Why You Should Never Ignore Varicose Veins

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vein specialist tampa tampa cardioNever ignore varicose veins for two reasons:

  1. They are not a cosmetic issue alone.
  2. They will get worse, if not treated, over time.

Varicose veins effect an estimated 40 million people just in the USA. Upwards from 50% of the population over the age of fifty currently have them.

This does not mean that varicose veins are inevitable and that you should simply give up and accept them as a normal part of aging. Varicose veins are caused by venous insufficiency aka vein disease. It is a disease.

By being aware of potential risk factors that might predispose you to such a condition, you can take action to prevent varicose veins from occurring, or at the very least greatly prolong their initial occurrence.

Risk Factors May Encompass Any or All of the Following:

  • Age – Although varicose veins can occur at any age, even in teens and pre-teens, they are much more common in the elderly. Once reaching the age of fifty, a person’s risk for developing varicose veins increases greatly.
  • Weight – Being overweight can lead to the development of varicose veins, especially if an unhealthy diet is present at the same time. Not only does being overweight tend to contribute towards a more sedentary lifestyle, but like with pregnancy, the additional weight creates pressure on the veins of the lower extremities, veins which in turn must work harder against the force of gravity when pumping blood back upwards towards the heart.
  • Activity Level – Staying active and getting frequent exercise is crucial for those who want to prevent varicose veins. An inactive lifestyle can promote the pooling of blood in leg veins and adds pressure to the lower extremities during periods of rest, impairing circulation and preventing important muscle growth from occurring in the calves
  • Sex – While both men and women can have varicose veins, certain factors lead them to be more common in women. Pregnancy and hormonal changes are the culprit for these differences, as both the additional weight of carrying a baby can add pressure to the lower extremities while the presence of additional estrogen in the body leads to an increased risk for blood clots.
  • Genetics – If you have a history of varicose veins in your family, then there is a fairly good chance that you will be afflicted by them as well at some point in your life. In fact, if both of your parents have had varicose veins, then your chance of developing them yourself is considered to be as high as 90%.
  • Trauma to an area – Even in a person who is perfectly healthy and active, physical injury to one or both of the legs can result in varicose veins if the blood vessels beneath the skin are damaged. While these traumas are most likely unpredicted and unpreventable, they can be an indication that varicose veins may be eminent.
  • Profession – Those whose professions require them to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time will be more likely to develop varicose veins. The same can be said for those who are frequent travelers, as sitting in the same position in a car or on a plane for extended periods can make it difficult to adjust posture and take breaks to walk around.

If you are concerned that you may have varicose veins or venous insufficiency and would like to schedule a vein screening at a Tampa vein center, contact the specialists at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates to schedule an appointment today by calling (813) 975-2800. WWW.TAMPACARDIO.COM

 

Vein Treatments That Can Turn Back Time in Your Legs

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varicose veins safety harbor tampa florida west florida vein centerVaricose veins and leg pain do NOT have to be permanent!

As we begin to age, much like owning a classic car, small things start to go wrong. One of the most prevalent issues in aging is the weakening of the body as a whole. As muscle mass can begin to soften and decline the support around the vein walls in your circulatory system may begin to weaken as well.

What happens during the formation of varicose veins?

When vein walls weaken, they can actually collapse. This collapse can lead to blood pooling and pushing on the walls causing them to expand. Blood can rise to the surface causing patches of reddened skin and over time ulcerations. Blood may also begin to clot. If a clot forms and then breaks loose it may travel through the circulatory system, if it reaches the brain, the heart, or the lungs, you may end up experiencing a stroke, a heart attack, a pulmonary embolism, or possibly death.

This is why paying attention to your vein health is so important. The best time to seek the help of a professional Vein Specialist is as soon as you begin to notice signs and symptoms of varicose or spider veins. This also includes extremely tired and possibly swollen legs, ankles, and feet at the end of a long day. Vein issues often start well under the visible layer of skin and eventually rise up over time.

Modern vein treatments cut off the issue at the source.

While they do not guarantee that no new issues will ever form, they do stop current problems from spreading, deepening, and becoming a far bigger more painful problem down the road.

At West Florida Vein Center of Safety Harbor Florida in the Tampa Bay region you will sit down, one-on-one with Dr. Mark Zuzga, D.O. who will assess your personal health situation and history building a customized vein treatment plan just for you.

If you are ready to “re-age” your legs and feel better than you ever have, give us a call at 727-712-3233 or visit us on the web at www.westfloridaveincenter.com to learn more about our practice and what options we offer.

We look forward to meeting you!

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Flu or Cold? Try These Natural Health Boosters to Prevent and Treat

Dr Jason Kaster Fort Myers, Florida cold cough chiropractic

Dr Jason Kaster Fort Myers, Florida cold cough chiropracticNot Feeling Well? We have some natural suggestions. 

When we aren’t feeling our best, we will try anything to boost ourselves back up. But what really works and what is hype?

The fact is that for a common cold there is no medical answer. Colds are caused by viruses and though many people think running to the doctor for antibiotics is the answer, they only work for bacterial infections. By over taking antibiotics you are actually weakening your own immune system and damaging your digestive health.

Vitamin C – Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that supports your immune system. It is an antioxidant and helps increase the ability to absorb iron from food. It can be taken for a cold or to help prevent a cold. 2000 mg a day is a good level for trying to fight a cold. While it’s a water soluble vitamin, taking higher doses than can lead you to developing diarrhea, so be cautious.

Chiropractic Adjustments – If you are feeling run down, get adjusted before sickness sets in. It allows your nervous system to work at full capacity helping your entire body heal itself.

Oscillococcinum – Homeopathic Flu Relief – At the first sign of a possible cold take Oscillococciunum. This blend will stave off colds by boosting your immune system. It can be found at most grocery stores and pharmacies as well as online.

Zinc – Zinc provides support to muscle tissue and cell membranes. It is involved in repair and DNA function. It works well in conjunction with Vitamin C to help you heal.

Echinacea – Echinacea helps boost your immune system. It has the potential, according to studies, to cut the common cold duration by 58% if taken within the first day and a half of feeling cold like symptoms. Interestingly it can be used as a pain killer for dental issues if applied directly to the teeth and it can help lessen inflammation as well.

Elderberry – used to treat colds and flus it helps lower fever and boost immune system workings.

Ginseng Root – dependent on the type of ginseng you get it can be a relaxing agent (American Ginseng) or an invigorant (Asian Panax Ginseng). It is a potent antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation.

Ginger – Ginger can help quell nauseaIt is also beneficial to circulation. Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative it reduced cellular distress in the body.

Vitamin D – Vitamin D helps your body process calcium and phosphorus so your bones stay strong. It can help boost your immune system and keep you healthy as well as help to fight off colds and flus.

Hot Liquids– Drinking hot liquids, even just hot water as they often do in China, works as an expectorant as well as a hydrant. It hydrates you and flushes out toxins helping you heal.

Honey – Honey (RAW) is a natural antibiotic. Taken daily can help your immune system stay strong. Local honey has also been known to help with allergies.

Garlic – Garlic is also a strong natural anti-biotic. Garlic oil works wonders on ear infections when applied directly into the ear canal and left to sit overnight.

The most effective answer that no one wants to hear is time, fluids, and plenty of rest.

We sincerely hope you feel better soon!

The office of Kaster Chiropractic

www.kasterchiropractic.com

239-332-2555

 

Fight the forces that Age with RenovoVita

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RenovoVita anti agingWhen we are children our skin is new and has had limited time exposed to the elements of life. Rosy cheeks, smooth blemish less skin, no sunspots, no wrinkles, not even laugh lines. These cute little faces are shiny and new and unmarred by time.

As life goes on we are exposed to weather, sun, stress, chemicals, pollutants, bad diet choices, sleep issues and so much more.  Each individually can wear a person down and that can show inside and out. When your skin begins to age it can drag you down making you feel less positive about your appearance. Why deal with that when you no longer have to?

The combination of our nutraceutical line, in just 2 products we have you covered inside and out for boosted optimal cellular renewal. Powerful ingredients like NMN, NAD+, Copper, Zinc, Selenium, Coq10, Superoxide Dismutase, PQQ Pyrroloquinoline, BioPerine, Yellow Melon Extract, 72 Senonian Trace Minerals, Marula Oil, Okra Extract, Lipo Wheat Ceramides, Snow Mushroom, Green Coffee Bean Extract, Tart Cherry, Turmeric Extract, Grape Stem Cell Extract, and many more.

The combination of With-N Cellular Renewal Activation and Virg-N’s Youth Activation Serum will have your body working optimally to shed old dead cells and form new live energetic ones that elevate your sense of wellness and that reflects in your overall appearance and demeanor.

As if that weren’t enough, we also created Zero-N, our very own nootropic to get your brain forming healthy electrical pathways again. Think faster and more clearly and gain more energy than just drinking coffee with out the jittery side effects.

If you are ready to feel your best you are ready for RenovoVita.

www.RenovoVita.com

 

Fainting Spells – The Real Cause

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fainting heart problems tampa cardioWatching someone have a fainting spell can be alarming.  They look a little pale, slightly off, and often their eyes will roll back in their heads just before going limp.

While fainting has been portrayed in movies as a sign of stress or someone who is over dramatic, the truth is that it can be a signal that something is medically wrong. Fainting spells are referred to as “syncope,” and the blackout period can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes.

During this time a person loses consciousness after a brief feeling of lightheadedness or dizziness. When a spell occurs, it is due to your brain is not receiving enough oxygen or blood flow. There are dozens of reasons as to why this might happen.

The severity of a fainting spell can vary. Most most will regain consciousness within a few short minutes. The majority of fainting spells do not require medical attention and are the result of situational trauma such as extreme fear or emotional disturbances, or even severe quick onset pain.

Passing out can even be triggered by something as simple as standing up too fast, coughing too hard, standing in one position for an extended period of time, or straining excessively during a bowel movement. Some medications can even bring on a fainting spell, especially those that result in a sudden blood pressure drop.

Fainting spells can be classified into three categories

  • Vasovagal – This type of fainting occurs when a person is afraid or experiences emotional trauma or stress.
  • Situational – This type of fainting occurs from physical strain, such as coughing or extreme pain.
  • Carotid Sinus – This type of fainting occurs when the carotid artery in the neck is constricted in some way.

While most causes of a fainting spell are no cause for alarm, there are a few, however, that should definitely raise some red flags and lead you to seek medical attention, whether immediate or otherwise. This is because in some cases, fainting can be the sign of a serious underlying medical condition, such as diabetes, and may be an indication that there are blockages in your heart or that you have an irregular heartbeat, also referred to as a heart arrhythmia. If you have fainted more than once within a one-month period, or if you have a history of frequent fainting spells, then a trip to your physician is definitely recommended, at the very least to rule out anything serious.

If fainting is found to be related to a heart arrhythmia, then a serious underlying condition may be present. While most arrhythmias are harmless, there are some that can predispose a person to some very serious complications, such as stroke or heart failure. Fortunately, most arrhythmias can be effectively treated, and there are a number of tests available to help with a proper diagnosis. While fainting spells are one of the more obvious signs that an arrhythmia may be present, patients should also take special note if they are experiencing heart palpitations as well, though many patients will experience no symptoms at all. A proper diagnosis is always the first step in addressing any possible arrhythmia. It is a good idea to get checked out after a fainting episode, especially if you hit your head or banged another body part to make sure no damage was done.

If you have been experiencing fainting spells that you think may be heart health related, and you would like to get to the root of your problem so that you may address it properly, contact the physicians at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates by calling (813) 975-2800. WWW.TAMPACARDIO.COM.

 

What Causes Vein Disease: Varicose Veins and Spider Veins

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vein disease safety harbor west florida veinVein disease is one of those ailments that just seems to appear out of no where overnight. But that is kind of a kin to suddenly seeing an iceberg in the water. It didn’t “just form”. It has been growing silently beneath the surface for a long time. It is only finally when it becomes visible on a surface level that most people notice and begin to pay attention.

No one knows your body better than you. After all, you have lived in it your entire life. If something feels not quite right – listen to it. It’s very easy to brush minor annoyances aside and move on with life but with health when you do that they don’t just go away, they grow, subtly.

Symptoms:

  • Tired legs (especially after standing all day)
  • Swelling (edema)
  • Aching
  • Itchy legs
  • Small, trapped blood patches under the skin where a vein has leaked
  • Red patches or splotches
  • And eventually visible blue or purplish red veins that may start as a small squiggle and gradually grow larger, more twisted, and painful

Why does this happen?

Well, there are a number of factors that come into play as to why someone would develop vein disease.

Varicose/Spider veins can be brought on by genetics, obesity, pregnancy, smoking, certain types of cancer, trauma to an area, phlebitis, and even a blood clot.

While not usually a serious health threat varicose veins can be painful and even disabling. The sooner they are treated the better the outcome and the less time you waste suffering needlessly.

When a case becomes severe it can lead to ulcerations in the skin that are difficult if not impossible to heal. They can become infected and that can be life threatening. Additionally, you risk blood clots in the legs which can break free and find their way up to the heart, brain, or lungs causing heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism.

Many people avoid seeing a Vein Specialist because they hear the term “Specialist” and their brain translates that to “expensive”. The truth is most cases are considered a medical necessity and your insurance will cover the treatment. Though vein issues are often thought of as cosmetic the look of these rogue veins is simply a side effect of a serious medical issue that needs to be addressed.

Stop waiting.
Call us!
727-712-3233

www.westfloridaveincenter.com

 

 

Chiropractic Beats Out Pain Killers for Long Term Pain Relief

Dr kaster fort myers florida chiropractic

Dr kaster fort myers florida chiropracticBack pain can be debilitating. It can hamper your activities, your life, your ability to work, and even make you feel less like yourself. It is difficult to remain happy and positive when you are in constant pain.

If you suffer from back pain chronically or intermittently you are far from alone. Nearly 65 million Americans reported a recent incident of back pain.  8 percent of all adult experience persistent or chronic back pain that limits everyday activities. Back pain ranks as the sixth most costly condition in the United States.

While NSAID pain relievers such as Tylenol, ibuprofen, or aspirin can help to block and dull pain they do not remove the cause, so the pain returns when the medication wears off. The same holds true for pain medications including opioids.

Studies prove that chiropractic care can help on a more permanent basis. This most recent study divided 100 patients into three groups. Group 1 received spinal adjustments and a placebo drug while Group 2 received real doses of a drug and sham adjustments. Group 3 received both the placebo and sham treatments (aka no actual treatment at all).

The Result:
Group 1 reported the biggest pain reduction. Better quality of life was also reported.

Groups 2 and 3 both reported almost no change other than when medication was currently active in their systems.

These improvements for group 1 lasted through to the 12 week follow up.

While many studies have proven the validity of chiropractic over the years this is the first study to prove its efficacy over NSAID medications.

Chiropractic simply works. If you are ready to stop dealing with back pain give the office of Kaster Chiropractic a call today at 239-332-2555. Visit www.kasterchiropractic.com to learn more. We look forward to seeing you in our office!

 

Revamp Your Motivation and Zero-N

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Zero-N RenovoVita brain health cellular wellnessIt’s Time to Rise and Shine! – If that sentiment now irritates you more than motivates you, you may need some more pep in your step.

We all love coffee. The smell, the feel of the warm cup in our hands, the ritual of the brew. But is it really working for you anymore? Over time plain old coffee and caffeine tend to lose their potency and zip.

Life has gotten complicated over the past few years. It can become draining and can wear on your adrenal glands leading to adrenal fatigue. Your adrenal glands are what helps you should danger occur. They initiate the fight or flight response in reaction to stress by releasing chemicals into your body that allow you to keep going even if terrified or injured. They help you get out of dangerous situations and are part of your survival instinct.

The problem here in 2021 is that the stress isn’t subsiding. We are constantly in a state of perpetual fight or flight and our nervous systems are paying the price.

If you feel exhausted, worn out, tired, sleepy during the daytime, experience problems sleeping at night, are grouchy, groggy, and wrought with brain fog, trust us – you are far from alone. Thankfully, we have an answer.

Zero-N Brain Health Formula was created to combat brain fog, fatigue, boost mental acuity, and give you back your edge.

RenovoVita has included only the highest quality pharmaceutical grade natural ingredients in Zero-N Brain Health formula. It includes the key ingredients L-Theanine to help regulate emotion, concentration, and cognition and get those neurotransmitters fired up. Bacopa Monnieri to fight free radicals and help with sleep and anxiety, Ginko Biloba for cognition, retention, and increased brain blood flow, Soy Lecithin to help stave off deterioration of brain capacity, GABA for new cellular growth and connection, and good old-fashioned Caffeine which jolts the neurons to stimulate energy as well as a proprietary formulation of key multi-vitamins and minerals to supercharge anti-aging effects.

Just two capsules a day with or without food as needed and you can revitalize your brain health. What could be easier?

www.RenovoVita.com to learn more!

FDA & Legal Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Is Venous Ablation a Possibility for Me?

varicose-veins-west-florida-vein-center-ablation

varicose-veins-west-florida-vein-center-ablationVaricose veins, especially in the advanced stages, can become very painful. Twisting, pooling, bulging, enlarged, swollen, and even ulcerated. They distract from daily life and detract from the quality of it.

Those suffering from varicose veins often live with daily pain that does not seem to go away. It can wear you down and exhaust you. As this happens many will find us in their search for answers and solutions.

Consulting a Vein Specialist is the best course of action. Let them use their years of expertise, experience, and education to pinpoint and target the best treatment plan for your particular case. Vein treatment is not a one size fits all.

Among the procedures, one of the most popular and effective is Endovenous Ablation.  This procedure is performed in-office and takes usually less than an hour. It accomplishes the same goal as vein striping which is far more invasive.  It uses ultrasound guidance combined with a local anesthetic. A thin laser fiber is inserted via the catheter to help thread it up the vein to the desired location.

As the laser is withdrawn it shrinks and seals the enlarged and damaged veins. They will then be reabsorbed into the body and the blood re-routed. There is little to no scarring and has a 97% success rate.

Is Endovenous Ablation Painful?

It is a virtually painless procedure. You will feel the injection of anesthetic but after that will be numb. You may feel a slight pressure but there should be no pain.

The recovery time is minimal. We recommend taking the rest of the day off to rest and you should be ok to go back to work and resume normal activity the next day. Strenuous exercise should wait one full week to eliminate the risk of bruising. Mild over-the-counter pain relievers should be strong enough. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or other NSAIDs. Should you be a rare case that needs something stronger Dr. Zuzga, D.O. is happy to work with you.

Endovenous ablation is noninvasive and does not involve any incisions. Because of this, there is no scarring risk.

Ready to see if this procedure is right for you? Give the office of Dr. Mark Zuzga, D.O. a call today. The West Florida Vein Center is waiting on your call. 727-712-3233.

Heart Disease and HIV Patients

HIV Aids heart disease tampa cardio

HIV Aids heart disease tampa cardioPatients are living longer as HIV treatments progress. They are also living high-quality lives.  Modern medicine has miraculously transformed a tragic terminal illness into a manageable condition that can be lived with and kept in check for years and even decades allowing for a longer fuller life.

The only downfall of this extension is that a connection seems to be forming between HIV patients with longer lives and the development of cardiovascular issues including heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.

This partly stems from ramped up easily available testing and earlier treatment options. Because of this, those with HIV are not developing into full-blown AIDS. This lowers the incidences of AIDS-related complications. It does correlate though to the early onset as well as higher relative risks for chronic diseases among HIV patients.

The risk of stroke and heart disease among those HIV positive was partly linked to an antiretroviral therapy used to help suppress infections. It has been noted that those who were on these antiretroviral continually showed a lower risk than their intermittent counterparts.

Researchers believe that the elevated heart disease risk may be directly related to chronic inflammation caused by having an autoimmune issue. Chronic inflammation is linked to the build-up of plaque in the arteries.

No matter if you are HIV positive, Negative, or Don’t know your status, cardiovascular conditioning is at the very center of our health.  If you are HIV positive or have developed the more advanced Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome it is important to check in with your cardiologist on a regular basis as recommended.

There is a current large-scale trial going on right now. It is called REPRIEVE and is being funded by the National Institutes of Health. It examines whether statins can help prevent cardiovascular disease in those living with HIV.

When the results are published, we will pass them on to our readers here at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates. WWW.TAMPACARDIO.COM. Give us a call at the office to schedule your consultation. 813-975-2800.