Seasonal Allergy Relief, Tansy Briggs in Old City & PCOS Research Opportunity
The shift into the spring season brings us many wonderful things! The triggers of winter fatigue are long gone. The days are longer, and with that comes warmth and sunlight. Flowers are in full bloom! With that, comes our old foe pollen. Seasonal allergies can be rough, as the influx in pollen levels means seasonal allergic rhinitis for many. Thankfully regular Acupuncture treatment can help to alleviate symptoms of sinus congestion and assist in draining the sinuses.
Wanna see some research? The mechanisms of Acupuncture for the relief of allergy symptoms are still being studied, though the efficacy in treatment for allergy symptoms seems be linked to Acupuncture having an impact on the immune system. Acupuncture is assumed to modulate the activity of natural killer cells, lymphocyte proliferation, chemotaxis and phagocytosis. Also a reduction of the eosinophil count in the blood and nasal secretion was observed. To put it simply, this can mean a decrease in symptoms of congestion, and runny nose and/or eyes!
For some lucky patients with minor allergy symptoms, a handful of sessions may do the trick! Most commonly patients can find relief with a combination of Acupuncture and either over the counter meds or Chinese Herbal medicines. We carry a TCM blend at most of our office locations that could assist in tackling that histamine response as well!
Tansy Briggs is Now in Old City!
Tansy Briggs is now seeing patients in our Old City office!
She is holding office hours every Wednesday from 2:20pm-6:00pm.
For those new to her, Tansy joined HAC in 2011 after a decade of practicing in New Mexico. Tansy brings her depth and knowledge of treating patients for 20 years with all health care issues from infants to adults. Although comfortable in treating any health issue, Tansy’s most noted focus is in the treatment of fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, pain and chronic illnesses. Tansy is compassionate and provides gentle care in all aspects and stages of your life and health. She practices with an integrative approach to Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, Therapeutic Nutrition, and other Natural Therapeutics, to provide unique and comprehensive care. Treatment and care regularly complements with conventional health care.
Tansy is also an avid author and currently has three ebooks on Amazon: The Key to a Healthy Digestions, The Key to Postpartum Healing and The Key to Infant Nutrition.
An Exciting Research Opportunity for some of our PCOS Patients!
Some of you may be eligible to participate in an important PCOS research study happening at the University of Pennsylvania and Penn State Health. The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCP) versus Metformin in the medical management of overweight women and women who have obesity with polycystic ovary syndrome. The study is seeking women in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.
The Penn PCOS Center is conducting a clinical trial to compare the effects of medications on metabolic risk factors such as weight, blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol levels in overweight/obese women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) over a six-month period.
Metabolic Syndrome is the name for a group of risk factors that raises your risk for heart disease and other health problems, such as diabetes and stroke. OCP improve menstrual cycles and decrease male hormone levels. Metformin improves insulin sensitivity and some metabolic factors. Currently, there are no clear recommendations for the best and most comprehensive medical management of overweight/obese women with PCOS.
Goals
The study hopes to uncover whether OCP and Metformin together affect the prevalence of Metabolic syndrome, thereby altering the risk profile for the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in women with PCOS.
Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups:Birth Control Pills (to improve male hormone levels) + Placebo PillMetformin (to improve insulin levels) + Placebo PillBirth Control Pills + Metformin
Your participation in this study will consist of a screening visit, followed by 5 study visits.
During this time, you will receive benefits including:Medications for 6 monthsLifestyle and nutritional advicePhysical examsLaboratory assessmentsUltrasoundsBone density scansCompensation
Eligibility Criteria Women ages 18-40Diagnosed with PCOSOverweight or have obesity.Not seeking pregnancy
Exclusion Criteria Currently pregnant or breast feedingHistory of Thyroid disease, Diabetes, Liver disease, Renal disease, Cushing Syndrome.Women taking hormonal contraception or Metformin are allowed to participate after the medication is discontinued for 1 month.Bariatric surgery within the last 12 months.
Compensation
Earn up to $450 for participation
Location
University of Pennsylvania
Women’s Health Clinical Research Center
3701 Market St. Suite 810
Philadelphia, PA 19104
San Francisco, CA 94158
Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Clinical Research Center
500 University Drive, P.O. Box 850
Mail Code H147
Hershey, PA 17033
Principle Investigators
Anuja Dokras, MD, PhD
University of Pennsylvania
Richard Legro, MD
Penn State Health
Next Steps To Apply at the University of Pennsylvania Comple the form at https://tinyurl.com/cometpcos
For Further InformationView the Penn PCOS study video - https://youtu.be/Y2K9ckjZawk