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

 

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.

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!

Skincare, Naturally!

skincare

skincareYour skin is the largest organ in your body.

Just because it’s on the outside as wrapping doesn’t mean you don’t need to care for it just as you do the rest of you.

When we are young our skin is filled with collagen making it feel very elastic and well hydrated. That is what gives the youthful appearance. As we age, lifestyle and environmental factors, as well as genetics, begin to take a toll on our skin and in turn can age us visually.

60% water. That is the makeup of the human body. It only stands to reason that if you are dehydrated, much like a raisin – you start to shrivel or wrinkle. Your skin is filled with pores acting as a filter allowing you to rid your system of toxins and to sweat when necessary in order to cool down. Keeping your skin clean and moisturized play a vital role in caring for your body.

Directions to keep your skin its best, even as you age.

#1Hydration – Drinking water and staying away from sugary drinks and artificial sweeteners, as well as moderation in caffeinated beverages, is a great step.

#2 Eat a well-balanced diet.  Temporary supplementation of vitamins and minerals you are lacking can also prove to be very healing. Your skin is a reflection of how healthy you are on the inside.

#3 Cleansing the skin on a daily basis. There are a multitude of creams, soaps and cleansers on the market today and everyone has their own opinions on what works and what doesn’t. Choose a cleanser that is suited for your skin type whether it is oily, dry, combination or sensitive there are many quality products on the market. The more natural the better – many soaps and shampoos these days are made with the same ingredients as your floor cleaner so read the labels! A good rule of thumb is – if you trip over the words trying to pronounce them, chances are it’s not in your best interest to rub it on your body!

#4Toning – The purpose of a toner is to wash away any residual dirt or soap left from washing your face. A good toner, sometimes called an astringent, cleanses and shrinks your pours in a sense “toning” your skin.

#5 Exfoliating – Exfoliation helps your skin to shed the dead outer layer of cells through the use of scrubs, loofah sponges, bristle brushes and towards the more extreme – peels or laser.

#6 Moisturizing. Surface moisturizers are designed to add hydration from the outside of the body by applying a layer of viscous cream or lotion to be absorbed into the skin. Again, read your labels and see what it is you are rubbing on and soaking into your body. Just because it smells good doesn’t mean it’s good for you. This is a vital step.

#7 Sun protection.   It has been shown in recent studies that retinyl palmitate, an ingredient in most sunscreens, was shown to accelerate cancer in lab animals. The other problem with wearing a sunscreen all of the time you are outside is that exposure to the sun creates Vitamin D in our bodies which is vital for good health. Vitamin D plays a role in supporting healthy bones by proportioning the absorption of calcium, lowers your blood pressure, and is one of the most potent inhibitors of cancer cell growth! Additionally it helps to regulate your immune system so while sunburn is dangerous and repeated sunburns are extremely dangerous some sun on your skin is needed and very healthy for you. Use your best judgment. If you are going to be outside for an extended period of time cover up with hats and clothing, and if you choose to use a sunscreen make sure it does not contain retinyl palmitate.

#8 Quit Smoking – Smoking makes your skin dull and contributes to wrinkles giving you the appearance of advanced age.

#9 Reduce Stress Stress is a huge contributing factor to skin condition and appearance. We know its easy for us to tell you to eliminate stress, and not always so easy to put into practice. Don’t worry, we will give you some amazing tips in an upcoming article – so keep an eye out!

Caring for your skin doesn’t need to be a time-consuming hassle. Once you get your skin care products and regiment together, it becomes like second nature. And after all… aren’t you worth it?

Come in for a nutrition appointment and get your diet on track – it could boost not only the look and feel of your skin but your overall health as well.

Chiropractor & Nutritionist in Fort 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 them before they start?

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

Natural Help for High Blood Pressure

high-blood-pressure

high-blood-pressureBlood pressure defined

Blood pressure is the measure of pressure created by your heart beating, forcing the blood into your arteries and throughout your body. There are two numbers in the reading. The top number is known as systolic – it defines the maximum pressure inside your arteries as your heart beats. The bottom number known as diastolic is the amount of pressure inside the arteries between beats.

If you take your blood pressure and its over the recommended 120/80 it is important to pay attention and start tracking it. Heart disease doesn’t set in overnight. It takes time and can creep up on you till suddenly you are ill and dont even know what happened.

What’s “high” vs. Whats considered normal blood pressure

120/80 mm Hg. is ideal.

140/98 mm Hg signals possible Hypertension (high blood pressure)when the measurement is sustained for at least 2 consecutive readings.   Elevated blood pressure can present a problem because puts adds additional pressure to your entire cardiovascular system including your heart which must then work even harder to move the blood around your body. A continued reading at or above that level means you have hypertension.

What causes high blood pressure?

So far no exact cause has been pinpointed in high pressure for the majority of patients. This is known as primary high blood pressure. Secondary hypertension can come from the use of birth control pills, excessive alcohol intake, or even renal or thyroid disease. 

Other Factors That Can Come Into Play

  • Age
  • Level of physical activity (too sedentary of a lifestyle)
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Heredity
  • High Salt Intake
  • Drinking alcohol excessively
  • Get your thyroid blood levels checked

I have high blood pressure – what do I do?

There are several natural things that can help for you to try before resorting to pharmaceutical blood pressure medications which, while they may bring your numbers down to normal levels and be beneficial for your cardiovascular health have the high-risk potential for a wide range of very dangerous side effects which can affect your health physically and emotionally.

Natural Alternatives to Help Lower Blood Pressure

If you know you have high blood pressure and would like to consider some alternatives outside of medication we would love the opportunity to work with you to get your health to where it should be so you can live the best life possible.

Chiropractor & Nutritionist in Fort 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 them before they start?

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