Are Your Supplements Worth the Price You Paid? Not all supplements are created equally. There are generally three FDA grades of nutritional supplements based on the quality of the ingredients they contain. FEED GRADE: These are produced for veterinary use. FOOD GRADE: These are typically sold in health food stores, retail pharmacies and grocery stores. You cannot rely on these to be quality controlled through testing for absorption, dissolution, purity or potency. Additionally, these supplements do not always have the same concentrations of active ingredients as pharmaceutical grade. Food Grade supplements can have up to 30% impurities, fillers and binders. These can be bleached or radiated to kill any contaminants. Up to 88 different chemicals can be added to these supplements and none of them have to be included on the label. Food Grade supplements are often processed with high heat which is not good for oily supplements. PHARMACEUTICAL GRADE: These are the highes
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Muscle cramps can occur in any muscle- legs, feet, arms, hands, back- and can occur day or night. Muscle cramps become more common as we age and are not typically a sign of something harmful; however, if they are persistent, you should be evaluated by your physician. Common causes of muscle cramps: 1. Dehydration. First, ensure you are drinking enough water throughout the day. If you choose to drink only coffee, tea, soda, juices and alcohol, you can cause your muscles to cramp. You must remain hydrated and include water throughout the day to avoid muscle cramps. 2. Medication side effects . Medications such as diuretics, Lasix (furosemide) is the most common, can cause muscle cramps. Some people experience cramps with statins, such as Lipitor (atorvastatin) or Zocor (simvastatin), or the heart medication Procardia (nifedipine). If cramps begin just after starting a new medication, you should discuss the possibility of side effects with your doctor. 3. Muscle Fatigue. Heav
Did you know that in the state of Texas there is a Bill (HB2102), also known as Henda's Law, that requires mammography centers to notify all women with dense breast tissue that the accuracy of their mammograms is less than that of women with lower breast density and that they may benefit from “supplemental screening” in addition to their annual mammogram? Since the Bill was passed in 2011, several other states have adopted similar legislation. Last week, Governor Abbott signed House Bill 1036 that makes 3D mammography a covered benefit for the women of Texas as part of their wellness exam. Dense breast tissue is a relatively common condition and can be associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Dense breast tissue can also obscure the Radiologist's view of the breast and mask very early signs of breast cancer. Therefore, women who have dense breasts may benefit from supplemental imaging, such a tomosynthesis (3D mammography), breast ultrasound or b
With the uncertainty in the health care market, concerns over the fate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), physician burnout, frustration with insurance reimbursement, and the rising cost of doing the business of medicine, Americans are driven to consider other alternatives to access health care. Innovative free market solutions such as Direct Primary Care (DPC) is quickly becoming a mutually agreeable alternative for both those who access health care and the Direct Primary Care doctors providing their care. In the 1940s, post-war America saw the implementation of third-party insurance companies and Americans began to see a sharp rise in employer-based insurance coverage. Prior to this, Americans paid cash for virtually all of their health care. Gradually, the third-party payment systems in both private health insurance and government programs have become increasingly complex and costly, less transparent, and more economically inefficient. In the environment of these increasing com
A plant-based diet can be an excellent way to reduce your risk of heart disease and many cancers. The vegan diet has been proven to reduce the plaque within the coronary arteries in those who have already developed heart disease. Avoiding animal sources of protein also an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint and to be kinder to animals. Regardless of your personal philosophy, a plant-based diet is a healthy option. Some choose to avoid all animal sources of food & clothing [vegan] or food only [vegetarian], while others rely on eggs and dairy products for additional protein and convenience [lacto-ovo vegetarians], some include seafood as a source of protein [pescatarian] and others choose to eat the occasional animal proteins when alternatives are unavailable, on special holidays or weekends [flexitarian]. Many people have implemented Meatless Mondays into their households as a way to reduce their intake of animal proteins. Whatever you decide, avoiding even some ani
1. What are common causes of UTIs? Intercourse, post-menopausal vaginal atrophy, kidney stones, sexually transmitted diseases, proximity to anus/GI tract for the most common bacterial cause, E. coli (wiping back to front, thongs, incontinence) 2. Are some people more prone to UTIs than others? If so, what are some risk factors? Sexually active women are more prone to UTIs, as are post-menopausal women due to vaginal tissue atrophy. Pregnant women are more prone to UTIs. Women with diabetes and other immune compromised states, vesicourethral reflux (condition that causes reflux of urine from the bladder into the ureter, then into the kidney), Multiple Sclerosis, spinal cord injuries and other neurological syndromes that cause bladder dysfunction, kidney stones or other blockages in the urinary tract can also be causes of UTIs. 3. What steps can you take to help prevent a UTI from occurring in the first place? Urinate and clean the genital area before and afte
Melanoma is one of many types of skin cancer, but it is the most serious type we can develop. It starts in the melanocytes, which are the type of skin cells that produce skin color. However, there are other cells that can develop melanoma, including those in the eyes and internal organs. Risk factors for Melanoma include being someone who: has had exposure to UV rays from the sun and/or tanning beds has a history of sunburns has a lot of moles has fair skin, blue or green eyes, or blonde or red hair has a family history of melanoma has a personal history of melanoma has a weakened immune system from autoimmune disease, another cancer, chronic stress, diabetes, heart disease, etc. is of older age. Most Melanomas are black or brown, but they can also be flesh-colored, pink, red or purple. Men tend to have Melanomas on the trunk. Women tend to have Melanomas on the arms and legs. Check your skin once a month, especially if you had sunburns as a child. If you ar
Chronic stress can be a major health hazard. Here are a few ways to help you manage your stress. First, journal or list what causes you to feel stressed, such as work, family, finances or illness. Once you know what's causing your stress, consider how you can eliminate or reduce it effectively. If you can't eliminate all of those items on your list, you can at least cope with them in a healthier way. Coping Tips: Consider your expectations and make sure they are realistic. Give yourself a reasonable amount of time to get things done and set reasonable goals. Learn to say no and to live within manageable limits. Learn to accept the things you can not change. Determine which problems are under your control and make a plan to deal with them. Talk to your supervisor about processes or problems that are making you feel overwhelmed or underappreciated at work. Talk to family members about problems at home and enlist friends and family to help solve them. Talk
Myth: Once you start blood pressure medication, I can never stop taking the medication . TRUE and FALSE High blood pressure is often a lifelong condition, but it can also be a consequence of lifestyle habits and in some cases, can be reversible. Whether your blood pressure is permanent or due to lifestyle, you should never stop taking your medication without working closely with your doctor, even if your blood pressure is very well controlled. Don't forget, your blood pressure is most likely well controlled because you are taking your medication every day. Myth: I have a strong family history of high blood pressure, so I can't prevent developing it myself. FALSE High blood pressure can run in families. If your parents or siblings have had high blood pressure, you are more likely to develop it, too. However, lifestyle choices have allowed many people with a family history of high blood pressure to avoid it themselves. See the Lifestyle Interventions sectio
A new test delivers a higher standard of cardiac care in the Emergency Room The Elecsys ® Troponin T Gen 5 STAT (TnT Gen 5 STAT) is the first highly sensitive Troponin T biomarker test cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the U.S. This test promises to bring greater confidence to cardiac care. This new biomarker revolutionizes cardiac care by identifying lower levels of troponin with excellent precision. Cardiac troponin is released into the bloodstream when cardiac muscle cells are being damaged, as when a heart attack occurs. Troponin is the preferred biomarker when attempting to diagnose a heart attack in clinical practice. As you will note, the Troponin is on the far right of the illustration and is one of the biomarkers that is tested when a heart attack is suspected. The TnT Gen 5 STAT will help physicians find this marker much more quickly than ever before, which is expected to reduce the amount of irreversible muscle cell damage that may occur
My first basil harvest of the year that I use to make margarita pizza, spaghetti, ziti, pesto, salads... the list is endless. Here is my favorite pesto recipe that can be used on sliced tomatoes, on pizza, over pasta, & mixed with chickpeas, grape tomatoes and purple onions. If you find other uses, please share. 2 cups of fresh basil leaves 1-2 cloves of fresh garlic, depending on taste 1/4 cup pine nuts 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil sea salt freshly ground pepper Vegan Parmesan cheese [or regular Parmesan or Pecorino cheese] Combine the basil, garlic and pine nuts in a food processor and mix until coarsely chopped. Add half of the olive oil and pulse again until well mixed. Season with salt and pepper. Add the rest of the oil [sometimes this will be less than half of the remaining oil, depending on the water content of your basil] and pulse until smooth. Add Parmesan cheese and use the pesto in the recipe of your choice.
Improved health- through greater access & communication with your health care team Time saving- virtually no wait at the office for your appointment and virtual visits at your fingertips without visiting the office Cost containment- membership fees are fixed and additional lab & imaging studies are steeply discounted Personal relationship with your physician & health care team- who knows, you might meet a new friend Early detection of disease- through expanded and advanced screening and personal relationship with frequent contact Same day appointments- when you're sick and needy and mom's chicken soup just isn't enough Your personal physician available through technology (email, phone, text & video conference)- prove to your friends you have your doctor on speed dial & get treatment for many common complaints while you're at home, work, college or traveling All procedures performed in-house are included- no extra charge for an ingrown nail r
Many people feel they are healthy, they "never get sick", or use acute care clinics when the need arises and have chosen not to establish with a primary care doctor (PCP). This is a common mistake. One strong argument for establishing with a primary care doctor is that regularly scheduled physical examinations and acute care appointments are an opportunity to uncover silent medical issues early in their evolution, such as high blood pressure, pre-diabetes or diabetes, high cholesterol, anemia and some types of cancers. Early detection saves lives and improves overall health & outcomes. Another argument is that PCPs ensure that patients get the right care in a timely manner. Data has also demonstrated improved outcomes, higher quality of care and tremendous cost-savings. Make a commitment to find a personal physician you feel comfortable with and who will partner with you to ensure you are the healthiest version of yourself possible because there is an immeasurable valu