Morlan Medical
wEB Log
My perspective regarding Presence on Social Media
I use technology every day, whether it’s in clinic or at home. I much appreciate my time away from technology. I have used social media sparingly throughout my adult and professional life. The only exception being that which was encouraged by previous employers. Although I do see many of the benefits that social media provides to its users, I’m not convinced that social media is for me or Morlan Medical. Too much content posted on social media platforms is often misinterpreted, misconstrued or simply not needed. I am direct in my communication and occasionally add a bit of sarcasm. Patients that I have developed a doctor-patient relationship with have little difficulty understanding the nuances of my personality that may present themselves during an office, phone or telemedicine visit. Technology’s effect(s) and, more importantly, people’s interpretation of social media postings are dependent on many factors that shape that individual’s perspectives, biases and world view. Technology disallows me to cater my best intentions of helping people in matters of medical care to those viewing my theoretical social media posts. This is indeed a red flag that hinders my efforts to maintain any semblance of social media presence. In addition, I don’t have a smart phone by choice. In a similar tone, I choose to enjoy dinner with my family without third-party/electronic distraction. The contemplation and strategic use of my time has become essential as a physician, business owner and husband/father. Social media engagement, to a greater or lesser extent, is a time consumer even to the most well-versed individuals that engage the platform(s). I prefer to, instead, utilize this otherwise valuable time to clinically research patient conditions, questions, concerns and preemptively learn about novel and effective treatments to address medical challenges my patients, family and friends may encounter. A preemptive due diligence. Last but certainly not least, navigating the engagement of social media is an art form. I can appreciate the art, but at the end of the day I absolutely appreciate real-world engagement.
THE SECURITY OF MEDICAL INFORMATION
Medical information is protected by the Healthcare Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This act defines what constitutes patient privacy and is enforced by strict laws. Essentially, any interaction between a medical professional and their patient is not accessible, with exception of a patient record request or in the case of law enforcement. Corporate healthcare systems and many, many private clinics use an Electronic Health Record (EHR) to input patient information, office visits, diagnosis codes, medications, lab results, physical exam findings and assessments.
I am of the opinion that the data (information) input into EHR is not safe or secure. For instance, a local healthcare entity has suffered a data breach that exposed patient private data, including Social Security numbers, addresses and diagnosis/treatment codes. The same entity reported a breach of patient’s medical information in 2019. Another instance of patient data being compromised is a not-for-profit entity in the state of Washington on July 15, 2022. The point is that security breaches can happen to any healthcare entity/facility/individual.
I am pleased to be using paper charts in my practice. This includes physical intake forms, office encounter forms, referral forms and prescriptions. I do this for several reasons. First, patient privacy and security. Second, I am better able to engage with patients using pen and paper during office visits. Third, accessibility to patient information can only come from one point. In addition, I’m glad that I am able to offer this service to my patients. Privacy has differing definitions, depending on the person. I look forward to helping you with your medical concerns. -DM
insights into men’s health
Hey, guess what? Men’s health is not just testosterone assessment and management. So many “medical” clinics are great at marketing the “if you aren’t feeling like yourself, you are male, you have decreased testosterone production” approach.
As with most of my approaches to patient-care, I begin with foundational health. Diet is our interaction with the outside world. We are composed of the substances that we consume. Eating clean (organic, non-GMO etc.) and drinking pure water are of paramount importance when trying to optimize bodily function. Many pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals impede our body’s metabolic ability to function properly Foods treated with petrochemicals affect nutrient absorption, energy production, gastrointestinal health and healthy elimination.
Exercise is essential to move the lymphatic fluid to support immune health, circulation of blood, elimination, nutrient absorption and support of mental health. My male patients present with a variety of health concerns including fatigue, muscle loss, stomach or digestive challenges, low libido, stress, insomnia/sleeplessness and others. I order labs consistent with the patient’s chief complaints. Since this article is about men’s health, I’ll give you an idea of some of the herbs that I use to treat/support men’s health including, saw palmetto berry, ashwaghanda root, puncture vine root and fruit, stinging nettle root and more. I incorporate intermittent fasting and selective use of ketogenic diets when necessary. I use supportive supplements including vitamin D, high-dose cod liver oil, high-potency probiotics, zinc etc. I speak with my patient about processed sugar intake due to processed sugar being in nearly every processed food. Sleep and sleep hygiene are discussed at length.
Anyway, as with all patients, the approach to care and treatment is individualized. Maybe some questions to ask yourself when looking for a physician or perhaps asking your physician about their approach are: Is my doctor ordering labs that cover the spectrum of biochemical reactions pertaining to my complaint? Better, does my doctor know the the labs/biochemistry pertaining to my complaint? I hope so. If not, you should probably find a competent naturopathic doctor.
ElEvating Digestion and Gut Health
The topic of digestion is indeed expansive and challenging to discuss in the parameters of a web blog, though I will undertake the challenge. Digestion is the act of intaking edible substances, processing, absorbing, metabolizing and elimination. The mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, rectum and anus comprise the digestive tract, though these are not the only organ systems involved in digestion. Digestion begins at the thought, smell, feel or taste of food. This is why people should cook at home. Home-cooked food is more nutritious and engaging with food before eating will facilitate improved digestion.
Digestion and absorption of food is best accomplished when the body is in a parasympathetic (rest and digest) state, involving the nervous system. Nervine (relaxing) herbs that help with digestion via helping the body to relax are: chamomile, passionflower, milky oats, California poppy, lemon balm, catnip, American skullcap and others. Our digestive health is affected by food quality, nutrient density, food quantity, presence of pesticides/herbicides, soil quality and potentially genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Lifestyle and exercise also affect digestion.
The American College of Sports Medicine recommends 300 minutes of exercise each week of moderate exercise or 150 minutes of cardio-intensive exercise each week depending on your physical fitness. Regular exercise supports digestion by moving food through the body and encourages timely elimination. In addition, exercise encourages: increased circulation and blood flow, transport of oxygen and nutrients to cells, tissues and organs, removal of inflammatory cell messengers and increasing peristalsis and absorption.
Supplements may aid in digestion including bitters and digestive enzymes. I use digestive bitters in clinical practice to assist the body’s digestive cascade of enzymes. Bitters assist the body to prepare and digest food more thoroughly when other digestive modalities are followed. Digestive enzymes such as amylase, lipase and protease, ox bile, etc. may also assist the body with digestion. I prefer to support and remind the body how to perform an action, rather than use a substance to do the work for the body. A good probiotic can benefit digestion and is a regular recommendation for patients.
Adequate purified water consumption is a big part of a healthy digestive tract. Water is a fundamental part of the body and hydration allows the body to function optimally. These are some ways to improve the health of the digestive tract. -DM
DecreasE Day to Day Stress
1. Deep Breathing Exercises-Even if you are only able to spare 15 minutes/day, morning/evening/night, getting out of “fight or flight” mode allows you to better digest, increase the functionality of the immune system, gain more restful sleep, moderate stressful situations as you encounter them during the day. Target Breaths Per Minute after deep breathing is 4.
2. Meyers Cocktail or Magnesium Push-Both are intravenous pushes to allow you to get a healthy dose of magnesium. Magnesium is a mineral in the human body responsible for over 400 chemical reactions. The Standard American Diet (SAD) is missing this important mineral, essential to helping the body relax and destress. These mineral deficiencies persist even in healthy diets.
3. Glycine (AA), L-Theanine (phytocompound) and Gamma Amino Butyric Acid or GABA (Neurotransmitter)-These supplements have a net relaxing effect on the central nervous and musculoskeletal systems. “Rest and Digest” as opposed to “Fight or Flight.” These products are sold in varying doses and forms (capsules, powders etc.) Some people taking these “relaxants” have been known to experience the Opposite Effect.
4. Disconnect from wireless and all electronics-Our brains secrete dopamine (neurotransmitter) as a response to hearing or seeing messages received via electronics. In particular, dopamine can have a stimulating OR relaxing effect on the body. Find a time at night where you can eliminate being reached by others (if you are able) by email, text, phone call, social media etc. Stick to the time each night, unless extraneous circumstances arise.
5. Sleep-The average adult needs approximately 7-9 hours of sleep each evening to function adequately (physically, mentally, emotionally and socially) each day. Blue and White light from ALL electronic screens decrease melatonin production and secretion, which then allows for less restorative sleep. Cellular and Wi-Fi signals are great for disrupting the bodies circadian rhythms, including sleep. Try to keep little to no electronics in the bedroom and unplug all modem/routers at night. Turn your phones on to airplane mode at night so that no signal is sent or received.
6. Herbs-Four herbs that I like for relaxing, also known for their nervine (relaxing) properties, include: Piper methyisticum (kava), Chamomila spp. (chamomile) and Valeriana officianlis (valerian root) Passiflora incarnata (passionflower).
1. Hand Washing is paramount to the prevention and transmission of bacteria/viruses. Washing hands after coming into contact with someone who might be “sick” or after touching doorknobs, handles, shopping carts etc. can be extremely helpful for cold/flu prevention. It helps to make a practice of hand washing hygiene during an infection as well.
2. Decreasing or eliminating processed sugar (cane sugar, coconut sugar, baked goods, cakes/pies, etc) intake will allow your immune system to function better. Processed sugar, in nearly all forms, promotes inflammation, “distracting” the immune system, and leaving you susceptible to other infections or a longer time to resolve your current symptoms. Berries are a great choice for something sweet and a good source of vitamin C.
3. Exercise is a great way to boost the immune system. For those that are able to exercise, movement of the body assists the immune cells by increasing the circulation of the blood and lymphatic system. The circulation of blood and lymph may help to increase immune cell surveillance while increasing the amount of oxygen and nutrients delivered to tissues around the body. The American College of Sports Medicine recommend 300 minutes (5 hours) of moderate exercise each week OR 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of high-intensity exercise each week.
4. Stay hydrated and drink pure filtered water. Our bodies are made up mostly of water. Dehydration does not allow the cells in our body to function at their best to run our metabolism and prevents the immune system from functioning at its best. Distilled or water filtered via reverse osmosis is the most effective filtration for removing impurities/contaminants.
5. Organic Fruits and Vegetables are a great way to provide the body with macro and micronutrients that may be used to fight off infection. Increased fruits and vegetables in the diet, combined with a decrease in consumption of processed sugar, can speed up the recovery of illness and help to prevent “getting sick.”
6. Decreasing Stress and Increasing Quality Sleep are imperative to helping the body fight off potential infectious agents, in combination with all of the above. I encourage my patients to eliminate exposure to any/all electronic screens at least 2 hours before bed, and preferably, when the sun sets. LED and compact fluorescent bulbs should be traded out for “good ol’ incandescent” light bulbs. This will help the body’s melatonin secretion, a hormone/antioxidant to assist with sleep.
By following these six simple guidelines, you can go a long way with helping to stay healthy, well and decreasing incidence of colds/flus and other symptoms associated with the change of seasons. -DM
SUPPORT FOR THE BODY DURING CHANGING SEASONS
SHining light on vitamin D
Are you getting enough Vitamin D in your life? Historically, the human diet contained modest amounts of vitamin D content, with exception of some fresh and saltwater fish. It has been suggested that people who are exposed to adequate amounts of sunlight do not require a dietary source of the vitamin. There is no question of whether to supplement with vitamin D when sun exposure is inadequate. Severe deficiency of vitamin D may present as softening of bone and muscle weakness. Other signs and symptoms can include chronic low back pain, diffuse aches and pains and chronic fatigue.
Besides the prevention of disease, what is the function of vitamin D in the body? Vitamin D(1,25[OH]2D) is the biologically active form and is responsible for a myriad of biological functions. These functions include enhancing the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus, the promoting of bone mineralization and remodeling and function of muscles. In addition, vitamin D may help prevent infections and autoimmune diseases through a process called immunomodulation. One other important function of vitamin D is that it appears to enhance the secretion and action of insulin, helping to better control blood sugar.
Vitamin D, like vitamins A, E and K, are all fat-soluble vitamins. This means that it may accumulate in tissues and produce toxic effects after prolonged administration of larger doses. There is much discussion and debate regarding whether an oral capsule or liquid of vitamin D is better absorbed; however, it is known that absorption of vitamin D increases if it is ingested with a meal containing fat or oils, such as avocado, butter or olive oils because of its fat solubility. It’s important to take a vitamin D supplement (and all supplements) that is sourced with quality ingredients and in a form that delivers the most bioavailability (D3) to the body. You may think you are receiving an adequate dose with supplementation; however, it is best to have your blood drawn and evaluated by your physician, or better still, a naturopathic physician.
What are some natural sources of vitamin D? Quality food sources of vitamin D include cod liver oil, oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines. Many milks, orange juice, breakfast cereals and breads are fortified with vitamin D; however, they may not be fortified with the natural occurring vitamin D (D3,cholecalciferol) and, instead, may contain vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and synthetic form that may not be as effectively metabolized in the human body. Sunlight exposure may be the best method of obtaining vitamin D for many people. Sun exposure, without the use of sunscreen, of the arms and legs or the hands, arms and face to sunlight for 5-15 minutes 2-3 times a week between 10am-3pm during the spring, summer and fall is usually adequate, though this may not always hold true across the Northwest. It is recommended that after 5-15 minutes of sun exposure, application of a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. -DM
What is Nutritional Intravenous (IV) Therapy and What are the Benefits
A Concise Overview
While most of us think of IVs as something that people receive when dehydrated or being hospitalized, nutritional IV therapy has been used for decades to deliver nutrients to the body that cannot be achieved by oral supplementation. IV therapy is used to administer fluids for dehydration, medicine and nutrients. Today IVs are administered in hospitals, clinics, mobile IV clinics, private practices and at-home visits. Naturopathic medicine has utilized IV therapy for treatment of a variety of conditions to assist the patient in their healing. IV therapy is a minimally invasive and safe therapy that delivers therapeutic doses of vitamins and minerals to patients. One of the many benefits allows the nutrients to be administered directly to the blood. This route of administration avoids the digestive tract where nutrient absorption differs between individuals.
One of the more common nutritional IVs administered to patients is a “Meyer’s Cocktail” or “Meyer’s Push.” This formula is composed of magnesium, calcium, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12, Vitamin C and sterile water. The Meyer’s cocktail supports patients in the treatment of a variety of conditions including: asthma, migraines, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, depression, cardiovascular disease, upper respiratory infections, seasonal allergies, hyperthyroidism and may increase athletic performance, according to Dr. Alan Gaby, MD. Receiving a Meyer’s Cocktail IV takes approximately 20-30 minutes and will work in the patient’s body for a day and up to one week from administration of a single IV.
The Meyer’s formula can be used to boost the immune system that can be attributed to the vitamin C content. For example, the antiviral effect of Vitamin C can be obtained through the IV dose, though may not obtainable through oral dosing. Patients are encouraged to seek treatment if they feel they may be getting sick or are currently not feeling well. This treatment will often help to reduce the incidence of getting sick or decrease the duration and severity of the sickness. A second application of the Meyer’s Cocktail is for skeletal and smooth muscle relaxation. Patients seek this treatment in times of stress for the purpose of relaxation, due to the magnesium content of the IV. Patients experience an added benefit of immune support from the vitamin C.
In conclusion, there are many different formulations for the applications of IV therapy. Many of the supplements that we consume orally have an injectable form that may be significantly more effective when administered intravenously. For some IVs, laboratory tests may be required and the patient evaluated by a physician before undergoing therapy. Not all nutritional IVs are able to be administered in short periods of time. For example, high-dose vitamin C must be done over the course of an hour, depending on the dose. An NAD IV, for sports performance and enhancement of mitochondrial function, may take up to an hour to administer. IV therapy is a great way to stay healthy as a supplemental treatment to your health care or as a stand-alone treatment to enhance normal metabolic function of the body, in addition to being employed for preventive health. -DM
Why patients trust me with their healtH
I practice from a perspective of providing the body with the correct nutrition, diet and lifestyle components to optimize metabolic function that is unique to you. Treatment interventions recommended for someone else may not work for you. As a basis for health, it is often and mistakenly perceived that to be healthy one needs to make revolutionary changes in food choice and exercise; or that the road to improved health will be long and arduous. Some of the internal self-talk that surrounds the premise of improving one’s health, getting in shape, becoming a better version of oneself, losing weight etc. are some of the biggest roadblocks that disallow us from taking that first step to better our health.
The details of how better health may be accomplished and practiced by someone is not as simple as 2+2. Human beings are living, breathing, emotional, dynamic, spiritual and are affected by their environment in a variety of ways. As a physician, I empower people to aspire to better health, by using tools that will assist them now and for years to come. One major tool that I employ to reach patients includes teaching the patient what is occurring in their body. Most patients want to better understand what change is occurring in their body and how to change or sustain it. I’ll often draw a picture or review some simple biochemistry to illustrate to patients, so that they may better understand a treatment recommendation.
I treat the person and address the cause of dis-ease. I help patients with optimizing their metabolism to encourage weight loss, decrease stress, minimize fatigue, optimize immune function and facilitate restorative sleeping patterns. It’s remarkable the changes that take place in patients’ well-being when the right nutritional, sleep and lifestyle recommendations are enacted. My goal is to inspire patients to become better decision makers, self-care advocates and support them as they help improve their health. Real biological changes in the body are not accommodated through magic pills or 5-minute “doctor visits” that do not address patient concerns. Real biological changes are inspired by understanding, implemented through patient care and shared through an established rapport between doctor and patient.
Some of the simplest approaches to lifestyle modification can produce revolutionary changes in our quality of life and health outcomes. For instance, consider that roughly one-third of our entire life is spent sleeping, including growth and repair, restoration and relaxation of the body. If sleep hygiene was effectively addressed, your life may change drastically for the better. Those changes include stress accommodation, improved healing, positive mood, productivity at home and at work, weight loss, immune system optimization and many other benefits.
As a naturopathic physician, I treat the whole person. The medicine I practice is based on treating the person and by doing so I can treat the dis-ease experienced by the individual. A physician must listen to the patient and through this understanding a healing relationship is formed, and healing begins. -DM
Naturopathic Medicine
I just wanted to share a recent example of how well natural medicine works with the body. I had recently seen a return patient with chief complaint of an insect/spider bite on the outer thigh of the left lower extremity. The area had become red and swollen and the size increased over the course of a few days, prior to seeing the patient. After assessing the patient, I recommended a topical silver solution and a combination of herbs including echinacea, myrrh, garlic, jasmine and a vitamin regimen. I recommended that the patient follow up immediately if the site did not improve or worsened. I also wrote a prescription for an antibiotic, if the area worsened, to be taken immediately by the patient. The patient returned in two days, having applied the topical silver solution and diligently took the herbal antibiotic and the inflammation had almost completely resolved. The patient did not need the antibiotic. I appreciate the natural medical knowledge that addressed the cause with minimal invasiveness and the guidance and clarity to address the patient’s concerns. It’s cases like these that make me love the medicine that I practice. -DM
THE DOCTOR IS IN
Dear Flathead Valley,
I am pleased to announce that I have joined a great team of professionals at Cloud 9 in Kalispell. I currently practice under Morlan Medical. I am blessed to have this opportunity to continue helping people. I will continue to offer naturopathic primary care family medicine for all ages via in-person office visits and telemedicine. I look forward to continued care of patients as well as meeting new patients that are in need of real medicine. #kalispell #whitefish #columbiafalls #naturopathicmedicine #drdanmorlan #realmedicine
What I do
The functionality of the medical system has changed considerably in the past years. As I was informed, while in medical school, there is and continues to be shortage of primary care physicians. I’m beginning to see the repercussions of this shortage in my own practice. I am informed by patients that are in need of urgent/emergency care, that they are all too often turned away and told to schedule with their primary care physician, in an emergency care setting. In addition, patients are struggling to secure appointments with their general practitioner (primary care physician). I find this debilitated condition of the current medical model hardly able to meet the demands of outpatient care. Many of my colleagues and myself are here to help with the shortage of primary care physicians, as primary care physicians, though seldom are we acknowledged by conventional healthcare professionals. I feel that this is largely due to a lack of education of the conventional medical profession and this equates to less than optimum patient care. I consider myself blessed to be able to provide the services that address the core of patient complaints. I’ve been listening all my life. I continue to listen to my patients. I believe “Above all do no harm,” and that is the core of how I approach patient care.