Articles written by Steve Christensen

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About me - Steve Christensen

As a board-certified Family Physician and ER doctor, I was expected to adhere to what has become known, in the vernacular of Western medicine, as "the standard of care." It is a standard that's dictated by forces that have nothing to do with wellness.
As a

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Home & Garden > Gardening (Other) Organic gardening 101: 1 of 20
Americans are "going green." They're converting their back yards to vegetable gardens; flower beds are showing off the stocky blooms of cauliflower as well as rosebushes. Not since Eleanor Roosevelt planted her Victory Garden on the White House lawn and inspired millions of Americans to do likewise has our country seen such a... More..
Health & Fitness > Medical Issues (Other) Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Symptoms and treatment: 2 of 34
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), also known as functional bowel syndrome, spastic bowel, spastic colon, or irritable colon, affects 10 to 15 percent of the American population. The condition is defined as "abdominal pain and discomfort with altered bowel habits in the absence of any other mechanical, inflammatory, or biochemic... More..
Health & Fitness > Kidney & Urologic Diseases Kidney stone symptoms: 2 of 17
I've seen my share of kidney stones. Whenever I have examined one as it nestled in a coffee filter, or lay in the bottom of a baby food jar, or rested upon a urine strainer, I have marveled that such a small fragment of grit can cause so much misery. One of my patients - a woman who had endured both the travails of childbirth... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: In the meadow: 9 of 63
Outside in the new morning's stillness, there arises a tentative shrillness.From the beak of some hormone-laced bird comes a riotous tune. How absurdthat he, in his myriad voices (as the sun spills across him) rejoices,while I from a late nightmare stumble toward the window and, finding it, fumblewith the ever-recalcitrant bl... More..
Health & Fitness > Alternative Therapies Careers in alternative medicine: 1 of 6
We spend more per capita for health care in the United States than any other country ($7,000 per man, woman and child in 2006), but when the World Health Organization compares the quality of our care to that in other nations, we consistently come up short. For example, in 2004, 40 countries had better infant mortality rates t... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Spring showers: 13 of 56
Off in the woodland,whispering as they slidefrom frond, leaf, and needle,packaged aliquots of raindrop to mossy earth.Slick with fragrant lather,naked skin prickling in the cool of early day;stretching winter's aches awayfrom sinuous arms, legs, hollowed back;arching into the torrent,reveling in the simple playof spring showers. More..
Health & Fitness > Medical Issues (Other) Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) & heartburn: Symptoms and treatment: 5 of 18
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common and, for most sufferers, chronic condition. According to surveys, at least 20% of Americans suffer from symptoms of GERD at least once weekly. Symptoms of GERD are caused by backwashing of acid from the stomach into the esophagus (the tube that leads from the mouth to the sto... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: The grandfather clock: 26 of 54
paredlovingly polishedmahogany paneledcarved and joinedrefuge for guts of gearspendulumunseeing facedigesting yearssecond by secondTOCK! TOCK! TOCK!impassive witness toDillingerVerdunDepression's hammerTOCK! TOCK! TOCK!on countless train platformshugs of fatedunfaithful loversTOCK! TOCK! TOCK!ArdennesChosin and PusanMy laiTOC... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Family ties: 61 of 114
The lesson once more imparted from elder to childKnobbed and gnarled hands clumsy from the passing years made dexterous with the memory of ten thousand rhythmic offeringsGently cradle the lithe, yet unskilled fingers of youth guiding, coaxingAbove a membranous firmament back and forth the tether sings, curls, unfolds alights ... More..
Health & Fitness > General Health (Other) Hiatal hernia: Symptoms and treatment: 7 of 11
You're getting a little older. You've gained several pounds over the past couple of years. Lately, you've noticed a bit of heartburn after you eat, and on some mornings, when you get out of bed, you're troubled by a burning sensation in your throat. You go to see your doctor, and she says you may have a hiatal hernia. She sug... More..