The meeting was chaired by Bob Baker who started with his usual breathing exercise. There were 21 members and guests present and Peter Skalski joined on Zoom. Tony lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and then introduced our guest speaker, Dr. Al Ladesic and his wife Mary, along with Tony’s wife Carolyn. Lee Padgitt handled the Dig N Grin.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Bob reminded everyone of the Winnetka and the Wilmette Rotary Clubs 100th year celebration the evening of June 20th at the WCH and that Froggy’s has been selected as the caterer for the event. Rich announced again that the Wilmette Rotary Club Foundation is having the Rotary Hope Walk for the Homeless on May 4th at Gillson Park and if our members want to participate in this activity some of those funds will come back to our Foundation or to organizations we choose that provide services to the homeless.
Bob explained a new match program available to our members who want to give up to $200 to one of the 9 or 10 organizations that our Club recently selected to receive the regular $1400 Community Grant and be recognized as a donor to such organization. Bob sent an email to our members on April 26 explaining in detail this new program and that the deadline for submitting your contribution check (made out to WNRCF) is May 2.
HAPPY BUCKS: Fred gave in celebration of his oldest daughter recently taking a train from Minneapolis to Chicago to visit Fred and Ellie. David Birkenstein gave due to his increased ability to be able to walk well during his recent trip to Florida. Barb gave in celebration of a family birthday.
GUEST SPEAKER-- Dr. Al Ladesic, Restorative Acupuncture. After being introduced by a very satisfied patient, Tony Kambich, the Doctor explained how and why in 2016 he transferred from a real estate job to become a certified Restorative Acupuncturist. He explained that it takes about 3 years to complete a medical program; then Board exams; and then serving as an intern in a recognized hospital acupuncture program.
Questions asked by the audience and answered by Doctor Ladesic were as follows:
- How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture points are areas of electrical sensitivity. Inserting metal needles into these points stimulates sensory receptors that, in turn, stimulate nerves that transmit a signal to the base of the brain. This part of the brain is responsible for releasing neurotransmitters and endorphins. These neurotransmitters have several functions in the body including pain-relief, regulating inflammation, and influencing the hormonal system. This is why acupuncture is so effective for treating many things from back pain and arthritis to PMS and infertility, as well as anxiety & depression. Other physiological benefits include increased blood circulation & T-cell count stimulation, stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system (“rest & digest” response) and muscle spasm relief.
- Explain most common pain suffered by patient & cause of such pain?
The most common presentations of pain are: low back pain/sciatica; arthritis; migraines; and neuropathy (numbness & tingling in hands or feet). Simply stated, the cause of pain is due to inadequate blood flow to the area of concern. This is largely due to four factors: history of trauma; lifestyle; stress/emotional state or age.
- Why don’t pills and/or surgery solve condition?
Pills and/or surgery may relieve and resolve the condition, but they are accompanied by a certain level of risk and/or side effects. With acupuncture, we are accessing the body’s innate ability to heal itself, so there are no risks or side effects.
- How painful are the injections you administer?
I don’t administer injections. I use single-use, monofilament stainless steel needles, one tenth the size of an average syringe, to stimulate acupuncture points in the body. In many cases, the patient may not feel anything, in others, the insertion feels like a pinch, kind of like a mosquito bite.
- When do Medicare plans cover these treatments?
In 2020, Medicare started covering acupuncture for chronic low back pain only, and it has to be administered by a medical doctor’s office. So, unless your doctor or someone in their office is a licensed acupuncturist then it won’t be covered by Medicare.
- When can you give a potential patient the approximate cost of treatment?
The first step is just scheduling an initial consultation with us. That way I can review your medical history, and we can have a brief conversation about your specific ailment. At that point, I can give you my best recommendation as to how I can help, and the cost is based on that recommendation.
- How long or how many sessions are usually required for a typical treatment?
The number of sessions will depend on the nature of your aliment, how long you’ve had it, and the severity of it. In general, acute conditions take 6-10 treatments, and chronic conditions are more like 10-20 treatments.
- Can you treat cancer patients?
Yes, with your oncologist’s approval. Acupuncture can be very effective for treating the side effects of chemotherapy such as, nausea, pain, and neuropathy.
- Have hospitals been more accepting or your acupuncture services?
Yes. Many hospitals, at least in the area, either have acupuncturists on staff or provide an integrative clinic that supports a more holistic approach to health – such as acupuncture, reiki, massage therapy, functional medicine, naturopathy and osteopathy.
After an active Q and A period, the meeting ended with the recitation of Rotary’s 4-way test.