Dr. Susan B. Kowalsky, N.D.
Cervical Dysplasia New guidelines recommending less frequent Pap smears are doing women a great disservice in preventive health care and early treatment for cervical abnormalities. The new recommendations are based on the harmful results of invasive procedures used for women with even mild cell changes whereas safe and effective natural treatments provide women an excellent choice for treating cervical abnormalities. Skipping Pap smears or waiting for cell changes to worsen enough to warrant invasive procedures is an unacceptable standard of care in my book when there are proven alternatives available. Pap smears have reduced the incidence of cervical cancer by 70% in the last 50 years, with most cases occurring due to a lack of screening. Many women are only seen by their doctors because of this annual exam which in my practice is an important time to check blood work for elevated cholesterol, anemia, high blood sugar etc. and to monitor blood pressure, listen to the heart, do a pelvic exam for ovarian and other abdominal masses, discuss osteoporosis prevention and risk factors for cancer and heart disease and perform a digital rectal exam that also checks for hidden bleeding in the colon, a warning sign for colon cancer. The number one cause of cervical cancer is the Human Papilloma virus or HPV. With 70% of young women having HPV it is ridiculous to think we won't see increased rates of cervical cancer if Pap smears are not done annually. Since 97% of serious pap smear abnormalities are attributable to the finding of mild abnormalities years earlier, we cannot expect most of these changes to go away by themselves. A comprehensive prevention and treatment strategy for any cervical changes not only includes a Pap smear but testing for bacterial and yeast infections that are often improperly diagnosed and treated. Vaginal infections and irritation to the cervix further increase the risk for cervical dysplasia. Nutritional status and lifestyle choices regarding smoking and exercise are also important factors in cervical health. Supplements and a diet high in yellow and orange fruits and vegetables that contain natural carotenes along with vitamin A vaginal suppositories are very helpful in normalizing cervical dysplasia. Folic acid has proven very effective in studies of women with dysplasia who use oral contraceptives. Immune stimulating herbs may help decrease the damage caused by HPV and repair cell changes along with vitamin C and selenium - two well-documented cancer fighters. Naturopathic treatments for cervical abnormalities may also include an extract from the Brassica family of vegetables called Indole-3-carbinol which, in a placebo-controlled trial, demonstrated complete regression of biopsy-proven cervical dysplasia in twelve weeks, whereas the group taking a placebo had no complete regressions. Another important treatment comes from healthy fats found in plants called sterols or phytosterols. A double-blind placebo-controlled study of women with cervical dysplasia caused by HPV showed remission in 50% of the patients over a 9 month period compared to women in the placebo group who showed either no remission or worsening of dysplasia.
About Dr. Kowalsky Dr. Susan B. Kowalsky is a naturopathic physician specializing in cancer and chronic medical conditions. She offers expert solutions integrating the best of alternative and complementary medical care. As a naturopathic doctor she is trained in both conventional medicine and natural therapies, providing her patients with the most holistic, integrative and effective medical care available. Menopause & Women’s Health
Therapies Include: *Vitamin Therapies
Services Include: *Comprehensive physical exams
The Highest Standard of Care "I provide strong guidance and caring medicine that foster hope and optimal health. My practice is based on a holistic, patient-centered philosophy that emphasizes finding the underlying cause of a patient's medical condition and strengthening overall health as well as providing relief from symptoms. I recommend treatments that work with the inherent healing systems of the body rather than merely suppressing symptoms. I prescribe treatments based on the best scientific evidence available, while also developing a healing and supportive relationship with each patient. I adjust treatments to address the individual needs of each person based on mental, emotional and social factors as well as their physical health and symptoms. Only by really listening can a doctor understand the pieces of the puzzle that make up a patient's health concerns. I believe the highest standard of care can only happen when the doctor is totally dedicated and committed to your health and wellbeing." -- Susan B. Kowalsky, N.D.
Comprehensive Diagnosis Dr. Kowalsky has built a reputation as a successful “medical detective,” diagnosing persistent, challenging and complex medical cases. With her experience and dedication to uncovering the many factors contributing to health and disease, she has achieved high rates of success helping her patients.
Naturopathic Oncology Dr. Kowalsky provides a responsible, rational and integrative approach to the treatment of cancer. Naturopathic medicines can help increase longevity, heighten quality of life and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation while enhancing their effectiveness.
Credentials Dr. Kowalsky received her undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin and earned her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from The National College of Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Kowalsky completed her clinical internship at the Portland Naturopathic Clinic. She completed the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations through the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Examiners and is a naturopathic physician licensed by the state of Vermont. She is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
What is a Naturopathic Physician? Naturopathic physicians (N.D.s) are general practitioners trained as specialists in natural medicine. They are the only physicians with comprehensive medical training that includes a wide variety of natural therapeutics, such as herbal medicine, nutritional medicine, homeopathy, natural hormones, intravenous supplementation and physical medicine. Naturopathic physicians cooperate with all other branches of medical science, referring patients to other specialists for diagnosis or treatment when necessary. Health and disease come from a complex interaction of physical, emotional, dietary, genetic, and environmental, lifestyle and other factors. Naturopathic physicians treat the whole person, taking all these factors into account. Naturopathic physicians prefer non-invasive treatments which minimize the risks of harmful side-effects. Treatments are tailored to the needs of the individual patient based on a cogent philosophy that acknowledges the patient as participant. Naturopathic medical colleges are four-year postgraduate schools with admission requirements like those of conventional medical schools. Because the coursework in naturopathic theory and natural medicine is added to a standard medical curriculum, naturopathic doctors receive significantly more hours of classroom education than the graduates of leading medical schools, including Yale, Stanford, John Hopkins and Mayo medical schools. Patients are demanding evidence that medical practice be safe and effective. Natural medicine has been demonstrated to be both safe and effective through clinical studies and scientific evaluation.
To schedule an appointment or to request more information call: (802) 649-1064 16 Beaver Meadow Road Conveniently located near I-91 & I-89
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in the document and website is provided FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY AND MAY NOT BE CONSTRUED, CONSIDERED OR USED IN PLACE OF MEDICAL ADVICE OR INSTRUCTION. No action should be taken based only on this newsletter. Readers should consult a licensed naturopathic physician or medical doctor. The information and editorials in this newsletter are believed to be accurate, but readers who fail to consult with a physician assume the risk of injuries. (C) Copyright 2002 - 2007 Susan B. Kowalsky, N.D. All rights reserved. |