Archive for the 'General Health Tips' Category
March 28, 2007
Alternative food choices other than meat or poultry include the use of soya to produce meat/poultry like dishes which are now becoming very popular among vegetarians. These dishes really look like the popular meat balls and taste like meat BUT devoid of the bad add ons of the accumulated fat in eating meat.
In a recent study published in Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, April 2007 , ingestion of black soya beans resulted in health benefits which included a significant weight loss, and more importantly the lowering of cholesterol levels which as a result can produce a better metabolic profile that may include better insulin action and therefore a possible prevention of diabetes.
In that study, the researchers at Hanyang University, allowed 32 rats to gorge on a fatty diet, supplemented with various levels of black soya. The results showed that, after two weeks, “those getting 10% of their energy from black soya had gained half as much weight as those in the control group. Total blood cholesterol fell by 25% and LDL (so-called ‘bad’) cholesterol fell by 60% in the rats in the 10% group.”
This study really presents the good side of a soya based meal. Not only is it a good alternative to a protein rich meat meal but is also an important component of a balanced meal that is not only low in fat but also high in fibre and a very good source of complex carbohydrates.
Let’s Enjoy “meat” Without The Fat!
Read My Other Related Posts:
Posted in General Health Tips, Medical News Bits, Nutrition Health Tips, The Diabetes Facts, The Truths on Obesity | 48 Comments »
March 26, 2007
It’s the time of the year that flu vaccination is again recommended. For the year 2007 … it is now recommended earlier this March due to three new strains of viruses expected to affect the region for the year. So how can we protect from this infection and who should get the vaccination?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends annual influenza vaccination for the following:
- anybody age 50 and older;
- children ages 6 months to 59 months;
- women who will be pregnant during flu season; and
- adults and children with other chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure
Patients with cardiovascular disease are of special concern since according to a recent American Heart Association guideline and advisory …. they are more likely to die from influenza than patients with any other chronic condition. It is for this reason that one particular group of patients at risk are the diabetics who by the time of diagnosis most likely have cardiovascular disease already!
The advisory further noted:
“Overall, influenza is responsible for 36,000 deaths and 225,000 hospitalizations in the United States each year. People with cardiovascular disease are particularly vulnerable, because the flu can exacerbate heart disease symptoms directly, and can also lead to conditions like viral or bacterial pneumonia that cause flare-ups of cardiovascular disease”. Influenza vaccination is now recommended with the same enthusiasm as cholesterol and blood pressure control and other modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease”
Remember though that those who got last year’s shot should have a repeat vaccination this year because last year’s shot won’t offer protection this year. Every year, the dominant strains of influenza virus change and therefore new vaccine is made for the particular year.
So if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma or any diseases that requires life long medications….
Keep Yourself Protected: Get The Vaccine!
Posted in General Health Tips, Healthy Practice Tips, Lifestyle Measures | 4 Comments »
March 22, 2007
Trans Fat is actually a partially Hydrogenated Vegetable oil- described by some as a man made toxin. It was actually developed as a “healthy” alternative to animal fat! It became so popular for sometime because this is the kind of fat that can give your chicken the Crunchy feeling and great taste and the pastries a longer half life. Perfect combination of a good tasting meal and longer shelf life…definitely good for business! But Wealth Is NOT HEALTH!
SO what’s wrong with Trans Fat?
- Just 2.6 grams a day of trans fat raises your risk of heart disease. That’s about half as much as you get in a typical serving of french fries. Thus it is considered as one if not the unhelathiest Fat!
- We are presently battling the epidemic of obesity and this trans fat may actually be one culprit because it is super fattening. It has been shown that Trans fats build up belly fat themselves resulting in the “beer belly” appearance. Likewise trans fat also cause fat from other parts of your body to move to the belly. Whew…. really a Bad Fat!
Remember… accumulation of fat in the abdomen is particularly dangerous because it contributes to heart disease and insulin resistance state which can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure and the so called Metabolic Syndrome.
The good news is:
- A lot of the junky foods that we love to eat that used to have lots of trans fat like the famous Oreo cookies — are now trans-fat free. Yahoooo!
- Fast-food restaurants are now adopting measures to reduce or eliminate trans fats.
So the next time you order crunchy chicken…. please be aware if the food is being cooked trans fat free or if it is in fact cooked with one! As a consumer … you have to right to know because it’s your health and the health of your kids that are at stake here!
Make sure to be careful with oredering fried chicken in areas where no labels are posted especially on sidewalks. The cook themselves may not even know what kind of oil they are using. The Blind making the Ugly….
The Ugly and The Fried!
Posted in General Health Tips, Healthy Practice Tips, Lifestyle Measures, Nutrition Health Tips, The Truths on Obesity, Tips To Protect Your Heart | 8 Comments »
March 12, 2007
I often find a lot of my patients having second thoughts when they see a meal plan… and when you ask them the next visit… it’s almost totally ignored. The trick that often works is to simplify a regimen whether you are talking about a diabetic meal plan or for weight loss. Choices should be better with more options to be free to choose and change.
When I see a diabetic patient or any patient that I deemed prediabetetic or at risk to become one become he or she is obese, than I usually challenge them to make a simple meal plan that they can follow.
MY simple rules are:
-
Stop once you fell full!
-
Eat at a specific time and eat even if you’re not hungry. The main reason we recommend eating in between for snacks is so that you wont feel hungry before lunch or dinner then as a result you are more prepared to be disciplined enough to eat the right kind and the right amount.
-
Make sure to eat breakfast and dont attempt to lose weight by eating one meal a day only! This attempt will backfire and make you even more obese.
-
Use a small plate and fill it up with rice, meat or fish, vegetables and a fruit. Once you have finished the meal…then stop because for sure you are already full! Don’t grab for something else because it’s obviously out of the urge to eat more. Stand up and leave the dining table AT ONCE!
-
Make sure to eat snacks in between to prevent you from becoming hungry in between.
-
If you still feel hungry after the meal, grab for more vegetables or additional half of an apple.
-
Drink lots of water before each meal and afterwards
-
EAT SLOWLY… enjoy the taste of each bite!
-
It is usually the first and the last bite that we can remember. So if you want to eat chocolate: eat 1 bite before the start of the meal…then eat a bite of the cake after the meal! Is this a compromise or what!
-
Some free foods ( with less than 5 gms of carb)that you can enjoy without adding much calories include: Bouillon or broth, sugar free 3 in 1 Coffee or tea, Diet soft drinks, Sugar-free hard candy or Jell-O. But make sure you spread out free foods throughout the day and not eat them in one sitting.
-
Obviously however…I want my patients to refrain from sugary beverages like ice tea, juices and soda drinks.
There you go… I havent specified what and how much to eat or how many grams or ounces of meat etc. What’s important is: you have a cup of rice, a serving or two of meat ( lean preferably or even white meat), 2 cups of vegetables and a fruit! It’s your choice of what kind!
If you dont follow a meal plan because it’s complicated enough…hope you can remember my simple rules! It’s may not be perfect or ideal but better than none … and works for me!
Do You AGREE?
Rules Need To Be Simple To Be Followed….
Read My Other Related Posts:
Posted in General Health Tips, Lifestyle Measures, Nutrition Health Tips, The Diabetes Facts, Weight Loss Tips | 7 Comments »
March 8, 2007
I actually want to work early… I can do more things without the distractions and my focus is great since it’s early in the morning. Once am in my clinic… it’s an uphill battle till 12N then my feeling starts to go downhill by around 2 PM. Remember as physicians, we listen then think then diagnose then treat every person that seeks our help. And mind you… this is non stop from 7 till 3 PM. So I look forward to going home, have my own time and take my daily nap for around 20 minutes. This mid day or mid afternoon nap really rejuvenates your feeling. It relieves you of the stress that you have accumulated throughout the day!
But did you know that now there is a study that proved me right. It has been shown in one study recently published in the February 12 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine that….
“taking siestas of any frequency or duration is associated with about a one-third reduction in mortality from coronary heart disease, particularly in working men“.
The magnitude of the reduction varied depending on whether the napping was occasional or regular. So the more frequent you do it… means the better you handle the stress… than the less chance for the stress hormones to harm your heart! Remember stress hormones like steroid and cathecholamines are not friendly to our bodies especially if we get the surge of these hormones everytime we get too busy at work, get angry, depressed, anxious or pressured at work.
I can always work till 7 PM but I need to reclaim the calm after the day! What will my money do if I get a heart disease? Less money! Priority counts in making sure you know when to stop and relax…when is enough really enough! This is what I call: Health as Wealth!
A Mid day Nap is actually only asking too little form your time.
I guess the study just emphasizes one thing:
Take Time To Relax To Live Long and Be Healthy!
Posted in General Health Tips, Healthy Practice Tips, Lifestyle Measures, Personal Thoughts, Tips To Protect Your Heart | 14 Comments »
March 3, 2007
Periodontal disease is a very common condition among my diabetic patients. It has been shown that severe periodontitis can affect 0.5% to 1.0% of the adult population, with as many as 80% of adult population having some form of periodontal disease. It is therefore a must that care of our teeth and gums should start from the young especially with the recent finding of an association between teeth problem and the heart!
Several cohort and case-control studies have already shown that periodontitis is associated with endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Suggesting that inflammation of the gums can actually be a factor that can lead to long term damage to the heart as well. As a result… now we know why Flossing is important as part of our daily oral hygiene. By preventing gum and teeth problem, we can therefore reduce our risk for heart disease.
In a recent study published in March 1, 2007 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, this important showed that “At six months, those subjects who had intensive treatment of the periodontitis, which included flossing… was associated with reduced indexes of periodontal disease severity and significantly better endothelial function.” The improvement was associated with lower levels of infllammatory markers which are markers also known to be associated with higher risk of heart disease. It is important to note that endothelial function is a marker of how healthy one’s heart and vessels are. Any improvement in endothelial function means a good effect on the heart and the vessels.
As more information and studies have proven that heart disease is due to low grade inflammation… simple disease affecting the mouth which is easily preventable should therefore be addressed because low grade inflammation involving the gums and teeth can have a major impact in our risk for heart disease.
When was your last visit to your dentist?
So for Better Breath and Healthier Heart…
Make Sure You Floss… and Visit Your Dentist!
Read My Other Related Posts:
-
How To Prevent Bad Breath
-
The Harm of Being Obese, Having Bad Breath and Gum Disease
Posted in General Health Tips, Healthy Practice Tips, Lifestyle Measures, Medical News Bits, Tips To Protect Your Heart | 3 Comments »
March 1, 2007
One of the disappointing scenarios that we always encounter as doctors are when patients try to change the recommendations of the doctor for the following reasons:
- My neighbor said it can cause liver damage
- My friend said it can be addicting
- That I should not take this medication for a long time since it has side effects.
Or for my patients with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or high sugar… the most common reasons for not following instructions include:
- My BP or cholesterol is now normal so I can stop.
- My blood sugar is already below 100 so its already normal.
- I will not take it anymore because I will become “dependent”
Common myths and misconceptions arise due to lack of communication between the doctor and the patient. This is where proper and focused education with emphasis on the illness and the treatment should be done. It may not all be the fault of the patient but also of the doctor who may not have all the time to explain.
The best way to approach this scenario is to emphasize to the patient the following:
- NOT to change any of the meds unless you inform your physician
- Diseases like high BP or high Cholesterol or Blood Sugar are chronic diseases therefore require chronic treatment.
- Chronic diseases may be TREATABLE but are not CURABLE and therefore require long term treatment. So any changes of the meds for that matter should be made by your physician.
Lastly…
- Do not listen to what others say…especially your neighbor!
- If you want another opinion, seek another doctor’s advice or a third opinion for that matter. We welcome any other opinion and it should be your right as a patient to seek one.
Remember, we doctors are here only as your guides to help you achieve a 
better health. It’s really up to you to take care of yourself and follow what we advice you to do. And if you are in doubt? Call you doctor!
A Happy Partnership Is A Healthy Medicine!
Posted in General Health Tips, Personal Thoughts, The Diabetes Facts | 14 Comments »
February 27, 2007
I just discovered this gadget given to me by a pharmaceutical company which has been sitting on my bathroom floor together with my bathroom scale. It’s actually an innocent looking small round disc shaped exercise gadget that can make you move in one place anywhere anytime.
This device is an innovative and a safe home fitness device that is made of a strong plastic platform that “allows you to produce an intensive rotating movement when standing on it.” It allows you to move sideways without stressing your back. It is small but actually durable enough to withstand our weight and still allows our whole body to move sideways freely.
It is suited for individuals who are lazy enough to change to a sports attire and drive to a gym. Great for people who wants a home fitness equipment that can give one a great aerobic exercise program. And since it is small and light weight, it can be carried inside a backpack and used anywhere, anytime!
I am now a great fan of this gadget. I started using it during one rainy day and just missed my daily walking regimen. So as not to give an excuse to not doing my routine, I grabbed my iPod, stepped on the disc and started twisting. And to my amazement I enjoyed it without having to change my boxer shorts and “kamiseta”. And to think, I was able to exercise even if it was raining outside.
I thought of writing about it after I’ve been doing this regimen for quite sometime. I have to make sure it serves its purpose without giving me the muscle aches from the twisting that you have to do. I do few twists in the morning with my sit-ups before I take a bath then my full routine in the afternoon alternating it with my walking exercise and swimming. Again… no more excuses that it is raining or the usual excuse “that my knees hurt when I walk”….
Here’s One small lightweight gadget that I strongly recommend….
It can help anyone keep fit and healthy…
and likewise …
help one lose weight while having fun…
The Waist Twisting Disc… Grab One For Health!
Read My Other Related Posts:
Posted in Exercise and Activity Tips, General Health Tips, Healthy Practice Tips, Lifestyle Measures, Weight Loss Tips | 43 Comments »
February 19, 2007
On Why I Drink Coffee Everyday……
I start seeing patients and doing my thyroid biopsy procedures at 7:00AM. I do this so I can finish my work early and be home at 3:00PM. By doing so, I have more time to do other things… for myself… like exercise, doing repairs in the house and other stuff like banks, etc. and the most important part…to have time with my kids!
To keep me active throughout the day, I usually have my coffee beside me. I like caffee latte but with skim milk rather than full cream milk. No added cream and other fancy frostings because they add up the calories in your coffee. Likewise I use it to trick my body and tummy that I am putting something in it to keep it from growling for food! As a result it keeps me from being hungry in between meals. Another trick that I use to maintain my weight! To my luck, a recent study showed that indeed coffee can help reduce one’s weight.
But what became more interesting with coffee are the studies showing that coffee intake can help lower ones risk to develop diabetes. This should be GREAT! You see, my mother is a diabetic, I have 2 siblings who are now prediabetics… so the risk is high for me to become one! Therefore I follow my own recommendation to everyone: I have to keep fit by making sure I take care of what I eat and be physically active. The beneficial effect of coffee on ones risk to develop diabetes is a PLUS! Meaning I am not drinking coffee to prevent diabetes but since I enjoy it every morning, the results of several studies that it can prevent diabetes is an extra benefit to me.
- Increased coffee consumption appears to be associated with a decreasing risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to findings of a prospective study of Finnish men and women published in JAMA 2004;291:1213-1219
- The recent ARIC Study involving 12,000 individuals, showed a significant reduction in the risk of developing diabetes with coffee consumption published in American Journal of Epidimeology in Sept of 2006.
- The Harvard study based on data collected from >80,0oo female nurses published in Diabetes Care in 2006 showed a 50% reduction in the risk of developing diabetes… The same institution in their earlier study likewise showed that Men who drink six or more cups of coffee a day were less than half as likely to develop diabetes compared with nondrinkers. While drinking four to six cups helps cut their risk cut by 29%
- In a recent prospective study among 28,000 postmenopausal published in Archives of Internal Medicine in 2006, coffee consumption was associated with >20% reduction in risk to develop diabetes.
Dr Hu of Harvard Medical School did a systematic review of all proofs regarding coffee and his conclusion was:
Habitual consumption of coffee indeed can lower ones risk for developing diabetes. And the reduction can be as much as 35% for inidividual taking more than 6 cups a day.
There you go… now you know why I have a cup of coffee on my table while seeing my patients. And why I prefer drinking coffee than any other beverage: less calories, filling and lessens my chance to become a diabetic!
Another Good News For Coffee Lovers!
Read My Other Related Posts:
Posted in General Health Tips, Lifestyle Measures, Medical News Bits, Nutrition Health Tips, The Diabetes Facts, Weight Loss Tips | 18 Comments »
February 16, 2007
My previous post reviewed some principles regarding the kinds of fat we eat in the food. Now to simplify further and for us to easily remember… let me enumerate the foods we allow our patients to eat if we see a high cholesterol level in the blood test.
Foods That Are Allowed:
- lean cuts of meat, chicken and fish
- skim, low fat milk, low fat yogourt
- for those who like eggs: the egg whites are okay
- olive, canola, sesame, soybean and safflower oils: 5-8 teaspoons /day only
- most breads, wheat bread, cereals, noodles
- fresh fruits
- plain popcorn, pretzels, tea and coffee.
Foods That You Can Eat Once In A While:
- shellfish like tahong
- 2% fat milk, lite cream cheese
- 2 x /week of egg yolk
- nuts, avocados, seeds
- muffins, cornbread, biscuits
- homemade cakes and pies prepared with unsaturated fat
Definitely AVOID: Steaks, whole milk, whipped cream in your coffee, COCONUT OIL, coconut, vegetables that are prepared in BUTTER, ice cream, potato chips, buttered popcorn, frappes and floats, croissants, doughnuts, noodles prepared with cream ( yummy but sinful).
The choice of food is realy without limits. But the option to eat the choices we are offered is up to us. The need to discipline ourselves and know what is right and healthy depends on our determintation and willingness to know the difference .
My advise is: You can still enjoy your steak BUT get the less fat cut! Enjoy your popcorn while watching th movie but not the buttered one. Enjoy your brewed coffee in the mall rather than the frapuccino with whipped cream!
Remember…
The Choice To Be Healthy Is Up To You!
Posted in General Health Tips, Healthy Practice Tips, Nutrition Health Tips, Tips To Protect Your Heart | 141 Comments »
February 14, 2007
Cholesterol is the fat we all know… its reputation as the culprit for causing heart attack has been known for decades. But we are still learning more about fats that a lot of consumers are still confused of what foods contain the bad fat and whether there are really foods that contain the so called: Good Fat!
I was invited to talk about cholesterol and heart disease this morning in Mom’s Radio and was intrigued by the questions asked prompting me to write about the topic on FAT!
The most common fat that we are guilty of is the fat that we derive from the food we eat! This is reflected as Triglyceride in our Lipid Panel test. This kind of fat comes in several forms:
- Saturated Fat: usually is the fat derived from animal sources and the major culprit here is beef. The streaks of fat we see when we eat steak is saturated fat. Other common sources of this include: BUTTER, BACON and CREAM. So before we eat our dinner in a restaurant for Valentines day… forgo the bread and butter…go straight to your salad or soup.
- Unsaturated Fat: Mainly from Vegetable sources like Canola or Olive oil. This fat comes in two forms:
- Monounsaturated Fat: is the kind of fat that does not raise your cholesterol. The oil in canola and nuts like peanuts and almonds are good sources. It is for this reason that I allow my Diabetics to eat nuts for snacks. The good thing with this fat is it can raise the good cholesterol!
- Polyunsaturated Fat: it likewise does not increase your cholesterol BUT in contrast to monounsaturated fat , it can lower your good cholesterol. If you use corn oil to fry food, mayonnaise for your sandwich and margarine for your cooking…these are the fats that can lower your HDL or good Cholesterol. Remember a high Good Cholesterol cleans your blood vessels and therefore protective of your heart. And therefore avoid foods that can do the opposite.
It’s Valentines Day… you’ll definitely enjoy your night out with your love ones…but just be sure to be critical of what you’ll eat. Make sure be more consistent in choosing the foods you eat because what you eat can make or break your heart! Choose a food that contains less saturated and more of the Monounsaturated fat! Go FISH! You’ll never go wrong in making your heart safe by choosing the fat that’s healthy for you.
Happy Valentines Day To Everyone!
Read My Other Related Posts:
Posted in General Health Tips, Healthy Practice Tips, Nutrition Health Tips, Tips To Protect Your Heart | 2 Comments »
February 9, 2007
One easy way to convince patient in strategies to lose weight is meal replacement. We have heard of Slim fast and locally Herbalife. Both strategies use meal replacements in a form of low calorie drinks.
Theoritically, it is an acceptable option because you are not deprived of a meal. The shakes are calculated to give you enough calories for the day but not too much to store these calories as fat. The problem with these products is the expense associated with buying them because of networking and marketing costs.
Here’s a simple way to do just the same with similar results that’s easy on your pocket. Meal replacement shakes are available in the market if you just have the time to look for them. Being an endocrinologist, I usually go for the calculation of 40% of the total calories from fat but should be predominantly monounstaurated with around only 40% of calories from carbohydrate. This to avoid a sudden surge of sugar after a meal.
I usually advise my patients to replace their morning meals and evening meals with a meal replacement shake. My choice for this is the product of Nestle called Nutren For Diabetes. It stands out over the rest because of its whey protein content. As we know, whey protein contains high levels of both essential and non-essential amini acids, and is low in fat content ideal for my diabetic patients. The shake can be combined with a fruit ideally an apple, and a pear. I usually avoid fruits with high glycemic load like banana or mango.
Patient can eat a regular meal for lunch. I also advise them to eat the Nutren Balance cereal bar as mid morning and mid afternoon snacks. This oatmeal based cereal bar is also calculated with enough calories to avoid weight gain but has enough fiber bulk to delay hunger.
The whole day should end with plenty of water, one multivitamin per day and of course for weight maintenance, daily exercise like walking.
Make sure though you feedback me if this strategy worked for you….
Meal Replacement: Another Alternative to A Healthy Weight Loss Strategy!
Do Read My Other Weight Loss Related Tips:
Posted in General Health Tips, Lifestyle Measures, The Truths on Obesity, Weight Loss Tips | 7 Comments »
February 7, 2007
The first time I heard about this controversy was around the time a friend developed breast cancer. She tried blaming it on her underarm deodorant. I cant imagine not using one after a bath as part of one’s hygienic routines. But now comes this rumor of a possible link between our daily use of an antiperspirant and breast cancer. Apparently the compound Aluminum present in antiperspirant and not in deodorant is the culprit. But are these claims true or just a myth?
The truth of the matter is that few clinical studies in humans have addressed the issue.
- The American Cancer Society has this to say: ” a carefully-designed epidemiologic study of this issue published in 2002 compared 813 women with breast cancer and 793 women without the disease found no relationship between breast cancer risk and antiperspirant use, deodorant use, or underarm shaving.”
- Likewise in a recent report released by the National Cancer Institute, the institution concluded that “no conclusive research” exists linking the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants to breast cancer.
Whew… what a relief. This controversy tells us one thing. This baseless rumor in the internet started it all. So before we believe in anything written on print or on-line… it is better to confirm based only on pure scientific basis and nothing else! The two major institutions with cancer experts on board say it all!
Now We Can Remain Odor Free With Our Arms UP !
Read My Other Related Posts:
Posted in General Health Tips, Lifestyle Measures, Medical News Bits | 8 Comments »
February 5, 2007
In any transactions whether for health or wealth… we make sure that customers are satisfied not only of our goods but more so our service! We see surveys being done in stores or restaurants to make sure that the establishment conforms to the needs of the customers they target. It is basically not different with regard to doctors handling our patients. What matters is not mainly the credentials and the expertise of the physician … but more so the way the doctors handle and manage their patients from the time they are in the waiting room to the time they are seen in the clinic room.
As the dictum at the Mayo Clinic is… patients are there to seek comfort from their illness. As such we were trained to follow that dictum to always make our patient fell comfortable to face their sickness.
While in Manila attending a convention last weekend, I happened to read an interesting survey in February issue of Consumer Reports …that looked at this question of patients satisfaction on their doctors. Interestingly most were positive and were satisfied with their doctors but obviously there were complaints. The number one complaint was the time spent in the waiting room. The same is true here in our country especially with doctors following a “no appointment” scheme. With this… doctors can just come in anytime they prefer. And it is for the same reason that I always insist on my patients to avail of my” By Appointment” scheme because I believe this is the only way that both parties can be happy with less waiting time.
Other complaints from patients included:
- “Couldn’t schedule an appointment within a week“. This is where I am guilty of and actually the downside of the appointment scheme. The schedule just fills up fast so patients complain… Any recommendation for a win-win situation?
- Spent too little time with me
- Didn’t provide test results promptly
- Didn’t respond to my phone calls promptly
The survey is really an eye opener for us physicians. I may be guilty of one but pretty much I guess I have a passing mark.
How about you… Any experiences with your doctors you want to share?
Better Still….
Tell Your Doctors What You Think…
Posted in General Health Tips, Lifestyle Measures | 4 Comments »
January 31, 2007
After an injury from sports or just a mere accident from a simple jogging exercise or walking, a sprain can be disabling enough due to pain. So what needs to be done if this happens: can we put ice pack? or how about warm compress?
Here’s a Healthy Practice Tip:
Actually both can be applied to the injured site and can be used alternately. The purpose of applying heat is to relieve the swelling to the injured site by relaxing the muscles and allowing blood to flow to the injured site. It is said that moist heat is more effective than dry heat, so you can actually use a moist towel- make sure it’s warm rather than hot to prevent burns or rather still… take a hot bath or shower. Apply warm pack to the area 2-3x a day.
On the other hand, the purpose of using a cold pack to the injured site is mainly to reduce pain by numbing the injured area. Likewise cold compress can reduce the swelling as long as ice is applied at least twice a day, for about 15 minutes at a time. What I usually do is do is use pre-made ice packs that I always keep in my refrigerator. Other alternative is to put some ice cubes in a plastic bag or a towel.
So the next time somebody has a sprain in the family… you know what to do….
Warm or Cold: Both Can Do The Job!
Read My Other Healthy Practice Tips:
Posted in General Health Tips, Healthy Practice Tips, Lifestyle Measures | Leave a Comment »
January 27, 2007
In one recent survey, weight loss surgery is now increasing as a preferred way of losing weight in the US especially among baby boomers. In a report by Zhao published in Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Statistical Brief#23, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality in January 2007, “more Americans are turning to weight loss surgery and that an increasing number of younger people are undergoing these procedures.”
In my practice nowadays, our center is also getting more patients requesting for weight loss surgical procedures. Cebu Doctor’s University Hospital has the required facilities to do the procedure. But who are candidates of these procedures?
Ask Yourself These Questions:
- Do you have a BMI of 40 or more?
- Are you suffering from mechanical problems due to obesity like arthritis or difficulty getting employment because of your weight affecting your work?
- Are you suffering form obesity related medical complications like diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea or heart disease?
- Have you tried unsuccessfully other non invasive techniques of losing weight especially behavioral therapy?
- Are you well informed that the procedure may entail some risks?
- Are you really determined to lose weight and improve your health and has thought about it for quite sometime?
- Are you ready to change you way of life and some habits after the operation?
- Do you know that you may need and be committed to life-long medical follow-up?
The most difficult part in weight loss surgery is if a patient does it solely for cosmetic reasons and not health and hasn’t focused enough to know the difference. For me… I always tell my patient that…
“To be Successful Requires More Than Want But NEED!… The need to promote, preserve and enjoy health!”
It is also very important that the patient needs to understand that there is a difference between: “I want to eat but I cant! “and “I don’t want to eat because I’m full!” Once you have undergone gastric weight loss procedures like gastric banding… you’re desire to eat remains but you cant because you feel full easily. This is where discipline to stop eating or face the risk of vomiting complications come in! I always tell my patients: it’s like having the desire but you cant because you are impotent. If you are not ready to face this challenge then the procedure is not for you!
If you have answers to each question and we deemed you as a candidate for surgery then off you go…..
Weight Loss Surgery: Another Option For Health!
Read My Other Related Posts:
Posted in General Health Tips, Lifestyle Measures, The Truths on Obesity, Weight Loss Tips | 7 Comments »
January 25, 2007
Convincing patients to exercise can be tough… not only does it need discipline and determination but the harder part is how to plan ahead that this patient will stick to the regimen.
The idea of losing weight can be attractive but doing it is another story. Going through my recent posts on weight loss tips: a simple way to lose weight using the food diary, eating the right food choices and benefits of increasing physical activity…this time I thought it would complete the package by sharing with you some tips on how to stick to a regimen. It is as important as having a goal and achieving that goal… so that all we need to do is to stay focus to be successful!
- Make sure it’s a regimen you like doing. Read, listen to music using your iPod or watch TV while while doing the treadmill.
- Being with someone else can make the activity more fun and exciting.
- Dont do the same routine everyday because it can get boring.
- Check the weather… check the area where you plan to exercise. Make sure its comfortable and you’re comfortable too…meaning- never exercise right after eating.
Remember…exercise for fun and health. Be focused and determined to make exercise a lifestyle more than just a habit!
Lastly… the American Academy of Family Physicians provided more tips which I found helpful and simple:
Exercise For Fun and Health…Stick To It For Life!
Read My Other Related Posts:
Posted in Exercise and Activity Tips, General Health Tips, Lifestyle Measures, Weight Loss Tips | Leave a Comment »
January 23, 2007
Due to missed meals as a result of too many activities and too little time… most of us suffer from dyspepsia or ulcer like symptoms. One other acid related symptom that can result from the acid from the stomach to splash into your esophagus is called heartburn. This will feel like heart attack and occurs most especially while lying down or at night An irony to this is that certain foods tend to trigger the onset of heartburn symptoms such that in a recent survey conducted by the National Heartburn Alliance (NHBA) : 92% point to food as the primary cause of their discomfort.
So if you have symptoms of heartburn… before grabbing or ordering foods to fill your stomach, reconsider and think if in turn what you’ll be eating will trigger the onset of your discomfort.
- Foods To Go: beef, chicken nuggets & buffalo wings and the yummy french fries. And anything fried!
- Sweets. Chocolate, Chips, brownies, doughnuts ( the tasty Krispy Kreme) .
- Drinks and Fruits. Orange juice, and lemonade, cranberry juice, wine coffee and tea, carbonated drinks ( goodbye to soft drinks)
- Others: tomato, mashed potatoes( especially with butter), raw onion, potato salad, Macaroni and cheese, spaghetti with marinara sauce, and ice cream. Meaning… anything creamy and fatty!
Last advise: eat smaller meals especially prior to bed. By doing so, you decrease the tendency of the food to reflux from your stomach into the esophagus.
But… Make sure it’s really heartburn because your symptoms may actually signal a heart disease.
Read My Other Related Posts:
Posted in General Health Tips, Lifestyle Measures, Nutrition Health Tips | Leave a Comment »
January 19, 2007
Beef or Pork… are the main stays in most of the meals being served worldwide. That’s the reason why Mc Donalds can be found anywhere in the world. From kids to adults… we all love the burger.
But while going through my journals, I came across this article published recently in the November Issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine. This time, the association between red meat and breast cancer was analyzed and I thought since breast cancer is one dreaded but “curable” cancer nowadays is to share with you this tip to hopefully lower your risk to develop it and share this information to your wives or mothers and sisters.
The study involved the 90,659 women, who participated in the Nurses’ Health Study II. During the 12 years of follow-up, around 1,021 women developed invasive breast cancer.
Women who ate around 2 servings of red meat per day were more likely to develop estrogen-positive and progesterone-positive breast cancer ( 97% more) than those who ate red meat only three or fewer servings per week.
What types of Red meats were the culprits? The usual red meats we love…. including hamburger,beef or pork as a main dish, anda variety of processed meats.
Again… to prevent any ilness, we modify factors that can be changed in our lifestyle, And dietary factors are one modifiable culprits of a disease. It requires both knowledge and discipline in our food choices to be successful. It boils down to one’s determination to prevent a disease and a goal to remain fit through an active and healthy lifestyle.
Remember it’s the Sacrifice and the Determination that can lead us to Success….whether in business or in health….
So for your next meal….
Fish… Anyone?
Read My Other Related Posts:
Posted in General Health Tips, Lifestyle Measures, Medical News Bits, Nutrition Health Tips | 2 Comments »
Know The HEALTH FACTS ... Because WEALTH THRU PERSONAL HEALTH is a COMMITMENT... NOT A CHOICE!
The Total Number of Visitors to the site since August of 2006
That Health Rules 
