Expert: Tonja Wells - 8/7/2009

Question
MY SON IS NOW 1YR OLD AND I AM STILL BREASTFEEDING.  I AM DESPERATE TO LOSE WEIGHT AND HAVE ALREADY ALTERED MY DIET,JOINED THE GYM AND DROPPED 14LBS.I CAN'T SEEM TO LOOSE ANY MORE.  I RECENTLY VISITED A HEALTH SPA WHERE THEY RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS BY A WELL KNOWN ORGANIC COMPANY WHICH CONTAIN FUCOXANTHIN, POMEGRANATE SEED OIL,WHITE, BLACK AND GREEN TEA EXTRACT AND ASWAGANDHA.I AM THINKING THAT THEY ARE ALL NATURAL AND THEREFORE WAS WONDERING IF I SHOULD THEM.  ALSO WOULD ANY OF THESE HERBS ELEVATE MY BLOOD PRESSURE? IF THESE PRODUCTS ARE NOT GOOD FOR ME TO USE AT THIS TIME CAN YOU RECOMMEND SOME OTHER HERBS FOR MY WEIGHT LOSS? THANKING YOU IN ADVANCE.

Answer
Hello Arlene,

I would not suggest the white, black and green tea if you have HBP as caffeine can promote HBP.  

I would suggest you listen to my recent recording about weight loss to see WHY you might not be loosing weight as there can be so many different reasons and without a complete consult and a health history it woudl not know why.  I would also suggest following the low glycemic diet as suggested below.

You can go to my web site at www.yourherbalhealthsolutions.com to order and to learn more, but I would suggest checking with me before ordering any products on my site to confirm they will be fine while nursing.

NEVER detox while pregnant or nursing.

To your health,

Tonja Wells, CNHP, NHC

Please note:  If you are charged long distance on your phone regular charges will apply.

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WEIGHT LOSS AND MENOPAUSE

·        Love your liver

·        Balance the hormones

·        Feed your thyroid

·        Rest your adrenals

·        Manage your stress

·        Cool the inflammation

·        Nourish your body

LOVE YOUR LIVER
·        The liver is largest internal organ

·        It weighs about three to four pounds

·          1/6th of your liver needs to be present for your body to still continue to function

·          If  80% of your liver was cut away, it would miraculously grow back to a full size in about three months.

The liver performs over 500 functions.
It's closely connected to the intestine and the gallbladder, working to keep your digestion system working well.
WHAT DOES THE LIVER DO?

Acts as a giant filter, screening all of the drugs, medicines, chemicals, hormones and preservatives in foods.
PESTICIDES & TOXINS:

Toxins affect your ability to lose weight.   
Gaining weight has a toxic effect on weight loss.  
When we have a higher Body Mass Index we store more toxins. These toxins interfere with metabolism.
Increase excretion of thyroid hormones by the liver
Block thyroid receptor sites on the cell
Slow metabolic function
Interfere with our stress response
Affect major weight control hormones which include:
Thyroid
Estrogen
Testosterone
Cortisol
Insulin
Growth hormones
HOW WE ABUSE OUR LIVER

·        Stress

·        Standard American Diet (SAD Diet)

·        Alcohol

·        Overeating

·        Environmental toxins

SYMPTOMS OF A TIRED, OVERWORKED & CONGESTED LIVER :

Exhaustion
Hypothyroidism
Anemia
Weight Gain or Weight Loss
Hemorrhoids
Mineral Deficiency
Water Retention
Allergies
PMS
Chemical Sensitivities
Constipation and Diarrhea
Headaches
Sinus Problems
Hormonal Imbalances
Inability to Tolerate Cold or Heat
Bloating
Sluggish Metabolism
Low Energy
Skin Issues
Diarrhea
Muscle Pain
Heartburn
Nausea
Anger
Depression
Mood Swings
FOOD WHICH CAN HELP TO DECONGEST THE LIVER

Wasabi, the hot green paste served with sushi
Artichokes,
Chard
Kale
Zucchini
Black Cherry Juice
Warm lemon water first thing in the morning


Detox Elixir from Kat James -The Truth about Beauty

1 whole lemon

1 thumb size piece of ginger

1 carrot

½ beet

1, 3 inch wedge of cabbage

A couple bunches of dark greens such as kale

Cut and place in a blender, add 1 cup water blend to liquid and if necessary add more water.



Skin Detoxification

• Dry Skin Brushing

•Sweat Baths

SUPPLEMENTS  TO HELP THE LIVER

SF Formula

Diuretic
Mild laxative
Fat Cravings
Fat metabolism
Hypothyroid
Fatty liver
Detoxification from pesticides
Aid in weight loss
Indole 3 Carbinol

Helps with Phase one and Phase two Detoxification in the liver
Help to break down excess estrogen compounds, including xenoestrogens
PMS


Milk Thistle Combination

Protects the liver against chemical poisoning
Restore and support liver health
Concentrated Milk Thistle
N-Acetyl-Cysteine - Antioxidant
Chinese Liver Balance

Wood reducing formula
Liver and gallbladder congestion
Liver detoxification
Works on the emotional level for
Irritability
Frustration
Aggression
Depression
OTHER HERBAL COMBINATIONS

N-Acetyl Cysteine
All Cells Detox
Sam-e
Pregnenolone


BALANCE THOSE HORMONES

THE LIVER, ESTROGEN, PROGESTERN AND XENOESTROGENS



ESTROGEN

There are 3 types of Estrogen
Estrone E1 binds with xenostrengens
Estradiol E2 increases insulin sensitivity
Estriol E3 protects


The livers job is to break down excess estrogen
Estrogen is one of the most powerful hormones in the body.  
It is responsible for our body's curves
Estrogen plays a vital role in our metabolism
o       Weight gain in the hips

o       Low thyroid.

vaginal and intestinal lining and protects against breast cancer.


FAT CELLS AND ESTRONGE

The weight concentrated around the middle places fat closest to the liver for easy access to send the hormones straight to liver to be processed for uptake.  
This along with insulin being utilized as the first and most abundant hormone go hand in hand for the weight gain.
Weight around the middle section
Due to hyperinsulinemia
Due to the adrenals not producing estrogen in correct ratios
Fat cells will start releasing stored estrogen for combustion
Sometimes = xenoestrogens = wrong  uptake.



Estrogen and Progesterone work together as a team.  You need a balance of both.

Progesterone is responsible for

Body fat storage
Use fat for energy
Thyroid hormone action
Balancing blood sugar levels
Long term use of progesterone without estrogen can promote weight gain as well as insulin resistance

XENOESTROGENS

Xeno means foreign
Xenoestrogens mimic natural estrogens
Xenoestrogens deposit in fatty tissues
HOW TO GET XENOESTROGENS OUT OF THE BODY

Use organically-grown or pesticide free fruits and vegetables
Use hormone and chemical-free meats, eggs and dairy products
Avoid using soft plastic goods which tend to leak xenoestrognes
Do not microwave food in plastic containers
Do not leave plastic water bottles in the sun or let them get hot
Drink pure water
Avoid creams and cosmetics which contain parabens and stearl konium chloride
Avoid nail polish and nail polish removers with acetone
Avoid petrochemical based perfumes
Use non-GMO soy products


Natural Forms of Estrogen

Flaxseed
Synerprotein powder - non GMO, and pesticide free
Indole 3 Carbinol
Cruciferous Vegetables
Dong Quai
C-X
PhyoSoy
Black Cohosh
NATURAL FORMS OF PROGESTERONE

Pro-G-Yam Cream
Wild Yam & Chaste Tree
Female Comfort


FEED YOUR THYROID

The Thyroid

It resembles a shield
It is at the base of your neck
The largest of all your endocrine glands
Produces hormones vital for metabolism.
Storehouse for the mineral Iodine.
Controls everything above the neck and below
Helps control your metabolism and weight.
20% of all women have a sluggish thyroid
T3

Lowers your cholesterol
Improves your memory
Keeps you thin
Promotes hair growth
Relieves muscle aches
Constipation
Infertility


Common symptoms of Weak Thyroid



·        Fatigue or lethargic

·        Very sensitive to cold weather

·        Low body temperature, ie cold hands and feet

·        Hair Loss

·        Weight gain

·        Coarse, dry skin, brittle fingernails

·        Depression

·         Sluggish thinking or memory problems

·        Can't get to sleep at night or can't get up in the morning.

·        Reoccurring thoughts at bedtime

·        Irregular periods, hormone imbalance, decreased libido or infertile

·        Constipation or digestive problems

·        Headaches

·        Heart problems

·        High Blood Pressure

·        Cysts in breast

·        PMS

·        Muscle weakness

·        Joint swelling

·        Puffy face

·        Hoarse voice



How Do Foods Impact My Thyroid?
Naturally occurring substances known as goitrogens exist in certain foods and are known to interfere with thyroid function. Foods that contain goitrogens include:

·        http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/05/08/10/the_remarkable_anti-toxin_cancer-fig... href="http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/05/08/10/the_remarkable_anti-toxin_cancer-fighting_power_of_cruciferous_vegetables.htm">Cruciferous veggies (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, turnips, etc.)

·        Soybeans and soy extracts

·        Millet

·        Peaches

·        Strawberries

·        Radishes

·        Spinach

·        Peanuts

·        Gluten - Eliminate this for 3 weeks to see how your body responds

·        Processed foods

Other

·        Fluoride

·        Chlorinated water

·        Mercury

·        Pesticides

FOOD TO HELP THE THYROID
Food high in http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/05/11/30/selenium.htm href="http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/05/11/30/selenium.htm">selenium

http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/05/06/29/nuts.htm href="http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/05/06/29/nuts.htm">Brazil nuts  
Tuna, cod and flounder
Oysters and shrimp
Chicken and turkey
Beef
Oats
Brown rice
Foods high in Iodine

·     Irish Moss Plant

·     Dulse

·     Kelp

·     Bladder wrack

·     Black Walnut

·     Eggs

·     Fish oils     

·     Fresh fish     

·     Haddock

·     Sea foods

·     Sea salt     

OTHER

Halogens like fluoride, chlorine & bromine disrupt iodine in the body.  
Exercise stimulates thyroid gland secretion and increase tissue sensitivity to thyroid hormones throughout the body.




WHAT WE NEED

The production of thyroid hormones require iodine and omega 3 Fatty acids
Converting the inactive T4 to the active T3 requires selenium
The binding of T3 to the receptors on the nucleus and switching it on requires vitamin A, D and Zinc.
Iodine to help the thyroid correctly.  
Black Walnut Hulls
Irish Moss plant
Kelp
Parsley
Sasaparilla
Watercrest herb


SUPPLEMENTS TO SUPPORT THE THYROID

Thyroid Support

Helps the thyroid gland produce thyroxin
Contains bovine thyroid glandular
Do not use with hyperthyroid
Does not work if the thyroid gland has destroyed or missing
Not recommended for long term use. Use Thyroid Activator or TSII instead


Thyroid Activator

High in organic iodine
Feeds the thyroid gland
Strengthens thyroid function
Helps with sluggish metabolisum


OTHER HERBAL COMBINATIONS

Kelp
TSII
HSN-W
Black Walnut


REST YOUR ADRENAL GLANDS



THE ADRENALS

Two small glands that sit over the kidneys.
Secrete over 50 different hormones.
Help with energy
Transport nutrients
Recognize and control inflammation and allergic \ responses
Regulate stress
Control bone density
Maintain fluid and mineral balance
Play a role in blood sugar levels by stimulating the breakdown of stored fats and glycogen into glucose. So when we are stressed this can = weight gain
Elevating blood sugar levels
Transports insulin  
Supporting thyroid function
INDICATIONS OF ADRENAL BURNOUT
Low blood pressure
Low blood sugar
Heart palpitations
Crave sweets and carbs
Poor memory
Insomnia - Restless sleep
Nervousness & Irritability
Mental confusion
Fatigue
Low sex drive
Dark purple circles under the eyes
The pupils may pulse or be very large
The tongue will pulse
Night sweats                                 
ADD
Dry skin
Low body temperate
Cold hands and feet
Can't speak or articulate your feelings clearly
Shell shock - No way to unwind
WIRED BUT TIRED
As the adrenals go, so the health of the body goes.

TO SUPPORT THE BODY

Lots of rest and sleep
Lot of minerals Mineral Chi Tonic - High mineralized foods
Protein
Lots of Green foods
Adrenal Support
Nervous Fatigue Formula,
B complex
Lavender Oil bath


ADRENAL SUPPORT

Bovine adrenal substance
It is derived for the adrenal glands of cattle and raised in New Zealand so it is chemical free.
Stimulates and feeds the adrenal tissues
Helps the body adapt to stress


NERVOUS FATIGUE FORMUAL

Nourishes the deficient fire energy
Tonic for the heart, nerves and glands
Strengthens the adrenals
A rejuvenate tonic for fatigue from stress and emotional burnout
Helps the body handle physical and emotional stress




MANAGE YOUR STRESS - BALANCE YOUR CORTISOL

WHERE DOES STRESS COME FROM?

Stress is defined as real or perceived threat to your body or your ego.

Physical

Smoking
Alcohol
Stimulants
To much exercise
Infertility
Hot flash
Infection
toxins
Social

Divorce
Children
Work


Often the biggest stressors are not things or people but our thoughts about them.

When you are introduced to a stressful situation, your body releases the hormone called cortisol.



WHAT IS CORTISOL

The stress hormone
Secreted during times of fear or stress
Produced in the adrenal gland in response to stress
·        Metabolizes carbohydrates, protein and fats into energy

·        Regulates the balance of converting insulin in breaking down sugar for energy

·        Cortisol becomes the "death hormone" when levels remain too high

·        Slows the immune system's inflammatory response

·        Constant adrenals stress = autoimmune, inflammatory response in your  body.

·        Cortisol suppresses DHEA the "youth hormone."

HIGH CORTISOL MEANS

Lower testosterone levels
Burned-out metabolism
Obesity
Promotes higher insulin leading to insulin resistance
Insulin resistance promotes high cortisol
Affects productivity of the liver
Contributes to chronic inflammation which increase the demand for cortisol
Loss of muscle mass
Belly fat increases -Apple body shape
Sluggish thyroid
Over eating
Lowered immunity
Poor short-term memory
Constipation
Bone loss


POSSIBLE CAUSES OF HIGH CORTISOL

Adrenal imbalance
Inflammation
High insulin
Chronic stress
Toxins
Negative attitude
Fear
Excessive caffeine
Sugar
Processed foods
Lack of sleep
Chronic infection
Smoking
Lack of exercise
Inability to relax


CORTISOL

Cortisol should rise in the morning to wake you up, increase your appetite, give you energy for the day
At night it should fall
Help you sleep
Repair your body
When you are in a burned out state this normal rhythm disappears promoting even more weight gain.



SOLUTIONS FOR HIGH CORTISOL

Reduce stress
Good attitude
Moderate exercise
Deep breathing
Sleep
Low glycmeic diet
Avoid caffeine


SUPPLMENTS FOR CORTIOSL LEVELS



IF Relief

Anti-inflammatory
Put the fire out, even if the body only thinks there is a fire
Helps you sleep


ADAPTAGENS ARE A MUST

Adaptagens help the body adapt to stressful situations and maintain normal function under mental or physical stress.

Adaptamax
Eluthero
Mineral Chi Tonic
Nature's Cortisol
Nervous Fatigue


OTHER SUPPLEMENTS THAT MAY HELP BALANCE CORTISOL

Thai Go
Nutri Calm
Magnesium Complex
B Complex
Nature's Cortisol
Licorice
Lecithin
Cellusmooth
IGF-1


INFLAMMATION

Inflammation = weight gain
Your own fat cells, the ones around your middle, are often the biggest source of inflammation.
Fat cells promote inflammation which leads to more fat cells.


GET RID OF THE INFLAMMATION

Excess sugar
Refined carbohydrates
Saturated and trans fats
Too many calories
Hidden infection
Allergens
Environmental toxins
Stress
Doing nothing
Gluten
Mold
Virus
Parasites
Bacteria
DO THIS

Eat the right fats - Super Omega 3
Eat Dark Chocolate - NSP's Nature's Sweet Life Cark Chocolate
Eat organic fruits and vegetables
Take out foods that cause inflammation
    Wheat, dairy, eggs, corn, soy and peanuts, gluten

Manage stress
Move your body - Exercise is on of the best know anti-inflammatories
HERBS TO REDUCE INFLAMMATION

NSP's Green Tea
Ginger
Cocoa
Capsicum
Probiotic 11
Proactazyme Plus
IF-Relief
Super Antioxidants
Super ORAC - Quercetin/Turmeric


NOURISH YOUR BODY



ARE YOU INSULIN RESISTANT?

Women with a waist over 35 inches
Men with a waist over 40 inches
Eating a diet high in preservatives and chemicals
A lifestyle which includes stress, lack of sleep, smoking, caffeine/coffee intake
Eating a high carbohydrate low fat diet


DO THIS - UNTIL THE WAIST IS UNDER 35 INCHES

Eat only low glycemic vegetables  
Examples: artichoke, asparagus, avocado.
Eat only low glycemic fruits
Examples: Apples, apricots, berries, cherries, fresh coconut, grapefruit, lemons, limes, mango, melon, papaya, peaches, pears, pineapple, tangerines
Eat protein ever two to three hours
Never skip a meal.
Choose only real fats like extra virgin olive oil, butter, coconut oil, Super Omega 3
Focus on drinking only water, herbal tea and coffee substitutes like NSP's Herbal Beverage.
Use only low glycemic natural sweeteners like NSP's Stevia & Xylitol or Blue Organic Agave.
Nuts & Nut Butter can be used but make sure there is no sugar in the nut butter
NSP's  Ultimate Green Zone can be used in a low glycemic fruit juice like unsweetened cranberry juice.
Exercise 30 minutes every other day to help the cells be less insulin resistant.
Eat a dark green leafy organic salad. Extra virgin organic olive oil and Bragg's apple cider vinegar are excellent choices for salad dressing.  
Keep healthy snacks like raw vegetables cut up, nuts and high protein foods on hand so you don't sabotage yourself.
DON'T DO THIS

Avoid caffeine or decaffeinated drinks
Avoid grains of all kinds
Avoid any forms of sugar including honey
Avoid all artificial sweeteners (Splenda, Aspartame, Sweet n Low)
Avoid all medium and high glycemic fruits
Examples: Bananas, dates, figs, dried fruits, grapes, persimmons, plums, runes, raisins,
Avoid all dairy
Avoid all medium and high glycemic vegetables.
Examples:  sweet potatoes, red or white potatoes, corn, carrots, navy beans, kidney beans, & beats
Avoid Trans or bad fats.
Weight loss phase 2: 2 weeks later or until the waist is 35 inches

Add low glycemic index carbohydrates
Add whole grain pasta
Ad honey & rice bran syrup.
If you slip you need to go back to cleansing phase for 2 weeks to get back on track and balance blood sugars.
Limited medium glycemic vegetables
Unsweetened juices can be: Apple, grapefruit, orange, pineapple, tomato, vegetable


OTHER WEIGHT LOSS TIPS



Water - drink one half your weight in ounces of pure water each day
·        Fiber is essential - Fat Grabbers

Don't eat after 6:00 at night.  
Exercise right for your blood type at least 30 minutes every other day
I FOUND A LOT OF GREAT INFORMATION IN THE FOLLOWING PLACES
·        The Women's Hormone Guide (CD and Book)

o       By Kimberly Balas and Janet DeVoogd

·        Ultra Metabolism

o       By Mark Hyman M.D.

·        www.sixwise.com

·        Steven Horne - Steven-Horne.comrne.com

·        Judith Cobb - Webinar on weight loss


FOR THE TAKE HOME CD ONLY
WHERE TO FIND A LOW GLYCEMIC FOOD INDEX

www.glycemicindex.com

www.centerfornaturopathic.com

www.Mendosa.com

HOW TO REVERSE INSULIN RESISTANCE

FIRST TWO WEEK EAT THE FOLLOWING OR UNTIL THE WAIST IS UNDER 35 INCHES:

1. Eat all low glycemic vegetables for the first two weeks.

Examples of low glycemic vegetables: artichoke, asparagus, avocado, black eyed peas, bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, eggplants, garlic, green beans, lettuce, onions, spinach, squash, string beans, sunflower seeds, tomato, turnips & water crest.

There are many more choices.  Please go to the web sites listed above to find other vegetables which are low glycemic.

2.  If you have no cravings or need to cheat eat low glycemic fruits only you can eat all low glycemic fruits.

Examples: Apples, apricots, berries, cherries, fresh coconut, grapefruit, lemons, limes, mango, melon, papaya, peaches, pears, pineapple, tangerines

3. Eat protein (2-3 ounces every 2-3 hours). Meats and fats are generally not found on the glycemic index because they do not elevate blood sugar like carbohydrates. This is one of the reasons proteins and fats are an important part of a healthy, low glycemic diet. Protein and fats have essential nutrients that our bodies cannot manufacture. Never skip a meal. You can eat. Nuts, beans, eggs or meat of all kinds except pork and shell fish.

4.  Choose only real fats like extra virgin olive oil, butter, coconut oil - all fats should be organic.  Don't worry about the amount of fat but be more concerned with the types of fat you eat. Be sure to include healthy fats and oils in your diet, like those from nuts, seeds and even real butter. Fat helps to lower the Glycemic Index of foods by slowing their absorption into the body.

5. Focus on drinking only water, herbal tea and coffee substitutes like NSP's Herbal Beverage.

6. You may sweeten with Stevia, Xylitol or Blue Organic Agave.

7. Nuts & Nut Butter can be used but make sure there is no sugar in the nut butter

8.Go to the farmers market.  Focus on vegetables which grow close to home - climate based diet.

8. NSP's  Ultimate Green Zone can be used in a low glycemic fruit juice like unsweetened cranberry juice. You can add a little natural sweetener as mentioned

9. Exercise 30 minutes every other day to help the cells be less insulin resistant. If you have not been exercising it is best to check with your health care professional to confirm.

10. You want to have a dark green leafy organic salad. Extra virgin organic olive oil and Bragg's apple cider vinegar are excellent choices for salad dressing.  

11.  Keep healthy snacks like raw vegetables cut up, nuts and high protein foods on hand so you don't sabotage yourself.

FOODS TO AVOID FOR THE FIRST TWO WEEKS OR UNTIL THE WAIST IS UNDER 35 INCHES

1. Avoid caffeine or decaffeinated drinks like coffee, black tea, green tea, white tea, sodas etc.

2.  Avoid grains of all kinds, wheat ,oatmeal and corn macaroni, noodles, spaghetti, rice &  ravioli.

3. Avoid any forms of sugar including honey.  Avoid all artificial sweeteners (Splenda, Aspartame, Sweet n Low) Gum with artificial sweeteners or sugar as a sweetener, candy, chocolate, cake, pastries, pie, pudding, jelly, ice cream, caffeine of any kind.

4. Avoid all medium and high glycemic fruits

Examples: Bananas, dates, figs, dried fruits, grapes, persimmons, plums, runes, raisins,

5. No dairy for first two weeks

6. For the first two weeks avoid all medium and high glycemic vegetables.

Examples:  sweet potatoes, red or white potatoes, corn, carrots, navy beans, kidney beans, & beats

7.  No Trans fat or bad fats. No vegetable oil, corn oil, safflower oil, margarine, lard etc.

Weight loss phase 2: 2 weeks later or when waist is 35 inches - or as long as needed or when weight is where you need it

1. Add low glycemic index carbohydrates- heavy grains like Pumpernickel, rye,  whole wheat, whole grain cereals which are hot cereals, 12 and 15 grain breads and sprouted grains like Ezekiel bread.

2. You can add whole grain pasta (not cooked until mushy as that makes the glycemic index higher; the more mushy the higher the glycemic index).

3.   You can add honey & rice bran syrup.

4. If you slip you need to go back to cleansing phase for 2 weeks to get back on track and balance blood sugars.

5.  You can consume limited medium glycemic vegetables

6.  Eat only low glycemic fruits (just barely ripened) or vegetables. Vegetables are a much better choice than fruits.  Choose temperate fruits like apples, apricots and pears.

Low glycemic fruits: Apples, apricots, berries, cherries, fresh coconut, grapefruit, lemons, limes, mango, melon, papaya, peaches, pears, pineapple, tangerines

Avoid tropical fruits like pineapple, raisins and watermelon.

Suggested Unsweetened juices can be: Apple, grapefruit, orange. pineapple, tomato, vegetable

This information is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose and treat diseases. Always consult a health care practioner before starting on any course of action