Pink Slime....ewwwww

When we turn our televisions on after a long day of work, and begin the daily process of de-stressing our bodies and minds as we unwind, usually many of us turn on the news, and ironically it can cause us more stress. Health is a common issue that arises throughout many news articles, where it seems as if every month there is an epidemic sweeping the nation or an outbreak of a super bug that is threatening our population. Lately, there has been talk about a substance in our meat called “pink slime” which is said to be a beef filler in order to achieve the “finely textured beef” these companies promise. In this avecinia health update blog, we will be discuss what “pink slime” is and whether it can cause us real harm!

To set the record straight, "pink slime" is not unsafe. That doesn’t mean it’s exactly safe or good for you either. This filler byproduct is made by running scraps from meat cuttings through a processor that removes the fat from the trimmings. The beef is usually treated with ammonia to kill bacteria such as E. Coli and salmonella, a process that has been a subject of suspicion and debate despite claims that it is harmless. According to Marion Nestle, a professor of nutrition and public health at New York University, the substance is safe but still raises issues, “It is not dangerous at all. The question is whether it’s socially acceptable,” says Ms. Nestle. “Humans don’t usually eat byproducts. Just because it’s safe doesn’t mean it’s acceptable.” The issue raised is not the question whether this product is safe or not, but whether labels should disclose that the product contains “pink slime” and then consumers would be able to decide for themselves if they’d wish to purchase it or not. "Pink slime" is found in retail ground beef, low-fat hotdogs, lunch meat, beef sticks, pepperoni, frozen entrees, meatballs, and canned foods. Until early this year, fast food chains such as McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Burger King used the filler in their beef products.

"Pink slim" isn’t an immediate risk, and there are no proven side effects from eating products that contain it (but eating a lot of processed foods can have its own detrimental health effects). This is definitely a reminder of how very important it is to know exactly what we are putting in our mouths. Reading labels on food products is a must and always try to choose organic products over processed. Hopefully this recent controversy has been a wake-up call to the reality of what these food industries are capable of. Take control of what you eat and be sure to ask your primary care provider, such as the doctors and health experts at avecinia wellness center, for any tips and useful suggestion on how to improve your diet for the best.

This blog was written by Dania Abdul-Resoul, an intern at avecinia wellness center.  Dania is a pre-physical therapy student at Cal State Fresno.


For daily updates on news, information and more on health care and wellness, join avecinia wellness center's facebook page and follow avecinia on twitter . avecinia wellness center is Fresno's premier integrative medicine and wellness center. We combine internal medicine and primary care with health management, weight management, acupuncture, aesthetics (Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse, Obagi and more) and massage therapy for a holistic approach to health. We use a robust electronic health record program and patient web portal to enhance our delivery of services and to help our patients reach their optimal well-being. To learn more, visit www.avecinia.com. If you are looking for a primary care doctor in Fresno or the Central Valley and would like to become a part of the avecinia family, visit our website and click on new patient registration. Let Dr. Unaiza Hayat and/or Ali Kunkel, MPA, PA-C, become your trusted guides. Our Aesthetic, Weight Management, Acupuncture, Health Management and Massage Therapy services do not require us to be your primary care physician. Learn more at www.avecinia.com.We look forward to meeting you!

Sneezing, sniffling, blurry eyes- oh what to do! How not to suffer from Spring allergies!

As this year’s not-so-chilly winter draws to a close and Fresno is transformed into a beautiful oasis where the Fruitless Pear Trees line the streets, and the Sierra Mountains encompass your view in every direction; you take a minute to marvel at this gorgeous sight. As the cool breeze runs through your hair, your vision starts to become blurry from the tears swelling up, you can’t smell the lavender in the air and ACHOOO! You have a sneezing attack! It’s allergy season; and with all of this natural beauty comes this pesky menace that affects 1 in 10 Americans today. In our April health blog, we will be discussing a number of ways that will help protect you from your allergies so you won’t be spending your spring behind closed windows and doors.

So what exactly causes so many people to have these seasonal allergies? Allergies are an abnormal response of the immune system. In the spring, airborne pollens from trees, grasses, flowers, and weeds cause an allergic reaction in the form of short term inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the nasal passages when the body attacks pollen and histamines are released into your blood. The histamines trigger the runny nose, itchy eyes and other symptoms of allergies. Allergy season typically kicks off in the spring when certain trees or grasses pollinate, affects 40 million Americans and cost more than $1 billion to treat. Although it's usually not a dangerous condition, it can be very uncomfortable and, for some people, can severely disrupt daily activities.

There are several things you can do before allergy season starts to help you enjoy the spring even more and save yourself a trip to the doctor’s office:

• Clean smarter- curtains, carpets and upholstery all harbor pollen, so frequent vacuuming is recommended, especially if your vacuum includes a HEPA filter. Also try to dust more often as well, use a damp cloth or static-charged material that will be able to trap allergens instead of a standard feather duster or dry cloth. Wash your pillow cases more often, and put them in the dryer for at least 20 minutes every other night;

• Breathe cleaner- invest in an air filter which will help allergy and asthma sufferers breathe easier since they're are designed to trap smoke, pollen and other larger particles in the air; and

• Eat healthier- nutritionists suggest adding cayenne pepper and ginger to your diet during allergy season, where a spicy curry or hot salsa can help clear up congestion. Add a tablespoon of local organic honey to your morning routine- since bees pollinate from local trees and plants, it helps build up your immune system to the pollen. Also, Quercetin, a flavonoid found in in onions, apples and black tea has anti-inflammatory properties and can block histamines. Try to avoid melon, banana, cucumber, sunflower seeds, chamomile and herbal supplements containing Echinacea because these foods can aggravate allergies.

As always, discuss with your primary care provider what options may be the best fit for you. So now plan that weekend hike, picnic or day outside and enjoy it without the runny nose, sneezing, blurry eyes of past springs!

This blog was written by Dania Abdul-Resoul, an intern at avecinia wellness center.  Dania is a pre-physical therapy student at Cal State Fresno.


For daily updates on news, information and more on health care and wellness, join avecinia wellness center's facebook page and follow avecinia on twitter . avecinia wellness center is Fresno's premier integrative medicine and wellness center. We combine internal medicine and primary care with health management, weight management, acupuncture, aesthetics (Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse, Obagi and more) and massage therapy for a holistic approach to health. We use a robust electronic health record program and patient web portal to enhance our delivery of services and to help our patients reach their optimal well-being. To learn more, visit www.avecinia.com. If you are looking for a primary care doctor in Fresno or the Central Valley and would like to become a part of the avecinia family, visit our website and click on new patient registration. Let Dr. Unaiza Hayat and/or Ali Kunkel, MPA, PA-C, become your trusted guides. Our Aesthetic, Weight Management, Acupuncture, Health Management and Massage Therapy services do not require us to be your primary care physician. Learn more at www.avecinia.com.We look forward to meeting you!

6 Powerful, natural supplements for healthier living!

What did people use before the creation of modern medicine? Ancient Egyptian priest-doctors used moldy bread as antibiotic thousands of years before Fleming discovered penicillin. They also made sure that their laborers were fed a diet rich in radish, garlic and onion, which modern researchers have found to be extremely rich in Raphanin, Allicin and Allistatin-- also forms of natural antibiotics that would help prevent outbreaks of disease in crowded places such as work camps. Advancements such as these, not only in the Ancient Egyptian civilization, but also in the Greek, and Roman empires have been the building blocks for the amazing progressions in medicine we see today.

Lately it seems as if we are reverting back to our ancestral roots by beginning to look into natural means of healing. Western medicine is starting to shift towards the use of herbal remedies as alternatives to synthetic drugs. Most pharmaceuticals have a historical base in natural medicine where many are initially derived from herbal extracts. Therefore when deciding what to take when it comes to a person’s overall health; most people choose supplements over prescription drugs.

The definition of the word “supplement” is something added to complete a thing, make up for a deficiency, and to extend or strengthen the whole. Here is a list of many popular supplements (including those available at avecinia wellness center in Fresno, CA including a brief description that may give you a better understanding of the many benefits these tiny capsules provide.

• Evening Primrose Oil is used for conditions affecting women’s health, such as breast pain associated with the menstrual cycle, menopausal symptoms, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) as well as maintaining and promoting healthy skin. Learn more about the benefits of Evening Primrose Oil. During March, Evening Primrose Oil is on sale at avecinia for just $16.85 for 1300 MG 90.

• Probiotic 225 has 225 billion CFU’s (concentrations of healthy bacteria), one of the highest concentration of is a potent bio-therapeutic agent ideally suited for the most challenging gastrointestinal tract cases. Effective in treating diarrhea, bloating, improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and more. Learn more about the benefits of Probiotic and Lactobacillus. During March, Probiotic 225 is on sale at avecinia for just $40.47 per 15.

• Orthomega is fish oil that supports a healthy heart, skin, joints, eyes and immune system. These capsules also help to elevate mood and concentration in children. Orthomega is a powerful supplement that can significantly reduce your cholesterol, triglycerides and lowers blood pressure. This powerful concentration of EHA (420 mg) and DHA (300 mg) means you only have to take 1 tablet a day instead of 2-4. Less fishy burps, easier to maintain and cheaper in the long run. Learn more about the benefits of fish oil and Omega 3.  During March, Orthomega is on sale at avecinia for $18.12/60 ct or $31.09/120 ct.

• CoQ-10 contributes to energy production and good health by supplementing the energy requirements of the body. These capsules have the ability to increase cellular energy production and greatly benefits cardiovascular health. CoQ10 has been shown to help prevent heart failure, particularly after a recent heart attack. Learn more about the benefits of CoQ10. During March, CoQ10 is on sale at avecinia for $31.99/60 ct.

• Diaxinol contains Biotin and Chromium and Gymnema. Biotin aids with the break down of fats and carbohydrates and with glycolysis in the liver and pancreas. Chromium helps facilitate the uptake of glucose into cells and Gymnema decreases the absorption of sugar from the intestine. This potent combination can significantly reduce blood sugar levels, especially when taken with other diabetes medication. During March, Diaxinol is on sale at avecinia for $30.33/60 ct or $58.20 for 120 ct.

• Chondro-Flx contains the protective agent Glucosamine Sulfate which is a building block of both cartilage and joint fluids and Chondroitin Sulfate. Oral doses are shown to bolster the function of cartilage acting as a natural shock absorber for the joint. This is an effective formulation for Osteoarthritis. Glucosamine has not shown to affect the blood sugar levels of type 2 diabetics but blood sugar should be monitored closely. During March, Chondro-Flx is on sale at avecinia for $31.00/90 ct or $54.03 / 180 ct.

As always, it is recommended that you discuss with your primary care provider if the use of supplements would be a positive step in the right direction towards healthier well-being.


Our March blog (part 1 and part 2) were written by Dania Abdul-Resoul, an intern at avecinia wellness center.  Dania is a pre-physical therapy student at Cal State Fresno.


For daily updates on news, information and more on health care and wellness, join avecinia wellness center's facebook page and follow avecinia on twitter . avecinia wellness center is Fresno's premier integrative medicine and wellness center. We combine internal medicine and primary care with health management, weight management, acupuncture, aesthetics (Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse, Obagi and more) and massage therapy for a holistic approach to health. We use a robust electronic health record program and patient web portal to enhance our delivery of services and to help our patients reach their optimal well-being. To learn more, visit www.avecinia.com. If you are looking for a primary care doctor in Fresno or the Central Valley and would like to become a part of the avecinia family, visit our website and click on new patient registration. Let Dr. Unaiza Hayat and/or Ali Kunkel, MPA, PA-C, become your trusted guides. Our Aesthetic, Weight Management, Acupuncture, Health Management and Massage Therapy services do not require us to be your primary care physician. Learn more at www.avecinia.com.We look forward to meeting you!

Health Supplements & You- How your body uses vitamins, nutrients and other minerals to stay healthy (part 1)

Open a medicine cabinet these days and along with a variety of pharmaceuticals, you’re bound to find a variety of supplements. The war against the “evil co-conspirators” of age and diseases has grown to be a multi-billion dollar industry. From Botox® and fillers to various types of diets and pills, you can always find something for every wrinkle, age spot, hurting bone and painful morning. However, the key is determining which products will actually aid you in your quest, rather than hold you back. This is an extremely broad topic to cover, so for this month we will be focusing on the use of supplements.

The way our bodies maintain a strong defense against disease primarily relies on the vitamins and minerals that we consume. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grain, dairy and protein should give the body all the necessary nutrients that it requires. However, many of us don’t have a balanced diet. So if the consumption is less than the normal requirements, then we suffer from what is known as vitamin deficiency which can lead to the development of certain diseases. For example if you are experiencing depression, nausea, soreness of the mouth and/or dizziness, then you might have a vitamin B6 deficiency. This may be if you are pregnant or lactating, suffering from an extended lack of appetite, have a digestive illness, major illness or a serious injury or are getting less than 1600 calories per day.

However, like the old adage “too much of a good thing can be a bad thing” implies, one of the disadvantages of taking these supplements is the risk of overdosing. You cannot overdose by eating foods that contain these vitamins; but you can if you’re eating the foods and also taking the supplements simultaneously. For example, excessive amounts of vitamin B6 can result in symptoms such as numbness in hands and feet, walking problems, sense of position and vibration and even problems with memory and depression may occur. So before you start to “supplement” your diet with supplements, consult with your primary care doctor to determine what may be your best treatment plan.

Understanding and educating yourself on your body and its needs is extremely important when assessing your overall health. Supplements can be an extremely useful with many beneficial qualities when used correctly and under the supervision of your doctor. In our next blog (on March 15th), we will go more in-depth about the different types of supplements available for the most common health concerns for both men and women.