Grant Gibbs, CMnTPT

Ergonomics is a buzzword in today's business world. The term has actually been in use since 1857 when Polish scientist B.W. Jasterzebowski coined the term to apply to his studies of work. The modern definition is "the applied science of equipment to make work easier, safer, and more productive." It can include cognitive (intellectual) and emotional components. We often equate it to mean expensive upgrades to desks, chairs, computers etc.; however, there are often simple, low cost solutions to the mechanical problems of our work.

Greetings!

We just celebrated Avante's 10-year anniversary on April 2nd! I would like to share how deeply grateful we are for the opportunity to provide medical care to Alaskans for the past 10 years. Without you, we would not be here today and we thank you for your loyal support.

Our goal is to serve you better in every way possible. Avante Medical Center, LLC has increased patient access to their providers by creating three team care coordinator (TCC) positions and two full time schedulers. Starting in mid-July, you will be able to contact your provider's TCC to request access to your provider while bypassing the front desk. Please see our website for your provider's extension number. We extended our clinic hours from 8AM-8PM on Mondays and Wednesdays and extended our Saturday hours from 9AM-4PM.

Jana Nalbandian, ND

Detoxification, cleanses and fasting have been used throughout the centuries for various reasons, such as religious/spiritual, medical purposes, and seasonal cleanses to detoxify the liver and cleanse the colon. Detoxification is a traditional healing modality used by naturopathic physicians to assist patients in optimizing their health. In my practice, I often use the classic detox diet to start the process of resetting the digestive tract for repair and rebuilding along with using the diet as a springboard to identify underlying food hyper-sensitivities.

The change of seasons is the perfect time to do a whole foods detoxification to help support liver function. We are exposed to many toxins in our daily lives due to high fat and highly refined carbohydrate diets, riddled with alcohol, caffeine, and sugar. We also come in contact with environmental toxins through exposure to pesticides and chemicals. The constant onslaught of toxins our liver has to process can lead to a "sluggish" liver and imbalances throughout our physical body and mind. Symptoms of a sluggish liver include a weakened immune system, low energy, mood swings, difficulty concentrating and poor memory, not to mention a direct effect on digestive function. The detox diet will increase your energy, help create a clearer mind, decrease the number of colds you develop, and increase your sense of physical well-being.

Kimberly Kubick, CNM, FNP

"We age because our hormones decline, our hormones don't decline because we age." -Ron Rothberg, MD

A primary goal of preventative/integrative medicine is to balance one's hormones. Achieving hormone balance often leads to a decrease in chronic inflammation in the body, which can, in most cases, be seen as the cause and the effect of aging and chronic disease. Hormone deficiencies take many forms, varying from adrenal fatigue, hypothyroidism, low testosterone, progesterone or estrogen. Treating mild hormone deficiencies can dramatically improve one's quality of life. Balancing these hormones can slow the effects of premature aging and prevent onset of many chronic illnesses. Exercise, stress reduction, and antioxidant-rich nutrition are foundational parts of the anti-aging process, but bio-identica