In This Issue:

* 30-Second Pumpkin Pudding
* Vitamin D Inhibits Colds and Flu
* Seasonal Allergy Elimination: Save $10

  Become a Fan of Acupuncture Boulder on Facebook

This low-fat, filling snack provides Vitamin A, protein and fiber

Combine a 6-ounce container of nonfat vanilla yogurt with ½ cup canned 100% pure pumpkin puree and a dash of cinnamon. A delicious non-dairy alternative is to use coconut-milk yogurt. The pumpkin bulks up the yogurt—already a protein-rich, nutrient-packed food—and adds a dose of fiber. This winning combo of protein and fiber expands in your stomach, keeping you full long after you finish, so you're not looking for more munchies an hour later.  (From registered dietician Joy Bauer.)

Vitamin D Inhibits Colds and Flu
Research supports supplementing with vitamin D

As daylight hours grow colder and shorter, incidences of the common cold, flu, and respiratory infections spike upwards. Scientists have identified reduced vitamin D levels in winter months as a prime suspect for this increase in infectious disease cases. Vitamin D has been shown to reduce the incidence of respiratory infections. Some of the studies supporting this:

• Dutch researchers found that children with the least sun exposure (which the body requires to synthesize its own vitamin D) are twice as likely to develop a cough and three times more likely to develop a runny nose compared with children with the most sun exposure.
• When Russian athletes were given access to a sun lamp to stimulate vitamin D synthesis in the body, there were 50% fewer respiratory infections and 300% fewer days of absence.
• Children with the lowest vitamin D serum levels are 11 times more likely to develop respiratory infection. When 60,000 IU per week of vitamin D was administered (for six weeks) to children with frequent respiratory infections, the result was a complete disappearance of such infections in the following six months.
• In a controlled trial of African women, a low dose (800 IU a day) of vitamin D resulted in a 3-fold reduction in cold and flu symptoms compared to those given placebo.
• Recent studies confirm that vitamin D dramatically increases activity of antimicrobial peptides in immune cells. (Antimicrobial peptides protect against bacterial, fungal and viral infections.)

Supplementing with vitamin D in pill or liquid form is an easy way to bolster your immune system. Many great products are available at health food stores such as Vitamin Cottage and Whole Foods. As vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, supplements are best taken with a meal that contains some fat or in an oil (such as fish oil) supplement form.

Seasonal Allergy Elimination
The winter months are the best time to clear allergies

Using the Allergy Elimination method I've seen people clear pollen allergies literally overnight. The method requires a 24-hour avoidance period, however, that can be quite difficult during the spring, summer and fall, when pollens are airborne. Winter is the best time to clear seasonal allergies. I can determine which trees, grasses and weeds you are allergic to, and then clear one class of allergens per treatment. If you are only sensitive to one type of allergen, usually only one treatment is necessary. Save $10 on Seasonal Allergy Elimination treatments through February 15th.

Check my availability and request an appointment here.  Have questions? Ask here.

Check out these 10, healthy flu-fighting foods on the Mother Nature Network website. Of course they are healthier when they are organic (especially strawberries, which are otherwise heavily sprayed with pesticides). And you always want to buy wild-caught salmon, as farm-raised salmon has higher levels of mercury, a neuro-toxin.

This was originally published in Natural Solutions magazine in October 2008. My suggestions follow. Enjoy!

Leave a medium spaghetti squash whole, pierce the shell with a fork a few times and bake at 400 degrees F until tender (about 50-60 minutes). After the squash has cooled enough to handle it safely, cut it open lengthwise, scoop out the seeds and remove the strands with a fork.

In a large bowl combine the squash strands with 2 cups chopped broccoli florets, steamed, and 1 cup diced red bell pepper. Mix in 1 cup low-fat sour cream, 1/4 cup skim milk, 1 tablespoon curry powder and 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese, stirring well to coat. Pour into a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish and top with seasoned whole wheat bread crumbs or prepared whole grain stuffing (approximately 2 cups). Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes.

My version: I used steamed chopped asparagus instead of broccoli, and coconut milk yogurt instead of sour cream (no cholesterol). I also found you don't really need milk, but you can use a little almond or rice milk instead of cow's milk. Mixing the spices in with the yogurt or sour cream before you add it to the vegetables makes it mix a lot easier. Instead of stirring in the cheese, I sprinkle it over the entire dish before putting on the stuffing. (Cheese is optional.) I prepare the stuffing using only hot water instead of butter or oil and it tastes just as yummy. If after 30 minutes the stuffing isn't as crispy as you'd like, broil on low for a few minutes. (Keep close watch on it, though, because it can burn quickly!)

Acupuncture Boulder News - Fall 2009

---

Hello! With more than 17 inches of snow in Boulder last week it sure seemed more like winter than fall. I want to share an easy lunch idea to help keep you healthy this season. The really big news is that Acupuncture Boulder Inc. has moved to a larger suite in a new location. To celebrate I'm offering limited-time moving specials. I look forward to seeing you in my new office! Enjoy this varied season and don't hesitate to contact me with any of your health questions or concerns.

If you received this newsletter as a forward, you can subscribe here. Please add robin at acupunctureboulder dot com to your address book to make sure you can see all pictures and to avoid issues being delivered to your bulk or junk folder. If you'd rather receive this letter through your RSS reader, you can subscribe to my blog.

  Become a Fan of Acupuncture Boulder on Facebook


Robin L. Schiesser, L.Ac . | www.acupunctureboulder.com | 720-320-1075

In this issue

• Easy Lunch Idea
• Acupuncture Boulder's New Home
• Moving Specials

Easy Lunch Idea
Sweet potatoes and brown rice are delicious and nutritious.

Being as busy as we are it can be a challenge to get a good, healthy lunch in every day. Fast food is fast, but not always nutritious food. Here's a lunch you can prepare at home and take to the office for good energy all afternoon.

   SWEET POTATO AND BROWN RICE:
Cook a pot of brown rice on the weekend and store in the refrigerator to use for a few meals during the week.
Wash a medium or large sweet potato or yam and leave the skin on. Poke with a fork a few times and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 - 45 minutes. (If you have a toaster oven, you can put it in and set the timer while you're getting ready in the morning. It will be done before you leave for work.) In a tupperware or pyrex container, make a bed of brown rice shake on several drops of low-sodium tamari sauce (wheat-free soy sauce--I stay away from non-fermented and genetically modified soy, so a little organic tamari is just fine). Slice the sweet potato and place it on top of the rice. Shake on your preferred spice(s). I like a little cumin, ground ginger and sea salt. You can vary this lunch with any leftovers you may have--veggies, greens such as chard or kale, chicken or turkey, etc.  If there's no meat in it, you can keep the container at room temperature and it will be ready for you to eat at lunchtime, no heating required.


One baked sweet potato (3 1/2 ounce serving) provides over 8,800 IU of vitamin A or about twice the recommended daily allowance, yet it contains only 141 calories. It provides 42 percent of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for vitamin C, 6 percent of the RDA for calcium, 10 percent of the RDA for iron, and 8 percent of the RDA for thiamine for healthy adults. It is low in sodium and is a good source of fiber and other important vitamins and minerals. A complex carbohydrate food source, it provides beta carotene which may be a factor in reducing the risk of certain cancers. For the most food value, choose sweet potatoes of a deep orange color.

Brown rice provides Protein, Vitamin E, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Potassium, Magnesium, Iron and over dozen other nutrients as well as three times the dietary fiber contained in white rice. I find that short-grain brown rice has a nice, nutty flavor that complements greens, beans and so many other foods.

top

Acupuncture Boulder's New Home
Two treatment rooms for more appointment availability!


Acupuncture Boulder has been growing steadily, so it was time to move to a larger suite. Now I have two treatment rooms and can offer more appointment times to better serve you. My new office is on the east side of Boulder near the Humane Society and the Valmont Post Office. My phone number, email and website remain the same.

Acupuncture Boulder Inc.
Robin L. Schiesser, Lic. Ac., Dipl. OM
5757 Central Ave., Suite 212
Boulder, CO 80301
(720) 320-1075

Central Avenue is east of 55th Street south of Pearl Street.

We are on the second floor, in Suite 212. There is a ramp in front of the building and an elevator for wheelchair access.

View Larger Map

Directions from Boulder:

Take Valmont east until it turns to the right and becomes 55th. Stay in the center lane and cross Pearl.
(Or take Pearl to 55th Street and turn right.)

Turn left at the first traffic light, Flatiron Parkway. After passing by two lefts into parking lots for buildings on Flatiron Parkway, turn left at the first street, Central Avenue. Just as Central Avenue curves to the right, 5757 is the stone and glass building on the left with tall pines in front.

From Longmont:

Take Diagonal Highway south to Foothills Parkway. Exit left on either Valmont or Pearl and follow directions above.

From Denver/Cities South:

Take 36 West to Foothills Parkway North. Exit right on Pearl and follow Boulder directions, top.

Alternate Routes:

Baseline and Arapahoe cross 55th from east and west. If you are coming from Boulder, turn left onto 55th. If you are coming from Louisville or Lafayette, turn right on 55th. Go North to Central Avenue and turn right. Central Avenue curves to the left and then turns to the left after Flatiron Parkway. After the turn go several buildings until you see 5757 on your right, just before Central turns to the left once again. 55th does cross the railroad tracks, so occasionally you may get stopped for a train. Foothills Parkway avoids the tracks.

top

Moving Specials
Limited-time savings on treatments at the new location.

Returning Patients - Two visits for just $99 (regularly $140).

New Patients - 90 minute initial visit including health history review, exam, diagnosis and acupuncture treatment just $99 (regularly $150).

Thank you for reading and for sharing this with others. Remember to visit acupunctureboulder.com for new additions and changes, to request an appointment, or to read past issues of Acupuncture Boulder News!

Warmest Regards,
Robin

www.acupunctureboulder.com

Hello! Have you been enjoying all the amazing fruits and vegetables available this time of year? Mango is one of my favorites this summer, and in this issue I'm sharing a quick recipe for coconut mango rice. I'm also bringing you info about using your HSA or Flexible Spending Account for acupuncture, as well as a video about children and acupuncture. Have a spectacular summer, and don't hesitate to contact me with any of your health questions or concerns.

If you received this newsletter as a forward, you can subscribe here. Please add robin at acupunctureboulder dot com to your address book to avoid issues being delivered to your bulk or junk folder. If you'd rather receive this letter through your RSS reader, you can subscribe to my blog. Become a Fan of Acupuncture Boulder on Facebook


Robin L. Schiesser, L.Ac . | www.acupunctureboulder.com | 720-320-1075

In this issue

• Recipe: Coconut Mango Rice
• Using Health Savings and Flexible Medical Spending Accounts for Acupuncture
• Video: Kids Turn to Acupuncture for Pain Relief

Recipe: Coconut Mango Rice
Nutrient-rich mangoes sweeten this delicious side dish.

Ripe mangoes contain vitamin A, C and B6, potassium and copper. They are also high in fiber and low in fat. Beta-carotene, the form of Vitamin A found in mangoes, may help slow the aging process, reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer, improve lung function, and reduce complications of diabetes. For a lower-fat option, use the Lite coconut milk—it's just as delicious!


* 5 cups cooked short-grain brown rice
* 1 can of coconut milk (regular or lite)
* 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
* 1 large red bell pepper, finely diced
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 - 2 tablespoons agave nectar or other sweetener
* 2 limes (optional)
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)


1. In a large saucepan simmer coconut milk, agave nectar and salt over moderate heat for a minute or two.

2. Add the bell pepper and simmer briefly until pepper just starts to soften a bit.

3. Stir in the rice and heat until warmed through, covering if needed to make sure the moisture doesn't all cook off.

4. Stir in the mango. (If the mango was refrigerated, cook over low heat until just warm.) Taste and season as desired.

Serving suggestion: Add a squeeze of fresh lime and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro just before eating for a fresh flavor sensation!

top

Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
Save on taxes and get the care you want!

A Flexible Spending Account allows an employee to set aside a portion of earnings to pay for qualified medical expenses. Money deducted from an employee's pay into an FSA is not subject to payroll taxes, resulting in a substantial tax savings. An FSA may be utilized by paper claims or an FSA debit card also known as a Flexcard.

A Health Savings Account is a savings account that enables you to pay for current health expenses and save for future qualified medical and retiree health expenses on a tax-free basis. You must be covered by a High Deductible Health Plan to be able to take advantage of HSAs. The deductible must be at least $1,100 (self-only coverage) or $2,200 (family coverage). An HDHP generally costs less than what traditional health care coverage costs, so the money that you save on insurance can therefore be put into the Health Savings Account. Both accounts allow you a wider choice in how to spend your healthcare dollars.

Acupuncture is a qualified medical expense under IRS HSA guidelines and under most FSA guidelines. To be an expense for medical care, the expense has to be primarily for the prevention or alleviation of a physical or mental defect or illness. In my practice I am able to provide receipts with all of the appropriate diagnosis and treatment codes to meet these requirements. For your convenience I am also equipped to accept HSA and FSA credit/debit cards. If you have questions about your eligibility for these accounts, contact your human resources department and/or your insurance professional (I can refer you to one, if needed).

top

Video: Children and Acupuncture
Tiny needles equal big pain relief for children.

I treat infants and children for conditions ranging from ear aches/infections and low immunity to allergies and eczema. Little ones respond quite well to just acupressure, pediatric tui na (specialized massage) and herbs, so needles are often not necessary. However, for older children with pain—such as the one shown in this video—fine needles can work wonders!

top

Thank you for reading and for sharing this with others. Remember to visit acupunctureboulder.com for new additions and changes, to request an appointment, or to read past issues of Acupuncture Boulder News!

Warmest Regards,
Robin

www.acupunctureboulder.com

Robin L. Schiesser, L.Ac.
909 14th St, Suite 105
Boulder, CO 80302
(720) 320-1075