Category: Health

According to the CDC, only about 15% of American adults were obese from 1960 to 1962. But, presently, the CDC notes that the condition affects over 70% of adult Americans. If you have tried various strategies, including eating healthily and frequently exercising, yet cannot achieve a healthy weight, consult a Southlake primary care physician. The importance of maintaining a healthy weight to lessen your risk of health complications cannot be overstated.

Excessive weight accumulation can impair your health and lead to various problems, including type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, bowel cancer, and sleep apnea.

After factoring in your health problems, dietary needs, and physical health, your primary care physician will make your unique weight management program.

Subsequently, below are some nutritious foods that your primary care doctor may recommend for maintaining a healthy weight.

Fruits

The high nutritional value and higher concentration of healthy micronutrients in fruits help significantly reduce any negative effects from their natural sugar. Also, fruits are richly packed with fiber content, which prevents the quick release of natural sugar into your bloodstream.

Healthy fruits you should consume regularly include grapefruit, apples, berries, passion fruit, kiwifruit, melons, avocadoes, and oranges.

Always eat fresh fruits instead of dried and canned fruits. Dried and canned fruits can have added sugars that are unhealthy for your body.

Vegetables

When trying to achieve or maintain a healthy weight, your nutritionist will also require that you eat plenty of vegetables regularly.

Most vegetables contain low calories, and the filling fiber reduces the urge to eat frequently. Moreover, the significant water content in vegetables helps you feel fuller faster and longer; hence, you do not overeat, leading to weight loss.

Vegetables that should be part of your regular diet include spinach, broccoli, green peas, and cauliflower. If you are to eat canned vegetables, ensure they do not have added salt.

Meat

Healthy meats you can eat to help you achieve a healthy weight are skinless chicken breast, grass-fed beef, salmon, turkey, and ostrich.

For instance, turkey meat is lean and rich in vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 plays a vital role in the proper function of proteins, sugars, and fats in your body.

Furthermore, vitamin B6 is essential in the development of different parts of the body, including nerves, skin, and brain.

Eggs

Eggs can help you lose unwanted body fat or maintain a healthy weight since they make you feel fuller faster, so you do not eat excessively. Eggs also contain fewer calories and are rich in vitamins and minerals.

However, since eggs have bad cholesterol, consume a minimum of 7-12 eggs weekly.

Also, remember you must avoid or limit the intake of certain foods and drinks if you desire a healthy weight. These foods and drinks promoting unhealthy weight gain include french fries, potato chips, white bread, sugary drinks, candy bars, cake, ice cream, and alcohol.

Contact Executive Medicine of Texas today to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician and learn more about the services offered.

The skin is the largest organ in the body and, unfortunately, this makes it a target for many pathogens and illnesses. Some skin conditions are temporary while others are chronic, uncomfortable, and painful. And while many of them are not dangerous, some skin problems can be debilitating or life-threatening. This is why it is always a good idea to discuss common skin conditions with a trained dermatologist Decatur. In addition to helping you find relief, they can protect you from potentially dangerous complications. Here is a list of at least five skin disorders you should let your doctor know about.

Acne (Acne vulgaris)

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. Because it appears on prominent areas of the skin like the face, it is a major source of anxiety for teens and adults alike. Acne is caused by blocked oil glands and hair follicles in the skin, which is often triggered by changes in hormone levels in the body. It is characterized by pimples, nodules, blackheads, or cysts on the face, chest, back, and other areas. Left untreated by a dermatologist, acne can lead to permanent facial spots and scars.

Athlete’s Foot

Your feet can get infected by fungal pathogens called dermatophytes, leading to athlete’s foot, a common dermatological problem. Athlete’s foot can cause cracked skin and extreme redness and itchiness in between the toes and on your feet. Unchecked, this infection can linger for weeks, causing untold pain and discomfort. It can also invade the skin under your toenails and cause your toenails to appear brown, yellow, or white. This level of infection may require the intervention of a podiatrist.

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

There are multiple forms of eczema, with atopic dermatitis being the most prevalent among children. Medical experts are unclear on its exact cause but believe that risk factors may include a combination of immunity, environmental, and genetic elements. Typically, atopic dermatitis occurs on the feet, hands, face, and the folds and creases of the skin. It can cause itchiness, skin thickening, and scales that worsen the longer they remain untreated.

Shingles

You may recognize shingles as the extensive red and blistered rashes that appear around the torso and are often accompanied by headaches, fatigue, and a fever. According to medical researchers, this skin condition results from the varicella-zoster virus – the same virus behind chickenpox. It is more likely in older patients and people with a weakened immune system. When shingles occur, they are often painful and disruptive until treated with antivirals.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

BCC is the most prevalent type of skin cancer in the United States. This type of cancer affects the basal cells for which it is named – basal cell carcinoma – and is common in people who are overexposed to sunlight and tanning beds. BCC occurs in the neck, nose, ears, and head and may appear as open sores or red, shiny, and scaly skin. If caught early, BCC is curable.

Why Seek Treatment for Common Skin Conditions?

Skin disorders often vary in severity, symptom, and impact on your health. While some are minor cosmetic nuisance, others can be painful and life-threatening or can indicate a more serious medical condition. Rather than take the chance, you should discuss any skin concerns with your dermatologist. They can help allay your fears if your symptoms are harmless or protect you from a fatal condition. Call them today to discuss any worrying symptoms.

Retainers Carmichael is an essential part of orthodontic treatment. After months or even years of wearing braces to straighten teeth, it is important to maintain the progress made by wearing retainers. Retainers help keep teeth in their new position and prevent them from shifting back to their original position.

WHAT ARE RETAINERS?

Retainers are custom-made devices that fit snugly over the teeth. They are typically made of plastic or a combination of plastic and metal wires. Retainers hold the teeth in their new position to prevent them from shifting. There are two types of retainers: removable and fixed.

WHY ARE RETAINERS IMPORTANT?

Retainers are important because they help maintain the results achieved by braces. After braces are removed, teeth have a tendency to shift back to their original position. This is because the bone and tissue surrounding the teeth need time to adjust to their new position. Retainers help hold the teeth in place while this adjustment takes place.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD RETAINERS BE WORN?

The frequency of retainer wear depends on the patient’s individual needs. In most cases, retainers are worn full-time for a few months after braces are removed. After that, patients are instructed to wear their retainers at night while they sleep. The length of time a patient needs to wear their retainers varies, but it is typically for an extended period of time.

WHAT HAPPENS IF RETAINERS ARE NOT WORN?

If retainers are not worn as directed, teeth may shift out of their new position. This can cause gaps to appear between teeth or teeth to become crooked again. In some cases, patients may need to wear braces again to correct the shift.

HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY RETAINERS?

To ensure that retainers last as long as possible, it is important to take care of them properly. Removable retainers should be cleaned daily with a toothbrush and toothpaste. They should also be soaked in a retainer cleaning solution regularly to remove bacteria and prevent odor. Fixed retainers should be cleaned with floss and a threader to remove food particles.

CONCLUSION

Retainers are an essential part of orthodontic treatment. They help maintain the results achieved by braces and prevent teeth from shifting back to their original position. Patients should follow their orthodontist’s instructions for wearing their retainers to ensure the best possible outcome.

According to the National Health and Wellness Survey, more than 8% of American adults suffer from persistent dry eyes. When you have dry eyes, your tear ducts do not produce sufficient tears or quality tears that ensure adequate lubrication of your eyes. Severe symptoms of dry eye that indicate you need Bainbridge Eye Care include persistent eye redness, eye fatigue, blurred vision, light sensitivity, stinging sensation in the eyes, and watery eyes. A specialist in eye care will identify the cause of dry eye and devise the best treatment plan.

Seek immediate specialist treatment for dry eyes because it may lead to various complications, including the destruction of the eye surfaces, eye infections, and declining quality of life as you struggle to perform routine activities, like reading.

The summer months make you more susceptible to dry eyes. Spending a lot of time outdoors exposes you to the harmful effects of the sun, causing quick evaporation of the tear film, causing dry eyes.

Also, during the summer, you may be more exposed to smoke, pollen, and dust that can irritate and inflame your eyes.

Subsequently, below are the different ways to safeguard yourself against dry eyes during the summer.

• Protect eyes

Wear sunglasses during the summer, whether cycling, swimming, or traveling. Wearing sunglasses minimizes the possibility of wind coming into direct contact with your eyes and removing tears from your eyes.

Use a wraparound sunglass as it provides the best protection for your eyes against loss of tears, unlike the standard sunglass frames.

Additionally, wear wraparound sunglasses during swimming to protect your sensitive eyes from the salt or chlorine in the water that may irritate your eyes. Remember to remove contact lenses before swimming to prevent the trapping of bacteria underneath the lenses.

• Keep eyes moist and hydrated

If you plan to spend a lot of time indoors, consume lots of water and fluids that deliver maximum hydration to your body.

Your body relies on your intake of water and fluids to produce a healthy quantity and quality of tears, which can help protect you from dry eyes.

A properly hydrated body also can ensure your lacrimal glands and oil glands are healthy so that there is no quick evaporation of tears.

It is also possible to lubricate your eyes using over-the-counter or prescription eye drops.

• Always rinse your eyes

Your eyes may be more exposed to smoke and dirt during the summer, especially when you do not wear wraparound sunglasses.

Exposure to toxic substances and chemicals from dirt or smoke can irritate and cause dry eyes.

However, when you rinse your eyes regularly and keep them dry, you remove lodged pollen, smoke, and dust particles.

• Eat healthy diets

The foods you intake should be packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are necessary for supporting eye health and promoting tear production.

The best sources of fatty acids are eggs, chia seeds, and oily fish such as sardines and salmon.

Contact Bainbridge Eye Care today to schedule an appointment with a specialist in dry eyes and learn more about its treatment and prevention options.

Do you have back pain that interrupts your daily activities? If yes, it may be time to consider spine surgery. The mention of the operation can send chills down your spine. You could think of open surgery involving large incisions to improve the spine concerns. Fortunately, with modern technology, you can undergo back surgery involving less tissue damage. After undergoing minimally invasive spine surgery Glendale, you will soon resume your daily activities. Below are tips to prepare for minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS).

Quit Smoking

Smoking has many detrimental effects on your health. Cigarette compounds usually impair the balance of the immune system. Consequently, you will be at risk of infections in the operated areas, thus prolonging your recovery. Therefore, if you smoke, you should take the initiative to stop this habit before MISS. Seek rehabilitation services if it is difficult for you to quit smoking alone.

Ask Questions

Surgeons love it when you make inquiries. List the relevant questions and present them to your surgeon. For instance, you can ask how long the MISS will take. By asking the questions, you prove to the specialist that you are committed to the success of the upcoming surgery. Also, getting the answers help to ease the anxiety that you could have.

Watch What You Eat

When anticipating MISS, you should eat healthy meals. Avoid consuming highly processed meals that could lead to inflammation after surgery. Instead, load up your plate with nutritious meals like fruits. This way, you boost your immune system, thus facilitating smooth recovery after an operation.

Exercise

You may think the exercises will only worsen your spinal cord issues, but you are mistaken. Physical activities are crucial in strengthening the muscles around the spine. Exercises also help to boost blood flow to the spinal area, making them healthy days leading to MISS. Healthy spinal muscles respond better to surgical trauma than weak muscles.

Discuss Your Medications

Before undergoing back surgery, disclosing all your medications to the surgeon is good. The idea here is to prevent the potential side effects caused by some medications like anti-inflammatory drugs. Your surgeon will advise you to suspend the intake of those medications to minimize the chances of excessive bleeding during MISS. The surgeon can recommend other safe medications to continue suppressing your underlying condition.

Prepare Your Kitchen

While MISS involves a small incision, your surgeon will discourage twisting your back afterward. Therefore, before the surgery, you should arrange your kitchen accordingly. Keep the food supplies on the lower shelves to avoid strains during recovery. Also, stocking your refrigerator with necessities would be best to minimize unnecessary movement after MISS.

Spinal surgery is an effective way to alleviate back pain. Unlike traditional back surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery involves small incisions. Therefore, you will experience less pain and minimal chances of scarring. It would help if you adopted the above preparation tips for an optimal experience during and after this less-invasive surgery. For example, if you are a smoker, you should quit this habit to boost your recovery. Revealing your medications to your surgeon is also necessary to minimize complications during and after surgery.

If you have varicose and spider veins, you may feel discomfort and more conscious about the appearance of your skin. The good news is there are many treatments for these conditions, of which sclerotherapy is often the most recommended one. Various factors may contribute to spider or varicose veins, including age, obesity, and heredity. While varicose veins may bulge and twist to cause pain, spider veins are more of an aesthetic concern. Before you consider sclerotherapy treatments in Boise, here’s more on the procedure.

What is sclerotherapy?

Considered an alternative treatment to surgery, sclerotherapy is used for treating varicose and spider veins. The procedure involves injecting a special foamy solution into the affected veins, which causes a collapse and shrink. You may need multiple sessions of sclerotherapy to see the desired results but may witness an evident change after the first treatment.

How long does it take?

One sclerotherapy session may take anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour, and there is no downtime. Most patients can continue their normal routine, although they may have to wear compression stockings for a couple of weeks after the treatment to get the best results. Your doctor will also recommend walking for a while after the procedure, which will help reroute the blood, although you should avoid extensive activities for two weeks. Do not go to the gym or lift weights.

Does a sclerotherapy session hurt?

No, sclerotherapy is considered a safe treatment for vein concerns. You may experience some discomfort when the foam is injected into the affected veins, but this shouldn’t last for more than a few seconds. There can be minor aching, which should get better within a short time.

After a sclerotherapy

You may experience some tenderness at the injection site for a couple of days, which will go away. Your doctor may suggest medications if you have more discomfort than usual.

Other things to know

While sclerotherapy is safe, talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or have other health concerns. Also, most cases of varicose veins will require at least two sessions, while some patients may need more. If there are more prominent veins, it can take time to see desired results. Please follow the instructions after each sclerotherapy session, which include walking more and using compression stockings. If you have a history of blood clots or heart disease, inform your doctor in advance. While sclerotherapy is usually a choice for most patients, there are always exceptions.

 

Every woman should explore the importance of gynecology care for healthier living. Usually, women are susceptible to various health concerns, some of which they cannot handle independently. This is why you should invest in gynecology Norman services because you will be guaranteed better women’s healthcare in the long run.

Also, gynecology doesn’t only offer treatment options but also preventive care for women of all ages. This goes a long way in ensuring your reproductive and overall health is safe and free from life-threatening conditions like cervical and breast cancer. But how can you benefit from regular gynecology visits? Here is how!

Preventive care and early detection

When it comes to health issues, early detection plays a significant role in successful treatment. Therefore, frequently seeking gynecology care allows your gynecologist to have control over your health, which means they can detect severe issues early before they cause alarming symptoms. Cervical cancer is a common condition that can cause death, yet it can be easily managed when identified early. Your gynecologist performs tests and screenings during your routine visits and advises you on how you can prevent further issues.

Up-to-date vaccinations

Vaccinations play a critical role in preventing unwanted health problems down the line. Gynecology care offers relevant vaccines that you need to keep going. For instance, pregnant women can benefit from Tdap and seasonal flu vaccines during their routine gynecological visits.

Essential women’s health screenings

During your routine gynecology visits, your provider screens you for various women’s and general health conditions. Since many health issues pose obvious symptoms, screening can help catch the issues early. Gynecology services offer pap smears, gynecologic ultrasound, female cancer screening, osteoporosis screening, and breast exams. Depending on your age, healthcare needs, and your previous screening session, your gynecologist can assess the tests you need.

Take control of your fertility

Whether you want to conceive soon or have issues that deter your parenthood goal, gynecology care can help you manage your fertility. Also, you can receive proper care and guidelines on the birth control you should use if you want to prevent pregnancy. If you consider conceiving soon, your gynecologist can help prepare your body through lifestyle adjustments and screenings. This can be essential in eradicating issues that can cause infertility.

A better understanding of your body

If you’re always concerned about the changes in your body, you can get the answers you seek from a gynecologist. This can help you understand what’s normal and when to seek medical attention. They can also guide you on when it’s crucial to seek help in case of unusual body changes. Understanding your body as a woman will help you feel more comfortable so you can enjoy life.

Managing your period and menopause

Although every woman must undergo menstrual periods and menopause at some point, many women struggle to manage these conditions. However, your gynecologist can ensure your periods are normally occurring, and they can offer you solutions in case of pain or bleeding disorders. On the other hand, during your menopause years, gynecology care ensures you go through your journey safely and eradicates any discomfort or pain.

No one should overlook the tremendous benefits of gynecology care. The specialty provides you with better healthcare, lifestyle improvements, and preventive care for your well-being. If you’ve been putting off visiting your gynecologist, you should put maximum attention to it since it’s a guarantee for a better life.