Pathways Article Summaries and References
Issue 08 - Winter 2005

Feature Article:
Listening with a Different Ear
Larry Palvesky, MD
This comprehensive article addresses the natural options for supporting the child with ear infections rather than suppressing the infection with antibiotics. Coming from the clinical experiences of a holistic pediatrician, Dr. Palevsky offers parents suggestions and options which enhance normal body function and healing. By addressing causes and solutions, this article allows parents to make lifestyle choices for the prevention of infections and care for the child who is exhibiting the symptoms of ear infections.
This article is a must have for your families' natural remedy collection.
About the Author:
Dr. Palevsky believes in an integrative approach to his practice and applies a combination of western and eastern medical theories for those families who are interested in a broader medical approach to their children's health and wellness. He also uses nutrition as a major component of his work to help families achieve a greater level of health and awareness. He is a strong advocate of helping to educate and empower families. He strives to help parents access their knowledge and strengthen their confidences through their own experiences and intuition, thus supporting the idea that parents are the primary care providers for their children. In addition, Dr. Palevsky uses his integrative approach with children and families who experience such conditions as asthma, eczema, inflammatory bowel disease, ear infections, chronic congestion, diabetes, learning disabilities, developmental delays, side effects of chronic medication use and perceived vaccination damage. Case by case he incorporates and counsels about the benefits of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, chiropractic work, osteopathy, cranial-sacral therapy, homeopathy, essential oils and natural healing modalities such as aromatherapy, yoga, Reiki, meditation, reflexology and mindfulness. Dr. Palevsky is available to offer an educational program to families and practitioners in the areas of nutrition for infants and children, safe and alternative treatments for common and difficult pediatric conditions, vaccination controversies, preventive and holistic health, mindful parenting and rethinking the medical paradigm.
Dr. Palevsky is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and President of both the American Board of Holistic Medicine and the Holistic Pediatric Association (www.hpakids.org).
The Problem with Antibiotics: They
are Anti-Life
Gary Null, PhD; Carolyn Dean, MD, ND; Martin
Feldman, MD; Debra Rasio, MD; Dorothy Smith, PhD.
This article addresses the overuse of antibiotics and the responsibility of the powers-at be in this abuse.
This article is excerpted from an article originally printed in November 2003 on Gary Null's website: www.garynull.com. It is reprinted with permission.
The Oversanitization of America
Rebecca Ephraim
The use of antibacterial soaps and lotions is being presented by opportunist corporations preying on the public's paranoid fears of germs. In this article, read why these soaps may be adding to our germ resistant problem and if they are really necessary.
Disclaimer: This column is for information only and no part of its contents should be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, recommendation or endorsement by Ms. Ephraim.
About the Author:
Rebecca Ephraim is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Clinical Nutritionist and a nutrition reporter specializing in integrative medicine issues. Rebecca Ephraim is the national health editor of Dragonfly Media (www.dragonflymedia.com) where this story first appeared.
© Rebecca Ephraim. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.
Coffee for Kids
Jeremy J Tietgen, D.C., F.I.C.P.A
With the rise in coffee shops in all communities, and the alarmingly high consumption rate of soda products, more and more children are consuming caffeine. This article addresses the impact this consumption may be having on our children's health.
About the Author:
Dr. Tietgen is owner and practicing chiropractor of Tietgen Chiropractic & Wellness Center here Sioux Falls. Dr. Tietgen’s purpose is to educate his community, especially families, on how to achieve their optimal health potential by way of chiropractic and education. He invites you to help in this most noble cause by making smart decisions for your family that will last a healthy lifetime! Questions can be directed to him at: tietgenchiropractic@midconetwork.com.
Perspective is Paramount
Kevin Donka, DC
Dr. Donka's flare for using real life experiences to make valuable points is once again evident in this article. He emphasizes the importance of perspective and its ability to change our lives.
About the Author:
Dr. Kevin Donka is a 1987 graduate of NCC and has been in private practice for 17 years. He has a large family practice that consists of 70% whole families, is 100% cash and 80% of new practice members have no initial complaint, but come instead for what he calls “Wholeness-based” care.
Dr. Donka was voted “Family Practice Chiropractor of the Year” in 2001 by a group of his peers; he is a frequent contributor to the Journal of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association and many chiropractic college newspapers. In addition, he is one of the leaders of the National Success Teams Chiropractic Mastermind Alliance.
Dr. Donka began his company “Chirothots” in 2002 in order to help
chiropractors and students teach what he calls “true chiropractic” in
the simplest way possible while at the same time helping them continually expand
the depth of their own understanding of the importance of chiropractic to the
continued evolution and unfoldment of mankind.
Kevin lives in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife of 20 years Cristine
and his five children. He has black belts in both Tae kwon do and hapkido, is
an avid reader and plays twenty two different musical instruments.
Watch Your Language
Andrea Robertson
In this issue our Pregnancy Matters section offers parents the understanding that the words we speak to pregnant women throughout pregnancy and birth have their impact on birth outcome. Valuable for both the practitioner and friends of the mother, this article will get you thinking about the power and impact of your words.
About the Author:
Andrea Robertson is a Consultant in Childbirth Education from Sydney, Australia. Her books include Preparing for Birth, Making Birth Easier, Empowering Women, and The Midwife Companion. As the Principal of Associates in Childbirth Education, an independent training organisation, she oversees the world's first Graduate Diploma in Childbirth Education, and presents highly acclaimed training workshops for midwives and educators on teaching and practical midwifery, within Australia, and in many overseas countries.
This article first appeared in The Practising Midwife, Volume 2 No 11, December 1999. Article has been reprinted, with permission of the author Andrea Robertson, from the Birth International website: www.birthinternational.com. For correspondence regarding this article, please email the author at: andrea@birthinternational.com.
Women’s Innate Knowledge
Diane Barnes, CNM
This article addresses the current issues facing midwives and natural birth practitioners along with the vital understanding and respect for the intuitive perspective and its application in birth. What a wonderful article to offer parents the core reasons for choosing a midwife for birth.
About the Author:
Diane Barnes moved through the lateral stages of
lay midwife to DEM to RNM to CNM, beginning in 1974. She recently
sold her birth center of 20 years and retired to writing books
about her experiences. Diane is a past MANA president, active supporter
of all midwives and mother of 10, four of whom she recently adopted
from Russia. She is also a grandmother to 21. Diane has published
many articles regarding statistics and various childbirth situations.
Copyright ©2004 Midwifery Today, Inc. All rights reserved. Reprinted
with permission from Midwifery Today.
Visit Midwifery Today at: www.midwiferytoday.com for a tremendous resource of information on birth. You can sign up for their e-newsletter and stay in touch with the latest research and clinical for natural birthing.
Breastfeed a Toddler — Why on Earth?
By Dr Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC
Addressing a topic that seems almost taboo in the Western World, Dr. Newman shows the benefits, research and practicalities of long term breastfeeding.
About the Author:
Jack Newman graduated from the University of Toronto medical school as a pediatrician in 1970. He started the first hospital-based breastfeeding clinic in Canada in 1984 at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children. He has been a consultant with UNICEF for the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative in Africa, and has published articles on the subject of breastfeeding in Scientific American and several medical journals. Dr. Newman has practised as a physician in Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa.
This article is copyrighted by Dr. Jack Newman, 2003 and has been reprinted with permission as Pathways supports the WHO code on breastfeeding and upholds the WHO policy about the marketing of breast milk substitutes.
Contact Dr. Jack at: drjacknewman@sympatico.ca and purchase his book: Guide to Breastfeeding (called The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers in the US).
How to Have a Happy Marriage When You’re
Busy Being Parents
Elizabeth Pantley
So much of our attention as parents goes towards nurturing the child. This article gives us a moment to address the importance of nurturing our marriages.
Parts of this article are excerpted with permission
from books by Elizabeth Pantley:
Kid Cooperation: How to Stop Yelling, Nagging and Pleading and
Hidden Messages: What Our Words and Actions are Really Telling Our Children
by New Harbinger Publications, Inc. and by McGraw-Hill/Contemporary www.pantley.com/elizabeth.
Breaking the Stress Cycle
Jeff Ptak, DC
Addressing the causes of stress may seem overwhelming in our modern societies' hectic paces. Dr. Ptak helps us discern those stresses we can manage and offers viable solutions.
About the Author
Jeff Ptak, D.C., and Ptak Chiropractic Life Center are committed to serving the true health needs of as many people as are within reach. Dr. Ptak's practice is located in Santa Monica, CA.
Amusing Naturopathic Remedies from the Kitchen
Jaine Kirtley MRN RN Reg. Nurse Reg. Naturopath
Jaine Kirtley practices in New Zealand and may be contacted at: telephone 0064 (0)7 542 1364 or jaine@baynaturopath.co.nz
website: www.baynaturopath.co.nz
Courtesy of http://www.health-naturopathy.co.uk.
Flu Season: Chance or Choice?
Jeanne Ohm, D.C.
With the "flu season" upon us and the frenzied push for vaccines, it is important for us to realize some of the lifestyle choices we make which either increase or decrease our susceptibility to the flu. When addressing health issues for our families, it is important for us to be aware of how we can holistically prevent rather than acutely treat symptoms.
Research Review:
Our research this issue supports our feature article with the substantial evidence that antibiotic treatment is often unnecessary and carry a safety risk to the whole population.
Here are the titles of the cited research:
- Ear Infections: Antibiotics Not Necessary
- Natural Ear Drops as Effective as Medicated Drops
- 'Good' Bacteria Prevent Repeat Ear Infections
- Antibiotics Ineffective for Common Childhood Illnesses
- More about Antibacterial hand soaps
- American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Family Physicians develop guidelines.
- Intrapartum Antibiotic Exposure Raises Risk of Serious Infections in Infants
- Tea Tree Oil and MRSA
Testimonial:
This issue's testimonial tells about a child with chronic sinusitis and how chiropractic care improved the child's overall health.
Family Wellness Forum:
The purpose of this column is to address questions from parents
about choices for their children's health. this month's question
addresses feeding solids to a 3 month old baby to "help him sleep."
References:
- The Origin of Pablum:
http://www.mta.ca - Breastfeeding References:
http://www.icpa4kids.org
- Co-sleeping references:
http://www.icpa4kids.org

