Isagenix trio for better energy

Fatigue is a common complaint from my patients. They hope there's something wrong with their thyroid so a simple cheap pill will make them feel better. It's rarely the case. Poor nutrition, lack of exercise, poor sleep hygiene and general high stress are the culprits for fatigue in many people. There's only so much a person can do to 'fix' these causes. I've been using three Isagenix products on a regular basis to keep my energy optimal. I take a daily serving of Ionix Supreme powder (see http://www.allinonebottle.net/ for more information). Accelerator capsules at breakfast and lunch are a tremendous benefit. And last but not least is a regular serving or 3 of Cleanse for Life (again I prefer the posder). All these products are available on my web site http://www.dancarusomd.isagenix.com/ . Don't be alarmed by the retail price; you can save over 25% by becoming an associate. I occasionally have these products available through my office at retail price. Please e-mail me carusodan@aim.com if you have any questions or have difficulty ordering through the web site.

Nutritional cleansing

I've been using nutritional cleansing products since 2006. The idea is to allow your metabolism to reset itself by giving it a rest from the impurities introduced into your body by the foods you eat. There are no laxatives or diuretics involved. When I'm not eating right I can hold up to 10# of water as a part of buffering my system from the impurities I've ingested. A day of 'Cleanse for Life' and the impurities and water buffer are out of my system and I'm feeling better. Check out my web site www.dancarusomd.isagenix.com for ordering 'Cleanse for Life'.

Lee Caruso 1933-2009

After three years of courageously battling an uncommon form of dementia, Lee Caruso, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 03, 2009.

Lee Ann Maguire was born on February 21, 1933, in Butte, Montana, where she attended St. Joseph’s Grade School and completed her freshman year at Butte High School. When her family moved to Reno, Lee entered Reno High School, became a drum majorette, and graduated with the Class of 1951.

In 1950, while working at the Virginia Street Dairy Queen in Reno, Lee met a handsome, robust athlete who had come from Pennsylvania to play football for the powerhouse team at the University of Nevada. From the moment she met Carmel Caruso, there was never a doubt in her mind that he would be the man with whom she would share the rest of her life…as a wife, a mother and a friend. Lee married Carmel in October of 1951…her brothers, Tom and Jim, served as altar boys at their wedding.

She became a Medical Assistant to Dr. R.F. Biglin, MD., and continued her interest in the medical field as an EKG, EEG technician, from 1953-1959.

Lee and Carmel welcomed their son, Daniel Raymond, into the world in 1959 and their daughter, Michelle Ann in 1962. As their children grew, Lee became a Den Mother to the Cub Scouts, and a Campfire Girl Scout Leader. She served on the Board of Directors of Hidden Valley Homeowner’s Association and became an active member of the Juvenile Diabetes Association.

During the 1970’s, Lee became a Broker Associate licensee with the Reno Association of Realtors, enjoying her work and the many associations she created with clients and colleagues. She became a Realtor/Broker and was a member of the Professional Standards, the Board of Directors of the Reno Association of Realtors, and the Million Dollar Club. She was a recipient of the Top Producer Club Award, a graduate of Realtors Institute and received her Board of Realtors G.R.I. Certification. Lee retired from real estate in 2000.

Lee’s love of her high school and her service to that school was seen in her role as Reno High School Alumni Association Trustee/Counsel.

Lee took great pride in her Irish heritage, collecting many breathtaking pieces of Irish crystal and Belleek porcelain. She often gave friends and loved ones a gift of the claddagh, symbolizing love, friendship and loyalty. Lee learned the art of preparing perfect Irish dishes, including the Irish Pasty…which brought much pleasure to her family and friends. When her children became older, she and Carmel took them to Ireland, where they discovered the roots of the Maguire family, both on her mother and her father’s side.

Family mattered most to Lee…spending time together, celebrating the moments of life and recalling precious memories from the past. She swelled with pride when speaking of her son, Dr. Dan Caruso’s work in the field of diabetes. She and her daughter, Michelle, traveled the world together, sharing many unforgettable, irreplaceable moments. Lee took great pleasure in her two brothers, Tom and Jim, always enjoying her role as “Big Sister.” Her grand daughter, Ariana, brought Lee much joy, and she cherished every moment she spent with her. Lee’s faith and her devotion to her church kept her strong and grounded in her life’s journey.

Lee was preceded in death by her husband, Carmel Caruso and her parents, Raymond and Ann Maguire. She is survived by her children, Dr. Daniel Caruso (Toni), and Michelle Caruso; her grand daughter, Ariana Caruso, her brothers, Tom Maguire, Jim Maguire (Joan), her nephews Gary and Steve Maguire, her niece, Jennifer Maguire Grogan (Jim), and her great nephew and great niece, Cade and Avery Grogan.

The family is indebted to and would like to thank Dr. Kim Bigley, Dr. Debra Fredricks, Dr. Grant Anderson, Toby Morris APN, Dr. Lindell Bradley, VistaCare Hospice, Arbors in Sparks and Life Care Center…all of whom were instrumental in Lee’s care. A special thank you to Msgr. Leo McFadden, who has supported our family and helped alleviate our worries and sorrow with his compassion, his prayers and his devotion to Christ.

A private burial will take place, with a Memorial Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that any donations be made to Camp Buck Youth Camp for children with diabetes at:

NDACA
1005 Terminal Way, Suite 170
Reno, NV. 89502
Phone: 775-856-3839

We invite you to share memories, thoughts and condolences in the family guestbook at www.waltonsfuneralhome.com

Food is fuel

I'm looking at my nutrition from a different perspective. I estimate how active I am for the next few hours and decide how many calories I need to keep running until the next meal. Most days I don't do much so I don't eat much. I consume the calories on as 'as needed' basis. If I'm going to ride my bike home or go to the gym after work I will back off the food at lunch time and take less insulin. When the exercise time arrives I take on the carbs needed to perform at my best for that event. No hypoglycemia, no excess calories, no excess hunger. I've lost 7 pounds by increasing my exercise and targeting my carbs for my activity level. These were seven pounds that I thought would never come off. I tried several times in the last 3 years to lose the pounds without effect. This different thinking about food and exercise took the weight off unintentionally. I was seeking better performance and this was a pleasant side effect. Give some consideration to your approach to food. to quote Steve Hogg (2007): Understanding this will leave many of you thinking 'I need to do something'. There are three motivating factors that change human behavior; pain, fear or ambition. Which button do you want to press?

Five weeks of Omnipod

I'm a bit behind with my posts. It didn't really take me 3 months to wear the Omnipod for 5 weeks. I wore it continuously for 5 weeks beginning in June. I got it through airport security without any problems. The Pod did not set off the metal detector alarm. I did find that the surface area used by the pod limited positioning of the pod. It was uncomfortable to lie on it and I found myself limited in sleeping positions as a result. So I'm back on my Minimed 522. In spite of my personal reluctance to continue on the Omnipod, I would absolutely be using it if my only alternative is multiple daily injections. Rumor has it from a company employee that the 2010 Omnipod is going to be 40% smaller. I can't wait to try it.

Omnipod initial impressions

I've been delivering insulin full time via the Omnipod for 2 weeks. What do I like about it? It is very fast to get one filled and inserted. There are no tubes to snag when I'm working in the garden or garage (notorious places for me to snag the tubing). In and out of the shower, changing clothes and generally rushing around seems more carefree.

The PDM (remote control) has a lot of data readily available and the screen is large and colorful. It takes a lot of button-pushing to get anything done. For anyone who text messages the button pushing can go very fast. The only notably tedious button pushing is changing basal rates. The pump has to be suspended or temporary basal rate cancelled before changes can be made.

The ease of insertion gives me more areas to attach a pod. I can reach places that I couldn't with tubing, and places where tubing would get in the way. But since I'm not used to these previously-unused areas I tend to bang the pod into things and get it caught on clothing. I pulled a catheter out of my skin when I caught the pod on my arm on a door frame as I rushed by. the pod was only 1 day old. If I have a tubed infusion set pull out I can replace the set without replacing the tubing or reservoir or insulin.

The 3 1/3 day absolute cutoff for placing a new pod is personally frustrating. I typically run an infusion set+reservoir 4 days, occasionally 5 days.

I also managed to forget the PDM a few times. The first time necessitated going back to get it since I was headed out of town. The next time the pod was alarming me that it was time to change and kept beeping me since I didn't have the PDM to push the okay button. The third time on a bicycle ride I didn't have the option of extending the ride (couldn't extend the temporary basal) or stop for lunch (couldn't bolus).

Overall I am pleased with the experience. I think many people will find the benefits to outweigh the drawbacks. I'm at a neutral place presently, leaning to favor my MinMed Paradigm (I'm presently wearing it without insulin for CGMS data). I'm going to stay with the Omnipod until I use up my supply of pods and reconsider my preferences in another 3 weeks.

Jumping into the 21st century with both feet! Blogging from my mobile phone. I love it.

Nutritional cleansing- what's it all about?

CLEANSING CONFERENCE! Come to the meeting June 18, 2009 to learn more about nutritional cleansing. I will be reviewing history, internet lore and research on this topic. It will start at 6 pm. Location is 1500 East Second Street, #402. I look forward to seeing you there. Please e-mail me to confirm your seat; seating is limited.

100 pushups...not in the near future

It's a great program but I'm not going to make the goal. My right shoulder was sore before I started the protocol. I hoped that the increased range of motion, strength and muscle mass would relieve the discomfort. it's not working that way, so the pushup program is on hold. I hope those of you trying it are doing well.

Center of Excellence recognition

Medtronic has recognized my practice along with Verna Presser, RN, CDE (Diabetes center at Renown) as a Center of Excellence for 2008. This recognition is based on services we have provided in selecting appropriate patients for insulin pump therapy; education, training and ongoing management; and utilization of continuous sensor technology. Appointments are available at the Diabetes Center at Renown (775)982-5073 and at Endocrine Associates (775) 348-1811.

Is my thyroid okay?

I will be speaking on thyroid conditions and any other endocrine conditions you want to discuss on March 11, 2009, 6-8 pm. The location is the Diabetes Center at Renown, 1500 E Second Street, suite 402. Call (775) 982-5073 if you have any questions, or e-mail me.

Guset speaker to be announced.

For those of you who referenced this post, I wrote too hastily. The previously mentioned celebrity will not be coming to Reno. News of other speakers will be posted as the information becomes available to me.

100 pushups?

I'm taking the challenge. Check out this web site. My base pushup, doing good quality, full range-of-motion exercise, is only 10. I just started week 1, day 1 yeseterday. My wife is doing 'girl' pushups, my daughter the 'regular' kind. Join me and see how far you can go. If you can't even do one, then start with pushups from your knees instead of toes. Let me know how you do.

Secrets revealed!

The 'Ten Secrets' by Heiden and Testa aren't really secrets. They are common sense backed by research data. The first 188 pages address How and Why of better shape, goals, foundation, strength, food & fluids, progress, rest, motion & gear, cross training and motivation. Some chapters are rather vague, others quite specific. The vague components are presented in great detail in the second part of the book, the Program. This provides specifics for cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, muscular strength, balance & coordination, six & twelve week checkups and the art of adjustments. I urge you to read the whole book and follow the recommendations. Don't pick and choose what you like and don't like. If you do that, you're tossing aside the scientific data that supports the effectiveness of the program. Why did you buy the book then? I'm following the cardiovascular fitness program because what I was doing the past 2 years has led to me being slower on my bicycle. But as much as I don't like to deliberately take a day off, or limit the duration or intensity of my workouts, I'm doing it anyway because what I was doing before wasn't working. i'm almost finished with week 3. I'll post progress when test time comes.

Food groups!

Since my last blog regarding meat I've discussed this topic with dozens of people who are challenged with the concept of plant versus animal food sources. I would guess they haven't read the previous post. So here is a simple test to sort which foods are vegetarian and which foods are not vegetarian.
.....pasta.....pasta primavera.....chicken primavera.....pepperoni pizza.....green beans.....eggplpant parmisan.....tuna casserole.....fish tacos.....quinoa + black bean salad.....pretzels.....beer.....pickled beets.....pickled eggs.....pickled pig's feet.....spinach salad.....barbequed corn on the cob.....roasted garlic.....roasted pork....barbequed hot dogs.... if you're not sure about the answers, e-mail me.

Not much blogging going on

Some great mountain bike rides in and around Humboldt county- Raspberry Creek and Bloody Shin trails in November.
I'm reading the book "Faster, Better, Stronger: 10 Proven Secrets to a Healthier Body in 12 Weeks". I will blog the key points and other interesting tidbits. I also plan to have some meetings/classes to discuss details for people interested in fitness. If you have read this please let me know what you think.
The other book on its way from Amazon is "Transformation in Christ: On the Christian Attitude". Anyone interested in discussing please contact me.