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TOC Talks Episode 3: “How The Oxford Center Began”

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All Posts, TOC Talks Podcast.

Andrew Kistner is back this week with a very important episode of our TOC Talks podcast! This week, Andrew is joined by The Oxford Center’s CEO and founder, Tami Peterson! In their discussion, Andrew dives into how and why Tami started The Oxford Center, how she learned about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, and how it really changed her daughter and her family’s life! This is definitely not an episode to miss!

Check It Out!

Check out our episode and don’t forget to subscribe to TOC Talks! We can be found on all your favorite Audio or Podcast platforms as well as video podcasts on our YouTube and Facebook pages! Find us at the links below!

Want to stay connected and up to date on what is happening at The Oxford Center? Make sure to follow our Social Media Pages! If you would like to find our TOC Talks Podcast page, click on the link below.  

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TOC Talks – How The Oxford Center Began TOC Talks EP:3 | RSS.com

Nicole Cunningham, our new Functional Nutrition Therapy Practitioner and Restorative Wellness Practitioner.

February 2023 Newsletter

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All News, All Posts, News, Newsletters.

Launching our New Nutritional Services

The Oxford Center is thrilled to welcome Nicole Cunningham to our team as the head of our nutritional services program. Nicole is a certified Functional Nutrition Therapy Practitioner (FNTP) and Restorative Wellness Practitioner (RWP). Nicole offers individual and whole group nutrition classes that are highly personalized and customizable to what will best suit each individual. Our nutrition coaching seeks to help you learn more about food and how it interacts with your body, learn what foods and diets will work best for you and your specific needs, and support you on your journey to making ever-healthier nutritional choices. Clients will find that it is empowering knowing that you can change and improve your health without needing help from anything else.    

Nicole’s journey with nutrition began 10 years ago with the birth of her son, Cameron. Cameron was born with over seven true food allergies and about a dozen food sensitivities that caused his body to break out in rashes and made eating exceedingly difficult. She spent countless hours poring over research, trying different foods, and tracking the effects different foods had on her and her son’s body.  Eventually Nicole’s efforts paid off, and she eliminated all but one of her son’s food allergies. Through this journey, Nicole discovered a passion for nutrition and understanding the effects someone’s diet might have on their body and overall health.

Nicole has personally gone through everything a client would go through and is here to help guide every client on their way to understanding food and their body and improving their overall quality of life. 

Discover More About Our Nutritional Services

“TOC Talks” Podcast

The Oxford Center is excited to launch our new podcast, “The Oxford Center Talks” (or TOC Talks for short!). Our new podcast will be released on Thursdays once a week and will be able to be found on all streaming platforms with a video podcast on our Facebook and YouTube page. Every week, follow our Marketing Director Andrew Kistner as he dives into different issues and stories here at The Oxford Center with a new special guest every week! In our podcast, you can hear the personal stories of some of our patients and their journey with The Oxford Center, learn more about how some of our services can benefit different conditions, learn more about some of our staff here at The Oxford Center, discover new techniques and tips to help improve your life, and more! If you have any topics or ideas you’d like to hear about in our podcast, let us know! You can submit any thoughts, suggestions, or questions by emailing our podcast host himself, Andrew Kistner, at andrew@theoxfordcenter.com.  

Check out our first episode below and don’t forget to subscribe! 

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Check Out Our Video Podcast

Tips and Tricks for Managing ASD at Home

Any parent of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) knows what a challenge it can be to manage the condition at home, ON TOP of managing everything else at home. Being a parent is such a wonderful gift, but it is also a full-time job and can be exhausting at times. Adding on managing an ASD diagnosis could very easily prove to be exhausting for many parents. Thankfully, The Oxford Center can share some tips and tricks to help you manage while providing the best environment possible for your children and yourself.    

Jessica Dodson, our ABA Program Director, says “At The Oxford Center, we help create routines within a successful environment to not only help the child grow, but the whole family. I have so many parents that focus on comparing how their child is doing against how another child is doing, so I always remind my parents and caregivers that everyone has their own separate path and journey. Most importantly, remember that we will all make it through our paths with a little teamwork and perseverance.” 

Read More on Managing ASD
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COMPASS Program Update

Our COMPASS program is underway! All of our students have been working very hard this past month. Our COMPASS program is targeted towards teens and adults diagnosed with autism and other developmental disorders. In this program, we help these individuals learn the skills needed to move on to the next stage of their life whether that be going to and succeeding in higher education, living independently, obtaining and maintaining meaningful employment, and more. 

We talked to Matt Nivison, our COMPASS Coordinator, and he has this to say about the first class of COMPASS students. “The first class is going excellent. I am so incredibly proud of them all. You can see how hard they’re working, how quickly they’re picking things up, and just how much they want this. Every day, they’re actively taking steps to succeed and grow and it’s so cool to watch it happen in an environment where they don’t have to worry about the negative consequences that we all faced in our first jobs. They’re learning what works for them while gaining experience and confidence! It’s really, very cool”. 

The program will run for approximately 6 months, 5 days per week, for 3 hours per day. If you would like to learn more about the program or ask about enrollment, please feel free to contact us at 248-486-3636.

Learn More About COMPASS

Oxford Kids Foundation Annual Fundraising Gala

Don’t forget The Oxford Center will be hosting the 13th Annual Fundraising Gala Dinner and Auction for the Oxford Kids Foundation on April 22nd! This event is a longstanding and beloved tradition in raising funds to support children with disabilities, chronic illness, and traumatic injuries.  

Tickets for the Gala are available for purchase now. Tickets will feature fine dining, access to our silent/live auction, and drinks will be available. For more information on the Gala and how to purchase tickets, please click here.  

If you or anyone you know is interested in sponsoring the “Be the Change” gala event, please click here for more information or contact andrew@oxfordkidsfoundation.org to look over a sponsorship packet. The Oxford Kids Foundation is also accepting donations of any unique quality to be included in the Gala’s silent/live auction. If you would like to make any item donations to the Gala auction, please contact Andrew Kistner at andrew@oxfordkidsfoundation.org.

We can’t wait to be a part of the change with you!

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You’ve Just had a Heart Attack… Now What? 

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All Blogs, All Posts, Blog Posts, HBOT/Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Informational, Specific Conditions.

I know from personal experience how terrifying it is when you hear that a loved one is having a heart attack. Your stomach drops, your body turns cold, and time seems to freeze. Everything that may have been taken for granted previously is suddenly called into question. What’s happening? Will they be okay? What do I do? What if…? 

Despite the fear and uncertainty that comes with a heart attack, it’s important to remember that recovery is possible. Whether you or a loved one have recently experienced a heart attack, or if you’re simply looking for ways to protect your cardiovascular health, we can help provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your care and well-being. 

What Causes a Heart Attack?  

A heart attack happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked, causing damage or death to part of the muscle. The most common cause of heart attacks is coronary artery disease, where plaques in the arteries restrict blood flow. High blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, family history, obesity, and physical inactivity are also common causes. To reduce the risk of heart attacks, people can make lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and working with their healthcare team. 

Heart attack symptoms in men and women.
Heart attack symptoms in men and women.

Side Effects of a Heart Attack 

A heart attack can have a range of physical and emotional side effects that may persist for varying periods of time after the event. Here are some of the most common side effects: 

  • Chest pain or discomfort: You may experience chest pain or discomfort, which can range from mild to severe, for several days or weeks. 
  • Shortness of breath: You may experience shortness of breath, especially during physical activity, for a few weeks or months.
  • Fatigue: You may feel very tired for several weeks or months, which can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks and activities. 
  • Weakness: You may feel weak, especially in your arms and legs, for several weeks or months. 
  • Swelling in legs, ankles, or feet: You may experience swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet, which can be a sign of fluid buildup in your body. 
  • Irregular heartbeats: You may experience irregular heartbeats, called arrhythmias, for several weeks or months. 
  • Depression: You may experience feelings of depression, anxiety, or stress, which can be common among people who have experienced a major health event. 
  • Cognitive changes: Some people may experience cognitive changes, such as memory loss or confusion, which can be temporary or permanent. 
  • Sexual dysfunction: You may experience sexual dysfunction, such as decreased libido or erectile dysfunction, for several weeks or months. 

These side effects can vary from person to person and can persist for different lengths of time. It’s important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms and any concerns you have, so that you can receive the support and treatment you need during your recovery. 

What to Expect After a Heart Attack 

After a heart attack, physical and emotional symptoms are common along with the recovery process. Physical symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and swelling in the legs can persist for a few days or weeks. Hospitalization is necessary for most people, and medications will be prescribed to manage heart health. Additionally, lifestyle changes and follow-up appointments with the doctor are recommended. Emotional symptoms are common (like anxiety, depression, and stress) and support from friends, family, and mental health professionals can help. It’s essential to work closely with your healthcare team and make positive changes to increase your chances of a successful recovery and reduce the risk of future heart attacks.

How The Oxford Center Can Help 

At The Oxford Center, we know how important it is to make sure our loved ones are receiving the best care possible. That’s why we offer multiple therapies and options to help heart attack survivors on their way to recovery and prevention. Our medical center uses research-based, alternative treatments to provide you with the highest quality care. We are here to offer you hope for healing when you may not have had many options.  

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) 

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatments are extremely successful in helping to promote health after a heart attack.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This increased oxygen flow can help to speed up the healing process and promote your recovery. Some benefits of HBOT for heart attack survivors include:  

  • Improving Heart Health: HBOT has been shown to improve heart health by increasing the oxygen supply to the heart and reducing inflammation. This can reduce the risk of having another heart attack and improve overall heart health. 
  • Stimulating Healing: HBOT can stimulate the body’s natural healing process, which can repair damaged tissue and reduce inflammation. This can speed up the healing process and reduce the risk of having another heart attack in the future. 
  • Reducing Inflammation: HBOT can also reduce inflammation in the body, which is a common contributor to heart disease. By reducing inflammation, HBOT can improve heart health and reduce the risk of having another heart attack. 

Research suggests that HBOT treatments may decrease mortality rate by 50%. HBOT can reduce the volume of damaged muscle and decrease the risk of adverse cardiac events. According to research, HBOT induces neuroplasticity and significantly improves symptoms in those with cognitive impairment after a heart attack. Research has also shown that the addition of HBOT can make it possible to increase the 5-year survival rate after a heart attack from 84.4% to 95.9%.

Hyperbaric oxygen treatments have been extremely successful for heart attack patients here at The Oxford Center. We have had patients swear their HBOT treatments are the only reason they’re alive today, and patients that have reported back to their doctor showing no signs of damage or scarring after having HBOT treatments following their heart attack.

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Nutritional Services 

Nutritional changes can help promote health after a heart attack.

Your diet is a common thing to change after having a heart attack. Nutritional services can play a critical role in the recovery and long-term health of heart attack survivors. Luckily, we offer nutritional services at The Oxford Center to help you on your journey. Nicole, our Functional Nutrition Therapy Practitioner (FNTP) is ready to help you learn more about food, your body, and what foods will work the best for you, your life, and your health. We offer highly customizable individual and group classes that can give you whatever level of support you need while providing guidance in what will work best for you. We will work with the you to develop a personalized nutrition plan that takes into account your specific health needs and dietary restrictions Clients find that it is empowering knowing that you can change and improve your health without needing help from anything else.  

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Physical Therapy  

Physical therapy can help teach new exercises and regain mobility after a heart attack.

Heart attack survivors often struggle with physical endurance and strength after an attack, and some may have even sustained physical impairments as a side effect. Physical therapy can be a critical part of the recovery process for heart attack survivors. It can help rebuild strength, increase flexibility, and improve overall physical function after the event. At The Oxford Center, a physical therapist will work with you to develop a program that is tailored to your individual needs and abilities. This can include a variety of exercises, such as cardiovascular activities, strength training, and range-of-motion exercises. Your therapist may also work with you on balance and coordination exercises, which can be especially important for older adults who may be at increased risk of falls after a heart attack. By working with a physical therapist, heart attack survivors can regain their physical abilities and improve their overall health and well-being. 

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Concussions: More Than “Getting Your Bell Rung”?

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All Blogs, All Posts, Blog Posts, HBOT/Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Informational, Specific Conditions, Specific Therapies.

Most people know someone who has had a concussion or has even had one themselves. If you are an athlete in a high impact sport, odds are you’ve had a concussion of your own. Because concussions happen so frequently, there is a common misconception that they aren’t a big deal. You just, “got your bell rung.” No big deal… right?

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when the brain is jostled inside the skull. This can happen because of a blow to the head, a fall, or a sudden stop in motion, such as in a car accident. The effects of a concussion can range from mild to severe, and can include symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating. Typically, once you have had one, you are more likely to get another one.

Concussions are a common injury, particularly in sports such as football, soccer, and hockey. In fact, studies show there are as many as 3.8 million sports-related concussions in the United States each year. However, concussions can also occur in other ways, such as from a fall or a car accident.

It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect that you or someone you know has sustained a concussion. A doctor will be able to evaluate the individual and provide appropriate treatment.

How To Identify

Concussions can be difficult to identify, as the signs and symptoms can vary from person to person and may not always be immediately obvious. However, there are some common signs and symptoms of a concussion that can help to indicate that an injury has occurred.

  1. Physical Symptoms: These can include a headache, nausea, dizziness, balance problems, double or blurry vision, sensitivity to light or noise, and fatigue.
  2. Cognitive Symptoms: These can include confusion, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and feeling dazed or disoriented.
  3. Emotional Symptoms: These can include irritability, sadness, anxiety, and changes in mood or behavior.
  4. Loss of Consciousness: A loss of consciousness, even briefly, can be a sign of a concussion, but it is not always the case.

It’s important to note that some of these symptoms may not appear until days or even weeks after the injury. Also, if someone has a history of concussions, the symptoms may be more severe.

If Left Untreated

If a concussion is left untreated, it may lead to a number of serious complications. Some of the potential consequences of untreated concussions include:

  1. Second Impact Syndrome: This is a rare but potentially fatal condition that can occur when a person sustains a second concussion before the symptoms of the first one have fully resolved. The brain swells rapidly and can cause severe brain damage or death.
  2. Post-Concussion Syndrome: This is a group of symptoms that persist for weeks or months after the injury. These can include headaches, difficulty with memory and concentration, and changes in mood or behavior.
  3. Cognitive Impairments: Long-term cognitive impairments can occur if a concussion is left untreated such as difficulty with attention, memory, and concentration.
  4. Emotional Changes: People who have had a concussion may experience changes in mood or behavior, such as irritability, anxiety, or depression.
  5. Increased Risk of Further Injury: If a person returns to activities, such as sports, before fully recovering from a concussion, they are at risk of sustaining another concussion, which can have more severe consequences.
  6. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE): This is a progressive degenerative disease that can occur due to repetitive head injuries. Symptoms include cognitive and emotional difficulties, as well as Parkinsonian symptoms.

The standard approach to treating concussions is to watch and wait. The problem with this is that when it comes to concussions, the sooner the treatment, the quicker the healing. While concussion symptoms may improve through simply resting, they could also worsen. So why take the risk?

The Oxford Center’s Approach to Concussions

HBOT helps with concussions

The Oxford Center takes a proactive approach to treating concussions and TBI. We understand you do not want to take risks when it comes to your health, and we can help you avoid any long-term effects from concussions. That’s why we turn to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT).

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy decreases inflammation, oxygenates the entire body, stimulates the growth of new healthy blood vessels, and releases healthy cells, up to 800% more after twenty sessions. Research has shown that HBOT has a significant improvement in cognitive symptoms, improves brain perfusion (blood flow), reactivates neuronal activity in stunned areas of the brain, reduces brain edema and repairs tissue. 

No physical injury can heal without oxygen and the same applies for the brain. The improvement of symptoms is most ideal if a patient is treated with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy within 48 hours of the injury. However, dramatic improvement of symptoms is possible even years after the injury occurred.

In an HBOT chamber, the patient breathes 100% pure oxygen and air pressure is raised above normal atmospheric pressure. Normal air only has oxygen levels of 21% so the difference is dramatic. As patients breathe normally in the chamber, their lungs absorb increased amounts of oxygen and super-oxygenated blood carries throughout the body. This initiates and supports the body processes that help the brain recover and improve the symptoms of a concussion.

No matter how severe, The Oxford Center can help you on your way to recovery.

Learn More About Concussions
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Breakthrough Post COVID-19 Treatment

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All Blogs, All Posts, Blog Posts, HBOT/Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Informational, Specific Conditions.

Covid-19 is a term that has caused millions of individuals stress, grief, and anxiety. Professionals are seeing that COVID can cause long lasting symptoms for those who have had the virus. Lingering symptoms from COVID cases prevent countless individuals from moving on and regaining the health and quality of life we all deserve. We ca help you on your journey for a Post Covid treatment.

Post COVID-19 & COVID Long Haulers Treatment

Research studies are showing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can help with many post covid symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, headaches, memory problems, malaise/lethargy, and more. Research suggests that capillary damage, inflammation, and low blood oxygen levels may contribute to post Covid symptoms. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is proven to be an effective COVID treatment. HBOT can reduce inflammation, saturate plasma with oxygen, and increase stem cell circulation up to 800% which enhances the body’s ability to heal itself. Whether you have recently had COVID or if you had it in the past, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment at The Oxford Center

The Oxford Center offers the highest quality technology and care available for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. At The Oxford Center, we provide hope and healing for every individual who seeks us out for help. No matter how severe your symptoms, The Oxford Center offers hope.

To learn more about how The Oxford Center and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can help you in your COVID recovery, call 248-486-3636 for our Brighton or Troy locations

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Hyperbaric Chambers

How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Help Stroke Recovery

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All Blogs, All Posts, Blog Posts, HBOT/Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Informational, Specific Conditions.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is the administration of 100% pure oxygen under greater than normal atmospheric pressure. Although it has only recently gained widespread attention in the United States, HBOT has been used for over 100 years. While it was originally developed for the bends, a diving injury caused by air bubbles in the bloodstream, HBOT’s numerous healing effects have since been recognized. HBOT aids in recovery from so many conditions that it has been described as “a therapy in search of diseases.” By pushing higher levels of oxygen deeper into the body’s systems, HBOT has successfully given life back to a wide variety of patients.

Generally speaking, strokes can be classified as either ischemic or hemorrhagic. Approximately 80% of all strokes are ischemic (Grysiewicz et al., 2008). Current studies have shown that both hemorrhage within the brain and primary ischemia can cause a lack of oxygenation and nutritional supply and a series of neurochemical events that lead to spreading brain damage.1  This inhibits nutrients and blood supply from reaching the damaged parts of the brain and has traditionally made healing limited, if not impossible.

How does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy improve patients’ healing? HBOT increases the  dissolved oxygen levels in plasma and can even nourish tissues in the absence of red blood cells.2 HBOT also promotes capillary development throughout the body. These changes bring more oxygen and nutrients to cells in need of healing. Hyperbarics solves one of the root dilemmas of stroke recovery by improving nutrient and oxygen circulation to damaged tissues. This allows patients to focus their efforts on training the body to adapt to its rehabilitated function through programs such as neuro physical therapy and neurofeedback.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can give stroke patients back their lives by improving strength, endurance, balance, coordination, motor skill, verbal skill, and memory recall. These improvements can provide the patient a greater level of independence than before. Additional benefits of HBOT in stroke patients include: improved oxygenation, reduced intracranial pressure, improved metabolic rate of cerebral tissue, and inhibited post-stroke cell apoptosis and necrosis.

If a stroke has left you or a loved one debilitated with a loss of fine motor skills, inability to walk, or brain imbalance, let Oxford Recovery Center conduct a FREE evaluation of your disorders in order to develop a customized recovery plan. Oxford Recovery Center Integrates Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in conjunction with Neuro Physical / Suit Therapies and Neurofeedback Programs to accelerate the development of new motor skills that strengthen muscles and teach the brain and body how to sit, stand and walk again. Call The Oxford Center today at 248-486-3636 to schedule an appointment at their Brighton or Troy, Michigan locations. To learn more about Oxford’s integrative therapy approach for a myriad of physical and neurological disorders visit www.OxfordRecoveryCenter.com. Let your healing begin!

  1. Zhai, Wei-Wei et al. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Experimental and Clinical Stroke.” Medical Gas Research 6.2 (2016): 111–118. PMC. Web. 15 June 2017.
  2. Lim, J., W K. Lim, T T. Weo, Y Y. Sitoh, and E. Low. “Management of HemorrhageStroke with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.” Singapore Med J, vol. 42, no. 5, 15 June 2001, 220-23.
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