Realcare

Are you a clinician ready to redefine healing and witness profound transformation in your practice? Discover the groundbreaking world of psychedelic medicine with our Foundational Training in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy!

Why Psychedelic Medicine?
🌟 Pioneering Healing Approaches: Psychedelic medicine is revolutionizing mental health care. By integrating these therapies, you're not just treating symptoms; you're facilitating deep, lasting healing.
🧠 Unlocking the Mind's Potential: Psychedelics offer unparalleled insights into the human psyche, opening doors to new therapeutic possibilities that traditional methods can't reach.
💡 Revolutionizing Mental Health Care: Be at the forefront of a clinical evolution. Psychedelic therapies are redefining our approach to conditions like depression, PTSD, and anxiety.

Why Our Training?
🌐 World-Class Expertise: Learn from leading experts in the field, gaining hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge.
🔍 Comprehensive Curriculum: Our program covers everything from the history of ketamine to ethical considerations, practical application, and integration techniques.
🤝 Join a Community of Innovators: Connect with like-minded professionals who are equally passionate about changing lives through psychedelic therapies.

Your Path to Mastery:
-Deep Dive into Psychedelic Science: Understand the intricacies of psychedelic compounds and their therapeutic potential.
-Ethical and Safe Practices: Learn to navigate the complexities of psychedelic therapy with integrity and safety.
-Hands-On Experiential Learning: Engage in immersive sessions that prepare you to confidently apply these therapies in your practice.

Event Details:
-Date: June 6-9 2024
-Location: Bloomington, MN
-Pricing: Tailored tiers for professionals at various stages.

🌟 Limited Spots Available – A Transformative Opportunity Awaits! 🌟

Training | Catalyst Insight Col Our Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy Foundational Training is an immersive program that provides the practical skills and knowledge towards your journey of safely and ethically incorporating ketamine into your practice. Our experienced clinicians provide comprehensive didactic training, live demos, c...

Dive into the groundbreaking intersection of ancient wisdom and modern science as we explore the transformative power of psychedelics in treating eating disorders. From the deep roots of indigenous ceremonies to the cutting-edge research of today, join us in a two-part series that unveils a revolutionary approach. Can these potent compounds be a key to holistic healing and self-transformation? Let's find out!

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The “War on People Who Use Drugs”: A Reassessment of America’s War on Drugs If history has taught us anything, it is that the language used in framing policies profoundly impacts their interpretation and reception. The term “War on Drugs,” coined during the Nixon era…

The Roots of Pain: Understanding Addiction through the Lens of Trauma and Compassion Peeling back the layers of the so-called “War on Drugs” brings into focus the human faces and narratives often hidden behind policy debates…

A taste of my most recent blog on Medium.

In today’s rapidly evolving world of technology, wearable devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, offer intriguing potential to monitor our health and wellbeing in real-time. However, while we may consider this a significant step forward in preventative health care, a recent study has revealed a paradox: the technology that could most benefit those with cardiovascular disease (CVD) is substantially underused among this population.

To read the rest, click on the link below, and make sure to hit “follow” to stay in the loop!

Unveiling the Unseen: Exploring Wearable Device Utilization in Cardiovascular Health In today’s rapidly evolving world of technology, wearable devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, offer intriguing potential…

Enjoy the first portion of my newest blog post on Medium!

A recent unsettling study published in the American Journal of Public Health unveiled the ongoing crisis of declining life expectancy in the United States. While life expectancy worldwide generally increases, the U.S. has persistently fallen behind dozens of other nations since the 1950s. Our life expectancy growth rate has fallen from a high of 0.34 years per year (1974-1982) to a mere 0.06 years per year (2010-2019), and even more distressingly, it plunged by 0.97 years per year from 2020 to 2021. This trend isn't an anomaly but a severe systemic issue that demands our urgent attention.

To tackle this urgent health crisis, we must reevaluate our approach and broaden our perspective. We need to look beyond the traditional healthcare strategies and delve into an integrated approach that encompasses integrative health, precision medicine, proactive preventive healthcare, and public health.

A Whole-Person Perspective
Life expectancy isn't merely about the absence of disease; it's a profound reflection of the overall wellness of individuals and communities. The decline in U.S. life expectancy should be a wake-up call, prompting us to shift our attention from reactive to preventive care, from compartmentalized treatment to a more integrative, systems-based approach.

To continue, click to view my article in Medium.

Reversing the Life Expectancy Decline: A Multifaceted Approach to the U.S. Health Crisis A recent unsettling study published in the American Journal of Public Health unveiled the ongoing crisis of declining life expectancy in…

Discover the potential of ketamine nasal spray in relieving migraines and explore integrative approaches to effectively manage this challenging condition.

Follow me on Medium for thought-provoking articles and engaging content on various topics, ranging from health and wellness to personal growth and beyond.

Exploring the Potential of Ketamine Nasal Spray in Migraine Relief: A Promising Breakthrough? Migraine headaches affect millions of people worldwide, causing significant pain, disability, and reduced quality of life. Unfortunately…

Unravel the mysteries of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in our latest blog post. Learn who it's for, how it works, and how to take the first steps. For more enlightening content like this, follow us on Medium!

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy: A Compassionate Guide to an Innovative Approach Today we’re diving deeper into the world of psychedelic medicine, exploring a therapy that combines the transformative potential of…

Welcome to an exciting frontier in medical science where understanding and treating chronic pain might just get a whole lot more precise. Researchers led by Prasad Shirvalkar at the University of California, San Francisco have made a significant leap forward by identifying objective biomarkers of chronic pain intensity. Using a brain implant that recorded neural signals over a period of several months, the team discovered a relationship between low-frequency brain activity and subjective pain levels in patients suffering from chronic post-stroke and phantom limb pain. This breakthrough not only highlights the power of medical technology and machine learning, but also brings us one step closer to a future where chronic pain is managed more effectively and patients' quality of life is significantly improved.

The study offers a fresh perspective on the complex brain circuits behind acute and chronic pain, revealing a marked difference in the processing areas involved. Chronic pain, a debilitating condition affecting up to 20% of the U.S. population, was previously quantified largely on subjective self-reports from patients. The new findings could revolutionize how we diagnose and treat chronic pain, potentially paving the way for personalized brain stimulation therapies that are fine-tuned to an individual's specific pain signals.

As the renowned physicist and chronic pain patient, Stephen Hawking, once said, "However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do, and succeed at. It matters that you don't just give up." This research shows the tireless commitment of scientists to not just give up, and to continue innovating, always striving for a better understanding of chronic pain and better ways to manage it.

Chronic pain can be objectively measured using brain signals – new research Pain has long been subjectively measured, leading to frustrations for patients and doctors alike. Identifying neural biomarkers of pain could improve diagnosis and lead to better treatments of chronic pain conditions.

Take a moment to learn about the surprising surge in the rate of chronic pain, and how integrative medicine may be the best approach to help unlock your body's inner healing intelligence.

Enjoying these posts? Then click follow on Medium!

Navigating the Rising Tide of Chronic Pain: An Integrative Medicine Approach A riveting piece recently published in JAMA Network Open, detailing the escalating rates of chronic pain diagnoses, is a harsh reminder of…

Ever wondered about the connection between the food you eat and your mental health? Uncover the surprising effects of ultraprocessed foods on our minds. From depression to cognitive decline, we delve into the latest research, shedding light on what's really going on with every bite. Make a conscious choice for better health today. Follow me on Medium for more insights and practical tips for a healthier, happier life. It's time to nourish your body and mind.

The Amazing Power of Real Food: Discover How Ultra-processed Foods Impact Mental Health and How to… “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” — Hippocrates

Uncover the connection between mental health and heart disease risk, underpinned by the brain energy theory. Explore this and more in my latest blog. Follow me on Medium for updates!

Mental Health Disorders and Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke The Metabolic Connection

Curious about the transformative power of psychedelic medicine for healthier lifestyles? Follow me on Medium as we dive into a thought provoking review of how psychedelic medicine may be poised to revolutionize the way some move along the path toward health behavior change. Embark on this captivating journey with me—follow now!

The Psychedelic Path to a Healthier Life A Journey Through Mind and Body Transformation

Hot off the press: Unlock the extraordinary power of deep sleep to preserve memory in the face of Alzheimer's! Dive into my latest blog post, where I explore groundbreaking research that unveils the remarkable potential of deep sleep to guard against memory loss linked to Alzheimer's disease.

Follow me on Medium for more eye-opening insights and practical tips on sleep, health, and wellness.

Unlocking the Secrets of Deep Sleep: A Ray of Hope for Memory Preservation in Those with… Greetings, sleep enthusiasts! In today’s post, we’re exploring an intriguing new study that uncovers the amazing power of deep sleep in…

Enjoy my latest blog post featuring the collaboration between Catalyst Insight Collective and Dr. Olson's RealCare, as we delve into the world of Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). Visit our websites and follow me on Medium to stay connected!

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Unlocking the Healing Potential Within: Introducing a New Partnership between Catalyst Insight… “Nature is a continuous web of life, and healing is the process of awakening to the connections that already exist within and between us.”…

Is your hunger for "likes" making you sick? Dive into the startling reality of loneliness as a public health crisis, driven by our fixation on superficial digital connections, and explore how to regain authentic connection in an increasingly virtual world. Stay in the loop – follow me on Medium for more eye-opening insights!

Reclaiming Connection: Overcoming the Loneliness Epidemic in a World of Trivial Interactions In a world dominated by digital devices and social media, loneliness has become a public health threat comparable to smoking and obesity…

Discover the transformative potential of psychedelic medicine in end-of-life care, as we delve into psilocybin and ketamine's role in cultivating peace and spiritual awakening.

And remember to follow me on Medium if you want to see more!

Embracing the Spiritual Journey: Psychedelic Medicine in End of Life Care “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” — Mark Twain

Discover the science behind cardiovascular disease and the power of early prevention in my latest blog post. Learn how understanding the complex pathophysiology of CVD, including the role of ApoB in atherosclerosis, can help you protect your heart and reduce your risk of life-threatening events.

The Power of Prevention: The Science of Cardiovascular Disease & Early Action Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, affecting millions of people each year. Despite advances in medical…

As a passionate advocate for the transformative potential of psychedelic medicine, I am excited to share my perspective on this fascinating field. Join me as we explore the the interplay between ancient wisdom and modern science.

And remember to follow me on Medium if you want to see more!

Psychedelic Renaissance: Reawakening Millennia-Old Wisdom and Unraveling the Mysteries of… Imagine navigating through an enchanting, dynamic maze, a kaleidoscope of color, sound, and emotion. You encounter fears and joys, past…

The Art of Uncertainty in Medicine: Embracing Humility and Personalized Care The Dance with Uncertainty

Substances vs. Lifestyle: Unleashing the Power of Our Inner Healing Intelligence We live in a world where a multitude of substances are at our disposal to maintain our bodily homeostasis and sense of wellness, from…

10 Innovative Strategies for TBI Recovery and Support Traumatic brain injury (TBI) recovery can be a long and unpredictable journey, with recent research suggesting that only about half of…

Exercise: A Powerful Tool in the Fight Against Addiction Substance-use disorders and overdoses are a growing concern worldwide, but new research offers hope for those affected by addiction. A…

Sleep is like a secret weapon that we all have access to, but many do not use to its full potential.

A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry has found that individuals who slept fewer than 6 hours or more than 9 hours each night had an increased risk for infection compared with those who slept 7 to 8 hours. The study, conducted in Norway, surveyed 1,848 patients in primary care to assess the association between sleep and vulnerability to infection. The researchers found that patients who slept fewer than 6 hours had a 25% increased risk for infection and a 57% increased risk for antibiotic use, while patients who slept more than 9 hours had a 44% increased risk for infection compared with patients who slept for 7 to 8 hours.

The study also observed an increased risk for infection and antibiotic use in those who had a chronic insomnia disorder, as well as an increased infection risk and antibiotic use risk among those with a chronic sleep problem. The researchers noted that insomnia is often under-recognized by general practitioners and suggested that increased awareness of the importance of sleep is needed among patients and general practitioners.

While the study has several limitations, such as being conducted in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, it underscores the importance of adequate sleep for overall health and well-being. As the lead author of the study, Ingeborg Forthun, PhD, notes, “increased awareness of the importance of sleep, not only for general well-being, but for patients’ health, is needed both among patients and general practitioners.”

If you are struggling with sleep, there are several things you can do to improve your sleep habits. Here are some action steps to get you started:
1. Stick to a regular sleep schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
2. Create a relaxing bedtime routine: This can include taking a warm bath, reading a book, or practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation.
3. Make your bedroom conducive to sleep: Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Consider using blackout curtains, earplugs, or a white noise machine to help create a relaxing environment.
4. Limit exposure to electronics before bedtime: The blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with sleep. Try to avoid using electronics for at least an hour before bedtime.

Remember, sleep is an important part of overall health and well-being. By taking steps to improve your sleep habits, you can reduce your risk for infection and improve your overall quality of life. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”

Sleeping too much or too little may increase risk for infection Individuals who slept fewer than 6 hours or more than 9 hours each night had an increased risk for infection compared with those who slept 7 to 8 hours, according to a study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry. While prior literature has identified links between sleep and vulnerability to infection...

Running is like a puzzle, and the pieces of that puzzle are the factors that can contribute to hip or knee arthritis. By understanding what those factors are, runners can continue to pursue their passion without fear of causing long-term damage.

Many runners fear that they will develop hip or knee arthritis from the repeated stress of running. However, new research presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) suggests that this fear may be unfounded. The study, which surveyed over 3,800 seasoned Chicago marathoners, found that running marathons does not increase the risk for developing hip or knee osteoarthritis, the wear and tear form of the disease.

The study's author, Dr. Matthew James Hartwell, suggests that the same factors that increase the risk for hip or knee arthritis in non-marathoners also apply to runners. This includes advancing age, family history of hip or knee arthritis, previous injuries or knee surgery, as well as higher body mass index (BMI). The study showed that running history on its own was not linked to the development of knee or hip arthritis.

The bottom line? Runners don't have to give up their passion for running, even if they experience hip or knee pain. Instead, they should talk to their doctor and get an X-ray to check for signs of arthritis, and focus on addressing other factors that could be contributing to their pain.

If you're a runner who is concerned about hip or knee pain, here are some action steps to consider:
1. Pay attention to your body: If you experience persistent pain in your hips or knees, talk to your doctor and get an X-ray to check for signs of arthritis.
2. Address other factors: Focus on addressing other factors that could be contributing to your pain, such as advancing age, family history of hip or knee arthritis, previous injuries or knee surgery, and higher body mass index (BMI).
3. Keep running: Don't let fear of hip or knee arthritis prevent you from pursuing your passion for running. As Dr. Hartwell suggests, "Telling someone to stop running for sake of joint health is not the answer...Even with small aches and pain, you don't have to stop running."

In the words of the great runner Steve Prefontaine, "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." Don't sacrifice the gift of running because of fear or misinformation. By understanding the factors that can contribute to hip or knee arthritis and taking steps to address them, you can continue to pursue your passion for running and give it your best.

Does Running Bring on Arthritic Knees? TUESDAY, March 7, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- New research offers up some good news for diehard marathon runners: You don’t necessarily have to give up running if you are experiencing hip or knee pain.Contrary to widespread opinion, running marathons does not increase your risk for developing hip or ...

Our brains are like gardens, and the stress we experience can either nourish or harm them. By understanding the link between perceived stress and cognitive decline, we can take steps to cultivate a healthy brain and prevent cognitive impairment as we age.

A new study published in JAMA Network Open has found that elevated levels of perceived stress were linked with both prevalent and incident cognitive impairment in older adults. The study's author, Ambar Kulshreshtha, MD, PhD, of Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, suggests that clinicians should screen for high levels of stress in older adults, and even asking one question routinely -- "how do you manage your stress?" -- can be very helpful for patients to open up and discuss this common condition.

What can we do to prevent cognitive decline due to stress? Here are some action steps to consider:
1. Develop healthy responses to stress: Clinicians can help people develop healthier responses to stress using approaches such as mindfulness, a healthier lifestyle including physical activity and good sleep, and counseling.
2. Cultivate a healthy brain: We can nourish our brains by engaging in activities that promote cognitive health, such as reading, playing games, and learning new skills. We can also focus on maintaining a healthy diet and staying physically active.
3. Seek help if needed: If you are experiencing persistent stress and/or cognitive decline, talk to your doctor and get the help you need. There are a variety of treatment options available, including medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

In the words of the philosopher Epictetus, "It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters." By developing healthy responses to stress and cultivating a healthy brain, we can prevent cognitive decline and live our best lives as we age.

Incident Cognitive Impairment Tied to Stress More than one in five older adults report high levels of perceived stress

Imagine a gardener who cares for their plants and watches them flourish. The gardener will ensure that each plant has the right nutrients, water, and sunshine to grow and remain healthy. In the same way, our bodies require the necessary nutrients to thrive, and Vitamin D is a critical element in this equation. Recent research shows that Vitamin D supplementation may have a promising effect on preventing dementia, especially when started early.

A large-scale study analyzed the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center's dataset, consisting of 12,388 adults with either normal cognitive function or mild cognitive impairment. The study showed that participants who took Vitamin D supplements had a 40% lower risk of developing dementia than those who did not. The most significant effects were observed in women, individuals with normal cognitive function, and apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 non-carriers.

However, the study had some limitations as it did not include data on dose or duration of Vitamin D exposure or baseline serum Vitamin D levels. Therefore, further research on Vitamin D supplementation is necessary to clarify dose-response relationships and the role of Vitamin D deficiency.

Supplementation with Vitamin D is a low-cost and accessible option for many individuals, and it is crucial to encourage healthcare professionals to consider Vitamin D supplementation as a potential dementia prevention strategy. As a society, we must work to raise awareness about the importance of Vitamin D and other essential nutrients in our diet and its potential effects on our health.

We must ensure that individuals have access to the necessary information and resources needed to take care of their bodies adequately. It is time to be proactive about our health and invest in prevention strategies such as Vitamin D supplementation to reduce the risk of dementia and promote overall well-being.

Vitamin D supplementation and incident dementia: Effects of s*x, APOE, and baseline cognitive status Introduction Despite the association of vitamin D deficiency with incident dementia, the role of supplementation is unclear. We prospectively explored associations between vitamin D supplementation ...

Magnificent work coming from an amazing clinician I had the gift of learning from, with near Jedi-like wisdom, Dr. Scott Shannon. He and his team recently released an amazing study that was conducted on the use of ketamine-assisted group psychotherapy for frontline healthcare workers with COVID-19-related burnout and PTSD. As we all know, healthcare workers have been under immense stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this has resulted in a sharp increase in mental health issues like burnout, PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

The study found that using ketamine in combination with psychotherapy in a group setting can have an immediate positive impact on mental health. In fact, all 10 participants screened negative for PTSD after the treatment, and an average improvement of 59% in PTSD symptoms was observed. The study also found an average improvement of 58% in symptoms of depression and 36% in symptoms of anxiety. The participants reported that they experienced improvement in their anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms as a result of participation in the program and that additional intramuscular ketamine sessions would have been helpful.

What's more interesting is that the participants were treated in a group setting, which means that this form of therapy is cost-effective and addresses a core limitation found in the psychedelic framework around affordability. Access to KAP treatment in the US is limited due to cost and availability of therapists, but using a group-based model for KAP reduces costs and increases the capacity of therapists to deliver treatment.

The study's results provide evidence for ketamine as a pharmacotherapy delivered in a group setting for frontline healthcare workers experiencing symptoms of burnout, PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Group therapy is an underutilized tool that may be synergistic with the beneficial effects of psychedelic-like agents such as ketamine. Participants noted an enhanced sense of connection and community, elements that are lacking in our current culture. Ketamine appeared to speed the sense of connection within the group and reduce the isolation magnified by the COVID-19 epidemic.

The study's authors call for policymakers to take action to prevent the situation from worsening, and I firmly second this. Burnout among healthcare workers is not a new phenomenon, but it has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is essential to address this issue with urgency and provide more options such as what was done in this study.

Ketamine-assisted group psychotherapy can have an immediate positive impact on mental health, especially among frontline healthcare workers who are experiencing COVID-19-related burnout and PTSD. The study's findings provide intriguing evidence for policymakers to take action to provide more options for frontline healthcare workers to address their mental health issues. We need to take care of our healthcare workers, and this study provides a new pathway to do so.

Ketamine-Assisted Group Psychotherapy for Frontline Healthcare Workers with COVID-19-Related Burnout and PTSD: A Case Series of Effectiveness/Safety for 10 Participants This study reports on 10 frontline healthcare workers, employed during the COVID-19 pandemic and experiencing symptoms of burnout and PTSD, treated with group ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) ...