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Hunting for Health Huntington College of Health Sciences Issue #2, 2011 1204-D Kenesaw Avenue~Knoxville, TN 37919 800-290-4226 ~ www.hchs.edu

News to Muse

2011-2012 HCHS Catalog Student ID Cards We invite you to check out our new There are many businesses offering 2011-2012 catalog with updated course discounts to students and require student material and tuition costs. You may identification. If you would like to receive view the catalog online at a HCHS Student ID card, please send http://www.hchs.edu/resources.htm. your request to

[email protected]. We would be glad to send you a card in the mail. Military Friendly

HCHS now participating in the G. I. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bill Educational Programs If you are a veteran and would like to take advantage of your G. I. Bill benefits at HCHS Mission Statement HCHS, we are happy to help. First contact your governmental benefits The mission of Huntington College of Health representative to determine which of Sciences is to transform lives through education the programs you qualify for and the by offering accessible, convenient, affordable specific benefits available to you. Once and comprehensive distance education in you have that information contact our nutrition and the health sciences enabling Military Liaison Director to confirm adults to capitalize on their professional and your enrollment and assist with personal potential within the communities in processing the necessary paperwork to which they live. enable you to receive your benefits. [email protected]

A Word from our Administrator

My name is Christy Martin and I have been the Director of Administration at Huntington College of Health Sciences since May 2, 2011. My background is in public school instruction and administration where I worked for many years. I also teach at Tusculum College here in Knoxville, Tennessee in their teacher preparation program and in their graduate program. I am a native of East Tennessee and proud of my heritage. There is no place more beautiful than here in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. I am a graduate of the University of Tennessee, earning a B.S., M.S. and Ed.D., so of course I am a Tennessee Volunteer fan!

We are in a very exciting growth phase here at the college. As part of our requirements for reaccreditation and continual improvement of HCHS we will be initiating programs and services to assist our students in their completion of personal goals and changing the way we do some things. Change is sometimes difficult but necessary and here at Huntington it has been not just exciting, but fun.

The staff here at our Knoxville, Tennessee administrative offices are ready to serve you with whatever HCHS education issues you may have. We are open 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time. If our hours make it difficult for you to call you can email me at [email protected] and I will try to either solve your problem or direct you to the appropriate person who can. You may also leave a message on our automated phone system and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

I am pleased to be working with the staff, students, and HCHS community. Please let me know of your concerns, complaints or positive experiences with our school. We are constantly striving to improve and welcome your input.

Admissions Director

My name is Kim Galyon and I am excited to be working at HCHS as your Admissions Advisor. I grew up in Middle Tennessee and later moved to East Tennessee to attend the University of Tennessee. After graduating with a degree in Business, I married and raised 3 boys in the Knoxville area. I enjoy spending time with my family doing anything outdoors, running or playing just about any sport.

I came on board the first week of June. It has been a pleasure to work with the administration at HCHS and to get to know our current students. The best part of my job is speaking with prospective students to see how our academic programs fit their needs. I am always available to assist you in any way ~ [email protected].

Delta Epsilon Tau

HCHS is please to be a member school in the Delta Epsilon Tau International Honor Society.

To recognize the academic achievements of students who study at a distance, the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) Board of Trustees officially established the Delta Epsilon Tau International Honor Society (DET). DET membership brings honor and earned recognition to individuals who have worked diligently to acquire new knowledge and skills from an accredited distance learning institution.

If you are interested in DET and have a high grade point average please call Dr. Christy Martin at the HCHS number or email her at [email protected].

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A Tribute to Cheryl Freeman

Cheryl Freeman (1956-2011) came to work at Huntington College of Health Sciences (previously American Academy of Nutrition) in 2001. In 2004, she became the Director for the institution, providing a rare level of exemplary service to students, faculty and administration for ten years. In 2011 Cheryl passed away due to an unexpected illness, leaving those of us who knew and loved her in a state of deep sadness and loss-but also leaving us with a sense of gratefulness for having been privileged to work with her.

Cheryl's legacy and example for all who work at Huntington College of Health Sciences is her gift for helping others. She demonstrated this gift of service in her desire to help students to see their own potential. Students truly appreciated this, and many called after Cheryl's passing saying, "I never met Cheryl in person but she was my friend." She would talk students out of giving up and they would go on to finish the work with honors. She would talk to students who were panicking over a final exam or assignment and calm them down.

She was able to talk to people and make them believe they could do anything. She truly loved people and her sincere desire to see others succeed was evident. Although circumstances placed a roadblock in Cheryl's desire to attend college right after high school, her spirit of dedication made it possible for her to complete her bachelor's degree even while working full time and taking care of her family. Consequently, she could identify with many of our students who are working full time, raising children and taking courses to finish a degree. She has been an inspiration to so many students and because of that we are excited to announce a scholarship fund started in her name (a formal announcement about this is forthcoming). We all miss Cheryl, but those of us at Huntington College of Health Sciences strive to honor her memory by continuing to provide exemplary service to our student body.

Dr. Arthur M. Presser Adjunct Assistant Professor, Curriculum Coordinator, Integrative Medicine, USC School of Pharmacy President, Huntington College of Health Sciences Staff Pharmacist, Tom's Medical Pharmacy, Valle Verde Pharmacy

What's with Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a fat soluble nutrient which is often called "the sunshine vitamin" because the rays of the sun can convert a cholesterol derivative under the surface of the skin into vitamin D. The classic vitamin D deficiency disease is called rickets, which occurs in children. This takes place when the bones fail to calcify normally, causing growth retardation and skeletal abnormalities. The bones become so weak that they bend when they have to support the body's weight. A child with rickets who is old enough to walk characteristically develops bowed legs.

Rickets was first described in 1645 by Daniel Whistler. But it was not until the early 1920's that vitamin D was classified, as such, somewhat serendipitously. Sir Edward Mellanby was working with dogs exclusively raised indoors, devoid of sunlight. He devised a diet that allowed him to prove that rickets was caused by a dietary deficiency. He worked with Cod Liver Oil which was effective in treating the disorder, and by inactivating vitamin A, was left with the active component D. In 1936 when vitamin D was chemically characterized, it was shown to be identical to Mellanby's Cod Liver Oil fraction.

Interest in Vitamin D in the last 15 years has exploded. The reason for this is that it has been discovered to work by directly regulating about 1000 human genes with 2276 binding sites along the length of the genome, and with receptors in over a dozen organs. Gone are the days when Vitamin D was all about calcium and bones. Let's look at what we now know about Vitamin D, taken in doses higher than previously recommended, in various systems of the body.

Bone health

It has long been know that Vitamin D plays an indispensable role in skeletal health. It maintains the body's calcium levels even if dietary calcium intake is insufficient. Low levels of Vitamin D lead to inadequate bone mineralization. Taking more Vitamin D has been shown to reduce the risk of nonvertebral and hip fractures by 20%. The current body of evidence suggests taking more Vitamin D with calcium.

Muscle strength

Vitamin D supplementation has been shown to improve muscle strength, function and balance. This is great news for America's aging population as clinical trials have shown that taking Vitamin D reduces the risks of falls which generally result in bone fractures in elders. For the younger population a recent study in the Netherlands showed Vitamin D to stimulate the expression of the androgen receptor in muscle resulting in improved strength and regeneration.

Cancer

The relationship between the sun and cancer has been looked at since the 1920s, and one of the things we find is that those with sun caused skin cancers have a lower incidence of other cancers. I don't think I am going out on a limb by suggesting that sun worshipers have higher levels of Vitamin D. Science follows with the following observations. Over 30 studies show a significant link between increasing Vitamin D status and a reduction in colorectal cancer. While some studies are inconclusive other evidence suggests higher Vitamin D status and lower breast cancer risk. Studies have identified a correlation to higher Vitamin D and lower prostate cancer risk. And the beat goes on with associations between Vitamin D and blood, gastrointestinal, and pancreatic cancers.

Cardiovascular disease and hypertension

Clinical trials suggest an inverse relationship between Vitamin D levels and cardiovascular disease measured as heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular related deaths. Additionally, in a 4 year study published in the journal Hypertension, patients with low Vitamin D were three times more likely to be diagnosed with high blood pressure than those with high concentrations.

Asthma

Studies suggest that low Vitamin D status may be linked to airway inflammation, decreased lung function and poor asthma control. It is hypothesized that it prevents the release of inflammatory cytokines and increases the secretion of anti- inflammatory proteins. One study on children showed 47% with low Vitamin D levels and 17% with deficient levels. These children clearly had reduced lung function, greater reaction to allergens, and required greater use of control medications. It has even been suggested that maternal Vitamin D intake during pregnancy is inversely associated with asthma symptoms in early childhood.

Diabetes

The pancreas has Vitamin D receptors and the ability to convert inactive Vitamin D to active Vitamin D. It has been suggested that Vitamin D plays a role in insulin sensitivity and secretion thus influencing the control of type 2 diabetes. However, at this time the jury is still out.

Immune system

More studies are emerging on Vitamin D's effect on the immune system. A recent Japanese study showed a 40% lower rate of children catching the flu when given 1200 iu of Vitamin D daily. Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that Vitamin D is crucial to activating our immune defenses and that without sufficient intake of it, the killer cells of the immune system (T cells) will not be able to react to and fight off serious infections in the body. A study from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey showed Vitamin D to protect gums against bacterial infections leading to gingivitis and periodontitis.

Autoimmune diseases

There is strong evidence that there is a relationship between Vitamin D and multiple sclerosis. One study showed a reduction in the flare-up phase. More studies are needed to determine if Vitamin D can prevent and slow the progression of MS. It appears that Vitamin D may be beneficial in lowering the frequency of MS relapses. With respect to rheumatoid arthritis the benefits of Vitamin D supplementation is unclear. There is evidence supporting it but not enough at this time. With respect to type 1 diabetes there appears to be a relationship between higher doses and risk reduction.

Neurophysiological A study reported in the Archives of Internal Medicine reported that elders with Vitamin D levels on the low side had substantial mental decline when compared to those with levels on the high side. Another study reported in Archives of Neurology showed people with higher Vitamin D levels had a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease.

Vitamin D, how we get it and why supplement? Our body makes Vitamin D by converting a form of cholesterol in our skin to D3. D3 is converted to its active form called 25-hydroxyD (25-OH-D3). This is the form we measure to determine D status. 25-hydroxyD is then converted to the hormone calcitrol which actually does the work.

So you might ask, if the sun makes our Vitamin D why take supplements? The obvious answer is we're not supposed to go in the sun. As mentioned above, the marker we look for in the blood is 25-OH-D3. A level of 20ng/ml is deficient, 20-39 is inadequate, 40-50 is adequate, 50-60 is optimal, and 200 is probably toxic. The amount necessary just for maximum bone density is 40 and to get levels over 30, supplementation is required.

Who may be deficient in Vitamin D? Those of us who believe their dermatologist and stay out of the sun and wear sunscreens. Those of us who live in areas further from the equator and have days with overcast, fog and air pollution. Those of us who are old. Those of us who are fat, or have darker skin. Those of us on low fat diets, or have malabsorption issues.

What is the difference between D3 and D2? D3 (cholecalciferol)is the natural occurring form in our bodies. D2 (ergocalciferol) is derived from a sterol called ergosterol which is produced by some fungi, invertebrates, or phytoplankton, but not land plants. D2 is metabolized differently than D3. It is believed that D3 is more than three time more effective than D2 in raising and maintaining serum D levels.

How much should you take? Probably 2000-5000 iu, but ask your pharmacist, physician, clinical nutritionist, or qualified healthcare provider what's best for you.

Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, RH (AHG) Dean of Academics; provides continuing education in nutrition and dietary supplement science; Registered Herbalist; author/co-author of 3 books on dietary supplements and herbs; contributing writer to health and fitness magazines

Safe & Effective Herbal Testosterone Enhancer

I'm sure you are all aware of the importance of testosterone for the health and fitness of a man's body. Likewise, I'm sure that you're also aware of the health risks associated with the illicit use of testosterone and other anabolic steroids to help achieve muscle growth and hypertrophy. Consequently, this presents an interesting challenge if a man's total testosterone levels happen to be decreasing, or if his bioavailable testosterone is not at a good level to be to support fitness goals. What can be done to mitigate the situation and effectuate a favorable profile of total testosterone and bioavailable testosterone? Before answering this question, let's do a quick "Testosterone 101" review to make sure we all understand the difference between total testosterone and bioavailable testosterone.

Testosterone 101

Much of the testosterone (T) in a man's body (44 to 65%) is bound to sex hormone- binding globulin (SHBG), a glycoprotein that binds to sex hormones. While bound to SHBG, T cannot bind to cellular androgen receptors-which means that it won't have any of the valuable effects of T in this form. Of course SHBG-bound T can be unbound, but it can take awhile for this to happen.

A significant amount of T (33 to 54%) is also bound to serum albumin. Unlike SHGG, however, albumin is easily disassociated with T and can bind to androgen receptors. In addition, a small fraction of T is unbound. This is known as free T, and also easily binds to androgen receptors. Total T is a measurement of SHBG bound, albumin bound and free T. Bioavailable T (BAT) is a measurement of just albumin- bound and free T-in other words, it is a measure of the two forms of T that is capable of binding with androgen receptors.[1] 2 3

What it comes down to is that we should be concerned with both total T and BAT. Specifically, men in the 40s, 50s and up should be more concerned with total T, while men in their 20s and 30s should be more concerned with BAT. Here's why.

Starting at about age 30, men experience a decrease in T levels of 1-3% per year. Although this is not significant when a man is in this 30s, by the time he reaches his late 40s or early 50s, the level of T has been reduced enough that he may feel a profound difference. In fact, reduced levels of T are associated with:

 Decreased sexual function/desire  Decreased energy  Loss of hair  Decreased muscle mass  Increased body fat  Changes in mood  Decreased bone density

Hence, this is the age-group that would benefit most from an increase in total T.

By contrast, younger guys (i.e., in their 20s and 30s) are already making a significant amount of T, and so don't need to be as concerned with their total T levels. What would be more likely to benefit this age-group is doing something to improve their testosterone ratio so that more of it is present as BAT.

Re-Settin® and total T

Re-Settin® is a proprietary raw material that may be found in some dietary supplement brands in the marketplace. It consists of a special lipid extract of the Saw Palmetto berry, and the carotenoid antioxidant Astaxantin. What makes Re- Settin® so interesting is its mechanism of action. What it does is reduce the conversion of T to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and reduce the conversion of T to the estrogen hormone estradiol (E). This is important since it is not particularly desirable for men to experience increased levels of DHT and estradiol. DHT can contribute to enlarged prostate and other problems. Estradiol is the predominant sex hormone present in females and, while much lower levels are also present in men, higher levels can contribute to low sperm count and some feminizing aspects of male sexual characteristics.

Furthermore, by decreasing the conversion of T to DHT and E, the result is maintaining higher levels of T. This was demonstrated in a 14-day, open-label clinical study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, on 42 healthy males ages 37 to 70 years.4 The men were divided into two groups of twenty-one, and dosed with either 800 mg/day or 2000 mg/day of Re- Settin® (Note: Alphastat® was the original name of the raw material used in the study, but the raw material subsequently renamed the raw material as Re-Settin®. To avoid any confusion, therefore, I'll just refer to the raw material by its current name, Re-Settin®. In any case Alphastat® and Re-Settin® are exactly the same raw materials). Blood samples were collected on days 0, 3, 7 and 14 and assayed for T, DHT and E. The results were phenomenal. In the group taking 800 mg/day, total T concentrations increased 61%, DHT levels decreased by 16% in 14 days. There were no changes in E. The group taking 2000 mg/day experienced a 38% increase in total T concentrations, a 27% decrease in DHT, and a 9% decrease in E in 14 days.5 With the exception of no changes in E in the 800 mg/day group, all of the changes were statistically significant.

An important point here is that Re-Settin® doesn't appear to actually stimulate new production of total T, but rather by reducing conversion of T to DHT and E, the net results are maintaining higher levels of T than would otherwise be the case. In my opinion, this makes Re-Settin® particularly safe and effective nutraceutical for naturally increasing total T.

TestoSurge™ and BAT TestoSurge™ is another proprietary raw material that various dietary supplement brands. It is a special extract of Fenugreek seeds. TestoSurge™ seems to work differently than Re-Settin® in that it increased BAT. This was shown in an 8-week, double-blind study also published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, in 30 men aged 18 to 24 years.6 The men were all resistance- trained, and 17 ingested either 500 mg of TestoSurge™ once daily for eight weeks, while 13 ingested a placebo. All subjects participated in a supervised, 4-day per week periodized resistance training program consisting of two upper extremity and two lower extremity workouts per week for 8 weeks.

The results demonstrated that TestoSurge™ increased BAT by more than 100% compared to exercise alone. Likewise men using TestoSurge™ while exercising lost about 2% body fat in 8 weeks compared to only about ½% with exercise alone. Both of these changes were statistically significant. While there was also an increase in total T, it was only by about 3 ng/ml, which (in my opinion) is not likely to have a significant effect. To me, the increase in BAT is what is most interesting. In addition there were no significant changes in DHT, estrogen, hemodynamic variables, or clinical safety data including lipid panel, liver function, kidney function, and/or CBC panel-so TestoSurge™ seems to be a safe ingredient.

My personal experience I'm a 50 year old man who has been taking dietary supplements for more than 30 years, and very seldom have I ever felt any profound result-and most of the time I don't expect to. You take calcium because 20 or 30 years from now you want it to help prevent osteoporosis, not because you expect an immediate effect. But when I took a product containing Re-Settin®, my experience was different. After a couple of days I began feeling an increase in energy levels, and my wife said that I didn't act like a grumpy old man any more. These benefits could be explained by an increase in T levels, and in fact I verified this when I had a blood test at my doctor, and my T levels had increased significantly.

While I'm not suggesting that men in the baby-boomer age range will have the same results I did, I was very interested to see that the increase in T that I experienced was consistent with the published clinical research-always a good thing. While I haven't personally tried using TestoSurge™, I'm certainly impressed by the research.

Conclusion T plays an important role in the health and fitness of all age groups of men. The use of the nutraceuticals discussed in this article may prove to be safe and effective in helping men to maintain healthy levels of total T and BAT.

References [1] Emadi-Konjin P, Bain J, Bromberg IL. E of an algorithm for circulation of serum "bioavailable" testosterone (BAT). Clin Biochem. 2003;36(8):591-596. 2 Munell F, Suarez-Quian CA, Selva DM, et al. Androgen-binding protein and reproduction: where do we stand? J androl. 2002;23(5):598-609. 3 Lord RS, Bralley JA (eds). Laboratory Evaluations for Integrative and Functional Medicine, 2nd ed. Duluth, GA: Metametrix Institute; 2008:573-574. 4 Angwafor III F, Anderson ML. An open label, dose response study to determine the effect of a dietary supplement on dihydrotestosterone, testosterone and estradiol levels in healthy males. JISSN. 2008;5:12. 5 Final Clinical Report on Alphastat. Laboratory of Nutrition & Nutritional Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Yaounde I, Cameroon. October 2007. 6 Poole C, Bushey B, Pena E, et al. Effects of TESTOSURGE supplementation on strength, body composition and hormonal profiles during an 8-week resistance training program. (Poster presentation). JISSN. 2009;6(Suppl 1):P12

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