Category Archives: Health

04.03.20
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Anxiety and Heart Disease

chest pain anxiety heart disease tampa cardio

chest pain anxiety heart disease tampa cardioAnxiety disorders affect 40 million adults in the USA. 

Anxiety can make your body feel like you are having a heart attack. Chest based feelings of butterflies to sharp pains are not uncommon. 

Anxiety is not healthy in the short term but long term it can cause you to become ill emotionally and physically. Chronic anxiety can raise your risk for heart issues.

While small amounts of stress are healthy and even motivating, feeling worried or anxious now and then is normal. It’s when it becomes chronic that it may pose a negative threat to your wellbeing.

Generalized anxiety disorder is defined by at least 6 months of excessive worrying or feeling anxious about unrelated events. Approximately 5% of adults meet the criteria for this disorder. The incidence is higher, coming in at 11% among those with coronary artery disease and 13% of those with heart failure.

It has not been established whether anxiety sets off heart disease or vice versa. It is known that chronic anxiety can change the way the body reacts to stress. This happens via hormones and physiological reactions meant to keep us safe – known as the flight or fight response.

If your fight or flight response is constantly engaged it can lead to heart issues as well as adrenal burn out which may, in turn, cause other endocrine system issues.

Anxiety can present the same symptoms as a heart attack

A panic attack is so very similar in feel to a heart attack people often mistake them. Upon a trip to the ER, you will receive a diagnosis of non-cardiac chest pain. As many as 1 in 3 people will experience this in their lifetime.

What can you do?

The best answer medical professionals have found so far is a combination of medication and talk therapy. A cognitive-behavioral therapist will help you identify unwanted thoughts and establish what is anxiety-based and what is something that genuinely needs to be looked at and considered.

Medications work as a temporary bandaid to allow you to get through tough anxiety-filled times while working through the root cause with a therapist or on your own using tools such as automatic writing, meditation, yoga, or other relaxation healing based activities.

Never ignore chest pain. It is far better to be safe than sorry. If you are in the Tampa Florida area and looking for a cardiologist we invite you to check out the physicians at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates. www.tampacardio.com 813-975-2800.

04.01.20
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Boost Your Health With Bone Broth Soup

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Bone-broth-soup-dr-kasterThrough this pandemic, it is more important than ever to keep your immune system strong and healthy.

Bone broth is an easy and inexpensive way to help your body do just that. It is a great way to strengthen your immunity as well as help heal the human body.

The gelatin found in bone broth supports digestion as well as helps to keep bones strong with collagen supply. Adding this broth to your diet can help reduce joint pain and lower inflammation. It contains elements of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfates and other health-boosting compounds.

Adding to the anti-inflammatory properties this soup also contains arginine, glycine, and proline as well as calcium and magnesium for bone strength. Bone broth soups can be made from any animal bone – chicken, beef, fish, pork, and lamb. Grass-fed animal bones would be best to avoid any contaminants.

There is truth in the old wives’ tale of chicken soup for a cold or flu. Bone broth is nutrient-rich and can help your body heal. If you are experiencing frequent colds, cases of flu, digestive issues, allergies, brain health, and even autoimmune issues, it just may benefit you.

The Recipe:

INGREDIENTS

  • 2-4 lbs. of bones from a healthy source
  • 4 Carrots cut up
  • 3 Onions cut up
  • Fresh Parsley (1/2 cup)
  • Pink Salt (dash)
  • 1 Garlic clove
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 4 Qt. Filtered water

DIRECTIONS

First – In a large pot place the ribs, bones, water, and vinegar. Let it sit for an hour on low heat. This allows the minerals to leach from the bones.

Second – Add the vegetables in and bring the water to a boil. A weird filmy scum will form on the top of the pot. Scrape that off and throw it away.

Third – Lower to a simmer. Cover and cook for 24-72 hours. This can also be done in a crockpot. Just transfer it over.

Fourth – When you are almost done, add in the garlic, parsley, and salt. It only really needs to be in there for 15 minutes to absorb. You may then turn off the heat.

Fifth – Allow the broth to cool, then strain the broth removing all of the bones. You can keep it in the refrigerator for a week or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Consuming a cup of this broth a day has been shown to help boost health.

03.01.20
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Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. – Auto Accident Injury Help

auto-accident-injury-florida-fort-myers-dr-kaster

auto-accident-injury-florida-fort-myers-dr-kasterThe Best Course of Action Following an Accident

If you’re not sure about what medical action to take following your automobile accident and are concerned about who will pay for the cost, call our Fort Myers chiropractic office for a consultation to discuss what you are feeling, what your injuries are, how treatment will be paid for, and what you need to do to preserve your rights and get back your health.

Fort Myers Chiropractor Dr. Jason B. Kaster has the knowledge and years of experience to provide you with the comprehensive care that you need.

Why choose Dr. Kaster as your auto accident treatment doctor

Dr. Kaster Offers the Best Comprehensive Care

Chiropractic is the best care for this type of injury. It has been showing to enhance the healing process.

Our chiropractic goal is to restore both structural integrity and function so you can return to your former condition.

Learn more about how your body heals after an accident when under chiropractic care.

http://drkasters.com/conditions/auto-accident-injuries/soft-tissue-injuries-and-healing/

Established Community Partnerships

Dr. Kaster works with other physicians and specialists in the area who treat and accept automobile injury patients and insurance making the process as simple as possible so you do not have to keep filling out the same paperwork over and over again.

His network includes attorneys, neurologists, orthopedics, MRI and diagnostic facilities, and even car repair facilities.

Want to know more about how Chiropractic can help with auto injuries?
http://drkasters.com/conditions/auto-accident-injuries/

State-of-the-art Equipment

Dr. Kaster has all the latest equipment to treat your injuries: ultrasound, laser, massage, electrical stimulation, traction, decompression, and more.

Techniques used

http://drkasters.com/services/chiropractic/techniques/

The full list of treatments
http://drkasters.com/services/chiropractic/treatments/

Come see us! In the state of Florida, you have only 14 days to seek treatment in order to have it covered under your PIP (Personal Injury Protection) Insurance. So do not delay!

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.

239-332-2555

02.02.20
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Reasons to Make an Appointment With a Cardiologist in Tampa, Florida

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You may never have considered visiting a Cardiologist. The very thought scares some people. The idea that there may possibly be something ‘wrong’ with your heart isn’t pleasant.

The fact is if there happens to be something going on with your heart it is by far better to find out and treat it as soon as possible in order to get the very best outcome. We would also like to note that some visits do end with a diagnosis of ‘nothing at all wrong with your heart’. There are several medical issues that can mimic heart problems.

Most patients don’t jump directly to visiting a Cardiologist. Consultations are mostly recommended by a patient’s primary care doctor as a result of either heightened risk factors for cardiovascular disease or symptoms that indicate it may already be an issue.

The number one killer in the world is heart disease. It affects 80 million people. Physicians are well aware of the stakes in early detection.

Risk Factors for Heart Disease

  • Major risk factors include:
  • Genetics – Immediate family members affected and diagnosed already.
  • Heightened blood pressure readings.
  • Raised cholesterol levels.

These may prompt your primary doctor to refer you to a cardiologist.

A genetic history of heart disease may be the catalyst for an evaluation or for low-level tests to check heart function. Depending on the results, you may continue to be monitored by your primary care physician or be given a clean bill of health.

Symptoms causing patients to seek cardiology care may include:

  • Arrhythmias (Rhythm disturbances) can include palpitations or missed heartbeats.
  • Angina (chest pain or discomfort)- This often indicates narrowed arteries.
  • Inability to catch your breath. This may indicate congestive heart failure or valve issues.
  • A cardiac event, such as a heart attack.

If you are in need of an excellent cardiology team in Tampa, Florida we invite you to take a look at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates. This world-renowned team of physicians can handle any form of cardiac issue. We would love the opportunity to review your medical history with you, do a physical exam, and help get you on the right track to your best cardiac health possible.

Give us a call at 813-975-2800 or visit us online bygone to www.tampacardio.com. We are located conveniently at 3010 E. 138th Avenue, Suite 12 in Tampa, Florida 33613.

12.27.19
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Florida’s No-fault Automobile Insurance Laws

Florida-no-fault-accident-pip-kaster-fort-myers

Florida-no-fault-accident-pip-kaster-fort-myersIn years since 2012, all drivers licensed in Florida have been required to carry what is known as PIP coverage. That stands for Personal Injury Protection.

This much-needed rider allows you to get the medical help you may need following an accident regardless of fault or if the other party has auto insurance.

Unlike some other states, there are time constraints within which you are able to seek treatment for accident-related injuries.

In Florida, you have just two weeks (14 days) after an accident to start treatment.  If you do visit a doctor’s office or emergency clinic during this time frame you automatically lose your ability to use your PIP coverage. 

If you are not taken by ambulance from the accident scene please follow up with your doctor and your chiropractor as soon as possible.

Every policy issued in Florida carries the full $10,000 worth of PIP coverage, even though, in some situations, you may only be entitled to $2500, a reduced benefit. To access the full amount you must receive a determination of emergency medical condition. Many insurance companies will argue with you that you do not have a serious condition. Restrictions have been unjustly placed which discriminate against chiropractic physicians. because of this, we have to refer you out to another health care provider simply to get that determination on file.

If your auto insurer stops payment after $2500 for the $10,000 in benefits for which you pay a premium for, you may continue to obtain treatment with our office under a letter of protection if you are represented by a lawyer and are filing a claim for recovery against the at-fault driver.

DID YOU KNOW?: You can install our mobile app on your smartphone! With just a push of a button, we will know you need medical assistance and get you in as soon as possible. http://drkasters.com/web-app-download/

If you are in an accident – don’t worry about the specifics right away. Call our office at 239-332-2555 and come in for a post-accident evaluation, treatment plan, and adjustments. Let’s get you on the road to health and we will file all the paperwork for you.

For More Information on PIP Laws in Florida:

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation can assist you if you experience a problem or have a complaint. You can submit a complaint online by going to their consumer services website at https://apps.fldfs.com/eservice.

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.

12.20.19
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Chiropractic Treatment May Relive Arthritis Pain

Chiropractor Arthritis-fort-myers-dr-kaster

Chiropractor Arthritis-fort-myers-dr-kasterPainful joints make even the most simple movements unbearable at times. In cool weather and rain, they ache even more when you have arthritis.

While there is no cure for arthritis, it has been shown that chiropractic adjustments can lessen the severity of the pain you experience making the condition easier to live with.

Chiropractic is an amazing modality.
No two patients can be treated in the exact same way.There are over 150 techniques that chiropractors employ to manually adjust the spine, muscles, and joints with varying degrees of gentle force. Which techniques are used is dependent on the condition(s) of the patient. 

Chiropractors focus on the correlation between structure and function, says Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. who has been in private practice in Fort Myers, Florida for over 17 years.

When a joint is out of alignment it can’t move as designed. The aim of treatment with our practice is to restore proper joint function. The freer the movement you have the better you will feel.

If you have neck or back pain because of osteoarthritis, chiropractic is one of the safest routes of therapy.

Your chiropractor may use manual spinal adjustments or manipulate soft tissue to help relieve tenderness and muscle spasms. You may also be asked to do traction which slowly stretches the joints to increase range of movement, as well as ultrasound, ice, and heat. At-home physical therapy exercises they may assign you can do wonders as well. 

 Please take note: If you have an inflammatory disease (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis) you need to be more careful and really talk with your doctor and listen to your body. If your medical doctor has told you that you have active swelling in your joints, chiropractic may not be the right path for you.

That doesn’t mean we can’t help. It just means we woud just need to take a different approach to the treatment for your case. A consultation is advisable to get you going on some alternative safe and effective therapies.

They may include:

Electrotherapy. These tiny electric pulses are not painful. They treat soft tissue injuries by stimulating nerves and muscles.

Low-level cold laser. This therapy uses a non-heat-producing laser or light that penetrates deep into the tissue, sometimes reducing inflammation.

Ultrasound. Many think of ultrasound as imaging technology, but when applied to soft tissues and joints, sound waves can also produce a massaging effect that helps reduce swelling and decrease pain and stiffness.

Infrared sauna. Imagine having a hot compress warm up your joints from the inside. These rooms use controlled amounts of heat to relieve pain and increase circulation.

Medical Doctors Agree

The American College of Physicians released updated guidelines in 2017. They now support the use of non-pharmacologic therapies. This includes chiropractic as well as acupuncture, as first-line treatment of pain, before medication.

If you are living with arthritis call the office of Dr. Kaster today. We would love to see how we can help you feel better and live well.

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.

239-332-2555

www.drkasters.com to learn more!

11.20.19
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Using HGH to Slow and Even Reverse The Signs of Aging

Aging-Fort-Myers-somaderm-gel-hgh-800x531

Aging-Fort-Myers-somaderm-gel-hgh-800x531If you are over the age of 30 you are likely starting to see and feel the effects of aging.

Both women and men will begin to experience subtle signs up age such as weight gain even though they have done nothing different in their diet and exercise routines. This is due to decreased stamina as well as lower energy levels.

Up until recent years, there wasn’t an answer. But now, thanks to New U Life, in conjunction with Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. we can help you get back to feeling like yourself again. We offer Somaderm Gel – a transdermal application gel that is a pure scientific breakthrough with all of the power of HGH.

HGH (Human Growth Hormone) is a well documented and highly studied naturally occurring hormone. As we get older the amount of HGH our bodies produce, declines.

Somaderm Gel is applied to the thinnest areas of the skin such as the inner arms for best absorption rate transporting it directly into your bloodstream.

When it comes to hormone replacement therapy sprays and pills simply don’t work as well. The potency is broken down by the body and it renders them somewhat ineffective. There are of course also injectable forms of HGH but these may come with serious side effects as well as being expensive and invasive.

You no longer have to simply accept the onslaught of symptoms that come with aging. You can recapture your youth. Somaderm Gel has become the ageless standard.

Thankfully the transdermal formulation offered by Somaderm Gel has now become available to the general public. It works by slowly elevating HGH levels in the body, naturally.

Interested in learning more and possibly trying Somaderm Gel for yourself?
We would love to talk more about it with you.
Give our office a call today at 239-332-2555.

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    
11.15.19
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Treat Your Vein Issues This Winter!

Vein-treatment-west-florida-vein-center-Dr-mark-zuzga

Vein-treatment-west-florida-vein-center-Dr-mark-zuzga

You shouldn’t have to suffer from painful embarrassing vein problems. Nor should you have to cover up and feel self-conscious.

This winter be kind to yourself. It is the perfect time to stop putting off vein treatment and get back to feeling like yourself again!

If you are dealing with venous insufficiency issues you know that having varicose, spider or other vein problems can wear you down. They can make you self conscious and can be painful on a daily basis. Many patients give up on summer and wear long pants year round making hotter months far less comfortable.

If you’ve made the decision to treat your varicose or spider veins this winter, the West Florida Vein Center in Safety Harbor of Tampa, Florida can provide you the treatments you need. We offer a wide selection including minimally invasive treatments: ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, radiofrequency thermal ablation, and endovenous laser ablation. Browse our website to learn more about the conditions we treat and the options we offer. Give us a call to schedule a screening today!

TREATING VEINS DURING THE WINTER MONTHS MAKES THE HEALING TIME EASIER!

The Cold Helps You to Avoid Pain and Irritation

If you have varicose veins, you are more likely to experience pain and irritation during the winter season due to being less active. Pain and irritation are also common during the warmer months, but constant physical outdoor activity can help ease some of the irritation. Many consider having vein treatment at the beginning of the winter season allowing treatment of the problem before it has a chance to cause you any more discomfort.

Treated Areas are Less Likely to be Exposed to the Sun

When receiving vein treatment one side effect to watch for is discoloration. Discoloration is common when the areas are exposed to direct sunlight. Doctors recommend that patients cover up the treated areas for the first few weeks following therapy. In the winter we naturally tend to wear more clothing anyway, allowing less sun exposure while still remaining comfortable.

Compression Stockings Are More Comfortable During the Winter

Compression stockings can help you find relief both before and after your vein treatment. Compression socks are available in a wide variety of colors and styles, many patients feel uncomfortably hot wearing them during the warmer months of the year. Also if style is a concern, compression socks and shorts likely aren’t going to be your ideal combination.

Give Yourself Time to Heal Before Spring

Receiving vein treatment during the winter is ideal as it allows plenty of time to heal and recover, giving you the freedom of wearing whatever you want when spring and summer finally arrive!

The Time Is Now!

If you’re ready to finally stop the pain and discomfort that has kept you from living your life to its full potential, Dr. Mark Zuzga can provide you with the vein treatment you deserve at the West Florida Vein Center of Safety Harbor located in Tampa Bay, Florida. www.westfloridaveincenter.com 727-712-3233.

11.06.19
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The Right Cold Medicine for High Blood Pressure

cold-medicine-heart-tampa-cardio

cold-medicine-heart-tampa-cardioThe temperatures are dropping fast. With the sudden change in weather, our bodies sometimes don’t fully adjust right away. This can put a dent in our immunity and leave us exposed to potential cold and flu viruses going around.

While there is still no cure for the common cold or the flu, millions of Americans seek relief through over the counter medicines which can help shorten the duration of the illness as well as mask symptoms and help you cope with the bugs and feel a little better temporarily allowing you to get through your days.

These medicines work very well for most people. If you happen to have problems with your heart health though you need to be aware of potential complications and side effects even over the counter remedies may provoke.

If you have been diagnosed with hypertension (High blood pressure), heart disease, or heart failure, common decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine can be a danger. They are both vasoconstrictors, meaning they constrict blood vessels in the sinus and nasal passages which helps with drainage and swelling – making it easier for you to breathe. The problem is because they are taken orally the effects don’t just take place in the sinuses and nose. They can make your heart work harder than it needs to and that can spell trouble for some.

Safer Alternatives that Still Work

Nasal Decongestant Sprays – This helps minimize the cardiovascular effect because of the direct delivery system. Please use no more than twice daily and only as directed.

Neti Pot – A neti pot is a small plastic pot that holds (non-tap) water, lukewarm, mixed with salt (the salts come with the pots in small pre-measured packages). Mix and rinse one side of the nose at a time. They are great for clearing out dust, pollen, dander, air pollutants, viruses, bacteria and more from your sinus cavities and have no side effects. They are free to be used with any medications.

Hot compress – holding a heating pad or hot compress against your face not only feels good, but it also helps loosen and release sinus pain and pressure allowing the mucus to drain more easily.

Antihistamines – these may be a safe alternative. Antihistamines can help dry up nasal mucosa. Just be aware they may cause drowsiness.

Steam – Be it a wet sauna, a hot shower, or a bowl of boiled water with a towel, the fact is steam loosens up sinuses and helps them to drain. All of these are great helpers.

When choosing a product, always read the label carefully.

  1. Look at both the “active” and “inactive” ingredients. Many contain multiple active ingredients that could affect your cardiovascular health, interact with your cardiovascular medications, and cause side effects.
  2. Decongestants and antihistamines come in extended-release meaning that you take them less frequently. Always read the directions on the label and consult your pharmacist or doctor with any questions.

For more heart-healthy advice visit WWW.TAMPACARDIO.COM OR CALL US FOR AN APPOINTMENT AT  813-975-2800.

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