Starry Brook Natural Medicine

09/21/2026

Today is World Alzheimer’s Day. The 2026 theme—“The Earlier You Know, the More You Can Do”—emphasizes that diagnosis can unlock treatment, safety planning, support and participation in clinical trials.

More importantly, PREVENTION of cognitive decline is key. This is why I hammer home at every annual visit the importance of dental care, vision and hearing evaluations, regular movement, good nutrition, restorative sleep, social connection, limiting alcohol and treating blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.

Emerging research suggests that HRT started during perimenopause or early menopause may be associated with a lower risk of later cognitive decline and dementia. The evidence is promising but not yet strong enough to prescribe HRT solely for dementia prevention; timing, formulation and individual risk all matter.

Persistent changes in memory, judgment, medication or financial management, navigation or personality should trigger a medical assessment; they should not automatically be dismissed as normal aging.

09/21/2026

Things I hear:

I can't fall asleep

I can't stay asleep

I have to wake up to p*e, and then I can't fall back to sleep.

I need a nap - like NEED A NAP.

I have belly fat I never have had, and I can't get rid of it.

I hate everyone.

These symptoms are part of perimenopause. For a long time providers ONLY treated menopause, defined as 12 months without a period. However, the years leading up to an absence of a period were filled with anxiety, itchy ears, weight gain, insomnia, irritability, and a myriad of other treatable symptoms. Providers trained in perimenopause treat symptoms early—whether or not your period has stopped. Women's hormones begin downshifting in their 30s, and dealing with forgetfulness, hot flashes and other symptoms is unnecessary.

A thoughtful perimenopause or menopause visit may include a discussion of:

• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Sleep and mood changes
• Brain fog and attention
• Vaginal and urinary symptoms
• Changes in libido
• Bone and cardiovascular health
• Metabolic changes
• The risks, benefits and appropriateness of hormone therapy

Healthy aging is not about trying to be 25 again. It is about protecting your health while helping you feel at home in your body now.

If you want a thorough, individualized conversation about perimenopause or menopause, request an appointment with Dr. Robyn Giard at Starry Brook Natural Medicine.

Text or call 603-583-5181

09/19/2026

A “quick chore” (lifting feed, wrestling a gate, moving fencing, carrying water ) can somehow quickly turn into chasing an animal that has made several questionable life choices.

🌿During National Farm Safety and Health Week, a few reminders from a doctor, a farmer and a mother:

👀Wear eye and hearing protection
👢Use the right footwear
☀️Take heat, hydration and sun exposure seriously
💪 Ask for help with awkward loads
🚜Keep children clear of moving equipment
😵‍💫Stop when fatigue begins affecting judgment

🚫(And my personal favorite that I've "only" learned twice, never, and I mean NEVER touch a wet metal fence. You never know if a strand of electric tape has decided to play with the fence...and your heart.)

The work will still be there tomorrow. Protecting the person farming matters more than finishing one more chore tonight.

What is the farm or garden task most likely to convince you that you are stronger—or younger—than you actually are?

09/16/2026

Depending on the person, care at Starry Brook may include acupuncture, manual therapy, medication, nutritional support and a realistic home plan.

You do not have to wait until the pain becomes unbearable to ask for help.

Text or call 603-583-5181
Deerfield, New Hampshire

09/13/2026

Celiac disease can be painfully obvious or completely silent. ⁠
⁠
Patients may experience diarrhea, bloating or abdominal pain. Others experience:⁠
⁠
• Persistent fatigue⁠
• Iron deficiency or unexplained anemia⁠
• Headaches or brain fog⁠
• Mouth ulcers⁠
• An itchy, blistering rash⁠
• Bone loss⁠
• Fertility concerns⁠
• Numbness or tingling⁠
• Difficulty gaining or maintaining weight⁠
⁠
Because these symptoms overlap with many other conditions, celiac disease can be overlooked.⁠
⁠
If there is ONE thing you get from this post - do not eliminate gluten before being properly tested. Removing it prematurely can make bloodwork and other testing less reliable.⁠
⁠
If you experience the above symptoms, we can review your history and determine which testing makes sense.⁠
⁠
To request an appointment, call or text Starry Brook Natural Medicine at 603-583-5181.⁠
⁠

09/13/2026

Happy Birthday Roald Dahl!

Did you know the prolific author helped invent a medical device? After his infant son developed hydrocephalus, Dahl collaborated with a neurosurgeon and toy engineer to create the Wade–Dahl–Till valve, a less clog-prone cerebral shunt.

The team declined to profit from it.

“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” – Princess Diana

09/11/2026

PCOS

You may have PCOS without cramping (pain due to cysts that burst) — and without fitting a particular body type.

Possible signs include:

• Irregular, infrequent or unpredictable periods
• Acne or increased facial hair
• Scalp hair thinning
• Difficulty conceiving
• Insulin resistance or stubborn blood-sugar changes
• Weight changes that do not make sense
• Darkening of the skin around the neck or underarms

These symptoms deserve a thorough evaluation, and will not resolve by weight loss.

At Starry Brook Natural Medicine, I look at the whole pattern: menstrual history, metabolic health, thyroid function, androgen levels, nutrition, sleep and stress. Treatment is individualized and may include conventional medication, nutrition, supplements and sustainable lifestyle support.

If you recognize yourself in this list, book a women’s health appointment online, anytime: www.starrybrook.com

Starry Brook is an acknowledged expert and leader in the rapidly growing field of complementary and alternative medicine. As a Naturopath, Dr. Giard's approach considers the whole person and provides hope.

09/10/2026

09/08/2026

#988