Vol X Oct 2008 | The Village Green Apothecary E-Newsletter

Three Tests that Could Save Her Life

We all know her… the woman who is crazy-busy, stressed-out, and taking care of everyone — except herself.

Whether she’s your wife, sister, mother, or friend, you need to know about these important tests that can help prevent disease, improve quality of life, and even save a woman’s life.

What are Bio-Identical Hormones?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a hot topic among middle-aged women and their doctors as they grapple with symptoms of menopause. Traditional HRT has increasingly come under scrutiny, and the search for safe, alternative treatments is a priority.

You may want to consider trying bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Bio-identical hormones are estrogen and progesterone analogs that mimic the chemical structure of hormones produced by the ovaries during reproductive years. Contact Village Green to learn more about the many health benefits of bio-identical hormones.

Meet Dr. Kevin Passero

Village Green’s Naturopathic Doctor

Most folks know him as “Dr. Kevin” because he’s so approachable and forthcoming, but don’t let his easygoing demeanor deceive you: Dr. Kevin Passero is an extremely knowledgeable professional with many years of education and experience in his field.

A Maryland native, born in Baltimore and raised in Potomac, Kevin holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Biology from the University of Colorado, and a doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from The National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR (one of only four accredited naturopathic medical schools in the U.S.). But his story, and especially his beliefs about his practice, are even more impressive than his credentials.

In Kevin’s own words…

“I knew in college that I wanted to pursue a career in health care. I always assumed that it would be in the traditional medical arena or in the dental field because both my father and sister are dentists. But before I graduated from college I had an opportunity to work with a naturopathic doctor in Colorado, and I was totally blown away by how much she could help people without using any drugs or traditional medical interventions.

“Now remember, this was about 10 years ago and most people seeing alternative medicine practitioners were desperate, deemed failures by the traditional medical system. These were tough cases that were having fantastic results with naturopathic care. From that moment on my eyes were opened, and I knew in my heart I would seek my education at naturopathic school.

“For the last 3 years I have specialized in working with people who suffer from thyroid, adrenal and hormone dysfunction. After graduating from naturopathic school and running my practice for a couple years, I decided to seek mentorship with a local MD who had spent the last 15 years working with people who have adrenal fatigue, thyroid disorders and hormone imbalance.

“I worked side-by-side with him for almost a year and a half, learning everything I could from his vast experience. Since then, my practice has leaned heavily towards these conditions because so many people suffer from these issues. Also, traditional medical models don’t even recognize the concept of adrenal fatigue and have very little to offer people with hormonal imbalances. It is amazing how well the body responds to natural therapies for these conditions.

“Additionally, thyroid management is often not optimal for many people through the traditional medical model. The results are primarily based on lab results — not what the patient is feeling. Many people tell me that their doctor says their thyroid labs are normal despite the fact that they don’t feel well. It is very important to select the most appropriate lab tests for a person and interpret them in a way that reflects an optimal feeling of well being, not just ‘are you normal or abnormal?’

“More recently, I have expanded my practice to help people with allergies. Seasonal allergies cause tremendous discomfort and frustration and require expensive prescriptions or invasive therapies like allergy shots. Food allergies contribute to conditions like eczema, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, acid reflux and even mood problems. I have recently been trained in a cutting-edge therapy that combines advanced software technologies with age-old acupressure techniques to effectively give people permanent relief from allergy symptoms."

Recommended Pathway Products

Vitamin D3
Vitamin D deficiencies have been linked to a higher risk of cancer, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. Recent studies have shown that taking 2000 IU of Vitamin D3 per day decreased colon cancer by half and breast cancer by two-thirds. Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) is 70% more potent than synthetic Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol).

° Pathway VITAMIN D3 (available in 1000 IU and 2000 IU)

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C)/Diindolylmethane (DIM)
Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a substance in some vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower), and its metabolite, Diindolylmethane (DIM), have been involved in promising research about breast and other types of cancer. These substances support healthy estrogen metabolism by the liver, and may reduce the risk of estrogen-sensitive cancers.

° Pathway I3C PLUS

Adrenal Support
Trying to cope with stress? Consider boosting your adrenal support. The adrenal glands take over much of the sex hormone production function after menopause, so supporting adrenal health can make a big difference in a woman’s quality of life.

° Pathway ADRENAL SUPPORT

Bone Nutrients
Aging can make women susceptible to weak and brittle bones. The consequences can be painful and debilitating. Fortunately, several natural substances such as calcium hydroxyapatite, magnesium and bone-building trace minerals can help you stay strong and mobile.

° Pathway BONE GUARDIAN

Individualized Nutrition, Pharmacy, and Healthy Living

5415 W. Cedar Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814
Order online or by phone: myvillagegreen.com | 301-530-0800

The information in this newsletter is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. Consult your physician if you have any question regarding a medical condition.