Article dated January 31, 2006

Scientific Studies Shed New Light on Fibromyalgia Cause and Treatment

A new study out of the Department of Internal Medicine, Friedrich-Schiller University of Jena, shows that Fibromyalgia patients have much higher levels of advanced glycation end products (AGE), in their muscle tissue and serum than due "normal patients". AGE represents highly oxidized amino acids & other proteins that then become electrophillic (electron-loving), and damage normal body functioning.

When the AGE level builds up to a certain point, it triggers an Inflammatory Pathway called NF-kappaB. This protein, which activates the inflammation, was also elevated in Fibromyalgia patients.

We are now working with new therapies that inhibit the Inflammatory Pathway NF-kappaB as well as being able to reduce AGE in muscle tissue. These are having good success with Fibromyalgia patients. We now have a good understanding of the disease from a biochemical viewpoint. For more information on Fibromyalgia contact The National Library of Congress Scientific Studies from around the world, on the web at www.ncbi.nih.gov/

Neil Cooper, DOM is a Nationally Certified Practitioner of Oriental Medicine. He may be reached at the East West Health Clinic in Kernersville, NC (336) 794-4080

Article dated January 31, 2006

UP Close and Personal With Dr. Julius Torelli, MD FACC

"It is the biggest mistake a patient can make. The idea that a Doctor is in charge of their healthcare is a paradigm that doesn't work.

"It is necessary for each of us to take responsibility for ourselves."

So goes the mantra Julius Torelli cannot preach enough. As the Medical Director for High Point's Integrative Cardiology Center, Dr. Torelli insists that the common practice of patients eagerly expecting a quick fix from their physician - as in a pill - is not enough.

"Patients are willing to do that (take the pill), but are not willing to make the required lifestyle changes.

"In any illness, there's always some emotional overlay. When you get sick, try to look at the cause from an emotional standpoint. Try to look emotionally at what led to that illness."

Heavy stuff that suggests medicine must address not only the body, but the mind and spirit as well. "I try to find out what's bothering people- the emotional aspects which I think are very important to the illness."

Julius Torelli's medical practice is holistic in nature, treating the whole person - not just the disease or diagnosis. He is a Board-Certified Cardiologist who specializes in the prevention and treatment of heart disease and related disorders. With a 20 year background that includes orchestrating the start-up of the cardiology program at Morehead Memorial Hospital in Eden, working with the LeBauer Group in Greensboro, attending Medical School at the University of South Florida with a residency and fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic, Torelli is well-versed in matters of the heart. Literally.

Regarding his life's work as a Physician, Dr. Torelli says he's never thought of being or doing anything else, although he likes computers, building, and making things work.

"If I had not been a Doctor, I'd be helping people in some other way."

A father of 2 children who lives with his wife Kim in Ridgeway, Virginia, Torelli doesn't mind the hour commute to the office. "I live on 5 acres in the woods with a waterfall in the backyard. My home is a retreat."

He finds getting away to his Virginia home "helpful", since he tends to "get lost in the business of helping patients with their issues".

And speaking of issues, Torelli says he has many of the same ones his patients do, including the struggle to find time to fit regular exercise into a busy schedule.

"I think getting out and exercising is the single most important thing we all need to do."

This Doctor who enjoys cycling describes himself as a "compassionate" man who is "always asking questions and looking for answers." He has an intense interest in people, their actions, beliefs and behaviors. Through his work, Torelli has learned that "people are out there trying to do the best they can - coping with any mechanisms they have. This teaches you to be non-judgmental."

It is important to Dr. Torelli to make a difference. To make headway in his field, he says "the main thing is to look deeper into the prevention side, rather than the illness side of medicine."

Helping his patients uncover the "whys" behind their illnesses is key to Torelli. He references a case where a woman started having continual heart palpitations after childbirth. After a year of baffling doctors who were unable to come up with an explanation or cure for her problem, the lady visited Torelli. He soon solved the mystery. After talking with her, he discovered she had been repressing tremendous rage over a disturbing family issue following her delivery. Once the patient and Dr. Torelli got the issue out in the open by discussing it, they understood the emotional aspect of the problem, and the irregular heartbeats went away.

"It helped me see how powerful negative emotions can significantly affect the body."

It is revelations like this that keep Dr. Torelli motivated.

"Being able to affect one single person's life in a positive way goes a long way. Changing the face of healthcare is a huge undertaking, and if the best way (I can achieve this) is one patient at a time, that's okay."

To schedule and appointment: Dr. Julius Torelli, MD FACC at the Integrative Cardiology Center at 4140 Mendenhall Oaks Parkway, Suite 101, High Point, NC. Phone: 336 841-1259.