Not Just Your Doctor

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