Sore Throat: mystery, romance, and the near annihilation of a trusted profession.

Health care is a hot topic lately. The world wonders how the world’s most prosperous country, the USA, can have such dismal statistics on nearly all aspects of wellbeing including infant mortality, longevity, and chronic illness.  If you’ve ever wondered why there isn’t more cooperation between chiropractors and medical doctors, why our nation’s health care system is the world’s costliest yet least productive, and why conventional medicine seems to arrogantly ignore sensible natural remedies – have I got a story to share with you!

This David-and-Goliath saga is a true tale involving espionage, deceit, deception, and covert hostility that rivals epic catastrophes. The Erin Brokovich story/movie pales in comparison as these misdeeds were not perpetrated by known criminals, psychopaths, terrorists, or corporations, but by doctors; and those antics still permeate all aspects of our society.

Allow me to introduce to you Sore Throat, code-name for an American Medical Association insider with enough moral integrity to gather and disseminate official AMA documents that outlined a covert plan to contain and eliminate their foremost competitor – the chiropractic profession.

These documents on official AMA stationery, which reveal hidden research studies, blatant lies about safety and educational qualifications, false accusations, and even a detailed step-by step plan to create public fear and discredit reliable educational institutions, all in the hopes of dominating and monopolizing the health care industry, leave one wondering if selfish greed is part of the Hippocratic Oath.

But truth prevails, and good …

Tweet

Dr Tom Potisk goes to Hollywood? On CBS live television?

Yep, just when you thought I was nothing more than Milwaukee material. Ha!

And it was a blast too!

Watch Dr Tom Potisk interviewed on a live TV interview.

Listen, I’ve got a profound God given message for all of you. And, as I watch things playing out in the news media of the world, I’m more convinced than ever that you and  you’re family are in grave danger if you don’t take heed.

My message is that our conventional health care system is killing us. Just look around at the perfect storm developing: an aging population, an obesity epidemic, skyrocketing insurance costs, an already overly-strained national budget, a looming doctor shortage, rampant fraud in research, a diabetes epidemic, more and more processed and preserved food, and I could continue.

Alan Greenspan said “The biggest threat to our economy is healthcare.” Yikes!

It’s not my goal to scare anybody. But yes, this particular truth that I carry in my message is justifiably scary.

I’m happy to report that I’m equally sure  this health care problem is completely fixable.  However, it’s completely up to you to take action. Your employer, your …

Tweet

Wisconsin has endless wellness opportunities. Another one of my favorites is what I call “Glide the Anvil”. This has been my favorite exercise, and a part of my holistic lifestyle for more than 30 years.

And just what “anvil” am I referring to? It’s the pristine 12 mile long Anvil Trail system in the Chequamegon/Nicolet National Forest on Hwy 70 just East of Eagle River, WI.  And just how am I gliding? Well, most of the time I’m gliding, but sometimes falling as I enjoy that beautiful trail on my cross-country skis.

Constructed by Civilian Conservation Corps CCC workers in the early 1930’s, this is one of the oldest and most popular cross-country ski trails in the Eagle River area. Trails are groomed for traditional style-skiing as well as ski-skating. Several loops are available over varied terrain from easy to difficult. It’s one of the top ranked cross-country trails nationally. The system has been expanded and was made part of the National Recreational Trail System in 1978. The Anvil Trail system is adjacent to Anvil Lake Campground and also connects with the Nicolet North Trail system and to the Franklin Lake Campground via a connector trail. The Anvil is also excellent for hiking and mountain biking in summer and …

Tweet

Meet our new puppy – Jake. We suspect he is about 3-4 months old. We are not quite sure because we obtained him from an animal shelter.

We were told he was on a short list to soon be euthanized. For those of you not familiar with that word, it means exterminated. So sad!

We suspect he is part Beagle and part Jack Russell Terrier. Some people refer to these dogs as Jackabees. Cute!

He is a delightful dog, growing fast and full of energy. He seems amazingly affectionate and so far not damaging anything around the house, thank goodness!

I’ve learned from my training and 25 years experience as a holistic family doctor, that pet ownership is a wonderful contribution to one’s natural health and wellness. We are happy to welcome Jake to our family I’d highly suggested seeking your next pet or animal from an animal shelter. Adopting unwanted pets is a special pleasure!

Email me a picture of your pet and I’ll be happy to add it to this post – tpotisk@gmail.com

May God bless …

Tweet

Wellness opportunities in Wisconsin are abundant.

Autumn brings cooler temperatures, brilliant foliage coloration, and the annual Whitetail Deer harvest, a Wisconsin tradition since the earliest days of statehood. Gone are the days of remote deer camps occupied by inebriated, careless and filthy hunters who stumbled through the woods after late night card games played under the light of kerosene lamps dimmed by cigar smoke.

Today it’s a healthy pursuit;  a challenge,  met by safety conscious hunters of both genders with an ethical goal of humanely controlling the deer population, filling the freezer, enjoying the outdoors, and embracing the group dynamics of teaming up with family and friends. I’ve enjoyed the sport for 35 years and know that modern deer hunters are environmentally conscious and appreciative of these gifts.

The meat is truly quality. Deer meat, called venison, is organic and totes high protein, low fat, essential oils and minerals that are lacking in the conventional supermarket meat processed from animals that are often raised never seeing the natural light of day. Healthy succulent steaks for grilling are obtained from plump deer tenderloins. Tasty roasts in slow-cookers with vegetables like potatoes, onions, celery and carrots will cause hunger pangs with a lift of the lid. And don’t forget the wonderful, lean ground venison as a wise choice for chili and spaghetti. My mouth is watering right now; how about you?

The hunt can be a fitness lover’s dream. It usually involves …

Tweet

Milwaukee area Holistic health speakers like myself teach wellness and prevention. My unique topic is called After God, Humor is the Best Medicine. I combine concepts of natural and holistic health with funny pictures and stories gathered from my 25 years as a busy holistic family doctor and chiropractor. I’m known as a motivational speaker about alternative medicine. I also present corporate workplace wellness programs.

I use about a dozen funny pictures. Here is one I like to show:

I especially like to speak and present my programs at Christian conferences and conventions. I most recently did so at the CEO Fearless Faith Workshop  (http://ceo-ministries.org/) near Milwaukee Wisconsin. Public speaking is one of the ways I enjoy helping people.

Many people call me The Down to Earth Doctor because of my ability to teach in an easy-to-understand and practical manner. So I strive to share information about health and wellness that my audience and their families can put to use immediately with little or no cost.

Ultimately, my goal is to empower people to take more personal responsibility for their wellbeing, so they can be less dependent on the high cost and risk of the conventional health care system (it’s really a sickness care system).

The best doctor is really the one inside of us, the one we’re blessed with by God. Our bodies  have an incredible self …

Tweet

Wellness opportunities in Wisconsin are abundant.

Enjoying physical activities on Wisconsin’s many waterways is not to be missed. It’s another wonderful and fun way to enhance your wellness with fresh air, sunshine, exercise, and absorbing the beauty of the surroundings. The adventure of exploring these rivers, streams, and lakes is a thrill that washes away stress. Invite your family and the benefits are multiplied!

I  love canoeing and kayaking and advocate it as a wonderful choice for outdoor physical fitness. Some of Wisconsin’s cities and towns hold unappreciated paddling opportunities. My favorite urban place to do it is the Milwaukee harbor. “Milwaukee” is derived from a Native American word meaning “meeting of the waters”. The harbor is where three rivers meet, all very paddle worthy and the cleanest they’ve been in over 100 years. You’ll pass within view of Milwaukee’s unique sites including the largest 4 sided clock in the world, The new Harley Davidson Museum, The world renowned Calatrava designed art museum, the historic Pabst, Miller, and Schlitz breweries, and many other vestiges of the city’s storied past.

Don’t miss out on visiting the one and only Bronze Fonz (Remember Fonzie on the TV show called Happy Days set in Milwaukee?). The life size statue is on the east side of the Wells St bridge where it crosses the Milwaukee River. Rumor has it that pinching his buttock brings good luck! LOL!

And stretch your legs by  taking a walk …

Tweet

Help! I need a clever logo.

I’ve been a full-time holistic lifestyle advocate for nearly 3 years. I’m known world-wide as The Down to Earth Doctor; and I’ve got nothing to show for it – in the form of a logo that is. LOL!

Increasingly, as I’m requested to be a speaker at public events like health fairs, doctor’s conferences, work-place wellness programs, and conventions, participate in radio and television interviews, and asked to be an author for articles and books, I’m asked to provide my logo. It’s about time I get one.

So, I’m asking for your assistance in designing one. And I’m happy to reward you for your efforts. All those who submit an entry will receive a free digital copy of my book Whole Health Healing: The Budget Friendly Natural Wellness Bible for All Ages. The designer who’s logo is chosen to be used, the winner, will receive $75.00 and an autographed copy.

To keep this legal, I must state that I reserve the right to reject any or all entrants, all submissions become my property, each person may submit a maximum of 3 original designs, and it’s open to all ages. The deadline for submissions is 12/1/2011.

Now here is some help. I’m branded and known as The Down to Earth Doctor for 2 reasons:

#1) I live very holistically. For example, I raise much of my own food by gardening and farming organically. I have chickens, pigs, …

Tweet

Back to school time brings lots of emotions.

For students is usually excitement and nervousness.

For parents it’s relief. LOL!

My 3 teenagers started school this week , and my wife and I are celebrating. Yay!

I’m a proponent of rewarding kids for good grades. Dangling a carrot for good performance is an activity congruent with real life. I give them cash for each A they obtain on their report card. When I reminded them of that recently, they immediately started calculating how many good grades they need to get an Ipad. That’s a good warm-up for mathematics.

They were not so happy when I reminded them of a few after school rules. Like no TV  or computer games until their homework is done. And their chores have to be finished. And they have to exercise first. Wow, I seem like a meanie don’t I. But I mean well – it’s called tough love; a good idea.  I highly recommend it for all parents.

Let’s not forget about kids health. I recently gave a radio interview on WENG with the topic “How to Sickness Proof Your Child for Back to School Time.  The key is all about building stronger immunity. My family and I have enjoyed having medical bills at or near zero year after year (about 16!) Pretty phenomenal. I believe any family can decrease their health care. medical, hospital, …

Tweet

Landscape gardening secrets are well worth learning; especially vegetable gardening.

You can’t beat freshly picked produce for taste and nutritional benefit. This is particularly true of organically grown varieties.

I can’t claim to be a horticultural specialist, master gardener, or any kind of certified gardening expert. But every year I grow a pretty nice vegetable garden as an amateur and I’m happy to share a few of my secrets.

1) Understand that it’s a necessity not a burden. There is no better way to know exactly the quality of the produce your eating and how it was raised than to raise it yourself. And you save lots of money. master gardeners like chromium, manganese, and selenium are missing from commercially grown produce. Organically grown has these and many more. I consider gardening a vital component of optimum wellness. It’s a gift from God; don’t waste it.

2) Every little bit helps. I know it may not be possible to raise all the produce you’ll need, but your health will benefit even if all you can manage are a few onions, tomatoes, or a bit of lettuce.

3) Lower your expectations. Even the best farmers with the most current technology don’t expert 100% yield. So expert some loss to bugs, birds, varmints, and poor weather. In some years  you may lose it all.

4) You don’t have to use herbicides and pesticides. In fact I recommend avoiding it. As I wrote above, expect bugs. But if you have a bit of patience, you’ll find the bugs …

Tweet

Employee and Workplace wellness programs are beneficial and necessary for a successful business. I co-authored a workplace wellness book called Wellness Wins.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Southeastern Wisconsin, my home area for my entire life, has a unique demographic of ethnic diversity and unfortunately a higher than average rate of obesity and its related problems. Because of the locations uniqueness, a health and wellness speaker needs to be familiar with the region, the culture, its population’s health problems and viable solutions.

There are 6  specific considerations that should be addressed by the speaker/presenter:

1)      The Milwaukee region has a harsh climate making outdoor physical activity difficult at times. The need for regular exercise is an important component of wellness, so the presenter needs to have viable alternatives for dealing with the region’s weather.

2)      The people of the Milwaukee area are accustomed to foods high in saturated fats such as fish fries, French fries, custard, and sausage. Alcohol is consumed in higher than average quantities, usually in the form of beer. Speakers need to be aware of these customs and work at modifying them not eliminating them.

3)      The education level of the region is higher than average so even though the region has the 2 above noted complications, the people are generally understanding of the health problems they face and willing to learn alternatives.

4)      …

Tweet

Sorry about my lag in blog posts. I was on another extraordinary vacation.

You might wonder why a health and wellness specialist and author like me is writing about vacations? You’ll be pleased to find out that I recognize and prescribe vacations as a vital component of wellness. (And the crowds went wild LOL!)

I’m not kidding. During my 25 years as a busy holistic family doctor near Milwaukee, Wisconsin I observed the necessity for more people to have more rest, especially in the form of vacations. Many illnesses are caused at least in part by stress, or an over-burdened lifestyle.

Now before you begin planning to lead a sedentary lifestyle on the couch for the rest of your life, know that it is equally important to do meaningful fulfilling work that you are passionate about, and dedicate yourself to it. But still, regularly disconnecting with vacations needs to be sprinkled in for rejuvenation of body, mind, and spirit.

So here are several of my suggestions that can make your vacation extraordinary.

#1) I’ve noticed that if people take vacations regularly, then the lazy, non-stimulating type of vacations get boring fast. So go places and do things that are educational, exciting, and adventurous.  For example, I once rented a motor home in Rome, Italy and criss-crossed the country.

…

Tweet

Asparagus time?

Sorry for my strange excitement about asparagus, but I always look forward to picking and eating the first fresh batch from my garden. I just picked some today! It’s usually the first green vegetable available every spring. And if you can get it fresh, like picking it yourself from your own garden, it is absolutely fantastic. It’s even good raw!

I’m big on gardening by the way. I even recommend it in my book Whole Health Healing – The Budget Friendly Natural Wellness Bible For All Ages. Gardening does amazingly good things for your overall health and wellness.

Asparagus growing is a great analogy for most things in life, like relationships, careers, faith, and prosperity. In case you haven’t noticed, all the great things in life take time – it’s a lesson in patience.

Asparagus as an analogy for life? LOL. Yep you read it correctly. That’s why they call me the “down to earth” doctor.

For example, many people tell me they would like to grow their own asparagus, but they lose their enthusiasm when they learn that it takes a couple of years from the time you plant until the time you can pick. And worse yet, if you plant and lose your patience, picking too early, then your asparagus won’t come back.

Even more like the realities of life, there are a few particulars. You …

Tweet

Women’s health and wellness can be complicated.

I recently was the featured speaker at a wonderful Women’s group  in Greendale, WI called A Woman’s Journey. My topic was 4 Steps to Optimum Health, Naturally.

It was a lovely meeting of bright and intelligent women. Since it was all women, I was able to share a secret about getting control of men. This produced a lot of laughs! I made them all promise to never repeat the secret because I could get in a lot of trouble if men found out. LOL! If you would like to know you’ll have to hire me as a speaker.

I then proceeded to the 4 tips using my custom made  PowerPoint presentation. Here they are:

#1: Do it for God. Yep God. Surprising isn’t it? I base my advice on Biblical scripture such as 1st Corinthians 6:19,20 – Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. And Romans 12:1 -Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

My point is that it’s both an honor and a higher calling for all of us to take optimum care of our bodies. And that God has gifted each and every one of …

Tweet

Ice fishing is a blast!

In case you have not heard the classic ice fishing joke, here it is:

“I went ice fishing yesterday.”

“Really? Did you catch anything?”

“Yes, a cold!” Har har!

Truthfully it can be cold while ice fishing, but if the sun is shining and the wind is not too strong, and you are bundled with so much clothing that you can barely raise your arms, then it can be quite comfortable.

So my son Mike and I decided to drive about 5 hours to Northern Wisconsin and fish on the Eagle Chain of Lakes. The Eagle Chain is a beautiful and remarkable body of water. It’s known to be the largest chain of navigable lakes in the world – 28! We fished on the the one called Duck Lake.

We used a device called a “tip-up”. It’s essentially a 1 foot long piece of wood with a metal rod perpendicular. There is a spool of line on one end and a flag on the other. Essentially when a fish bites your bait/hook, it then pulls the line, turning the spool which then raises the flag which then raises your heart rate and blood pressure as you run to the tip-up cheering and yelling “fish-on!”

Here is a 43 second video of …

Tweet

Aging can be difficult if you let it. Thank God I’m still young enough to make decisions.

Prior to today I was taking advantage of saying I was 40 something, and conveniently shaving off the last digit. That worked for 9 years.

But life marches on. Isn’t it interesting how some of us fight to keep control of so many things, and actually succeed with most, but the one thing that keeps going without our control is time? God ultimately wins with that.

But in a way, we do have some control on time and aging – accept it and perhaps even find some humor in it. Here are a few things I’m laughing about today:

You know you’re getting older when…

Everything that works hurts, and what doesn’t hurt doesn’t work.

You feel like the morning after, and you haven’t been anywhere.

Your little black book only contains names ending in M.D.

Your children are beginning to look middle-aged.

Your mind makes contracts your body can’t keep.

You look forward to a dull evening.

Your knees buckle and your belt won’t.

Your back goes out more than you do.

You sink your teeth into a steak, and they stay there.

You know all the answers, but nobody asks the questions.

So, today as I’m turning fifty, you won’t get any advice from me about health or wellness. My book Whole Health Healing: The Budget Friendly Natural Wellness Bible for All Ages can …

Tweet

Hugh Hefner is the envy of anybody aging. Hugh is 80 something.

I like that “something part.” I learned that from an elderly patient of mine. When I asked her age she said “I am 80 something.” with a big grin, ”It’s not necessary to count the second digit.” LOL!

By the way, I am 40 something. I feel better saying my age that way especially since I’m only able to say that for a few more weeks.

I’m told I look good for my age. I’m lean, fit, and active. All my parts are still working well; just like Hugh. I’ll casually neglect to comment about my hair. LOL!

So how do some people maintain their youthful exuberance? God is ultimately in control of what happens to each of us, but he also gifted us with the ability to make choices.

Having been a holistic family doctor for over 25 years, working face to face with thousands of senior citizens, I have a few observations and suggestions about youthfulness.

1)Check Your Posture. It is an often overlooked component of beauty, health and youthfulness. Look closely at those who catch your eye and you’ll notice those people have good posture.   From a side view you’ll notice that their head lies directly above their torso, and that an imaginary straight line can be drawn from their ear to their shoulder, to their hip, and then to their ankle. From a front or back view you’ll …

Tweet

Livestock: Friends and Food? Is it possible?

Yes but it’s not easy.

When my wife and I first moved to our farm about 16 years ago, we were advised that if we obtained any livestock that we intend to eat, then we should not allow them to become pets.

“Uu -huh” I said in my characteristic covertly defiant agreement. I think that means I lied.

Since then we’ve enjoyed having numerous animals around here that we’ve enjoyed both as near pets and as food.  No, I wouldn’t go so far as to say that we’ve hugged and petted these animals as we do with our cats and dog, but they have been cherished as a part of the family. Sounds a bit gruesome I know, but I’d feel guilty if we didn’t show them at least some appreciation as we raised them.

Our farm is blessed with a really nice chicken coop, so the first animals we obtained were chickens. They were given to me as a gift from a former neighbor. They are Aracauna breed, and I’m told they originated in South America. Known for laying eggs of multiple colors (teal, brown, tan and white) they are also cherished as dual-purpose chickens good for both egg production and roasting.I love the fresh eggs we collect and eat most mornings – I can really taste and see the difference! They are a wonderful benefit to health.

…

Tweet

Pets are another wonderful gift from God , ; so are all animals for that matter. They make a nice component to optimum wellness.

Below are some pictures of my family’s pets with a few fun details.

Here is our dog Lou as a puppy getting squeezed by my son Mike and daughter Emily.

Lou is a Jackaby (half Beagle, half Jack Russell Terrier) and a real sweetie-pie. She never seems to get angry no matter how much we tease her. She loves it all! She barks like crazy when someone pulls into our drive way. But I think she would lick the hand of a burglar! LOL!

Lou loves boat rides too!

Lou loves fish. She kisses them!

And Lou gets along well with our cat Rosie! Except when food is involved – Yikes! That smiling face in the background is my son Andy.

Here is a closer look at Rosie. She’s a real lady with white on all 4 feet and the tip of her tail. She acts very dainty!

I’ve often wondered if my kids …

Tweet

Humor and laughter in health care? Well some would say that our current health care system is a joke! Har, har!

But seriously, we all need to laugh more. It’s a vital component of optimum wellness, and it’s been lacking. No wonder so many people are ill.

Humor and Laughter Therapy are not new. Way back in the 1300s Henri de Mondeville, Professor of surgery advised. “Let the surgeon take care to regulate the whole regimen of the patient’s life for joy and happiness, allowing his relatives and special friends to cheer him, and by having someone tell him jokes”.

I learned a lot about humor from my patients during my 25 years as a holistic family doctor. I included several funny stories in my book Whole Health Healing: The Budget Friendly Natural Wellness Bible for All Ages. Thanks to those of you who made me laugh all those years. I needed you! For example, one day a patient told me she had just gotten cataract surgery. “Can you see better now?” I enquired. She looked up at me, squinted her eyes and said sheepishly “Well, I can see your grey hair now.” Yeah, thanks for your humor gang!

Even the Bible says that “ a merry heart doeth good…” and “ ….a cheerful look brings joy to the heart and good news gives health to the bones”. …

Tweet