Catherine Stack, ND, CNM

In these very strange times, it is more important than ever to protect our health and keep our immune systems strong. Sometimes, even those who normally wouldn't consider a vaccine are now facing the possibility of the decision to take one. I am one of them. I usually opt out as I feel I have a very strong immune system with optimal Vitamin D3 levels. I also have tools at my disposal (supplements and foods) that would help me overcome much of what I could come down with. That being said, I will probably get the Covid-19 vaccine. My reason may seem superficial as I do not fear Covid-19, but I do miss my Dad---very much. He is in a local nursing home and I have only seen him briefly since this pandemic began. I miss our visits, I miss his hugs. I want more hugs! He has dementia and has little concept of time for that I am grateful. Traveling is also one of my favorite hobbies and feel it will become a requirement to show proof of vaccination in order to get anywhere. Th...

                                 Natural Immune support against viral infections in response to COVID-19 situation For most of us, it is far from life threatening.  It is the immune compromised or elderly individual who is at high risk for severe or lethal outcome.  I have written this article in the hopes of providing some suggestions to optimize your own immune system as well as remedies you may want to have on hand.  Some of these you will find at your local grocery or Amazon. I will leave a link below, where you can find most of these, and if you have trouble, I may be able to get them dropped shipped to you directly from the warehouse.  (For that, you can email me). As a healthcare provider and naturopath, I have some experience (20+ years) with supporting the immune system and coping wi...

I am writing this article after the death of an infant, the second in 5 months, at a local birthing center.  As a midwife, this is hard to write as I feel I am betraying my profession but as an advocate for safe childbirth I feel the overwhelming need to speak out and speak up.  Even if just one mom or baby is saved, it is worth the world.  Even hospital births can have outcomes that are unexpected and unfortunate.  No one is immune to potential complications, however, most would choose the path of safest outcome.   Midwife, by definition, means “with woman”.  A midwife is someone who provides care and guidance to women of all ages but especially before, during and after childbirth.  This can take place in the home, birth center or hospital.   I am a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), who is hospital based for more than 21 years.  I was a labor and delivery nurse in a high risk facility for ten years prior. Even aft...

You don’t stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing. — Michael Pritchard We all have that one friend (well at least I hope you do) that makes you laugh whether they are trying to be funny or not.  Without even swallowing a pill, you must realize, they are medicine for your soul. Deepak Chopra once said, “ the healthiest response to life is laughter”.  Those who surround themselves with people that make them laugh are generally less depressed, healthier and more optimistic.  Not taking life so seriously and having a go-with-the-flow-attitude will leave you more fulfilled at the end of the day. Laughter is like the master switch to wellbeing for your body and soul.   Being around people who laugh is highly contagious, an infection that should be welcomed into our lives, homes and workplaces.  Have you ever been around someone in a fit of giggles? It is very hard not to succumb. I remember this happening on a regula...