coming to us. Is it more important to correct chronic pain or diarrhea, fatigue etc. in an individual or add 10 points to some ones batting average? You can decide that for your self. It can be frustrating though when you try to get your foot in a door that is being shut. I remember going to a seminar of my friend Wally Schmitt many years ago in Chapel Hill NC and Michael Jordan was in the hotel lobby where the seminar was being held. Wally said (according to my memory) - he should be asking for our autographs. I agree with that line of thinking- not that we should be held in such high esteem necessarily (as God gives us talents we should be using), but that what is important is not necessarily that which is rewarded the most. When a mediocre pitcher can make 5 million dollars a year, you have to wonder what is going on. When I was growing up baseball players worked in the off season in gas stations, etc to supplement their income. Now after a few seasons they are set for life. It is fascinating watching ballplayers I have personally known- come in as humbles kids and see what happens when faced with $, fame and adoration. Some do stay humble and thankful, while others transform into arrogant narcissists and of course we are partially to blame as we place them on pedestals.
After writing the above, one of my player patients got me an invitation to visit with the head rehab trainer for a major league team (he stays in AZ all year round and is sent the injured major and minor league players to work with them). I spent an hour with him and a AA trainer demonstrating how an AK practitioner could help them. They were very impressed with the presentation I made and have invited me back the end of the month to teach a class to all the trainers in this organization. It is interesting to talk to them as they too are frustrated with the
nutritional situation. It also appears that upward mobility in their jobs has nothing to do with the results they get working on players. Many of them thus do not really care if the players get better quicker, though this man does. I do not know if this will lead to anything but it has been an interesting experience so far.
The player I work with most has been about the only player on the team not to come down with a cold or flu. He attributes it to the nutrients we have him on as in previous seasons he always came down with the viruses too. We have him on TheraSupreme and MorindaSupreme (Mid American 1-800-922-1744) as well as Al’s Formula, Mediclear, L-Carnitine, and L-Tyrosine (Thorne Research 1-800-228-1966)
New Products
Additions to Biochemical Hormone Kit (AK Test Kits 1-888-323-0625)- The biochemical hormone kit has been invaluable to me over the years. If you do not have it you can go to michellebowitzdc.com and click on test kits and read about the vials in it. Recently we decided to add some new vials we feel could be very valuable. You can order the whole kit or if you have the original kit you can get the additions only. The additions are:
Acetylcholine/Ach
A neurotransmitter; at all nerve-muscle junctions as well as many other sites in the nervous system; contraction of skeletal muscles, control of sweat glands and heart beat; transmits messages between neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Involved in myasthenia gravis and Alzheimer’s disease; nicotine mimics this neurotransmitter.
Bilirubin
Metabolic waste product. Yellow pigment that is one of the end products of hemoglobin breakdown in the liver, spleen and bone marrow and is excreted as a waste material in the bile; associated with jaundice. Products formed from the breakdown of bilirubin are responsible for the brown colour of stools.
Calcitriol
A hormone. Aids in absorption of dietary calcium and phosphorus; secreted by kidneys; it is the active hormonal form of vitamin D.
Cholesterol
Extracted by the body from food and also synthesized in liver; most abundant steroid in animal tissue; synthesis of steroid hormones and bile salts; stabilizing cell membranes.
Complement C3
Part of non-specific immune response; turned into complement 3b which enhances phagocytosis (ingestion and destruction of cell debris, microbes and other foreign matter) ; most abundant of complement proteins. Low levels of C3 often seen in gram negative septicemia, shock, lupus, fungal infections and some parasitic infections such as malaria. Increased complement activity seen in cancer and ulcerative colitis. Decreased complement activity in hepatitis and liver cirrhosis.
Complement C5a
Part of non-specific immune response; contributes to the development of inflammation by dilating arterioles and causing release of histamine. Increased complement activity seen in cancer and ulcerative colitis; decreased complement activity in hepatitis and liver cirrhosis.
Complement C7
In blood; part of non-specific resistance and immunity; enhance allergic and inflammatory reactions; with other complement proteins forms large holes in the microbe, allowing fluid to flow in and the microbe then bursts.
Complement Factor B
Part of non-specific immune response; activates complement C3 and so the immune response. Increased complement activity seen in cancer and ulcerative colitis; decreased complement activity in hepatitis and liver cirrhosis.
Complement Factor D
Part of non-specific immune response; activates complement C3 and so the immune response. Increased complement activity seen in cancer and ulcerative colitis; decreased complement activity in hepatitis and liver cirrhosis.
Complement Factor I
Part of non-specific immune response; recognizes repetitive sugar structures found in cell membranes of bacteria and viruses but not in humans; triggers reactions that activate complement C3 and C5 and so the immune response. Increased complement activity seen in cancer and ulcerative colitis. Decreased complement activity in hepatitis and liver cirrhosis.
Complement Factor P/ Properdin
Part of non-specific immune response; activates complement C3 and so the immune response. Increased complement activity seen in cancer and ulcerative colitis; decreased complement activity in hepatitis / cirrhosis.
Corticosterone:
A hormone involved in the stress response. Helps regulate the conversion of amino acids into carbohydrates and glycogen by the liver, and helps stimulate glycogen formation in the tissues. Less powerful than other stress hormones.
Corticotropin Releasing Hormone (CRH)
A hormone. Stimulates release of ACTH involved in the regulation of food intake, energy homeostasis and stress response. Secreted in hypothalamus.
C-Reactive Protein
Elevated levels indicate an increased risk of heart attack and stroe in the future; necessary for acute stage of inflammation but inappropriate for chronic stage; effective against bacteria, parasites and immune complexes; synthesized by liver.
Dopamine/Da
A neurotransmitter. In parts of the brain that control subconscious movement of skeletal muscles; regulating muscle tone; increases the efficiency of the heartbeat and helps return the blood pressure to normal; involved in emotional responses. Decreased levels associated with Parkinson’s disease. May be involved with schizophrenia, ADD, autism, and La Tourette's syndrome.
b- Endorphin / Beta Endorphin
Neuropeptide. In brain, spinal cord, pancreas and testes; control of sensitivity to pain by inhibiting substance P; control of body’s response to stress; regulation of contraction of intestinal wall; affects mood; may also regulate the release of hormones from the pituitary gland; may have a role in memory and learning, sexual activity and control of body temperature. Morphine has a similar chemical structure; linked to depression and schizophrenia.
GABA / Gamma-Aminobutyrate Acid
An amino acid and neurotransmitter. Most widely distributed inhibitory neurotransmitter; blocks noradrenaline and dopamine; deficiencies found in hypertension and seizures; a target for anti-anxiety drugs.
Glutathione Peroxidase
An enzyme. Involved in conversion of hydrogen peroxide within the body; protection against free radical damage; reduces the production of inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Children with asthma have significantly reduced blood levels; may be involved in schizophrenia; levels reduced if selenium deficiency.
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRP)
A hormone. Secreted by hypothalamus; stimulates release of LH and FSH.
Hyaluronic Acid
Extra-cellular, viscous material that binds cells together, lubricates joints and maintains shape of the eye ball; may help phagocytes migrate through connective tissue during development and wound healing. co-factors are N-acetyl glucosamine and glucuronic acid.
Hydrochloric Acid
Produced by gastric glands in the stomach to aid protein digestion by preparing proteins for the later stages of digestion; also prevents bacterial growth in the stomach. Excessive acid production may be stimulated by stress or tobacco smoking.
Interferon/ Alpha-Interferon,/ Intron A
Fight infection; made by certain white blood cells; naturally produced by virus-infected host cells that induce unaffected cells to synthesize antiviral proteins and so stops many viruses from replicating within body cells. Have been used to treat cancer, immunodeficiency disorders, chronic infection with hepatitis B & C and chronic genital herpes; 2 other types – beta and gamma.
Leptin
A hormone released by fat cells as they synthesize triglycerides; reduces appetite; believed to inhibit neuropeptide Y; role in central control of bone mass and so possibly osteoporosis; onset of puberty; believed to have an immune system role through support of helper T cells. Non-insulin dependent diabetes, high blood pressure.
Substance P
A neuropeptide in sensory nerves, spinal cord and parts of brain associated with pain – enhances perception of pain; stimulates motility of the intestines; stimulates saliva production and inflammatory responses in tissues. Endorphins inhibit Substance P; counters the effect of certain nerve-damaging chemicals, so may prove useful as treatment for nerve degeneration.
Superoxide Dismutase/ SOD
Antioxidant produced naturally in the body; combats the damage to cells caused by the superoxide radical. Supplementation of SOD has been shown to exert strong regenerative effects on tissues that have become hardened or fibrotic because of age, disease, or injury; may be anti-ageing.
Thyroxine/ Tetraiodothyronine/T4
A hormone. Converted into T3; growth and normal development; increase rate at which cells release energy from carbohydrates; enhance protein synthesis; stimulate nervous system.
Reverse T3 / 3,3’,5’-Triiodothyronine
A hormone. Reverse T3 and T3 are secreted in an inverse relationship allowing the thyroid to adjust the amount of thyroid activity; blocks the action of T3 by binding with the receptor sites.
Tumour Necrosis Factor Alpha
Produced by macrophages, which engulf and destroy bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances; role in regulating inflammatory and immune responses throughout the body and particularly in relation to some parasites. Asthma, eczema, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, cancer; may be involved in septicaemia, and the weight loss associated with parasitic infection or cancer.
Urea
Waste product of the breakdown of proteins; the main nitrogenous constituent of urine; formed in the body from the break down of cell proteins. Used in some creams and ointments to moisturise and soften the skin.
Available Info/Products, from Michael Lebowitz DC
1.DVD- Treating The Complex Patient 2007: This DVD seminar, approximately 6 hours long will teach the physician a simple to apply, effective protocol to treat patients with chronic fatigue, allergies, chemical sensitivities, intestinal dysbiosis, (fungal, bacterial, parasitic, and viral infections), food sensitivities, altered intestinal permeability, toxic metal problems, endocrine dysfunction, nutritional imbalances, chronic pain and subluxations. Knowledge of basic muscle testing is helpful. A complete protocol is taught that you can use to treat even the most chronic patients. The video is suited for both the novice and the advanced practitioners in our work and has many changes from previous DVD’s. A complete set of advanced notes accompanies the video. This video supersedes our previous ones. Price is $250 and can be paid by check to our office or paypal to noach2343@aol.com. There is a paypal link on our website to pay also.
2. Personal Seminars with Dr. Lebowitz: Dr. Lebowitz teaches seminars to one or two doctors at a time in his home/office in Grand Junction, CO. These classes are tailored to meet your individual needs and can be as basic or advanced as you would like. Treatment for you and/or your family can be included in the teaching. Colorado continuing education hours can be provided. Best days are Sundays, Mondays or Wednesdays. Call to schedule exact dates. Cost is $300 for one physician or $500 for 2 physicians coming together.
Available Info/Products, etc.
1.DVD- Treating The Complex Patient 2007: This DVD seminar, approximately 6 hours long will teach the physician a simple to apply, effective protocol to treat patients with chronic fatigue, allergies, chemical sensitivities, intestinal dysbiosis, (fungal, bacterial, parasitic, and viral infections), food sensitivities, altered intestinal permeability, toxic metal problems, endocrine dysfunction, nutritional imbalances, chronic pain and subluxations. Knowledge of basic muscle testing is helpful. A complete protocol is taught that you can use to treat even the most chronic patients. The video is suited for both the novice and the advanced practitioners in our work and has many changes from previous DVD’s. A complete set of advanced notes accompanies the video. This video supersedes our previous ones. Price is $250 and can be paid by check to our office or paypal to noach2343@aol.com. There is a paypal link on our website to pay also.
2. Clinical Indications of Thorne Research Products: This handout has both academic and clinical observations on well over 100 products I use in my office. Approximately 80% of the products I use are by Thorne Research. Reasons are given. This handout is free and is available in written form or on CD-Rom. You may wither call our office for a copy or download it from our website: www.michaellebowitzdc.com as you can download it.
3. Personal Seminars with Dr. Lebowitz: Dr. Lebowitz teaches seminars to one or two doctors at a time in his home/office in Grand Junction, CO. These classes are tailored to meet your individual needs and can be as basic or advanced as you would like. Treatment for you and/or your family can be included in the teaching. Colorado continuing education hours can be provided. Best days are Sundays, Mondays or Wednesdays. Call to schedule exact dates. Cost is $300 for one physician or $500 for 2 physicians coming together.
4. Test Kits for Dr. Lebowitz protocol. Call AK Test Kits at 1-888-323-0625 or see our website http://www.michaellebowitzdc.com for more details. Info is available on CD-Rom. These new kits will greatly simplify and speed up your testing making you more efficient and accurate in patient assessment.
5. Lasers we use in our protocol (rectangular beam output 635nm 5mw) Laseronix 1-808- 879-9391. The one we use is called “the Desensitizer”