Friday, November 28, 2025

MOVING THE DIAL WITH MALE BREAST CANCER 2025

F O R E W O R D

From Lisbon to Boston: The Expanding Power of Global Advocacy in 2025
by Dr. Robert L. Bard - Diagnostic Imaging Specialist (NYC)

As a clinician who has dedicated his career to early detection, advanced imaging, and the pursuit of equity in cancer care, I have long believed that the greatest breakthroughs occur not only in laboratories or treatment rooms—but at the intersections of people, ideas, and global collaboration. This year, the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance (MBCGA) has demonstrated that truth louder than ever. From the international stage in Lisbon to the research corridors of Boston, 2025 has become a year of undeniable forward motion for the male breast cancer community.

When Cheri Ambrose represented the MBCGA at the ABC8 Global Conference in Lisbon, she did far more than attend another summit—she advanced the visibility of men in metastatic breast cancer at one of the world’s most influential consensus gatherings. The rollout of the new 10-year ABC Global Charter will shape treatment guidelines, research priorities, and patient quality of life for the next decade. For Cheri to stand in those rooms, ensuring that male patients are not forgotten in a historically woman-focused field, is a testament to both her leadership and the Alliance’s growing global authority.

Cheri has a unique ability to change language, culture, and perception through simple presence and persistent advocacy. The fact that leading clinicians and researchers are now saying “people with metastatic disease” instead of “women” is not a coincidence—it is the result of her consistency and commitment. By collaborating with physicians from Africa, India, Canada, and the U.S., she has expanded pathways for screening, modern imaging techniques, and deeper education of the next generation of doctors who will treat male breast cancer worldwide. These are not symbolic victories—they are structural, lasting changes that will save lives.

And then, just one week later, the momentum continued in Boston, where Cheri and the MBCGA delivered a $10,000 research grant to Dr. José Pablo Leone at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This was more than a donation; it marked the strengthening of a clinical alliance that is pushing male breast cancer research into new territory. The Landesberg family—whose dedication and fundraising made this contribution possible—stands as a model of patient-centered philanthropy. Meeting survivor Rich Loud, a participant in the ETHAN trial, provided a vivid reminder of why research matters. His story embodies both courage and the promise of scientific progress.

Our tour of Dr. Jean Zhao’s laboratory underscored what I see every day in my own practice: the future of breast cancer care lies in precision, innovation, and collaboration across borders. Seeing firsthand the molecular and translational science underway at Dana-Farber reaffirmed the importance of supporting institutions that acknowledge male breast cancer as a critical and growing concern.

From the global dialogue in Portugal to the research-driven energy of Boston, the MBCGA continues to extend its reach, accelerate awareness, and forge partnerships that amplify its voice on every continent. These two events—separated by only a few days—demonstrate a rising truth: the world is finally listening.

Advocacy is not measured by the size of the organization, but by the weight of its impact. In 2025, the MBCGA has made that impact impossible to ignore.

F E A T U R E S T O R Y

GLOBAL VOICES, RARE CANCERS AND A NEW ERA OF ADVOCACY

By the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance

Photo; ABC Global Alliance

On November 6–8, 2025, Lisbon once again became the world’s epicenter for advanced breast cancer dialogue as the Advanced Breast Cancer Eighth International Consensus Conference (ABC8) convened oncologists, researchers, clinicians, advocates, industry leaders, and global patient representatives. Among them was Cheri Ambrose, President of the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance (MBCGA), whose organization has become one of the strongest international voices ensuring that men with metastatic disease are recognized, counted, and included.

For Ambrose, ABC8 was far more than a scientific meeting. It represented continuity, momentum, and a renewed 10-year commitment toward a better, more equitable future for all people living with Stage 4 disease. “We worked very hard on the new ten-year charter,” she said. “It was wonderful to see so much of what we put into those two days of work come out in the new charter.”

Her reflections provide a powerful lens into how global collaboration can shift patient culture, stimulate clinical innovation, and—most importantly—bring long-overdue visibility to male breast cancer.

A Conference With Purpose: Reimagining the Next Decade of Advanced Breast Cancer Care

The ABC Global Alliance, founded to unify the international metastatic breast cancer (MBC) community, meets biennially in Lisbon to build consensus around evidence-based guidelines and patient-centered priorities. At ABC8, one milestone dominated the agenda: the rollout of the new 10-year Global Charter, a document designed to influence research, access to care, clinical standards, and patient quality of life through 2035.

This charter, Ambrose emphasized, marks a meaningful shift. For the first time, quality-of-life considerations—such as treatment breaks, dose reductions, and the right to prioritize daily living over toxicity—are formally acknowledged as central to care. “It’s okay to stray away from the norm,” she explained. “Sometimes patients need a treatment holiday or a lower dose if the side effects are too strong.”

This approach reflects a rising global recognition that clinical success cannot be measured by tumor response alone. In metastatic disease, meaningful survival is inseparable from meaningful living.

Why Representation Matters: Bringing Men to the Global Stage

Ambrose has long been one of the only international advocates consistently inserting male breast cancer into MBC conversations. ABC8 highlighted how far that advocacy has come. “Dr. Fatima Cardoso has worked very hard for many years focusing on breast cancer in men,” she noted, referencing the ABC Alliance’s director. “She included men in everything she does for the advanced breast cancer community. It’s giving them a voice.”

Cardoso’s 2018 landmark publication on male breast cancer—identifying biological and clinical differences—remains one of the few major international studies of its kind. But, as Ambrose pointed out, research still suffers from a chronic funding gap due to the rarity of the disease. This is precisely why representation at conferences like ABC8 is so critical. Ambrose’s presence signals that male breast cancer advocates are organized, engaged, and shaping the decade ahead.

“The fact that people now say people with metastatic disease instead of women—that’s because of her leadership and because we show up,” she said. “Just by being there, it gives credence to the fact that we are one of the largest global organizations working to elevate men in these research studies.”

A Global Network That Is Growing—and Listening

One of the most striking developments this year has been the rising number of male breast cancer diagnoses emerging from Africa, particularly Zambia, Uganda, and Tanzania. For Ambrose, ABC8 was a chance to deepen the relationships that began through online meetings.

Meeting Dr. Godwin from Tanzania in person was a highlight. “He came up to me and it really touched my heart,” she recalled. “We had only met over Zoom. To connect with him in person was wonderful.” She also connected with young doctors from Uganda, many eager to learn modern imaging methods used in the United States—technologies like elastography, thermal imaging, and advanced ultrasound that are rarely discussed in their training programs.

“These young doctors are the next generation. They’re the ones who will be treating men who may become metastatic,” she said. “Giving them tools for their toolbox can only save more lives.” The Alliance also expanded collaboration with teams in India, where late-stage presentation remains common and awareness of male breast cancer is extremely limited.

The Missing Voices: Governments and Insurers

While ABC8 brought together scientists, clinicians, advocates, and industry partners, Ambrose emphasized there is still one major gap: representation from insurance leaders and government health agencies.

“Imagine choosing between taking your lifesaving medication or putting food on your table,” she said. “Those are the hard decisions patients face. We need more people in power to hear these stories.” The Global Alliance’s post-conference advocate roundtable—open only to members—was a moment for leaders like Ambrose to articulate this clearly. These insights, compiled and delivered by Dr. Cardoso, help shape policy directions internationally.

Why Being There Matters: The Difference Between Zoom and Real Presence

The pandemic normalized virtual meetings. But when asked why she still travels halfway across the world instead of simply logging in, Ambrose’s response was immediate: “You can do it over Zoom, but seeing people—sitting down, sharing a laugh—cannot be replaced.” One example proved her point. At ABC8, she spoke with a physician from Canada about a metastatic breast cancer drug approved in the U.S. but not available to Canadian men. Through that conversation, the doctor connected her with a male breast cancer researcher she never would have met otherwise.

“That conversation would never have taken place on Zoom. I wo have never known this man,” she said. These organic, unexpected connections are often the roots of future collaboration, research opportunities, and patient support breakthroughs.

A Global Alliance That Strengthens the MBCGA Mission

For Ambrose and the MBCGA, ABC8 was not simply another conference—it was validation that: Men are finally being recognized in the metastatic space. Global collaboration is expanding rapidly. New research allies in Africa and India are emerging. Younger clinicians want to learn male-specific imaging and diagnostic strategies.

Advocates have a real seat at the table in shaping the next decade of care. Her hope is that the momentum continues—but with even greater emphasis on male metastatic awareness, earlier screening, and increased global access to medicines. “We hope the metastatic community continues to recognize men,” she said. “More men are being diagnosed due to lack of awareness and screening. We need researchers to help us educate others—especially the new doctors coming into this space.”

Conclusion: ABC8 and the Road Ahead

The ABC Global Alliance’s motto has always been rooted in unity—uniting data, expertise, patient experience, and global willpower. At ABC8, that unity felt stronger than ever. From the unveiling of a new 10-year charter centered on quality of life, to the deepening international collaborations that help underserved communities, to the quiet but powerful rise of male breast cancer visibility, this conference represented a turning point.

For Cheri Ambrose and the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance, ABC8 reaffirmed one essential truth: global change begins when people show up—with their voices, their stories, their passion, and their unwavering commitment to equity. “In-person connection builds the future,” Ambrose reflected. “It’s how lives change. It’s how we save more men. And that can’t be replaced by Zoom.” As the world moves toward the next decade in metastatic breast cancer care, her message is unmistakably clear: Men belong in this conversation. And the world is finally listening.

M B C G A C A N C E R N E W S

A Milestone for Male Breast Cancer Research

MBCGA Presents $10,000 to Dana-Farber’s Dr. José Pablo Leone

On November 21, the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance (MBCGA) marked another historic step in its mission to advance research, visibility, and clinical innovation for men with breast cancer. A small but deeply committed delegation traveled to Boston, Massachusetts, to formally present a $10,000 research grant to Dr. José Pablo Leone and the Male Breast Cancer Research Program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute—one of the nation’s leading centers pioneering male-specific breast cancer science.

This contribution represents more than a financial gift; it is a symbol of partnership, progress, and the growing global recognition that men with breast cancer deserve dedicated research, tailored treatments, and equitable representation in clinical trials.

A Gift Made Possible by Community: The Landesberg Fundraiser

Joining MBCGA President Cheri Ambrose on this important visit were Michael Landesberg, his wife Jamie, and their son Sean. It was Michael’s remarkable fundraising initiative—built from personal passion, community outreach, and family commitment—that made this donation possible.

For Ambrose, the presence of the Landesberg family was not only meaningful but symbolic. Their involvement demonstrated how awareness can grow not only through medical institutions, but through the personal stories of families determined to drive change. “Their fundraiser afforded us the opportunity to support research at this level,” Ambrose shared. “This check represents countless conversations, hours, and heart.”

Their act of philanthropy reinforces the message the MBCGA has championed for more than a decade: when families mobilize, research accelerates.

Meeting a Survivor Who Represents the Future: Introducing Rich Loud, ETHAN Trial Participant**

Another memorable part of the visit was meeting Rich Loud, a recent male breast cancer survivor and participant #9 in Dana-Farber’s ETHAN trial—a groundbreaking study that may help reshape future treatment pathways. Rich’s participation in the ETHAN trial positions him at the intersection of innovation and lived experience. His story reflects both the progress being made and the urgent need for continued investment in male-specific research.

For Ambrose and the MBCGA team, meeting Rich put a human face on the outcome of research dollars and advocacy. He represents thousands of men whose diagnoses remain under-discussed, underfunded, and often misunderstood.

Behind the Curtain: A Tour of Dr. Jean Zhao’s Cutting-Edge Lab

One of the highlights of the visit was a guided tour of Dr. Jean Zhao’s laboratory, where some of Dana-Farber’s most promising breast cancer discoveries originate. The group was offered a rare, behind-the-scenes look into the scientific engines powering new therapies, emerging molecular insights, and experimental approaches that could change the trajectory of male breast cancer care.

Witnessing the depth of innovation—from molecular modeling to targeted drug development—reinforced for the delegation just how essential philanthropic support is. Research is not merely conducted in laboratories; it is powered by them.

Ambrose described the experience as “a sneak peek behind the curtain where the magic happens”—a firsthand reminder of why fundraising and partnership remain central to MBCGA’s mission.

Strengthening the Bridge Between Advocates and Researchers

The Dana-Farber visit served as a powerful example of what collaboration between patient advocates and clinicians can achieve. For years, male breast cancer has been considered a rare condition, often relegated to the margins of breast cancer research. Yet through sustained advocacy, patient representation, and philanthropic momentum, male-focused investigations are finally gaining traction.

Dr. Leone’s research program stands at the forefront of these efforts. By supporting it, the MBCGA affirms its commitment to ensuring that men receive:

Better data
Earlier diagnoses
More precise and inclusive treatments
Greater access to clinical trials

The MBCGA’s donation sends a message not only to Dana-Farber but to the entire oncology community: research for men with breast cancer is no longer optional—it is essential.

A Day That Honors the Past and Inspires the Future

The Boston visit encapsulated what the Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance has always represented: people taking action, families stepping forward, survivors sharing knowledge, and scientists working tirelessly to advance life-saving solutions.

As Ambrose reflected on the day, she emphasized the importance of building lasting partnerships with institutions that demonstrate a real commitment to male breast cancer research. Dana-Farber is one of those institutions—and November 21 was a moment of progress, unity, and hope.

The $10,000 check was more than a donation. It was a promise. A renewed commitment to men everywhere who deserve answers, better outcomes, and a future shaped by science—not silence.

Thursday, November 20, 2025

How Elastography is Revolutionizing Liver Health and Detoxification

From the 9/26 DETOXSCAN NEWS Presentation of Dr. Robert L. Bard

The liver, often referred to as the body’s master filter, quietly performs hundreds of functions vital to survival. It processes nutrients, regulates hormones, and detoxifies the bloodstream. Yet for decades, when physicians needed to assess liver health—particularly scarring or fibrosis—patients were subjected to one of medicine’s riskiest diagnostic tools: the liver biopsy. While accurate, the procedure carries a risk of uncontrolled bleeding, infection, and hospitalization.

Now, a new wave of non-invasive imaging is transforming this picture. Ultrasound elastography, a technology that measures tissue stiffness to reveal scarring deep within the liver, has become a safer, faster, and more precise alternative. As clinicians embrace this innovation, it is reshaping how doctors track toxic exposures, alcohol-related damage, hepatitis, and even the effectiveness of treatment.

The Hidden Threat of Liver Fibrosis
Liver fibrosis is the gradual build-up of scar tissue caused by injury or inflammation. Left unchecked, it can progress to cirrhosis, liver failure, or even cancer. Historically, detection has been a race against time. Blood tests often fail to pick up early disease, and biopsies only offer a “snapshot” from one tiny piece of tissue, potentially missing the bigger picture.

For decades, many cases of toxin-related liver disease—whether from alcohol, viral hepatitis, or environmental exposures—were underdiagnosed or detected too late. Physicians needed a way to see the full landscape of the liver in real time, without risking patient safety.

From Steelworks to Medicine: The Origins of Elastography
The breakthrough came from an unexpected place: industrial physics. Half a century ago in Chicago, physicists began experimenting with sound waves to test the strength of steel. They discovered that sound traveled quickly through solid, uniform metal but slowed dramatically in areas of rust or weakness.

Translating this principle to medicine, researchers realized the same applied to biological tissue. Healthy liver tissue transmits ultrasound waves smoothly, while scarred or fibrotic areas slow them down. This led to the birth of FibroScan, an early elastography device developed in the late 20th century.

Adoption spread rapidly across Europe. Italian researchers were among the first to apply FibroScan in clinical practice, quickly followed by the French, who refined it for use in patients with alcohol-related disease and viral hepatitis. What began as a niche innovation is now recognized globally as one of the most powerful tools for liver diagnostics.

Quantifying Scarring: A New Diagnostic Era
Unlike biopsies, elastography provides a quantitative measurement of liver stiffness, allowing physicians to monitor changes over time. This means clinicians can answer crucial questions:

• Is the patient’s fibrosis worsening or improving?

• Is a treatment regimen working?

• Should the therapy be stopped or intensified?

In a matter of minutes, elastography offers clarity. A patient can leave the clinic knowing not only whether they have liver scarring, but also whether lifestyle changes or medications are making a difference.

Dr. Robert Bard, a diagnostic imaging specialist, emphasizes the value of this shift: “The test can be done in 15 minutes, without pain or risk, and gives us the ability to validate treatment. Patients no longer have to wait months or face uncertainty—we can track healing in real time.”

Applications Across Disease and Detoxification
The applications for elastography are wide-ranging.

• Alcohol-Related Disease: Chronic alcohol consumption remains one of the most common causes of liver fibrosis. By measuring scarring levels, elastography allows physicians to counsel patients directly on how lifestyle changes are—or are not—protecting their liver.

• Viral Hepatitis: Millions worldwide live with hepatitis B or C, often unaware of their infection until it becomes severe. Elastography enables early intervention and provides a tool for tracking response to antiviral treatments.

• Toxin-Induced Fibrosis: From burn pit exposures in veterans to industrial chemical exposure in workers, toxins are an underappreciated driver of liver disease. Elastography offers a way to monitor these at-risk populations without invasive testing.

• Treatment Validation: In an era where functional and integrative medicine emphasizes detoxification, elastography provides something rare—evidence. Patients using therapies such as chelation, nutritional detox, or lifestyle protocols can now see measurable changes in liver health.

Why This Matters Now
The growing burden of liver disease makes these innovations urgent. The World Health Organization estimates that more than one million people die annually from cirrhosis, and the rates of chronic liver disease continue to climb due to alcohol, obesity, and environmental toxins. Elastography does

not replace traditional medicine but enhances it. By providing early, accurate, and non-invasive insights, it bridges the gap between prevention, clinical monitoring, and functional detox strategies. It allows physicians to pivot care strategies sooner and empowers patients to take active roles in their recovery.

The Future of Liver Health
The story of elastography is a reminder of how technology reshapes medicine when physics, engineering, and clinical care intersect. What began as a tool for testing steel is now saving lives by detecting hidden scars in the body’s most resilient organ. As adoption grows worldwide, elastography stands to become the standard for liver evaluation, replacing biopsies in many cases and expanding into broader applications across kidneys, thyroid, and beyond. For patients, it means fewer risks, fewer unanswered questions, and a better chance to reverse damage before it’s too late.

"In the end, liver health is about more than numbers on a chart—it’s about filtering the toxins of life, both literal and metaphorical. With elastography, medicine now has a window into the body’s resilience, offering hope that healing can be measured, validated, and celebrated." - Dr Robert L. Bard

LIVER DETOXING (Part 1): The Body’s Unsung Hero in Integrative Wellness

By: Lennard M. Goetze, Ed.D | Catherine Lucchese

The human liver is one of the body’s most extraordinary multitaskers—a resilient, intelligent organ that filters, processes, and transforms nearly everything that enters the bloodstream. Sitting quietly beneath the ribcage, it performs over 500 essential functions every day: converting nutrients into usable energy, metabolizing hormones, neutralizing toxins, producing bile, and regulating blood sugar. In many ways, the liver acts as the command center for whole-body wellness—a biochemical bridge between digestion, metabolism, and hormonal regulation.

Yet, in the modern world, this hardworking organ faces an unprecedented load. Environmental toxins, processed foods, pharmaceutical residues, alcohol, and chronic stress can overburden its capacity. When the liver slows, waste products accumulate, and metabolic efficiency falters. This imbalance can lead to inflammation, hormonal irregularities, cognitive fog, and fatigue. The state of one’s liver health often mirrors the body’s overall vitality—and increasingly, clinicians and wellness leaders are recognizing that detoxifying and supporting the liver is fundamental to disease prevention and longevity.

The Integrative Perspective: Beyond Cleanses and Quick Fixes

In the modern wellness landscape, “liver detoxing” has evolved from a fringe idea into one of the most enduring and sophisticated pillars of integrative health. Once associated with juice fasts and fad cleanses, liver support is now recognized by medical and functional practitioners as a critical intervention for metabolic balance, hormonal regulation, and toxin elimination. The shift reflects a larger cultural trend: as people grow more aware of the hidden toxic load in air, food, water, and personal care products, the liver has become a symbolic—and biological—gateway to reclaiming vitality.

Today’s liver detox strategies encompass a wide array of products and therapeutic services. On the nutritional side, evidence-based supplements such as N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), glutathione, alpha-lipoic acid, milk thistle (silymarin), and turmeric (curcumin) are formulated to enhance the liver’s enzymatic pathways. Detox teas and botanical blends focus on improving bile flow and antioxidant capacity. Functional medicine protocols often pair these with nutrigenomic panels or OligoScan mineral and metal testing to tailor support to the individual’s biochemistry.

In clinical settings, infrared sauna therapy, lymphatic drainage, chelation therapy, and IV nutrient infusions are gaining popularity for their systemic detox potential. These services are often integrated into comprehensive detox programs that combine diagnostics with lifestyle education. In parallel, digital detox coaching, breathwork, and mindfulness training have emerged as adjuncts—acknowledging that mental overload can be as toxic as environmental exposure.

Within the integrative medical community, liver detoxification has become a go-to initiative not only for symptom relief but also for preventive health optimization. Practitioners recognize that nearly every chronic disorder—from metabolic syndrome to autoimmune disease—has roots in inflammation and toxic burden. The liver’s role as a biochemical filter and hormonal regulator makes it central to anti-aging, fertility, and longevity programs. The surge in public interest also reflects a generational shift toward empowered self-care—a desire to visualize, measure, and manage health before pathology emerges.

This alignment of science and self-awareness is what drives the current detox renaissance. It is no longer about quick fixes or temporary cleanses but about building resilience through ongoing support of the body’s natural detox pathways. In this new era, liver care stands at the crossroads of technology, nutrition, and mindfulness—anchoring the movement toward a cleaner, clearer, and more conscious form of health.

References

1. Castera L, Friedrich-Rust M, Loomba R. Noninvasive assessment of liver disease in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Gastroenterology. 2019;156(5):1264-1281.e4. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2018.12.036

2. Sandrin L, Fourquet B, Hasquenoph JM, et al. Transient elastography: a new noninvasive method for assessment of hepatic fibrosis. Ultrasound Med Biol. 2003;29(12):1705-1713. doi:10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2003.07.001

3. European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL). EASL clinical practice guidelines: non-invasive tests for evaluation of liver disease severity and prognosis. J Hepatol. 2015;63(1):237-264. doi:10.1016/j.jhep.2015.04.006

4. World Health Organization. Cirrhosis. Published 2023. Accessed September 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cirrhosis

5. Boursier J, Zarski JP, de Ledinghen V, et al. Determination of reliability criteria for liver stiffness evaluation by transient elastography. Hepatology. 2013;57(3):1182-1191. doi:10.1002/hep.25993

6. Wong VW, Adams LA, de Lédinghen V, Wong GL, Sookoian S. Noninvasive biomarkers in NAFLD and NASH — current progress and future promise. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2018;15(8):461-478. doi:10.1038/s41575-018-0014-9

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Thursday, November 13, 2025

Strength, Stability, and Self-Confidence: A Spotlight on Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

F O R E W O R D

A Lifestyle "RE-SET" for Longevity and Resilience

By Robert L. Bard, MD, PhD, DABR, FASLMS
Director, Bard Diagnostic Imaging | AngioInstitute

In the pursuit of longevity, aging smarter is the new frontier. It is not about avoiding time—it is about mastering it. Smarter Aging begins with knowing your body and managing its functions before symptoms demand your attention. This is not a reactive model of care but a proactive commitment to maintaining health through knowledge, precision, and daily balance.

Our mission is simple: to help people live each day with confidence and clarity, starting with care for their own physical well-being. Whether you are twenty-five or seventy-five, your body’s systems speak to you constantly—through energy, coordination, strength, and even the subtle patterns of fatigue or imbalance. Learning to listen, track, and respond early allows us to detect vulnerabilities before they become disease.

A true lifestyle reboot means engaging three fundamental disciplines:

Core strength and balance through motion—movement is medicine. Simple, consistent exercise helps stabilize the spine, strengthen musculature, and maintain circulation to the brain and organs.
Nutrition and recovery—what we put into our bodies and how we rest profoundly influence regeneration.
Adapting with knowledge—staying on top of emerging wellness technologies and not remaining confined to conventional medicine.

Smarter Aging is also a philosophy of resilience. It is about harnessing modern science—from regenerative therapies to real-time diagnostic imaging—to preserve vitality at every stage of life. In my own research, I’ve witnessed remarkable advances in PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) technologies that enhance cellular repair and muscular activation. These innovations show promise not only in reducing inflammation but also in improving neuromuscular control—even in areas such as pelvic floor and bladder function, where subtle muscular coordination determines independence and confidence.

Our approach integrates the best of both worlds: the precision of modern diagnostics and the empowerment of preventive care. We recognize that the path to longevity is no longer linear—it is integrative. Imaging, regenerative medicine, physical therapy, nutritional science, and bioenergetics now intersect in powerful, measurable ways.

In this continuum of smarter aging, professionals like Dr. Leah Angelle stand out as true solutionists. Her mastery of pelvic floor rehabilitation and commitment to hands-on care represent the kind of forward-thinking therapy that ensures strength, stability, and grace throughout the aging process. By addressing the body’s foundation—the core and pelvic system—she helps patients reclaim control and confidence, supporting balance, gait, and even cognitive engagement through improved circulation and function.

The Smarter Aging movement is a call to awareness. It is a science of prevention, a discipline of motion, and an art of living well. Our message is clear: take charge of your body, embrace innovation, and invest in your own resilience. Every step you take to know and support your physiology brings you closer to a longer, stronger, and more vibrant life.

F E A T U R E S T O R Y

RESTORING CORE BALANCE WITH PELVIC FLOOR HEALTH

By: Lennard M. Goetze, Ed.D

The foundation of healthy aging is balance—physically, hormonally, and emotionally. Among the body’s most overlooked systems, the pelvic floor quietly governs posture, continence, and core stability. When compromised, it can lead to cascading problems—urinary urgency, incontinence, pelvic pain, loss of mobility, and even fall risk. For the aging population, these issues often mark the tipping point between Independence and frailty. At Northwell Health’s STARS (Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation Services), DR. LEAH ANGELLE is redefining pelvic rehabilitation as an essential part of smarter aging and longevity medicine. Her approach combines clinical science with hands-on precision to restore the body’s central balance—supporting not just recovery, but the resilience needed to prevent falls and preserve quality of life. “We don’t just treat dysfunction,” Dr. Angelle explains. “We strengthen the foundation that supports everything else—core stability, mobility, and confidence.”

“We don’t just treat dysfunction,” Dr. Angelle explains. “We strengthen the foundation that supports everything else—core stability, mobility, and confidence.”

The Power Beneath the Surface

The pelvic floor is a network of muscles and connective tissues that stabilize the pelvis, control bladder and bowel function, and support the spine. When weakened or restricted, this system can trigger far-reaching effects: instability, pain, and even changes in posture and gait.

Dr. Angelle sees this in patients of every age and background—from postpartum women to aging adults with neurological or surgical complications. Her treatments emphasize re-education of the core and gluteal structures while freeing tissue restrictions through manual therapy and myofascial release.

“It’s hard to know whether a patient’s dysfunction is caused by surgery, aging, or prior illness,” she says. “But we treat the whole system—strengthening the pelvic floor, core, hips, and surrounding musculature to restore natural control.”

Her work exemplifies the whole-body approach to restorative therapy, aligning perfectly with broader initiatives in fall prevention and longevity care.

Hands-On Healing in a Digital World

In an era when telehealth dominates much of rehabilitation, Dr. Angelle remains deeply committed to the hands-on craft of physical therapy. Her sessions are tactile, precise, and grounded in the understanding that true recovery requires more than instruction—it requires touch.

“Our entire assessment depends on palpation,” she explains. “Feeling how tissue moves tells us what the body can’t verbalize. Half of my treatment is hands-on—releasing restrictions, improving circulation, and retraining the body’s memory of movement.”

Her thirty-to-sixty-minute sessions often include soft-tissue and suprapubic work, cupping therapy, and abdominal mobilization, promoting circulation and tissue elasticity where stiffness impedes function. Patients are also guided in customized home programs—ranging from toileting retraining to stretching, strengthening, and, for some, the use of dilators or pelvic wands to restore elasticity and comfort.

“Pelvic health therapy,” she adds, “is as much about habit retraining as it is about muscle retraining. Healing happens between sessions—the body learns by doing.”

Technology Meets Therapeutic Precision

Before joining Northwell, Dr. Angelle practiced in Houston, where she refined her expertise in advanced modalities that are now shaping the future of pelvic rehabilitation. Among these are:

Biofeedback and EMG systems that use internal or external sensors to display muscle activation on a monitor, helping patients visualize and control pelvic muscle engagement.
Ultrasound imaging for biofeedback, allowing patients to watch in real-time how muscles and organs interact—strengthening the connection between mind and body.
PTNS (Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation), a minimally invasive technique that uses a fine needle and low-frequency current near the ankle to modulate bladder control through the S3 nerve root.

Each of these technologies complements her manual and exercise-based care, allowing therapy to progress from awareness to mastery.

“When patients see their own progress—literally on a screen—it changes everything,” she says. “They realize they have control again.”

A Calling Born from Personal Experience

Like many specialists, Dr. Angelle’s passion comes from personal experience. As a young woman, she faced her own pelvic health challenges and saw firsthand how deeply they can affect confidence and connection.

“Pelvic dysfunction affects every part of life,” she reflects. “If you can’t be intimate, or you’re afraid to leave home because of leakage, it changes how you see yourself. These are issues people often suffer in silence—and they deserve to be addressed with compassion and science.”

Her empathy translates into an environment where patients feel seen and supported, regardless of age, gender, or background. “I see both men and women for urinary, bowel, and pain-related issues,” she adds. “We address everything from post-surgical recovery to sexual health—because it’s all part of restoring quality of life.”

Education, Empowerment, and the Science of Change

For Dr. Angelle, every treatment plan is an education. She guides patients to understand the “why” behind their symptoms, empowering them to change lifelong habits.

“A lot of dysfunction starts with poor daily patterns—how we sit, how we breathe, even how we use the bathroom,” she explains. “We retrain those habits alongside the musculature. I’m a coach as much as a clinician.”

This approach makes her an integral part of multidisciplinary longevity programs, where pelvic health intersects with neuromuscular stability, gait retraining, and core rehabilitation. Her collaborative work supports individuals recovering from trauma, surgery, or degenerative conditions—restoring both function and confidence.

The Doctor Behind the Expertise

Dr. Leah Angelle earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Louisiana State University Health Shreveport. She is CAPP-OB Certified, a Credentialed Clinical Instructor, and a member of the American Physical Therapy Association’s Pelvic Health and Acute Care Sections and the Texas and Louisiana Chapters. Her certifications include dry needling, manual therapy, and advanced pelvic rehabilitation training. Through Northwell’s STARS program, she brings evidence-based care to patients across New York, combining the precision of modern physical therapy with the empathy of patient-centered medicine.

Changing the Conversation on Pelvic Health

Pelvic health is no longer a niche specialty—it’s becoming a vital pillar of preventive care, especially in the context of aging and longevity. By restoring muscular harmony and stability, Dr. Angelle’s work helps patients move confidently, reduce falls, and reclaim their sense of self.

“Pelvic floor therapy isn’t just about recovery,” she concludes. “It’s about reclaiming strength, dignity, and control. Once patients understand that, they stand taller—literally and figuratively.”

In the continuum of smarter aging, Dr. Leah Angelle reminds us that true vitality starts from the center. Her work embodies the quiet power of balance—the foundation of every step, every breath, and every confident life.

P A R T 3

The Power of Attitude in the Art of Rebooting

By Angela Mazza, DO, ECNU, FACE
Integrative Endocrinologist | Longevity & Wellness Specialist

Longevity is not only a measure of time—it is a mindset. In medicine, we often focus on numbers: lab values, blood pressure, cholesterol, hormone levels. But behind every biological marker is a deeper truth—our attitude shapes our health trajectory. The way we think, react, and adapt directly influences the hormones that govern repair, metabolism, and vitality.

Rebooting your life begins with an attitude adjustment. It requires challenging the subtle beliefs that whisper, “I’m too old for this,” or “It’s too late to change.” These thoughts are biochemical signals that shut down momentum. They breed stagnation, inflammation, and decline. Conversely, curiosity, optimism, and self-belief are regenerative—they literally reset your internal chemistry. A hopeful mindset enhances neuroplasticity, supports balanced cortisol rhythms, and fuels the endocrine pathways of growth and renewal.

The greatest health transformations I’ve witnessed never began in a gym or a clinic. They began with a decision—one moment of self-permission to live differently. Once we shed the comfort of the sedentary routine and start moving—physically, mentally, and emotionally—the body follows. Muscles respond, metabolism awakens, and energy expands. Sleep deepens, cognition sharpens, and inflammation recedes.

Smarter aging is about refusing the trap of “old-person thinking.” It is not about chasing youth, but embracing evolution. Each decade of life offers a new opportunity to upgrade how we eat, move, and recover. Science has now proven that even modest adjustments—fifteen minutes of daily walking, mindful breathing, or strength training—can restore mitochondrial activity and reverse metabolic rigidity. The body is eager to adapt when the mind gives permission.

This is also the secret to pain prevention and decay resistance. When movement and circulation are prioritized, cells receive oxygen and nutrients more efficiently. Hormones such as insulin, thyroid, and cortisol align into healthier rhythms. What we once viewed as “aging pains” are often simply signals of underuse and neglect—reminders that our bodies crave engagement.

A rebooted life is a conscious act of authorship. It means reclaiming control over the story we tell ourselves about aging. Attitude is the ignition switch—it transforms limitation into resilience, fear into fuel, and routine into renewal.

So the invitation is simple: start where you are, with what you have. Move with purpose, eat with awareness, rest with gratitude, and believe that regeneration is your birthright. Longevity begins the moment you decide to live fully—today.

Monday, November 10, 2025

The Neurotoxic Puzzle - When Metals Affect the Mind ( plus: The Terri Beckley Survivor Story)

FROM THE CLINICAL FIELD

Bridging Psychiatry and Imaging Science

For years, Dr. Barbara Bartlik, an integrative psychiatrist known for her work at the intersection of mental health, endocrinology, and environmental medicine, and Dr. Robert L. Bard, a diagnostic imaging specialist and pioneer in noninvasive brain and body scanning, have shared a common goal: connecting emotional health with biological truth. Their collaboration merges psychiatry with precision imaging—what they call “evidence-based neuro-scanning.” Together, they study how environmental toxins, heavy metals, and implanted materials can alter brain chemistry, impair mood regulation, and trigger psychiatric symptoms that conventional medicine often misattributes to purely psychological causes.

“Many of my patients came to me saying, ‘I’ve tried every antidepressant, but something still feels toxic inside,’” explains Dr. Bartlik. “For years, psychiatry focused on neurotransmitters without asking what might be poisoning the system. That’s where imaging gives us a clearer window into the physiology behind emotion.”

Dr. Bard’s imaging work has validated that insight. “With Doppler and elastography, we can actually see how neurotoxins create microvascular inflammation,” he notes. “The brain, liver, and endocrine organs all communicate through shared biochemical pathways. When metals interfere with those systems, mood and behavior inevitably change.”

The Hidden Toll of Neurotoxins

The human nervous system is remarkably sensitive to toxic insult. Metals such as mercury, lead, aluminum, cadmium, and nickel—whether inhaled, ingested, or implanted—can accumulate over decades, crossing the blood-brain barrier and disrupting neurological signaling. “What people call depression or anxiety may in some cases be neuroinflammation,” says Dr. Bartlik. “The symptoms can mirror mental illness, but the cause is physiological—a toxic exposure the body cannot clear.”

Recent imaging data reveal that patients with chronic metal exposure show subtle but measurable changes: vascular irregularities in cortical regions, altered perfusion in limbic areas, and disrupted microcirculation in the temporal lobes—regions intimately tied to emotion and memory. These findings support a growing theory that certain psychiatric symptoms may have a toxic origin.

“Ultrasound and thermography are now capable of showing tissue-level responses to chemical or metallic stress,” explains Dr. Bard. “We’ve observed thermal asymmetries and perfusion deficits in patients with long-term implant exposure. These are not abstract findings—they’re visual, quantifiable, and repeatable.”

From Case Stories to Clinical Science

Terri Beckley’s story, among many others, is adding weight to this emerging evidence. After decades of depression and multiple metal implant surgeries, she experienced profound emotional relief once her hardware was removed. “Her experience is not an anomaly,” says Dr. Bartlik. “We are hearing similar accounts from patients across the country—people whose psychiatric distress lifts after detoxification or explantation. It’s time we stop calling these coincidences.”

Dr. Bard agrees: “The body’s electrical and biochemical systems are interdependent. When you introduce dissimilar metals, you risk creating electrochemical reactions that can alter cell function. What we’re seeing in Terri’s case—and many others—is the biology of suffering caught on camera.”

Their joint research now extends to cross-disciplinary collaborations with neurologists, endocrinologists, and toxicologists. They are mapping how chronic exposure affects neurovascular flow and correlating those findings with psychiatric symptom profiles. Early results suggest that even trace-level accumulations may influence serotonin and dopamine pathways through oxidative stress.

A Call for Awareness and Reform

Both physicians emphasize that neurotoxic injury is not rare—it’s underrecognized. “Every time someone shares their story, we add another data point to a pattern medicine has ignored,” says Dr. Bartlik. “We need broader screening for toxic exposure, especially in patients with resistant depression or cognitive decline.”

Dr. Bard envisions a diagnostic future where psychiatry and imaging merge seamlessly. “We must move from speculation to visualization. Once we can show inflammation or metal deposition on a scan, no one can call it imaginary.” Their partnership underscores a vital truth: the mind and body cannot be separated in diagnosis or healing. As the medical community begins to recognize the biological roots of emotional suffering, stories like Terri Beckley’s are no longer outliers—they are signals of a paradigm shift.

“Neurotoxicity may be invisible to the naked eye,” says Dr. Bartlik, “but its effects are written all over the human experience. The science is catching up to what patients have known all along—something real is happening inside.”

References:

*(1) Grandjean, P., & Landrigan, P. J. (2014). Neurobehavioural effects of developmental toxicity. The Lancet Neurology, 13 , 330–338. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(13)70278-3 *(2) Mutter, J., Curth, A., Naumann, J., Deth, R., & Walach, H. (2010). Does inorganic mercury play a role in Alzheimer’s disease? Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 22(2), 357–374. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-2010-100705 *(3) Kern, J. K., Geier, D. A., Adams, J. B., & Geier, M. R. (2017). Toxicity biomarkers in autism spectrum disorder: A blinded study of urinary porphyrins. Metabolic Brain Disease, 32(5), 1655–1664. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11011-017-0045-8 *(4) Aschner, M., & Costa, L. G. (2015). Neurotoxicity of metals. Springer. (5) Tchounwou, P. B., Yedjou, C. G., Patlolla, A. K., & Sutton, D. J. (2012). Heavy metal toxicity and the environment. Experientia Supplementum, 101, 133–164. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7643-8340-4_6 (6) Bjørklund, G., Aaseth, J., & Skalny, A. V. (2018). The role of metals in neurodegenerative diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders. Neurotoxicity Research, 33(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12640-017-9713-5 *(7) Volkow, N. D., Koob, G. F., Croyle, R. T., et al. (2018). The conception of the human connectome and its implications for mental health. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 19(3), 156–171. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn.2018.1

F E A T U R E S T O R Y

Neurotoxins in Plain Sight: A Journey from Pain to Purpose

By: Lennard M. Goetze / Additional interview with: Dr. Scott Schroeder

For decades, Terri Beckley dedicated her life to nursing — thirteen years in the ICU and another thirteen in the PACU, caring for patients before and after surgery. She was a strong, capable clinician known for her compassion and humor, yet behind her smile was a lifetime of silent suffering. From childhood through adulthood, she battled a profound and persistent sadness that no one could explain.

By the age of six, Terri’s mouth was filled with mercury amalgam fillings, metal caps, and spacers. That same year, she developed rheumatic fever and had her tonsils removed. What followed were learning difficulties and waves of melancholy that shadowed her entire life. “I had profound sadness as a child,” she recalled — a sadness that persisted into adulthood despite therapy, medications, and the support of psychiatrists and counselors.

In 2019, after a serious foot condition, Terri underwent extensive reconstructive surgery involving plates and screws. Following the operation, her depression deepened dramatically. “My depression went through the roof,” she said. “I’d open my eyes in the morning and have no idea how I was going to make it through the day. I was suicidal.” The pain in her foot was excruciating; even with medication and therapy, she struggled to find relief.

When her surgeon, Dr. Scott Schroeder, later removed the metal implants, Terri’s transformation was almost instantaneous. “After the metal got out,” she said, “my spirit soared. It chokes me up every time.” The sadness lifted, her pain subsided, and the suicidal thoughts vanished. “No more crying, no more sadness, no more horrible pain.”

A year later, another major foot surgery brought new complications. Once again, she endured another round of intense depression — and once again, when the hardware was removed, her mood and vitality returned. “It was just amazing what happened to me,” she said. “By the grace of God, I connected with Dr. Schroeder. I know that this was no accident.”

Terri had never suspected that the metals in her body — from childhood dental work to orthopedic implants — might be contributing to her lifelong depression. “As a nurse, I was educated and informed, but I had no idea that there was even a possibility of a metal allergy contributing to my symptoms,” she admitted. It was only after living through the profound emotional changes following the removal of her surgical implants and dental amalgams that she began to understand the connection.

Today, Terri speaks openly about her journey. Decades of therapy, psychiatric care, and antidepressant medications had brought limited relief — yet the removal of toxic orthopedic hardware and dental metals gave her back her peace of mind. “I am happy. I am not crying. I am not suicidal. It’s like I got my life back,” she said with emotion. “And I’ve got a lot of living to do. I’m sixty-five.” She will still experience occasional episodes of situational depression which she has learned to manage with the help of her medical team.

Terri’s story is not only one of physical healing but also of emotional and spiritual renewal. Having survived years of childhood trauma and the invisible torment of neurotoxic exposure, she has embraced a new mission — to help others who may be suffering unknowingly from similar causes. “I’ve always had a longing to help, to create some peace in the world,” she reflected. “It’s my natural inclination.”

Now retired, Terri continues to care for others in her community, drawn instinctively to people in need. “Once a nurse, always a nurse,” she said. She has become an advocate for awareness around metal sensitivity, toxic exposures, and emotional health — combining her personal experience and professional insight to bring hope to others.

“I love the concept of helping and healing,” Terri said. “Through my story, if even one person realizes what might be happening to them, then it’s worth it.”