from Pediatrics Journal

Borrowed from Bastyr's site. I just can't bother to edit...

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS PUBLISHES BASTYR UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FINDINGS ON PEDIATRIC NATUROPATHIC CARE

Study finds nearly one in six naturopathic doctors in Washington see pediatric patients

July 20, 2007 – (Kenmore, Washington) Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, recently published a study conducted by a research team at Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington, titled "Frequency and Characteristics of Pediatric and Adolescent Visits in Naturopathic Medical Practice." The study found that pediatric care by most Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) is limited, however there is a group of children in Washington state for whom NDs are likely the sole health care provider. NDs are currently licensed to practice in 14 states, including Washington state, where they combine natural therapies and tools of modern science to provide holistic health and wellness solutions.

The study was conducted through a mailed survey of licensed naturopathic physicians residing in Washington state, and received a 50 percent response rate, with 251 of the 499 surveys returned to the research team. Among the 204 NDs surveyed who are currently practicing, only 15 percent saw more than five children per week, which accounted for 20 percent of their office practice. The most common reason for these visits included well-child care, infectious disease, and mental health conditions. Immunizations were provided during 18.6 percent of well-child visits by children under two years of age, and during 27.3 percent of visits by children between the ages of two and five years. "Our research indicates that some naturopathic physicians do provide immunizations to children, contrary to some previously published literature," says Wendy Weber, ND, MPH, the study's principal investigator and research associate professor at Bastyr University, the largest university for natural health arts and sciences in the United States that combines a multidisciplinary curriculum with leading edge research and clinical training.

"The study findings are significant because they indicate that pediatric naturopathic physicians may provide the majority of healthcare for some children," says Dr. Weber. "The results also demonstrate that pediatric naturopathic physicians see children for similar conditions as conventionally trained pediatricians."

Although NDs are licensed to prescribe antibiotics in Washington state, the study also found that no pediatric patients seen by an ND for upper respiratory infection symptoms were prescribed these medications. According to another recent study by James Taylor, MD, professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington, this is in contrast to the experience of children under three years of age, seen by pediatricians with similar symptoms, who were prescribed antibiotics during 46 percent of visits.

Dr. Weber and the Bastyr University research team will use information gathered from this study to develop and conduct future studies surrounding pediatric naturopathic care.

REVIEW: TJs Brown Rice Tortillas

Trader Joe's has come out with product lists for special diet needs. I picked up the gluten-free list last week and new of products in the store that were not on their list. One product is TJs Brown Rice Tortillas, pointed out to me by BB on her trip to Portland. She raved about them, so I just had to try.

I was not expecting a delish handmade tortilla such as Leona's de Chimayo, probably the most perfect gluten-y tortilla you can buy. TJs BRT is not as pliable as one would hope, but it did it's job in the quesadilla I made for lunch. I have tried another brand of rice tortilla in the past and TJs is much better. Less rice-y.

Not sure how it would fare as a burrito. Seems it would crack too easily. Maybe lightly steaming would help...

Speaking of tortillas, noticed a mention on my daily g-f news, to Book of Yum, a recipe blog that seems to favor the international cuisine. Nice! Today's recipe is for masa tortillas. If you are sensitive to corn, though g-f many folk are, I'd stick to TJs.

Allergy cards

Through a g-f website, Gluten-free Guide, I found a link for allergy cards. This is a free service offering printable cards that can be customized for dining out or travelling.

If you are in NYC, or planning a trip soon, check out the Gluten-free Guide for great g-f dining. She also has links for Atlanta and L.A.

Always a bridesmaid...

You know the saying. Well, this organization loves that you've collected all of those foofy taffeta bridesmaid gowns and they actually want them! There are a bunch of charities across the country that accept donated ballgowns, formals, and yes, bridesmaid dresses, then they give them to girls who aren't able to buy prom dresses!

Sure, prom season was LAST month (or was it the month before?), but this is a good site to keep in the back of your mind when you are cleaning out your closet.

What's the deal with oats?

Wow, what a timely posting.

http://surefoodsliving.com/2007/07/06/whats-the-deal-with-oats/

Wheat-free crumble

Inspired by the visit of my lovely gluten-free friend, BB, I have decided to return to one of my past loves...baking. During the visit, we made a batch of gluten-free, decadent chocolate cupcakes (I changed the recipe to make them red velvet!), but were disappointed at the high sugar content in the mix (18 grams). I suddenly was on a mission to find alternative and delish desserts that could accommodate as many food sensitivities as possible.

My love of food was one of the motivations for me to study naturopathic medicine. Originally I was looking into attending The Natural Gourmet School in New York City (as well as studying nutrition at Marymount College in Tarrytown). There is even a distant dream of opening a bakery (gluten-free treats!), floating around in the back of my head.

The following recipe is still in the works, as I'd like to create a sugar-free version (using maple syrup or agave), but it's so good, I had to share. Since it uses oatmeal, it is not entirely gluten-free (perhaps I will experiment with oat bran, instead), but it is wheat-free. I am using Bob's Red Mill all-purpose baking flour (which is not included in the anti-inflammatory diet because it uses potato flour), but in the next few months I will research different blends of g-f flours an share the results with you all.

If any of you try the recipe making special dietary substitutions of your own (subbing soy for butter; agave, maple syrup or honey for brown sugar, etc.), please let me know the proportions and how it turned out!

Yummy Wheat-free Berry Crumble

Preheat oven to 325.

Filling
1 pint blueberries
1 pint raspberries
2 nectarines (or peaches), peeled and sliced
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 TBSP gluten-free flour
big squeeze of lime juice

Mix filling ingredients gently. Set aside.

Crumble
1c gluten free flour
1/2 c uncooked oatmeal
1/2 c packed dark brown sugar (can substitute maple syrup or honey, but I don't know proportions)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
8 TBSP butter, chilled & cut in small pieces (can use soy or other non-dairy derived margarine)
1/2-1c chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts or pecans) - OPTIONAL

Mix 1st four crumble ingredients, using hands & pastry cutter to then incorporate butter. Add chopped nuts, unless you are allergic, of course.

Pour filling into gratin dish. Spread crumble on top. Bake in 325 oven for 30-40 minutes, or until crumble is toasted and berries are hot! Use a baking sheet under the gratin dish while baking, as the berry mixture can bubble over and mess up your boyfriend's oven.

Serve warm. Can top with your favorite ice cream, creme fraiche, or for the lactose intolerant, soy ice cream, rice dream or my personal favorite...Larry & Luna's Coconut Bliss! (Email them requesting their product at a Whole Foods or other natural grocery near you!!!!)