Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – an overview

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a serious multi-system illness characterized by increased fatigue after minimal exertion, cognitive impairment, and poor recovery from stressors-physical and otherwise.  Other symptoms can include confusion, concentration problems, forgetfulness, feeling unrefreshed after sleep, joint pain, new headaches, mild fever, muscle aches or weakness, sore throat, and sore lymph nodes. There are … Continue reading

Allergic Reactions

In 1906, “allergy” was first defined as an “altered reaction” to a substance, meaning a reaction that most people did not get. Later, four types of classical allergy were described with specific immune system involvements: Type I- Immediate, Type II-Cytotoxic, Type III- Immune Complex, and Type IV-Delayed. Although these four categories are still used today, … Continue reading

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease is a neurodegenerative brain disorder caused by a decrease in dopamine produced in the area of the brain called the substantia nigra.  Symptoms can include abnormal movement activity, cognitive abnormalities, and even psychotic symptoms like visual hallucinations. Primary Parkinsonism These unavoidable causes include genetic predisposition and certain illnesses such as Wilson disease, Huntington’s … Continue reading

Chemicals That Cause Cancer

Although genetics may play a role in some cancers, there is overwhelming evidence that many environmental chemicals cause cancer to develop.  These chemicals are present in products we use every day.  Knowing which chemicals to avoid can reduce your risk of cancer. Benzene Human studies have shown that exposure to benzene can cause leukemia.  What’s … Continue reading

Unsuspected Causes of Obesity

The Obesity Epidemic One-third of all Americans are overweight or obese, including adults and children. In the past 30 years, childhood obesity has more than doubled in children ages 6-10 and tripled in adolescents ages 11-19. This rapid increase in obesity cannot be attributed to genetics. Along with the rise in obesity, we also see … Continue reading

Detoxification from Environmental Chemicals

What is Detoxification? Detoxification is the process of removing substances considered toxic or poisonous to the human body.  Detoxification aims at the mobilization and excretion of the toxic properties of the substance by inducing chemical changes in the body.  The primary organs of detoxification are the liver, skin, bowels, and lungs. Why is detoxification so … Continue reading

New from Dr. Sprouse! – Your Environmental Minute

I am pleased to be a part of an exciting new venture on the internet. It’s called YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL MINUTE. The subject of the ENVIRONMENT has been a hot topic for decades. Lately, increased levels of air pollution and health issues such as asthma, diabetes and lung disease have been in the headlines. And because … Continue reading

ASSESSING BUILDINGS FOR WATER DAMAGE AND MOLD CONTAMINATION

 I am pleased to have Luke Curtis, MD, MS, CIH  as our Guest Blogger for April.  Luke is a Medical Doctor as well as a Certified Industrial Hygienist,  and has assessed more than 1,000 buildings for mold and moisture problems as well as other issues of indoor air quality.  He is one of just 10 … Continue reading

Beware the Health Consequences of Mold Exposure!

Indoor mold contamination can cause serious health problems. Indoor water leaks from broken pipes, damaged roofs, poorly sealed windows, basement flooding, etc. create optimal conditions for mold to grow.  Indoor mold thrives in cool, moist, dark places. Hurricanes  Sandy, Irene,  Rita, and Katrina dumped thousands of gallons of water inland,  causing severe water damage to … Continue reading

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