I write for a hobby, mainly fiction and some autobiography.  I got stumped on a love story that I was writing last fall, when I realized that I could not convey what the characters, a man named Mark and woman named Pica were going through during the relationship that involved feelings of love.  I have personally lived in toxic situations and had survived this long, feeling little unconditional, family or intimate love.  I felt ashamed that I was denied this type of relationship with another human being, and set forth my research.  I checked out library books, movies, watched YouTube videos on how couples met and fell in love.  I listened to elders tell me about how they met their spouses and I even signed up for online dating (as an experiment) in Sept 2018.  I have been single and raising children alone for more than 14 and 1/2 years.  My family consists of 1 daughter, 1 son, 2 guinea pigs and 1 rabbit.  I don't have a friend to cry on their shoulder or them mine...so I gave myself a week (ha!) to learn from others how to work on a chapter in my story that included love and dating, and at the time last fall, I realized that I had never actually dated anyone in my entire life.  I did meet 1 guy at a movie once as a teenager after getting a ride with a group of friends after being denied by a parent to be able to go with the guy himself.  That "relationship" was a disaster by the way.

So, I watched fiction and fact on hetero, homo, bi, and whatever kind of love stories, the universe brought to me.  It's Feb 2019 and I have not touched my book (I've thought about it).  It's as though I cannot just make up my own words for my own novel if I do not have experience with the topic.  So, I am basically ignorant in the topic of love, and am willing to learn.  Willingness is one of my keys of happiness and joy as I can look forward to changing myself in baby steps without feeling overwhelmed.  Becoming willing comes after learning what is lacking and making a move toward committing to make a change without committing to make the change, yet.  

I pray that I can be the character in a real life love story and that I will be thrown into a pot of love, as far as dating, romantic, intimate love and that it won't just be for my own desire and neediness but also to share this miraculous gift with another human being, and be able to finish my novel and share with the world a feeling that makes their hearts throb.  Until, then, and who knows maybe it has already began to happen during this experiment, I will use my spirit person to help me show love to the rest of the world.  If you have found love, learn more about how this affects your love.  If you are searching, like me or have given up; please do not feel alone.  We are not alone, for whatever reason some of us have not entered the right season to obtain this relationship.  What can we do now with self-care, and non-selfish self-love that can help us to be better people, to love ourselves and lose fear of being loved by others?  We have today and tomorrow is not a guarantee, so nurture, seek and never give up!  Namaste.

February Black History Month and Love.
When I was a child my mother would take me onto Wurtsmith AFB to watch a black history month show being preformed on stage.  Later, as a student at Michigan State University, I was a member of the Charles Drew Enrichment Laboratory which helped anyone but especially minorities who had a lower graduation rate after successful entrance, to graduate.  We would have weekly circle groups where we each read our report about a minority, it opened my eyes to all the achievements that I never ever learned about before. I believe that it was at MSU or maybe PSU that we would have MLK day off, in January, and notices were sent out to have a "day on" not a day off, in which you were requested to volunteer in the community and give back.  Since then I rarely hear anyone talking about MLK or Black History month and it makes me feel very sad!  I do not hear of events.  This past week I was told that I can watch a MLK celebration that took place at Beth Israel, in NW Portland recently, online.  I would like to attend their event next year.  I was so grateful that someone from the Jewish faith, after so many years, had informed me of an event and acknowledged history that so many people do not care about.  I am not blaming anyone.  I remember being a medical student and spending the whole MLK day in private clinics, sure kids and college students were out of school and the US mail was not delivered, but could we put up a sign somewhere with a group of diverse people having a peaceful time, pictures are worth a thousand words.  I say that I am woke then casually "forget" that I can have my own celebration.  That no one is stopping me from learning and relearning my history, not just of blacks, but of other ethnic groups, that I did not learn about in standard history courses or even about women, or silent heroes.  Life as a minority can be so discouraging.  I am a single mother and have very few "friends".  There is so much racism in the world that it takes me doing a lot of prayer and meditation each day just to face the world.  What I would like to see is love.  Love for self, love for others and recognizing that each of us is an individual not a product of a stereotype that media attempts to portray.   Peace; may you find yourself in good health.

Disclaimer, the items listed above are NO LONGER connected to an affiliate account and are for entertainment purposes and not to be used as medical advice.  Please see your health practitioner for health concerns and visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or other local office for driving rules, regulations, licensing requirements and other information regarding transportation.

See video on youtube.com  ​https://youtu.be/J9rodvm52uY

​

Keep yourself informed about the air quality in your local neighborhood.   Learn more about safety in eating from your own gardens.  Talk to your primary care practitioner about options, testing, risks for children, adults, pregnant women, and to ask questions. 
Lab testing for toxic heavy metals is available at Tower of Health, LLC.  Samples are collected in office and sent to local labs for evaluation.  Urine, blood and hair follicle tests are among tests that can be run for patients of all ages.

Contact us for more information on scheduling; email or call and ask about a FREE 15 minute consult to see if we are a good fit!

Sources for Portland, Oregon (more to come soon):
http://www.oregonlive.com
http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/02/portlands_toxic_air_gov_kate_b.html



Office:  971-407-3684 Please leave a voicemail message.  Somebody will return your call shortly.
Email:  towerofhealth1@gmail.com

The Birth Experience -Every Birth is Different:  The Goal is the Same.
What to Expect in Natural Births, C-sections, VBACS and Preventing Preterm Births
By Michelle N. Brown-Echerd, ND - June 2015 Portland, OR, USA


Natural Births:  A choice for many and defined differently; natural, vaginal, low risk births can occur with little intervention.  There are many options available; be prepared for plans to change and be ready and educated, in advance, in case an urgent situation arises.  

• Birthing is a special time for mothers, babies and families!

• Each experience is unique and personal.

• Understand what the best birthing option is for you and consider using the help of a doula “birthing assistant”

What will you do if you are preparing for a birth after having a prior C-section?

• VBAC = Vaginal Birth After C-section

• Ask your healthcare provider for information.  Some hospitals have certain policies regarding VBACS.

• Many midwives perform out of hospital VBACs; depending on each individual situation.

• What are the risks of VBACs?

C-Sections: “Cesarean Sections” Many are planned in advance; some are urgent.  Be educated prior to your due date about policies present at the place that you would like to deliver.  Hire a doula for support.  Make a birth plan.   



Preventing premature/preterm labor and births:

• Ask your healthcare provider for a list of signs and symptoms to look for and what to do if they occur.

• Attend health care visits regularly, as suggested by your healthcare provider for monitoring, information and to form a trusting bond.

• Work at being healthy and reduce stress; maintain a healthy diet, adequate exercise and do something you enjoy daily as well as spend time with healthy spirited people you love and who love you.

• Hire a doula for support and as an advocate.

This blog post is for entertainment and educational purposes only.  It is not intended to take the place of medical care and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure any disease or condition.  See your healthcare provider for health related issues. 

 

The Birth Experience Every Birth is Different.  The Goal is the Same. 
What to Expect in Natural Births, C-Sections, VBACs and preventing Preterm births.
By Michelle Brown-Echerd, ND and provisional doula ICTC
Natural Births:
Natural birth is a process of delivering vaginally without any interventions.  This can occur in a variety of situations, including in hospitals, at homes or in birthing centers and unfortunately, but not the end of the world, sometimes occurs in cars, while people are on the way to the hospital or stuck in traffic.
There are various types of birth workers around the world including doctors (MD/ND), midwives, nurses, doulas, perinatologists, neonatologist, lactation consultants, massage therapists and other practitioners that have special training in birth related treatment including chiropractors, counselors and Reike practitioners.

• Naturopathic (ND) midwives are naturopathic physicians who have an additional certificate and midwifery.  In the state of Oregon, a separate licensing exam is given and licensure is granted after all requirements are met; which includes attending at least 50 births of which, the student midwife needs to have medical hands on, at; at least 40 births.

• ND midwives can deliver in homes and birthing centers in Oregon.

• ND midwives are eligible to take the NARM exam in Washington state and become certified Licensed midwives (other rules for naturopaths vary by state/providence).

• ND midwives can prescribe prescription medications, botanical medicine, homeopathics, suppositories and more.

• ND midwives can administer IV medications; including for dehydration and for positive group B strep; in which antibiotics are given every 4 hours, while in the home or birth center.

• ND midwives can use oxygen as needed for births.

• ND midwives can use Pitocin only after the birth; to reduce bleeding.  Other medications can be used at home as well; as needed.

• ND midwives are certified in Neonatal resuscitation and carry equipment to each birth

• ND midwives do not have admitting or hospital privileges but in the event for a need to transport; will call ahead to hospitals to see if they have space or find out recommendations if the hospital is on divert.   NDs often call ND friendly physicians and midwives to discuss the transport plan.  NDs will call the hospital in advance to let them know that the patient is coming and what the situation is; the chart notes; including all lab testing results will be brought to the hospital as a valuable resource for hospital staff to review.  The ND and student will meet the family at the hospital and stay for the birth and often several hours immediate post-partum and will follow up with additional post-partum care after hospital stay.

• Other practitioners can deliver in homes, birth centers and hospitals and the criteria and regulations vary state to state and country to country. 

C -sections:

• Cesarean sections are performed in hospitals. 

• Many are planned in advance for “high risk” births and women may be given this route as the “only” option.

• Dr. Barfield, African American Medical doctor/neonatologist; of the CDC states that 2013 rates in the US 32.7% and in 2009 32.9%4

• Women are choosing elective C-sections prior to 39 weeks gestation; some convenience knowing due dates and when to take maternity leave.

• Risks include:

• Preterm babies

• Retained fetal lung fluid

• Respiratory distress

• C-sections can be a life saver in urgent situations and extenuating circumstances.

VBACS:

• Vaginal birth after C-section

• These can be done by midwives at home births.  Many hospitals will tell women who have C-Sections that they cannot ever have an out of hospital birth.

• Uterine rupture is a risk after C-Section or transmyometrial surgery.1

• Signs and symptoms include:

• Abnormal heart rate tracing

• Uterine tenderness

• Vaginal bleeding

• Shock

• Peritoneal irritation

• Fetal death

• If you are a mother or supporting a mother who is having her first vaginal births, be informed on signs of labor and be prepared for how to cope with uterine contractions.

 
Preventing preterm labor and births:

• Premature is “Born or manifest before full development has been achieved” 5

• < 37 weeks gestation

• Normal is 40 weeks; not exact date known

• </= 2500 g or 5.5 lb.

• Crown heel </= 47 cm (crown rump </= 32 cm) diameter occipital femoral </= 11.5 cm

• Head ratio thorax < 93%

• Preemies in US

• 7.1% white live born

• 13.4% non-white live born </+ 2500 g

• Socioeconomic status educated 16+ years of school vs. </= 9 years5

• Prematurity a leading cause of death for neonates (<2500 g 17 x higher mortality rate)

• Immediate Risks:5

• Abnormal pulmonary ventilation (can be given steroids)

• Infection

• Intracranial hemorrhage

• Abnormal blood conditions

• Congenital anomalies

• Physiologic and anatomic limitations:

• Weak suckling/swallowing reflex

• Small stomach

• Renal function impairment

• Incomplete lung capillary development

• Immature alveoli of lungs

• Weak cough and gag reflexes

• Weakness of the thoracic cage muscles and other respiratory muscles

• Inadequate regulation of the body temperature

• See your healthcare provider regularly during pregnancy

• If there are any concerns; do not hesitate to contact your provider, you will not be bothering them.  It is okay to get support from your doula.  The doula can give you information and encourage you to contact your provider with confidence in listening to your instincts.

• In some “high-risk” situations; delivering pre-term may be “lifesaving” –i.e. pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, twins/multiples, infection, insufficient placenta, large for gestational age, Marfans, connective tissue disorders, severe trauma and more.

• Intra-amniotic infection is common after premature rupture of fetal membranes. 

• Signs and symptoms:

• Abdominal pain

• Maternal and fetal tachycardia

• Uterine contractions

• Uterine tenderness

• fever

• Differential diagnosis- includes acute cholecystitis which would often present with pain in the RUQ region instead of the uterine area and the membranes would likely still be intact.1

• In hospitals, options include cervical cerclage if the cervix ripens (shortens and dilating prematurely); in which stitches are used to close the cervix.3

• Work with a well-educated health care provider on options for VBACs, risks and prevention of uterine rupture or other complications.

 
Sources:

1. UpToDate:  Gallstones in pregnancy.  David C Brooks, MD
2.  Personal knowledge, Michelle Brown-Echerd, ND; from education and experience.
3. www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cervical-cerclage/basics/definition
4. Medscape –Reducing the C-Section Rate Aug 24, 2014.  Wanda D Barfield, MD MPH
5. Tabors Medical

This blog post is for entertainment and educational purposes only.  It is not intended to take the place of medical care and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure any disease or condition.  See your healthcare provider for health related issues. 

Welcome to the holiday season.  What does this mean to you? Does the hype of the holiday cause you stress?  There can be so many pressures during the holidays, leading to winters in the northern hemisphere, shorter days, cooler weather and expectations.
The winter months are also associated with cold and flu season.   In our society, it is not always possible to stay home during the duration of an illness.  Also, there are times when contagious illnesses are more contagious prior to knowing one is ill.
Keeping up with regular activity and extra holiday obligations may lead to stress, reduced sleep and less desirable food choices.  These may make one more susceptible to becoming sick.  We are all exposed to microbes at school, work, public places and from friends and family.
Good hygiene and frequent hand washing may help reduce exposure to germs and microbes.  Staying away from sick people would be ideal.  Find out work or school policies on sick leave prior to becoming sick to help reduce the stress of decision making in times of illness.  Talking to health practitioners prior to becoming ill can help to be educated on how to make urgent or acute appointments, treatment or prevention options and information on the process of obtaining sick leave letters.
Setting boundaries can help to reduce stress during the holidays.  Using a technique that works for you can become an invaluable tool to help get through the season.  Starting with a simple piece of paper and pen can get the ball rolling quickly.  The following list can get you started on setting up boundaries that work for you, your family and your budget:
•    Finances & budget; needs vs. wants
•    Food choices and staying hydrated
•    Holiday activities
•    Holiday gifts and cards
•    Entertainment
•    Vacation time
•    Family time
•    Children’s activities
•    Self-care
•    Respite
•    Friends and fellowship time
•    Setting boundaries with family; knowing when to draw the line and set limits
•    Simple decorating ideas
•    Immune support techniques
•    R and R; rest and relaxation
•    Pet care
•    Home and yard care
•    Work and home parties
•    Heating and indoor air quality
•    Weight management
•    Physical activity
•    Charity
This blog post is for entertainment purposes only.  This is not meant to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any ailment. For medical advice talk to your primary care practitioner.



Michelle Brown-Echerd, ND
Naturopathic Physician
Owner of Tower of Health, LLC
Phone: 971.407.3684