Learn about Circulatory Health

We’re really hoping to get your blood pumping with our next monthly food and wellness talk in March. The circulatory system is important to everybody and a local naturopath will teach why. Dr. Tracy Erfling’s talk is titled, “Head to Toes Circulatory Health”.

erfling“This is a great time of year for a circulatory review since we’re moving out of the cold and dark; we can plan ways to boost things we’re doing for our circulatory system. People might not be moving as much, and with the passing of that sedentary heavy-food time of year, we want to start a clearing process. This should be a refreshing talk to get people excited about movement, activity, and health,” Dr. Erfling said.

All cells in the body need oxygen and nutrients as well as waste removal. This is an important role of the circulatory system. The heart, blood vessels, lymphatic system and blood itself work together to service the cells of the body. Using the network of arteries, veins and capillaries, blood carries carbon dioxide to the lungs (for exhalation) and picks up oxygen. From the small intestine, the blood gathers food nutrients and delivers them to our cells.

Dr. Erfling will review this system, problems that can affect its function and therapeutic ideas for health and healing. There are many ways to naturally boost your circulatory system and exercise is one example.

“When we move our muscles it assists the pumping of blood around the body. Generally we rely on the heart to do the work, but when we exercise it helps the whole circulatory system function more smoothly,” Dr. Erfling said.

Dr. Erfling graduated from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2000. She has been practicing natural medicine in Astoria for 15 years (at a shared office with Astoria Chiropractic) and works at the health department doing family planning. Outside of medicine Dr. Erfling enjoys yoga, swimming, dog walking, the occasional “delicious” beer, and shopping at the Co-op (she served on our board for many years).

You can attend Dr. Erfling’s presentation on circulatory health on Thursday March 10 at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) at the Fort George Lovell Showroom on 14th and Duane Street in Astoria. The talk is free and open to all ages.