Q&A with Dr. Stephen Banister: Migraines

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Dr. Stephen Banister is one of the first physicians in California to prescribe medical cannabis for the safe and effective treatment of many physical ailments and conditions. This blog will from time to time publish some of the many questions he has answered in the course of his extensive medical career.

Q: What do I do for my Migraines?

A: First, keep a “Migraine Diary” to look at avoidable triggers such as food allergy, dehydration, bright lights, perfume and other chemical odors. In the US, in the 1860’s neurologists used medicinal cannabis tinctures to effectively prevent frequent migraines.

Many of our cannabis patients have been able to reduce the frequency and severity of their migraines using medicinal cannabis.

Dr. Banister is offering 20% off new counseling sessionsaregularly $150.00 will be $120.00 for patients in September, 2012. Been away from Highland Springs for over one year? Use this special to return with a discount for counseling appointments!

 

Q&A with Dr. Stephen Banister: ADHD

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Dr. Stephen Banister is one of the first physicians in California to prescribe medical cannabis for the safe and effective treatment of many physical ailments and conditions. This blog will from time to time publish some of the many questions he has answered in the course of his extensive medical career.

Q: I have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. What treatments work?

A: ADD and ADHD are common troubling conditions in adults and children. They are characterized by difficulty staying focused on a task, distractibility, etc. This often results in severe difficulties at school and work, as well as difficulties interacting with others. There is often a genetic component, so look for it among other family members.

Some patients have benefited from dietary changes, including a reduction of sugars, dyes and preservatives. Others benefit when their food allergies are recognized and omitted from their diets. Standard medical treatment is usually stimulants, which have the opposite effect in these patients and can produce calm and focus. However, since most of these are in the amphetamine family of drugs, they can have undesirable side effects.

Although controversial, medicinal cannabis is quite an effective alternative to stimulants in some patients, creating focus and calm. I have personally treated many patients over the years, and noted major improvements in work performance, school grades, and behavior, without harmful side effects. These should be the criteria by which any drug is evaluated for a particular condition.

Dr. Banister is offering 20% off new counseling sessionsaregularly $150.00 will be $120.00 for patients in September, 2012. Been away from Highland Springs for over one year? Use this special to return with a discount for counseling appointments!

Q&A with Dr. Stephen Banister: Arthritis

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Dr. Stephen Banister is one of the first physicians in California to prescribe medical cannabis for the safe and effective treatment of many physical ailments and conditions. This blog will from time to time publish some of the many questions he has answered in the course of his extensive medical career.

Q: I have arthritis. The pain I feel in my hands and in my knees is sometimes excruciating! What can I do?

A: Millions of people suffer from the debilitating pain of arthritis; Physicians do their best to help alleviate the pain and suffering of chronic/acute disease while some patients continue a downward spiral of despair and hopelessness.

It is fortunate that an increasing number of physicians in this country are realizing the benefits of safe, natural treatments that make a decided difference in the successful treatment of this disease.

For some patients, MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) has he ability to ease the suffering. In osteoarthritis (OA), glucosamine/chondroitin has been proven to preserve knee cartilage. Acupuncture can reduce the pain and swelling in many cases. Medical Cannabis has also been proven to produce a mild anti-inflammatory and major pain relieving effect in all types of arthritis.

Dr. Banister is offering 20% off new counseling sessionsaregularly $150.00 will be $120.00 for patients in September, 2012. Been away from Highland Springs for over one year? Use this special to return with a discount for counseling appointments!

Face to Face with Dr. Stephen Banister

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Hello, my name is Dr. Stephen Banister.

As a founding partner in Highland Springs Wellness Center, I seek to find the very best solution for each patient. I began prescribing medical cannabis in the early days; in fact, I was one of the first doctors in California to offer ascripts.a Over the years, I have treated thousands of patients for many conditions. I bring to Highland Springs Wellness Center 40 years of experience in a broad range of medicine–from family practice, ER room, surgery, hospitalization care, holistic medicine, counseling, and even delivery. Today my patients are teaching me, as I observe and listen to their needs and concerns and monitor their results.

I have learned from my patients that chronic pain, sleep disorders, migraines, ADD and many other ailments responds well to medical cannabis without many of the side-effects or tremendous costs associated with pharmaceuticals.

With my associates, Dr. Sean Devlin and Dr. Ann M. Barnet, Highland Springs Wellness Center offers holistic and alternative therapies as well as primary care options. We are dedicated to working with patients to understand complex illnesses and uncover the best solutions. I see myself as a health coach, providing the advice and counseling needed to make lasting changes for long-term health. But every coach knows, it is the player that scores the points and does the work required to make sequential medical care meaningful.

I offer personalized coaching and counseling to patients with a wide range of difficulties, such as anxiety, depression, interpersonal difficulties and stress, as well as those with complex illnesses such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, IBS and more. You may come in for a personalized consultation, with or without a medical cannabis approval.

We provide personalized care, listen and are respectful. Highland Springs Wellness Center is a consistent, community-based health resource. Come by, meet our friendly staff and see the difference personalized care can make in your life.

Dr. Banister is offering 20% off new counseling sessionsaregularly $150.00 will be $120.00 for patients in September, 2012. Been away from Highland Springs for over one year? Use this special to return with a discount for counseling appointments!