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Blog Post Belated Columbus Day 2019

11/23/2019

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Columbus Day - indigenous people's day, also the day that falls around my birthday each year.
Raw Food Journey
Here is a list of eventful times relating to my raw food journey:
​-  Purposeful transition, as an adult, 2004 after being diagnosed with pre-cancerous cells, resulting from an untreated past diagnosis.
-  2004 homeless and moved into a domestic violence shelter with my 2 toddlers.
-  Started receiving Medicaid insurance after being uninsured for years including during pregnancy two times.  I was able to get my teeth cleaned and repaired, a PAP and other health care at free or low cost clinics including Outside in and at naturopathic student clinics and with a practitioner Dr. Wendy, which took me over 1 year to pay my bill for 1 visit in which I was told that her services would be too expensive and time consuming; and that I should receive conventional care AKA surgery, which my insurance paid for.
-  In 3rd or 4th grade, Mr. Ross told us that liver helped to detox the body and that toxins can be stored in cow liver - that got me out of eating liver ever again, after telling my mother.
-  In 2nd grade on, I was concerned about being fat, having fat thighs and a flat chest.  I had started puberty very early at age 6 and think back on what xenoestrogens that I was exposed to including, hair moisturizer designed for black hair.
-  In 2004 I was living in the transitional housing program apartments formerly known as, Turning Point.  I had developed walking pneumonia and kicked myself for cancelling my acupuncture appointment.  I rescheduled and drove myself to the clinic and received acupuncture and a paper bag full of herbs, in which I stayed up all night boiling down as instructed and drinking as prescribed.  The herbs worked and previous to this I had read Dr. DC Jarvis' book on Fold Medicine - I was hooked on "alternative health".
-  As a teen I had hoped to go to conventional medical school, then join the Peace Corps so that I can end up in a place where people lived in grass huts, did not speak English, and have them teach me how the native plants are used as medicine.
-   I was not raw but had incorporated a lot of whole foods and super foods to my diet, buying food with food stamps at Wild Oats grocery store and Fred Meyer.
-  College bound (again).
-  Sunrise Place, moved in 2005, on my son's birthday
-  Cambridge Court, moved in 2006, on my son's birthday
-  ...life began to change even more, yet eating out of food boxes and working a low paying job while attending college paid for by student loans.  The children and I shared bananas, slices of smoked salmon and cans of sardines.  It was too expensive for everyone to get there own serving, but I wanted them to be strong and healthy and I wanted to live well into their adulthood.
-   To be continued...

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Feb 2019 part 2 More on Love

2/18/2019

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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.
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February 2019

2/18/2019

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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.
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About me...current

8/26/2018

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Currently, I am being hired by clients and patients who are considered low income by society's standards, in the USA.  My clinic is run by me alone and I have multiple jobs in order to be able to remain a physician for my patients and to raise my family as a single mother.  I had multiple opportunities a couple years ago, where I could work at other clinics for a salary and earn more money that I ever had in my life.  Something did not feel right about those opportunities and more than 1 was "just plain shady" and I could not allow myself to be dragged into that type of environment for any amount of money.  

After experiencing years of homelessness in between my medical school and pre-medical education; I made a note to myself, after being treated poorly by multiple health practitioners based on demographic and yes they stated how they felt about my demographic...to-my-face- and in-front-of-my-children; I wanted to do what I could, God-willing, to be able to treat other human beings with R-E-S-P-E-C-T.  I was raised to be polite and to respect my elders.  I am frequently treated with disrespect and I turn that mess into a message.  My message is loud and clear if you know me as a person or have been one of my clients.

On am on plan Z with my life.  Paper to pen, I am going to go back through the alphabet starting with double A and double B.  My body wants to give up and my mind wants to give up; thankfully my spirit has the faith of a mustard seed.  

More will be revealed in this journey we call life.  I share this painful truth, as others before me have done, leading to another glimmer of hope that all is not lost and a reminder to keep on trudging.

Peace,
"Dr. Mia"

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Same person different business

4/6/2017

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Contact me for more information about my other services offered outside of my primary care medical clinic, Tower of Health, LLC.  I am a certified birth/labor and post partum doula.  I offer support during pregnancy for individuals and families, I offer labor support and post partum services including helping care for homes, pets and other children.  Please contact me for more information about this.  I offer services in Oregon and in some areas of Washington state.  I can help you find out more information about insurance coverage including OHP, Oregon Health Plan coverage.  This service is as a birth coach and not as a physician or midwife.  Contact me about physician services separately towerofhealth1@gmail.com.    Cell during day time hours 503-464-6911.  Free consults available to see if we are a good match.  I have received my training as a Full Circle Doula through ICTC; the International Center for Traditional Childbearing and have received additional training in cultural competency.  I have worked with many cultures and grew up as a person of color in a rural town located in northern Michigan and have resided in Portland, OR since 2001, raising 2 children and due to unsafe conditions as a single divorced mother since 2004, in which time I have completed licensure for my naturopathic physician license Oregon and am close to turning in my packet for Oregon licensure for naturopathic midwifery, in which I completed 2 additional years of hands on and classroom training.  I am not a midwife...yet but I will keep you posted on this.  I volunteer regularly in the community including the last year continued weekly volunteer services with geriatric patients admitted to a local hospital.  I am a business woman who has started on a shoestring budget and I believe I possess a lot of empathy for others; in this fast paced digital world that we live in.  I consider myself a person of extremes including in health care, where I would like to offer well rounded services that I call "old fashioned" yet using technology and modern science to offer modern support and sharing of current knowledge.
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More to Come Summer Safety Including Vehicles and Motorcycles

7/9/2016

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Until then...

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.
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List Set of Books; To Keep or Not to Keep

7/9/2016

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See video on youtube.com  ​https://youtu.be/J9rodvm52uY
​
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Portland Air Quality Cadmium and Arsenic

2/24/2016

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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


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The Birth Experience Summary Page

1/21/2016

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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. 

 

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The Birth Experience

1/21/2016

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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. 

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