Monthly Archives: June 2017

06.08.17
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Could a Nutritionist Boost Your Health?

Nutritionist

“I know what to eat, come on now… I’m an adult.” – We all think that. After all, we have been eating our whole lives and we are still here, right? Yes and No.

Eating to survive and eating to thrive are often to different animals altogether. 

There are endless boxes, bags, packages, colorful containers, fresh veggies and fruits, meats and more all in giant rows ready to grab in every grocery store. We have a lot of choice.

You can opt for the healthy salad for a side dish or the yummy onion rings. Making these decisions daily, you are bound to select the latter eventually even though you know the veggies are best for your health. Doing this every now and then is fine, but making fatty, high cholesterol foods the staple in your diet is not in your best interest.

While that example seems very simple, there is a lot to nutrition. Balancing out the right macros for your body’s needs is a scientific mathematical equation, and most of us have never learned the formulas.

A nutritionist can look at your overall health as well as any special needs and suggest a food plan that will assist you in staying your healthiest. They can spot nutritional deficiencies and point out any food sensitivities/allergies that may be causing you discomfort.

A whole health assessment is taken of the entire person and history, not just the foods being consumed. During your meeting with a Nutritionist, they review your past, evaluate your current condition, and then make suggestions on how you can reach your future health goals. If you aren’t reaching your weight or health goals… Go talk to a  Nutritionist.

Some healthy eating tips:

  • Mindful Eating: notice how your body feels while eating. Stop eating when you feel satisfied, not overly-full.
  • Protein: every meal should have a protein. This will keep you feeling fuller longer and less likely to snack.
  • Ingredients over Numbers: if the ingredients in the food that you will be eating are not good for you, then it really does not matter how many calories it has.
  • Drink Water: Dehydration can make you choose unhealthy snacks and foods when, in reality, you are simply thirsty.
  • Cheats: That doughnut looks sooooo good…. Just because you are watching your food choices does not mean that you can’t indulge every now and then.
  • Use Apps: There are apps that can track your calories and eating patterns. Let them work for you.

Sometimes having help in making future choices is best, especially if your weight is affecting your health. The Nutritionists at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates are available for appointments. Call us at 813-975-2800 or schedule an appointment online at TampaCardio.com.

06.08.17
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Standing ‘vs’ Sitting – Vein Health

vein health

It has been said that too much of anything is bad for you. This goes for extended periods of being on your feet as well as sitting and doing desk-bound work.

Both regular prolonged sitting and standing can cause extra strain on veins and the development of varicose veins. Movement helps pump blood through the veins. So take a break and relax, get up and stretch, just don’t stay stagnant for hours on end.

Those who sit for most of the day are 54% more likely to die of a heart attack. That is according to a study done by the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Louisiana. When seated in one position for a long time, calf muscles are not engaged. The calf muscles play a crucial role in pumping the blood back to the heart.

Prolonged sitting can cause the development of varicose veins, as well as blood clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). If you have to travel often or sit in one spot often, it’s best they engage their legs as much as possible throughout the day. Go for short walks, stand in a meeting, or park farther away in the parking lot, or take the stairs to get the benefits of interrupting sitting within the day.

Standing in one stationary position for more than two hours in a day isn’t healthy. When a person stands for a long period of time, stress is placed on the legs, hips, and pelvis. All of this pressure on these body parts weakens the vein walls and begins to damage the veins’ valves. This damage begins the development of varicose veins. To combat prolonged standing from a job or any other activity, it is suggested to add some stretching throughout the day, as well as trying to sit here and there.

The body gets worn down when repetitive motions are done time and time again; the body is built for movement. Whether you’re sitting or standing a lot, it’s best to take routine breaks, so as to not develop venous issues or other health problems.

If you think you may be suffering from varicose veins contact Dr. Zuzga of West Florida Vein Center. Let the experts at West Florida Vein Center diagnose and treat your venous issue. To book an appointment, click here or call 727-712-3233.

06.07.17
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The Onset of Parkinson’s

parkinsons

In the day and age of so much information online, many of us will research a symptom only to be lead down a never ending rabbit hole of possibilities. Here is a clear description of what you might experience if you were at the start of Parkinson’s Disease. 

One single symptom alone does not mean that you have or are beginning Parkinson’s. If you are experiencing multiple symptoms, it would be wise to consult your doctor.

parkinsons Loss of Smell – Have you noticed that your ability to sense through smell has been diminishing? Try licorice, bananas, and pickles. If you cannot smell them that may be a cue.

Shaking/Tremors – With this disease, the shaking is felt in fingers, in your hand and even in your lip and chin. Twitching limbs or shaking limbs are a common early sign.

Handwriting Change – Have you noticed a change in your handwriting? If it has suddenly gotten smaller, less loopy and tighter looking, even crowded together it could signal Parkinson’s disease.

Constipation – Diet can cause this as well. Make sure you are taking in enough water and fiber. If your diet is on point, and you are still not having regular bowel movements, see your doctor.

Sleep disturbance – Sudden thrashing, tossing and turning even to the point of possibly falling out of bed. While it is normal for most of us to experience a restless night now and then, if it becomes a regular occurrence, check with your doctor. 

Stiffness – Loss of flexibility, a feeling of being more rigid and stiff than usual. (please be aware that arthritis can sometimes cause the same symptom).

Dizziness – Low blood pressure is linked to Parkinson’s. If you feel dizzy or faint when standing on a regular basis – please get it checked.

Sudden Loss of Posture – are you finding yourself stooping over? Slouching, leaning and stooping are a sign of Parkinson’s as well.

Stoic Expression – Do you suddenly have a serious look most of the time even if you aren’t thinking about anything? Do your eyes stare blankly and you blink less often? – There are some medications which can cause this too, but it should stop when the medication is discontinued.

If after reading this you feel you are a fit for these symptoms it is important to make a plan with your doctor as soon as possible. If you do not have a physician and are in Lee County, FL please visit IPALC’s free directory by going to www.ipalc.com/find.

 

06.07.17
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Is it a Stye?

stye

styeWhat IS a stye?

A Stye is an eye infection.  A stye can form when a single oil gland on the edge of your eyelid becomes infected with a staph bacterium originating inside of the nose. The eye can become infected when you scratch or pick your nose and then inadvertently touch your eye.

Do you need to see a doctor for a stye?

Most of the time a stye will heal on its own, but if you do not see improvement after 7 or 8 days, make an appointment to go visit your eye doctor. They can prescribe an antibiotic ointment to help prevent reoccurrences.

Redness, pain, and swelling are well-known markers of a stye infection as well as the telltale white bump. This is sometimes accompanied by a swollen eyelid or entire eye. While they are contagious, infecting others is unlikely unless you share pillows, bedsheets, washcloths or towels with others. It is best to keep all of them separate and washed often.

Styes pop up seemingly out of nowhere overnight. One day your eye is clear and healthy and the next, irritated, red and swollen. Though a stye won’t impair your vision, it is uncomfortable and aggravating. It may also make you extra sensitive to light and feel like you have something in your eye that you cannot get out.

It may look very much like a pimple with a white head, but unlike a pimple, it is not advisable to try and pop. – Attempting to pop will cause more pain and will thwart healing. It is not constructed like a pimple and no amount of pressure will push the infection out, you may end up rupturing it and spreading the bacterium and making the situation worse.  Instead, apply hot compresses to get it to come out by itself. 10 -15 minutes at a time keeping your eye closed 3-4 times a day will work the stye to the surface and out of your eye over the course of several days.

To find a qualified Optometrist in Lee County please visit www.ipalc.org/find.