Monthly Archives: October 2019

10.30.19
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The Benefits of visiting your Chiropractor after an Accident

car-accident-injury-dr-jason-kaster-fort-myers

car-accident-injury-dr-jason-kaster-fort-myersChiropractic and Car accident healing go together like peanut butter and jelly.

I know that’s a weird analogy, but I just want to closely link the two in your mind. If you have been in even just a minor fender bender, it is vital to go see your chiropractor as well as get checked out in the ER.

While the Emergency Room is fantastic at diagnosing and treating cuts, scrapes, abrasions, broken bones, and internal injuries – they do not deal with misalignments (subluxations) nor do they find or do anything to help with soft tissue injury. Both of these can not only be incredibly painful, but they can also lead to chronic long term health issues and pain down the road.

Why Chiropractic Works:

1. Inflammation Reduction: Microtears happen in the muscles and ligaments, an X-ray will not see them. These tears are the cause of waking up in pain and not understanding why because the imaging looked normal. Chiropractic uses spinal manipulations to realign the spinal cord causing your body to release anti-inflammatory substances into the brain.

2.Non-obvious injuries: While broken bones and bruises may be obvious after a crash other injuries like whiplash and soft tissue injury are not visible or even apparent directly following the accident itself.

3. Pain Relief without Drugs: People take pain medication believing it will heal them. It does make you feel better for a short time. Drugs are only masking the symptoms they are not healing. This can lead to a cycle of addiction in order to avoid pain.

4. Scar Tissue Build Up Reduction: Scar tissue build in order to try and heal the injuries. It causes stiffness and pain. Chiropractic can help break up the scar tissue as it forms allowing the body to heal properly with a full range of movement.

5. Range of Motion:

If you suffer an injury during a car wreck, the inflammation often causes even more problems.

Your blood and nutrients will not be able to circulate to the areas it needs to go because the inflammation will slow the healing process. In receiving chiropractic adjustments, it will mobilize your spine, restoring range of motion and allowing the body to begin the natural healing process at a much faster rate.

Along with these reasons chiropractic can also help you avoid pain long term. Untreated pain can continue for years if not a lifetime. Documented soft tissue injuries also can help your medical and legal claims in a suit. You will need proper documentation to get your medical bills covered.

If you are in the SWFL Fort Myers area we would love to see you in our office. We specialize in car accident injury. Call the office of Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. today at 239-332-2555. You may also visit www.drkasters.com to learn more about the practice. Feel free to call with any questions you may have! We look forward to seeing you.

Chiropractor | Nutritionist in Ft Myers, FL.

Fort Myers Chiropractor, Dr. Jason B. KasterChiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent it as soon as possible?

Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor, and nutritionist in Fort Myers can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.

      SCHEDULE NOW!   239-332-2555    
10.12.19
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Varicose and Spider Veins – What’s the Difference?

varicose-veins-spider-veins-tampa-cardio

varicose-veins-spider-veins-tampa-cardioPeople often incorrectly use the terms “spider veins” and “varicose veins” interchangeably, and it’s important to understand that these are two very different conditions.

While one is a simple cosmetic problem, that while causing embarrassment and discomfort poses no real medical threat, the other can not only be very painful but also present physical signs of some very serious underlying conditions. Understanding the difference between these venous disorders can make all the difference in what kind of treatment a patient seeks, and whether they find it necessary to seek treatment at all.

 

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins occur when the one-way valves within veins weaken, and a portion of the blood that is meant to be pumped back to the heart instead leaks back into the vein and collects, causing the veins to enlarge and bulge past the surface of the skin. Varicose veins can appear red, blue, or flesh-colored, are twisted or ropey in appearance, and can be found throughout the body, though most commonly in the legs where the force of gravity is greatest. Varicose veins are a condition in themselves that can be quite painful and uncomfortable, often causing aching, swelling, itching, burning, or feelings of heaviness in the legs. If ignored, varicose veins can result in skin ulcers that sometimes bleed and are very hard to heal. In the most extreme cases, varicose veins can lead to a condition called Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), which is present when a blood clot forms in a deeper vein. If one of these blood clots breaks off and travels to the lungs, the results can potentially be fatal.

What are Spider Veins?

Spider veins are caused by a back up of blood in the veins and appear very close to the surface of the skin in sunburst or spider web patterns, hence their name. Spider veins are typically quite small, but can appear in a variety of locations on the body, most commonly on the legs but also on the arms and even on the face. These red or blue veins can be brought about by hormone changes, injury, or sun exposure, and treatments are available to remove them if the patient so desires. Fortunately, while spider veins can be unsightly and uncomfortable, they are typically not causing alarm and only present a cosmetic problem for the patient.

If a condition or ailment appearing on your body concerns you, it is always wise to seek the advice of a medical professional.

While most spider veins are harmless and not all varicose veins lead to more serious conditions, only a medical professional can decide whether your personal condition calls for further action. Treatments for both spider veins and varicose veins are readily available, and because varicose veins are considered a health condition, their treatment or removal is covered by most insurance policies, making their treatment affordable as well.

If you are in any way concerned about the health of your veins, please visit the Vein Center at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates to speak with a certified vein specialist. www.tampacardio.com (813) 975-2800. 

10.05.19
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Vein Disease Worsened By the Habit of Smoking

smoking-veins-west-florida-vein-center-tampa-florida

The fact is that smoking cigarettes does direct damage to your circulatory system and if you have venous disease already it will exacerbate it. 

smoking-veins-west-florida-vein-center-tampa-floridaThe damage done to the circulatory system is most noticeable in the form of surface-level varicose and spider veins. Vein disease often causes pain on top of cosmetic embarrassment, but the true damage and potential for life-threatening issues occur internally.

The full damage cannot be fully viewed without an examination by a vein specialist. One of the more serious conditions that can come from venous disease is DVT deep vein thrombosis. DVT is a condition that occurs when blood clots form within the deep veins.

Deep vein thrombosis can cause the life-threatening condition known as a pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolisms can occur when a blood clot started by DVT breaks off, travels through the bloodstream, and becomes stuck in the lungs. This clot can block and prevent blood flow, and even result in death. Smokers are 50% more likely to develop DVT than are non-smokers.

How exactly does smoking affect a person’s vascular system?

The toxic chemicals which are added to cigarettes wreak havoc on the body’s circulatory system. Nicotine causes arteries to narrow and harden, greatly increasing the risk for the formation of blood clots. Other chemical compounds found in cigarettes thicken blood reducing the oxygen flow. This slows the blood flow. With both of these factors combined,  it’s easy to understand that smoking thickens the blood and at the same time narrows the path that it has to travel through. This can lead to some very serious health conditions.

The best solution for preventing smoking-related venous disease is to never start smoking. For those who already smoke, the best advice is to stop smoking immediately.

The damage done from smoking is not completely irreversible. Quitting can greatly reduce the risks of cigarette-related venous disease, as well as reduce the risks of cancer and heart disease. If you choose to keep smoking being a lifetime smoker almost guarantees a vascular surgery in their future.

Many vein conditions are now easily treatable with minimally invasive techniques and procedures, with many patients reporting little to no pain as well as almost immediate relief of their symptoms. Contact our staff today to learn about the many options available to you and to schedule an appointment at our state of the art Tampa vein center. The West Florida Vein Center looks forward to serving you. www.westfloridaveincenter.com

(727) 712-3233.

10.04.19
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Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month – September 15th to October 15th, 2019

This time every year is dedicated to acknowledging the Hispanic heritage contributions that have helped to make America the wonderful melting pot that it is. Hispanic and Latino Americans have had a profound positive effect on their communities and because of this our country.

This influence comes through character, the practice of traditions, faith, dedication to family, and hard work and service in their chosen fields. They have helped to shape our national character with traditions that reflect the multicultural customs of their community.

The roots of this month-long tradition of recognition known as Hispanic Heritage Month began back in1968. Each year the celebration begins on the anniversary of the independence of the Latin American Countries: Chile, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

The term Hispanic or Latino refers to Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin. Today, 57.5 million people or 18% of the American population are Hispanic or Latino. This represents a significant increase from 2000, which registered the Hispanic population at 35.3 million or 13% of the total U.S. population.

While there are too many to mention in a single blog we wanted to call attention to three very notable and influential Hispanic Americans who have and continue to make a big impact in the world today.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor – Mrs. Sotomayor was born in the Bronx to Puerto Rican-born parents. Sotomayor was in the majority in two major Supreme Court landmark rulings in the last term: King v. Burwell and Obergefell v. Hodges.

Justice Sotomayor was on the board of directors of the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund, a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and an instructor at New York University School of Law and Columbia Law School.

She was appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2009 by President Obama.

James Edward Olmos – Nicknamed “Olivier of the Latino world,” Edward James Olmos is a talented creative individual. Back in April of 1999, he launched a project called Americanos: Latino Life in the United States. It was to be a celebration of Latino culture through photography, film, music, and writing. The project was co-sponsored by Time Warner Inc. and designed to inspire Latino pride and to build bridges among Latinos and other Americans. Olmos speaks at an average of 150 institutions each year and participates in a multitude of humanitarian efforts.

He is the executive director of a national gang prevention program called the Lives In Hazard Educational Project. This program is funded by the US Department of Justice.

Carlos Santana – Though mainly known as one of the world’s most phenomenal musicians with a huge track record emblazed in music history he is also a major humanitarian philanthropist.

Carlos and his wife Deborah Santana founded the Milagro Foundation established in 1998 www.milagrofoundation.org, which helps disadvantaged youth with grants personally as well as collecting donations of money and instruments for students in groups like Little Kids Rock. Over 7.5 million dollars has been distributed to date.

These are just three examples of a tight nit amazing community which makes our country better on an ongoing basis. Share in this annual tribute month by learning and celebrating the generations of Hispanic and Latino Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society.

First Pawn Jewelry and Loan Celebrates proudly National Hispanic Heritage Month. All Latin style jewelry and musical instruments are now on sale! Come check out our selection!

889 Airport Road South, Naples, Fl 34104 | 239-434-7296

1331 Homestead Rd N, Lehigh Acres, FL 33936 | 239-369-2274

10.04.19
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Unchecked Hypertension Can Damage Your Health

hypertension high blood pressure chiropractic

hypertension high blood pressure chiropracticMany of us, during a routine doctor’s appointment, may have been told: “Your blood pressure is a little high”. Monitoring is usually suggested. If it continues to remain high in readings often blood pressure medication is recommended. 

What Is Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)?

Hypertension is also sometimes called high blood pressure.  This level of measurement is defined as being above 140/98 mm Hg for at least two or more readings over a period of weeks or months. The more difficult it is for blood to flow through your arteries, the more of an increase in your blood pressure. Higher pressure forces your heart must work harder to pump blood throughout your body.

Blood pressure itself: Your heart beating forces your blood through the arteries in your entire body creating pressure. This pressure is what keeps your blood flowing. Every time your heart beats, it surges blood into your arteries and the pressure increases. Opposing that, when your heart is relaxed or in between beats, the pressure decreases in the arteries. This is why there are two numbers in a blood pressure reading. The top number is systolic and the bottom number is diastolic.

Systolic and Diastolic:

The top number (systolic pressure) is the maximum amount of pressure inside your arteries when the heart is beating. The bottom number (diastolic pressure) is the amount of pressure inside your arteries when your heart is in between beats. The two numbers together are written in fractional form; such as 120/80 mm Hg.

Why Would You Have High Blood Pressure?

Doctors and scientists are still trying to understand why high blood pressure occurs, but they have found factors that contribute to high blood pressure. Some of these factors include obesity, level of physical activity, diabetes mellitus, heredity, age, and high intake of sodium, alcohol consumption, and smoking.

Almost all cases of high blood pressure cases have no markable cause. This form of blood pressure is called primary or central high blood pressure. Secondary hypertension is associated with renal diseases, alcohol use, and the use of oral contraceptives.

Is there a way to conservatively treat hypertension before turning to blood pressure medications?

Chiropractic treatment has been shown to reduce blood pressure, however, more research is needed to determine exactly how manipulation is helpful. Chiropractic treatments should always be done in conjunction with your medical doctor’s recommendations.

The idea is to create a diet you can live with that will offer proper cardiovascular support. If you are interested in working with Dr. Kaster to help control your blood pressure without potentially dangerous medications give us a call today and schedule your appointment.

Chiropractor | Nutritionist in Ft Myers, FL.

Fort Myers Chiropractor, Dr. Jason B. KasterChiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions.

Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent it as soon as possible?

Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor, and nutritionist in Fort Myers can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.

      SCHEDULE NOW!   239-332-2555