Cardiovascular System Basics with the West Florida Vein Center of Safety Harbor, Florida

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A Look at the Cardiovascular System

At The West Florida Vein Center of Safety Harbor | Tampa Bay, Florida, we understand that the majority of our patients are not physicians themselves and have only a basic layman’s understanding of the vascular system. While this is generally enough information, as a person ages or their vein health becomes an issue, there may come a time when treatment at a vein center by a licensed vascular specialist becomes necessary.

For those who become vein patients, a certain level of understanding of the cardiovascular system becomes crucial in understanding and addressing what is going on in their own bodies.

We have included a basic easy to follow introduction to the vascular system in this article. This guide is simply intended to introduce some of the vocabulary words your doctor will likely be using with you, ensuring that their directions and recommendations are clear.

The circulatory system is made up of a series of blood vessels designed to carry blood, oxygen, and nutrients delivering them throughout the body. Waste products your body doesn’t need is picked up at the same time throughout the tissues and carried to the correct locations for disposal.

The types of Blood vessels and what they do

  • Capillaries are extremely numerous and tiny blood vessels located between the veins and arteries. The main purpose of capillaries is to assist both the arteries and the veins as they perform their functions. Capillaries distribute the oxygenated blood from the arteries out into the cells, and then collect the waste and distribute it back into the veins.
  • Veins are medium-sized vessels that perform an extremely important function in the circulatory system. It is the job of the body’s veins to pump blood from throughout the body’s tissues back to the heart, expanding as they collect waste.
  • Arteries are the largest, fewest, and most vital vessels within the human body. The purpose of arteries is to carry oxygen-rich blood pumped directly out of the heart and distribute it throughout all other tissues. The body’s major arteries are quite large but break down into smaller and smaller branches in order to be able to reach all of the body’s organs.

It’s easy to see how vital this system is. Other important bodily systems – the respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems, as well as the body’s ability to regulate its own temperature – would not be able to function without nearly constant interaction from the vascular system. Because the pumping action in the vascular system must constantly battle with the force of gravity, the body’s arteries, veins, and capillaries must work very hard, and they are highly sensitive to problems and issues.

While you may understand the vascular system a little better after reading this, unless you are a physician you will most likely not be able to self-diagnose or treat any venous conditions that come up. Without a properly functioning system of blood vessels to distribute oxygen and eliminate waste, the body would simply fail.

To learn more about the vascular system and the importance of your vascular health, please get in touch with Dr. Zuzga at West Florida Vein Center today. www.westfloridaveincenter.com. (727) 712-3233 to schedule your appointment.

 

The Fountain of Youth – Legend, Myth, and the Reality of Renovo Vita

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Since time immemorial people have been searching for secrets to help them live longer and more youthfully. The story of the fountain of youth itself has roots around the world as a mythical spring that would restore youth to anyone who bathed in or drank from its waters though none of these tales seemed to pin point the actual location.

Stories of restorative waters go back as far as the river of paradise in the fourth century B.C. The fact that this story was told in many societies all over the globe seemed to lend credence to its possible existence.

Spanish Explorer Ponce de Leon received a contract in 1512 to explore and settle islands previously unexplored. Where he anchored was off the eastern coast of Florida. Though he had been told by the king to keep an eye out for this idyllic body of water otherwise deemed the fountain of youth, Ponce de Leon never found it. The tale was created by Antonio de Herrera y Tordesillas, the Spanish king’s historian. He wrote that it turned men into boys to help solidify the imagination and belief of the people.

With the legend now alive and well a statue of the explorer was placed in St. Augustine, one of Florida’s oldest cities. A nearby tourist attraction portraying itself as the fountain of youth.

So, while Mr. Deleon may not have ever really found what he was looking for we believe it is because he was looking in the wrong place.St. Augustine, Florida still holds the Fountain of Youth as a tourist attraction.

At Renovo Vita we believe we have found the secret, and we are ready to share it with the world. That secret is cellular renewal nutrient technology. Recreating, repairing, and rebuilding your body on an individualized cellular level from the inside out, one cell at a time, naturally.

We have performed the trials, done the studies, and seen the real-life results. Renovovita revitalizes! The fountain of youth does exist. It just isn’t a literal water fountain.

To find the fountain of youth you must look inside yourself. Decide you are ageless, and it becomes possible.

We have hand crafted three amazing products that work individually and even better when used together. Virg-NWith-N, and Zero-N. Help restore wellness, boost your immune system, and keep you feeling and looking your very best.

We truly believe that with these supplemental advances age really becomes just a number.

Interested to learn more?

Zero-N https://renovovita.com/zero-n

With-N https://renovovita.com/with-n

Virg-N https://renovovita.com/virg-n

 

INterested? Check out the links above! We are happy that we did.

Chronic Depression & Heart Disease

chronic-depression-heart-disease

chronic-depression-heart-diseaseIf you’ve ever experienced depression you understand that it can sometimes feel like you have a broken or heavy heart. 

Research has shown both that heart disease can cause depression and that depression can cause heart disease. The answer is yes, chronic ongoing depression can lead to physical heart problems.

Things to consider:

  • Depression is the leading cause of disability throughout the entire world.
  • 1 in 3 Americans will die from heart disease.
  • 1 in 20 adults in America experiences major depression each year.
  • 1 in 3 heart attack survivors experiences major depression each year.
  • Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.
  • People with a history of depression are 4 times more likely to experience a heart attack within 14 years than those who have no history of depression.
  • Heart disease patients with depression are 4 times more likely to die within 6 months than those without depression.

After reading the above statistics regarding heart disease and depression, it is obvious that heart disease and depression are related, though how and why they are related is a much more complex issue. Let’s begin by examining the potential ways in which depression can lead to heart disease. Have you ever heard the phrase “stress kills”? While this statement may seem a little overly dramatic, it does have a lot of basis in medical facts. When a person is stressed out, the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline are released and the sympathetic nervous system is activated, oftentimes referred to as a person’s “fight or flight” response. When a person is depressed, it often results in a chronically elevated level of these hormones, a situation that can have detrimental effects on the heart over time.

On the other hand, depression has been known to occur as a result of heart disease. In one recent study, nearly half of all patients examined a week following a major heart disease surgery showed beginning signs of clinical depression. But why is this? While the relationship between heart disease and depression is still under study, one possible answer is that patients who have recently undergone major heart surgery tend to feel slow and sluggish, finding it difficult to get back into their regular routines. If their regular routines have been threatened by heart disease or they must change their lifestyles drastically in order to adjust to new health concerns, they will understandably start to feel a sense of discouragement and hopelessness.

In addition, heart disease patients with depression often do not receive the correct medical treatment in order to address both issues simultaneously. This can in part be due to the actions of the patient directly, as depression can make it difficult for people to remember to take care of themselves, and patients may forget to take their medications or simply not feel the motivation to do so. Similarly, they may also lack the motivation and energy to keep their follow-up appointments even simply. Furthermore, many cardiologists and primary care doctors simply don’t have the experience with or exposure to patients with mental illness the way psychiatrists and psychologists do and may not be able to properly recognize when a patient is experiencing depression. For this reason, heart disease patients with depression often get overlooked for their depression and are not effectively treated for it the way a patient seeking treatment for mental illness specifically would.

While there are still a lot of unknowns regarding the relationship between depression and heart disease, both conditions can be effectively treated with proper recognition and monitoring. For compassionate cardiologists who care about the overall health of their patients and not just medical issues addressed by them specifically, contact the Tampa Cardiovascular Associates by calling (813) 975-2800 today.

Our physicians are always here for you and are happy to address any concerns you have related to your heart health or to refer you to a qualified mental health specialist. WWW.TAMPACARDIO.COM. 

We Hold Stress In Our Bodies – Reduce Stress Be Healthier

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stress-covid-coronavirus-health-dr-kaster-fort-myers-flYour body can only handle so much stress before illness sets in

2020 Has been one awfully stress filled year so far. It is more important than ever for all of us to take the time to care for ourselves.

This pandemic has all of us thrown off our schedules and normal ways of life. It is incredibly taxing on the body as well as the mind.

Here are a few ideas 

Pause what you are doing and breathe. The fact is that when you rush around and have elevated anxiety levels you aren’t breathing deeply, especially if you live in a city where masks have been mandated. If that is the case and you are wearing a mask, please take this suggestion seriously. Take a minute, sit down, breathe into the count of 4 and out to the count of 4 through your nose. Close your eyes and repeat 4 times (minimum). Do this several times per day. Your body needs oxygen.

Say No – It is ok to say “No”. Never overextend yourself. This is the #1 reason people are stressed out. They feel they need to help everyone all the time no matter what is asked or how inconvenient.

Keep to Do Lists. The physical act of making a list helps to organize your thoughts and get you ready to accomplish tasks. As you finish each item remove it from your list. The more you get crossed off the better you will feel. And on that last mark off, give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back. Listing also eliminates that dreaded feeling of “I have forgotten something.”

Focus on Gratitude – It’s easy to get riled up… all it takes is one rogue news story hitting your eyes or ears by way of tv, radio, internet, or conversation. Driving can also be very anxiety provoking. Step back and make a list of things you have in your world to be thankful for. What brings you joy?

Be Generous with your time – Giving is energy exchange. It makes you feel good and it helps others. Volunteer or just do a nice gesture for other people, strangers included, now and than.

Do something nice for yourself – Get a massage or a chiropractic adjustment. Both boost mood, health, and overall wellness.

We are all in this together. So, lets take care of each other. Remind each other that while its lovely to help others, you have to take care of yourself first or there will eventually be nothing left to give.

Chiropractic, Nutrition, & Massage Therapy in Ft Myers, FL

Chiropractic 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 Kaster, D.C. Fort Myers, FL

Dr. Jason B. Kaster of Kaster Chiropractic and Associates is a chiropractor in Fort Myers, Florida. They can help you and your family achieve their optimal health through nutrition, mas.

      SCHEDULE NOW!   239-332-2555    

Get Back in the Swing of Things at the Gym, The Right Way

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Most of us have been out of the loop spending too much time just relaxing on the couch. 

This means less physical activity leading to slowed metabolisms, weight gain or loss, stiffer muscles and joints, and even possibly aches and pains surfacing.

Now that some gyms are opening again, you may be ready to get right back to it. Please use some caution. A body at rest wants to stay at rest, even if your mind is raring to go. Your physical self needs some time to warm back up. Go slowly.

Do not go back in on day one and try to pick up right where you left off. Start out slow and light. Ease up to where you were over a one to two week period. Failing to do so can land you right back at home on the couch with an injury. Pulled muscles, strains, sprains, and just simply overusing unworked muscles, tendons, and ligaments can be the result of too hard too fast.

Be easy on yourself. This time off was not your doing or fault. We all collectively had to take a break. Begin by stretching! Then move on to starting out with slower speeds on machines like treadmills and stair masters at reduced levels and on free weights and nautilus machines it is best to start what feels like ridiculously light doing high reps and move up in weight from there reducing down to your normal sets.

Make sure to drink lots of water to properly hydrate, eat well, get the rest you need to recover after a workout, and if you have access consider the sauna or hot tub to ease sore muscles.

Before you start back getting a chiropractic adjustment to make sure you are in alignment is a fantastic idea. In order for your body mechanics to work at full function, you need to be in alignment. Building muscle while pulling weight wrong can cause more damage than good.

The office of Dr. Jason Kaster – Kaster Chiropractic and Associates welcomes you to schedule your pre-workout adjustment to make sure you are maximizing your gym time. Give us a call at 239-332-2555 or visit www.drkasters.com to learn more about us.

What to Include in a Vein Healthy Diet

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vein-diet-west-florida-vein-center-300x200Varicose veins and vein health in general can be supported via your diet.

In addition to a variety of both highly successful invasive and minimally invasive treatment options available, you can also make certain lifestyle changes that can help minimize discomfort as well as reduce the appearance.

In addition to maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and exercising frequently, is to take a close look at what is being included in your diet.

The right diet can help you manage a healthy weight, and that can do wonders for varicose veins. It is a good idea to make note of which foods increase water retention, as well as which foods to incorporate and what benefits each holds.

We compiled a list of foods that are beneficial for vein health

Vitamins E and C

Why Vitamin E?

Vitamin E supports veins by fortifying vein walls as well as promoting healthy blood flow. It has also been shown to strengthen the power of vitamin C when used in combination. Vitamin E has proven effective topically to reduce the appearance of veins.

Why Vitamin C?

Vitamin C assists in circulation. It also contains two very important connective tissues that are partly responsible for keeping veins toned and strong: collagen and elastin.

Foods high in vitamins C and E include:

  • Broccoli
  • Nuts
  • Peppers
  • Citrus fruits
  • Spinach

High Fiber Foods

Constipation can make veins worse.

Being constipated increases pressure on veins. If you already have varicose veins and vein damage it can make them feel increasingly uncomfortable and contribute to their formation or worsening.

The answer: Eat a diet rich in fiber.  Fiber makes stool bulkier and softer, allowing it to pass through the intestines without problems.

Foods high in fiber:

  • Berries
  • Bran
  • Broccoli
  • Beans
  • Leafy Greens

Bioflavonoids

Sometimes referred to just as “flavonoids,” are antioxidants that are found in plants (fruits and vegetables). Bioflavonoids are found in many of the same foods that contain high amounts of vitamin C.

Bioflavonoids can help reduce the appearance of varicose veins by strengthening vessel walls and preventing stress inside of the veins from free radicals. They are often recommended for combating other conditions including heart disease and Alzheimer’s.

Foods high in bioflavonoids include

  • Strawberries
  • Garlic
  • Tea
  • Peppers
  • Citrus fruits

If you’d like further advice on how to manage your varicose veins or venous insufficiency through diet and lifestyle choices, or if you’d simply like more information on treatment options available for your condition, contact Dr. Zuzga of the West Florida Vein Center today by calling (727) 712-3233. www.westfloridaveincenter.com.

Treasure Your Health

ER visit chiropractic fort myers kaster

ER visit chiropractic fort myers kasterHealthcare has become so expensive in recent years that if you have your health, you are the new wealthy in America.

Health care costs have jumped over recent years to a point where most people cant afford it even with insurance. The average ER visit these days ranges from $3,000 to $5,000. Actual treatments are only done in emergency circumstances. Generally what you end up with is a referral  to follow up with your primary care doctor or a specialist. If you are a cash only patient who isn’t insured, it can climb even higher.

ER care is for emergencies. Ruptured spleens, burst appendix, broken legs, or needing stitches. Things you have no warning about and the onset needs to be dealt with.

Being proactive in your normal health care can make the world of difference in your overall health and wellness, though of course it may not preclude emergency situations it can for sure help you save a bunch on healthcare costs over the course of your life.

Masking symptoms can make you feel better, but it won’t help the cause. To fix the cause of any disease or illness you have to find the root cause and make corrections. The further along you are into the symptoms the more correction and time it often takes to get back on course.

One of the best proactive protective health care modalities is chiropractic. Chiropractic focuses on the spine and correction of subluxations (misalignments). Because the spine houses your nervous system inside of the spinal column it is vital for it to be in alignment. Each nerve is a pathway of communication outwards to every organ in the body including the brain.

When your spine becomes misaligned it can pinch off nerves hindering proper electrical signal. Do this long enough and the cut off organ begins not to work so well. Left in that state this is one way that disease can creep in.

Treating via chiropractic is a relatively inexpensive form of medical treatment. It is often covered by many insurance policies so be sure to check your coverage. Waiting and allowing your body to fall into disrepair can be extremely expensive as well as  painful and or debilitating.

Start today. Give the office of Kaster Chiropractic and Associates a call at 239-332-2555 or visit online to learn more about Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. and our practice in Fort Myers, Florida.

Could it Be Hypertension?

cardiology hypertension tampa florida tampa cardio

cardiology hypertension tampa florida tampa cardioEssential hypertension is the blanket term used when no root cause is found for high blood pressure.  As many as 95% of all high blood pressure falls into this category.

While essential hypertension is still a mystery to medical science, it has been associated with identifiable risk factors. High blood pressure seems to have a genetic component.  Hypertension is more prevalent in men than women. Race also seems to play a roll as well as the effected age group. In the USA, African Americans have been found to be twice as likely as Caucasians to develop HPB. That gap starts to narrow around 45. Past age 65, black women have the biggest incidence of reported high blood pressure.

Knowing the signs of high blood pressure can help you to catch it in its early stages before damage can occur:

While you can have high blood pressure and not know it often (which is why it is called the silent killer) it does sometimes present with symptoms you can identify if you know what you are looking for.

Nosebleeds

Headaches

Dizziness

Feeling shaky

It is important to get your blood pressure checked regularly. If your readings are high consistently it is time to see your doctor. High is considered anything over 120/80.

Diet is a great regulator and holds a strong influence on high blood pressure. Salt is the number one factor in foods. Those with high blood pressure tend to be sensitive to salt and even small amounts can raise the pressure level. Other linked conditions include being overweight, taking hormonal birth control pills, eating fatty foods with too much salt, smoking, excessive drinking, having diabetes, not getting enough movement or exercise in your daily life, and lacking in the minerals magnesium, calcium, and potassium.

While the source may not be able to be identified there are steps you can take to help get your blood pressure in check.

  1. Check your BP regularly, if it stays high for a period of more than a few weeks consult your physician as leaving hypertension unchecked can lead to damage of the cardiovascular system endangering your health and well-being.
  2. Reduce salt intake as well as fatty food.
  3. Get regular cardiovascular exercise. Movement, stretching, even walking daily help.
  4. Drinking enough water to stay well hydrated. Keep alcohol to a minimum if you must drink at all.
  5. Get tested for any mineral deficiencies and supplement as needed.
  6. If all of these suggestions are followed and still your blood pressure continues to be too high you may need pharmaceutical medication for high blood pressure in order to reduce it.

If you suspect you may be dealing with high blood pressure please give the office of Tampa Cardiovascular Associates in Tampa Bay, Florida a call today at 813-975-2800 to schedule your consultation.

How to Detox From a Vaccination

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hiropractor fort myers kaster vaccineTo vaccinate or not to vaccinate… That is the question. There has been much debate. Though the idea of inoculation is very valid, as vaccines stand with all added ingredients, the evidence is mounting that it does potentially far more harm than good and should be avoided.

Both sides of this debate feel strongly.

Mandatory vaccinations violate our personal and constitutional rights. There have been measures taken by our government to try and implement mandatory vaccinations especially in schools and certain workplaces such as hospitals. This goes against all morals and ethics to try and force citizens to inject foreign substances into their bodies or the bodies of their children. Vaccines have been linked to autism and neurological damage as well as cancer and contain known toxic ingredients listed right on the insert. 

If you have been vaccinated is there a way to help yourself detoxify from it?

While not receiving it in the first place is your best bet, should you get a shot the answer is YES, you can do a vaccination detoxification with all natural ingredients.

By supplementing as suggested below if, for whatever reason, you do receive a vaccination it will help protect you significantly against the toxins and other dangerous chemicals and viral fragments in these vaccines. Additionally, these same steps also help to speed recovery from all forms of flu!

What is this magical combination?

Vitamin C – Adults take 2,000mg/day for immune support and chelation of metals used in the vaccines. *Begin taking this several days prior if possible, and 1 full week afterwards.

Chlorella – A potent cellular detoxifier and cleanser it also assists in heavy metal chelation.  5g/day.

Milk Thistle – This is a powerful liver detoxifier. 175-200mg/daily.

Oscillococcinum – is a homeopathic remedy that helps alleviate unwanted flu and flu vaccine symptoms. It provides relief for trauma caused to the body. It comes in small tubes which contain pellets. They are to be taken sublingually (under the tongue). Note: do not brush your teeth just before or after taking these, as mint can counteract its effects.

Colloidal Silver – Adults take 2 oz. per day minimum for effective immune support. If possible take several days prior and a week after receiving an injection.

That covers the actual supplementation. Here are some other helpful actions you can take.

Cold pack: Place a cold pack on the injection site as soon as you can, and keep icing for 2 days (10-20 min on every couple hours).

Sun exposure: Vitamin D3 protects against microorganism invasion and balances your immune system.

Fasting: Fasting is one of the quickest ways to flush the toxins through and out of your system. To do a proper fast, abstain from eating food, but drink as much water as you can. 24 hours minimum, and up to 3 days. You can also do a juice fast, drinking just fresh vegetable juice, but it isn’t quite as effective.

Sauna: As soon as you get vaccinated the sauna should be your next stop (if at all possible). Stay in for at least 20 minutes. Sweat released contains heavy metal and toxins.

Parsley/Celery/Cilantro: Juice and drink, as well as add to foods and eat. They all assist in detoxification at a rapid cellular level.

Your health is your number one asset. We strongly urge you to protect it!

Click here to read “The Truth About Vaccines”

http://www.amazing-glutathione.com/truth-about-vaccines.html

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.

Vein Disease – More Than a Surface Issue

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varicose-veins-tampa-flVaricose and spider veins are unsightly and sometimes embarrassing. It’s easy to consider them just a visual issue and dismiss them. The problem is that they are a medial issue that can become worse over time. The time to stop them is now.

Varicose veins don’t simply appear because you have hit a certain age. They are being cased by something physical going wrong. Varicose veins are damaged veins.

The underlying physical cause is important because without knowing the cause it is difficult to alter behaviors or lifestyle which can potentially help quell the uprising. Things like smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol in excess, standing or sitting for very long periods of time, excess stress on the legs due to non circulation of being seated for long flights or road trips, and bad fatty chemical-laden diets can all come into play.

Vein disease may also be genetic and hereditary. If your parents or grandparents had vein issues you are at a raised risk level yourself.

Many people mistakenly believe that spider veins and varicose veins are simply a cosmetic issue and from that thought, also conclude that treatment would be cosmetic in nature and therefore not covered by their medical health insurance. The truth of the matter is that it is a medical condition called Venous Insufficiency ie. Vein disease. It isn’t just cosmetic and over time it can morph from just visual into aching, painful, itchy legs that range from annoying to debilitating.

The best time to halt vein problems in their tracks is as soon as they start. Talk with your insurance company and go see your local Vein Specialist for a consultation and diagnosis so you can see what exactly you are dealing with and what your options are. Most vein issues the treatment is covered by your insurance leaving you with only a copay for the office visit.

If you are in the Tampa Bay/Safety Harbor, Florida area we would love to meet with you. Dr. Mark Zuzga is one of the top leading experts in vein care here in Florida and can get your legs back to the best state of health possible in a short amount of time.

Give us a call at 727-712-3233 or visit us on the web to learn more about our services and practice by going to www.westfloridaveincenter.com.