I love this picture taken from my friend KJ - its a perfect example how bad the air quality is. 

• Right now were unsure when the air quality will stabilize but until then before leaving the house - check the ever shifting air quality at airnow.gov
• Wear a mask when outside for extended periods.  Although a N95 respirator is ideal, some prevention is better than nothing.
• Use a Neti pot if you have one.  Clearing the build up out of your sinuses daily can help immensely.
• Eating pears (check out our recipe here) can calm a scratchy throat and dry cough, especially when boiled or sautéed with honey.
• Take extra immune support as your body is recognizing the stressors present.  Things like a lingering cough, sinus congestion, and dry, red or watery eyes are examples of ways our immune system lets us know its under stress and trying to rid our body of the junk we're being exposed to. (If you need input here please email us directly)
• Remain indoors. Yeah, you won’t hear me say that very often but especially if there is a preexisting vulnerability, it can be very important to avoid unnecessary exposure to more smoke. There is likely still some amount of particulate matter in the air, but it certainly seems lessened.
• Don’t increase particulate matter in the air – This includes not lighting candles, woodstoves, fireplaces, cooking food at high temperatures on the stovetop and not vacuuming. All of these activities either increase or create particulate density and circulation in the air.
• HEPA filters or even air conditioners with filters and recirculating air can help cut down on particulate matter in the air indoors. Do NOT use an air conditioner or swamp cooler if it doesn’t have air filters or it will only suck in smoke and make breathing conditions worse.
• Avoid unnecessarily exerting yourself. Heavy breathing means you’re going to suck in more smoke. Avoid it if possible.
• Be especially conscious of breathing conditions for children and pregnant women.
• Stay hydrated. Drink detoxifying and cooling teas like dandelion or mint are especially helpful.
• If your system tends towards asthma, respiratory conditions, or you have a chronic health issue or weakened immune system please be extra careful
• There is not one person in the bay area that has not been affected by this fire.  Reach out to all those in your communities that need extra support as well.  KQED has put together a great list of ways to help.

Cupping and acupuncture can be very helpful. We've gotten busy at the office since the fires, we are doing our best to accommodate everyone.  If you've been affected by the fires either physically or emotionally, please don't hesitate to reach out so we can find a time that works for you! 

I am running an end of year special just for you! My popular Mini Reset functional medicine consultation package will be 20% off through the end of December. In this package, we take a deep dive into all aspects of your health and health goals. I then create a personalized wellness plan to help you obtain optimal wellness going forward. This includes labwork, herbs, supplements, lifestyle, and diet recommendations to help you feel phenomenal. And, if you would also like to add a Comprehensive Wellness blood panel order and analysis to be included in this package, it is also just an extra $97 (normal price $350).
 
This package is ideal for women who are wanting help with fertility, PMS, irregular cycles, stress, fatigue, mood, digestive issues, etc. Or, it is also wonderful to do as a once yearly health reset. It is also a perfect addition to your Chinese medicine treatments as SFIM and I work very closely together in our care of patients. Wondering if this is still right for you? Schedule a FREE 15-minute consultation with me here.

Unfortunately, this package is not covered by insurance, but in most cases your HSA and FSA dollars can be used.

For more information about me, visit www.DrLaurieTerzo.com

For more information about the Mini Reset package, click here

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While it’s possible for you to get a cold any time of year‚ most of us know that when the weather starts getting colder and the stress from the holidays starts to build‚ your chances of developing a cold are higher. This is mostly because people spend more time inside together during the colder months‚ giving germs and bacteria a better chance to spread in the re-circulated air.

Over the years we've gone through a lot of different products.  Along with our winter coats and scarfs, these are the tried and true ones we bring out every year without fail. 

We've got all of these stocked at the office - pick them up at your next treatment or give us a call and we can mail them to you in the SF/East Bay area.