Some people are surprised to hear that the term “Dementia” doesn’t describe a specific disease. Instead, it describes a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and social abilities (enough to interfere with routine daily tasks).

Dementia points to a problem with at least two brain functions. This can include memory loss, impaired judgment/language, becoming lost while driving, or difficulty performing simple activities like paying bills.

For the most part, primary osteoarthritis is related to aging. As we age, the protein content of our cartilage degenerates. Over time, repetitive use of our joints leads to pain and swelling.

Secondary osteoarthritis is caused by another disease or condition. These include obesity, repeated trauma, joint surgery, gout, diabetes, hormone disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis. 

"Dry" macular degeneration is an eye disorder common among people over 65. It causes blurred or reduced central vision, and is due to thinning of the macula. 

It may first develop in one eye, but then affect both. Over time, your vision worsens. This can affect your ability to read, drive, or recognize faces. Early detection and self-care measures may delay vision loss due to dry macular degeneration.

Ischemic heart disease, more commonly known as "Myocardial ischemia," occurs when blood flow to your heart gets reduced, preventing it from receiving enough oxygen. This reduced blood flow is typically the result of a partial or complete blockage of your coronary arteries.

This condition can damage your heart muscle, reducing its ability to effectively pump blood. It might also cause abnormal heart rhythms.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition in which the force of blood against your artery walls is high enough long-term that it can lead to health problems, such as heart disease.

You can have this problem for years without any symptoms. Even if you’re asymptomatic, damage to blood vessels can be detected.

Hypertension generally develops over many years. Fortunately, it can be easily detected, and once we know it' there, you can work with a doctor to control it.

Diabetes affects how your body uses blood sugar, better known as glucose. Glucose plays a vital role in your overall health because it's an essential source of energy for the cells that make up all of your muscles and tissues. It's also your brain's primary source of fuel.

If you have diabetes, it means you have too much glucose in your blood. Too much glucose can lead to serious health problems.

Depression is a mood disorder known to cause persistent feelings of sadness and/or lack of interest. It affects how you feel, think, and often behave. It can also lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.

It's important to identify the underlying cause of chronic pain. Traditional Chinese medicine, in conjunction with Dr. Shu's American medical training, can help identify the source of your chronic pain, so you can begin the process of improving your quality of life.

Every day we're exposed to countless germs on door knobs, remote controls, phones, table tops, handshakes, hugs, sneezes, and coughs. Our environment makes preventing the common cold fairly difficult. You don't have to suffer miserably, however. Chinese herbs offer potent immune-boosting properties to help you overcome the cold virus in a comfortable drug-free way.

Pancreatitis is a painful condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas. This problem, as well as similar issues in the gall bladder, has responded well to the  gentle care provided by Dr. Shu.