Pros of Medicare Advantage Plans

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Medicare Advantage (MA) is the third largest and perhaps the most successful federal health insurance program. We believe that the Medicare Advantage is the best platform upon which to build “Medicare For All” that works for everybody.

The Medicare Advantage Program has broad bipartisan approval because it is so popular with the broad spectrum of the senior voting block effectively delivers economic benefits to the taxpayers and is a program that works for everybody. 293 members and 60 Senators currently serving in of the 116th Congress have supported Medicare Advantage.

MA is also known as Medicare Part C. MA plans are offered by private insurance companies contracted with Medicare and provide the same level of coverage that Medicare Part A and Part B provide.

Below, we wanted to share with you some pros of MA plans:

  • MA plans usually provide more benefits than original Medicare such as routine vision care, hearing aids, routine dental care, prescription drug coverage, and fitness center membership.
  • MA plans can cost less. Premiums can be as low a $0. Cost sharing may also be less with MA. MA plans limit your maximum out-of-pocket expense.
  • MA plans coordinate care among all your healthcare providers.
  • Many MA plans have medication therapy management.
  • Many MA plans combine medical and Part D prescription drug coverage.

The Medicare-Advantage-For-All.Com movement is seeking to open the eyes of the American people to this better solution over Medicare for All. We want Democrats and Republicans to understand our position and come together in the solution. We want to extend a “Medicare” program to everyone just as much as our sensible and sincere politicians want to do, but we sincerely believe we have found the best way to do it.

Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) is the most popular health insurance program in America. It covers over 22.6 Million Americans, adding thousands of new baby boomer to its ranks every day. The program gives seniors peace of mind, immediate access to medical care, financial security and affordability. Americans of every age need to wake up and demand this program for everybody.

For more information on the Medicare-Advantage-For-All plan and the movement, visit our Medicare Advantage For All plan page, call us at 1-888-683-3719 or email us at: contact@medicare-advantage-for-all.com.

To support and join this movement, you can download our Membership Application and complete it with your contact information and send it to us with your financial support or just complete the Pay Pal Credit card authorization on the Become A Supporter page on our web site.

 

The post Pros of Medicare Advantage Plans appeared first on Medicare News Advocate.

FAQ About Medicare For All

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The failure of Obamacare has brought forth the Democrats’ “Medicare 4 All” concepts, requiring even more government intervention. The progressive Democrats are pushing several forms of Medicare For All, but none of them address the problems of affordability and quality that we have in the system.

We wanted to share with you some more facts about the democrats’ plan for Medicare For All.

  1. What does Medicare for All mean?
    1. Generally, it means an end to the dominance of private health insurance in the United States, in favor of either a government-run “single-payer” system, such as Canada’s, or a government-provided alternative to private insurance plans that Americans could buy into, an idea known as the “public option.”
  2. Would Medicare for All change everybody’s health care?
    1. It could, but it depends on the plan. The most expansive visions of Medicare for All, like those of Senator Bernie Sanders and Pramila Jayapal of Washington, , would establish universal benefits through a government-run program and outlaw most forms of private insurance, including employer-provided coverage This could mean little, if any, out-of-pocket cost to patients, but also less choice for people who want to purchase specific types of benefits and for employers who use them to attract workers.
  3. How much would Medicare for all Cost?
    1. A study from the libertarian Mercatus Center said Sanders’ 2017 single-payer bill would raise federal spending by $32.6 trillion over 10 years.
  4. Would Medicare for All cut health-care costs?
    1. Medicare for All may allow the government to limit costs by setting prices and eliminate the administrative burden of private health insurance.

 

To some degree, this may sound good, but we need to make Medicare more affordable. In order to make our Medicare program available to ALL Americans, we must make it more affordable so that every American can take advantage of it without sending our country into bankruptcy.

 

Medicare Advantage plans (MA) are comprehensive health insurance programs that replace traditional Medicare. We need a Senate Bill directing HHS, along with doctors, hospitals, health plan experts and Medicare Advantage health plans to recommend to Congress a Medicare plan For All that provides these very same benefits for all Americans.

 

We believe that the Medicare Advantage is the best platform upon which to build “Medicare For All” that works for everybody. The Medicare Advantage Program has broad bipartisan approval because it is so popular with the broad spectrum of the senior voting block, effectively delivers economic benefits to the taxpayers and is a program that works for everybody.

 

For more information on the Medicare-Advantage-For-All plan and the movement, visit our Medicare Advantage For All plan page, call us at 1-888-683-3719 or email us at: contact@medicare-advantage-for-all.com.

To support and join this movement, you can download our Membership Application and complete it with your contact information and send it to us with your financial support or just complete the Pay Pal Credit card authorization on the Become A Supporter page on our web site.

 

 

The post FAQ About Medicare For All appeared first on Medicare News Advocate.

Benefits of Medicare Advantage for All Over Medicare For All

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At Medicare-Advantage-For-All.Com, we know that modifying the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will not go far enough, and the current ideas for extending “Medicare for All” will go too far! We believe our Medicare-Advantage-Plan-For-All (MAA) will be just right.

Medicare Advantage for All will deliver comprehensive cost-effective health insurance for all Americans. Our current Medicare Advantage program works for seniors and it works for taxpayers! It should be the platform upon which the Democrats and the Republicans can build a “Medicare for All” program together. In order to fix these problems, we need legislation that can garner at least 218 votes in the House of Representatives and 60 votes in the Senate.  Right now, we have 293 members of the House of Representatives and 60 Senators that have supported Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage is the answer! And, it doesn’t matter whether the House majority changes leadership. The needs of the American people for real health insurance reform should not divide us, they should bring us together.

We believe the United States must commit itself to achieve the lowest National Health Care GDP of all the developed nations by 2030. We will fail to do that if we try to extend the old Medicare Defined Benefit Plan to every American.

With Medicare Advantage plans, you get:

  • All benefits of original Medicare Part A & B.
  • Hospital, medical and prescription drug coverage in one plan.
  • Coverage for things that original Medicare doesn’t cover like dental, vision, hearing care, prescription drug coverage, and gym memberships.
  • Limits on out-of-pocket spending.

If we are successful in getting Medicare Advantage plans extended to all Americans:

  • It would not require market stabilization funds and the 3R Risk abatement programs and the CSR payments.
  • It would eliminate the need for special federal and state funding to support the marketplace exchanges.
  • It would continue to use capitation financing.
  • It would not require insurance carriers to raise their rates in order to expand services under the inflationary 80 – 85 % federal loss ratio requirements.
  • It will cost a lot less than the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In 2015, if we had purchased high-quality health insurance for all the ACA participants and paid all the premiums in full, we would have saved the American Tax payers well over $60 Billion.
  • It would eliminate the need for selective taxes by establishing an equitable funding base that doesn’t single out Wall Street or the health insurance companies that we are relying on to administer the program in a cost-effective manner for the benefit of the American people.

 

We hope you become a supporter of Medicare Advantage for All.

We want you to become a supporter. Here’s how: You can download our Membership Application and complete it with your contact information and send it to us with your financial support or you can complete the Pay Pal Credit card authorization. Tell us whether you would like to be listed as a supporter on this website or remain confidential, and if we can count on you to be an Advocate.

We welcome any level of taxable (non-tax deductible) financial support with which you feel comfortable.

For more information on our membership and Medicare-Advantage-For-All movement, visit our Medicare Advantage For All plan page, call us at 1-888-683-3719 or contact our Medicare-Advantage-For-All Consultants or email: contact@medicare-advantage-for-all.com.

 

The post Benefits of Medicare Advantage for All Over Medicare For All appeared first on Medicare News Advocate.

Could Compression Stockings Make Your Legs Feel Better?

compression stocking west florida vein

Medical-surgical treatments are often recommended for varicose veins and other venous disorders, there are a few at-home things that can be tried by the patient and integrated into their daily routines that can help alleviate symptoms greatly improving the comfort level. Vascular specialists often recommend compression stockings. These are specially designed type of hosiery specifically created to help prevent the occurrence of or progression of various venous disease issues, such as varicose veins, venous insufficiency, and deep vein thrombosis.

Compression stockings work by compressing the muscles, veins, and arteries on the surface, forcing the blood that is being circulated to fit through smaller channels than it is used to, resulting in an increase in arterial pressure and more blood being returned to the heart and less blood flowing backward and pooling towards the feet.

Compression stockings use stronger elastics than any other type of stocking including athletic performance socks, to create pressure at certain points throughout the legs, including the knees, ankles, and feet. The elasticity is tightest around the ankle, they become gradually less restrictive going upwards until reaching the thighs. These place pressure on the leg veins and increase the blood flow velocity as well as the effectiveness of the weakened valves.

Compression stockings are recommended for the following conditions and symptoms:

  • Achy legs
  • Varicose veins
  • Spider veins
  • Tired legs
  • Edema and/or swelling
  • Chronic venous insufficiency
  • Phlebitis
  • Lymphedema
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Pregnancy
  • Lipodermatosclerosis
  • Economy Class Syndrome (ECS)

Compression stockings are available in different styles that can be worn under clothing or on their own.
There are two main categories:

1. Anti-embolism stockings – Anti-embolism stockings on the other hand sometimes referred to as thromboembolism-deterrent hose, are designed to support the venous and lymphatic drainage of the leg.

2. Gradient stockings – gradient stockings are designed to remedy impaired valve performance and faulty leg vein valves, they are typically recommended for ambulatory patients that are prone to blood clots, edema, and blood pooling in the lower extremities.

Both gradient and anti-embolism stockings allow the right compression to be applied throughout the legs, and, because most compression stockings are now made to be indistinguishable from normal dress stockings, no one ever has to know!

Compression stockings are currently available over-the-counter at many retail stores. Speak with Dr. Zuzga at West Florida Vein Center today to discuss whether compression stockings are right for you. www.westfloridaveincenter.com. Give the office a call at (727) 712-3233. We look forward to speaking with you.

Coronary Angioplasty – The Pros and Cons

corinary-angioplasty-tampa-cardio

What is Coronary Angioplasty?
Angioplasty involves the insertion and inflation of a tiny balloon inside of your blocked blood vessel. This helps to improve blood flow by enlarging the area that your blood has to flow through. During some procedures, a stent (a piece of supportive wire mesh) is placed inside of the vessel to help keep it open and continue promoting healthy blood flow. Stents are placed and left in permanently.

Why Doctors Select Coronary Angioplasty
Stenting and angioplasty are minimally invasive alternatives to coronary bypass grafting surgery (which has a much higher complication risk). This is due in part to anesthesia during stenting. Recovery is much simpler as well. Patients are able to resume their normal activities within just a day or two.

Benefits of a coronary angioplasty or stenting procedure include:

  • Coronary Angioplasty can be performed during a heart attack to restore blood flow and potentially save your life.
  • It may lessen your risk of future stroke.
  • May prevent gangrene by increasing blood flow to the legs.
  • This procedure can reduce the symptoms of heart disease.
  • It can improve kidney function.

Uncommon Downside to Coronary Angioplasty
Complications are much less common in angioplasty and stenting procedures than they are with coronary bypass grafting surgery, patients should need to be notified of the potential risks. The most common complication as a result of angioplasty is simply the necessity for a repeat procedure later on, which generally only happens if a coronary artery re-narrows. The best thing that you can do is to ensure that you follow all of your doctor’s instructions, and be aware of the following issues that may arise:

  • A rare percentage of patients are allergic to the stent itself
  • Scar tissue may cause the need for repeat procedures
  • Blood vessels may become damaged at the insertion point
  • Blood clots can form inside stents
  • An artery can collapse or close
  • The more major arteries that are involved, the greater the risk
  • If angioplasty fails, coronary bypass surgery may be needed
  • Some patients may experience side effects to the medications given post-procedure

Any procedures to do directly with the heart can send people into a state of anxiety. But the important thing to know is that you are in great expert hands with the physicians of Tampa Cardiovascular Associates. This is a procedure they have performed successfully time and time again.

For further advice on angioplasty and other coronary surgeries, or to schedule an appointment of your own, never hesitate to contact the skilled cardiologists of Tampa Cardiovascular Associates. Simply call our offices at (813) 975-2800 and any of our friendly staff members would be happy to assist you in getting set up with one of our physicians. www.tampacardio.com.

Boost Your Immunity with Chiropractic

cold flu fort myers chiropractic dr kaster

2019 has been one of the worst flu years in history according to the CDC and that number is continuing into 2020. We are experiencing high numbers in cases of influenza all over the country including right here in Southwest, Florida.

The key to staying healthy is a strong boosted immune system.

With regular chiropractic adjustments combined with a healthy lifestyle you can be prepared to take on cold and flu season and remain perfectly well throughout.

It’s true that there is no cure for the common cold or for the flu. The best cure is prevention. Not getting worn down and sick in the first place is ideal. Chiropractic helps boost immunity and fight off viruses. The nervous system and the immune system are intertwined. The brainstem and spinal cord regulate all of the body’s functions while working with the immune system.

Subluxations (spinal misalignments) often cause neural dysfunction, which adds stress to the body leading to a weakened immune system.

Additional to receiving regular chiropractic adjustments incorporate the following into your daily life for best results.

Load Up On Vitamin C!

Vitamin C deficiency has been shown to increase your risk of becoming sick. Vitamin C’s best source is fresh foods – citrus fruits and dark leafy greens are the highest in Vitamin C. Supplements can help as well.

Get Rest

Your body needs rest and recuperation in order to be in top shape immunity wise. When you feel tired, it’s a message. You need to rest. Whatever you are doing can wait. Nothing is more important than your health.

Exercise

Exercise circulates the blood. This helps to kickstart your immune system which releases virus killing substances in your body helping you get well and stay well.

Visit Your Chiropractor – Getting adjusted regularly keeps you in alignment and your nervous and immune systems going strong. Come see us!

Florida’s No-fault Automobile Insurance Laws

Florida-no-fault-accident-pip-kaster-fort-myers

Florida-no-fault-accident-pip-kaster-fort-myersIn years since 2012, all drivers licensed in Florida have been required to carry what is known as PIP coverage. That stands for Personal Injury Protection.

This much-needed rider allows you to get the medical help you may need following an accident regardless of fault or if the other party has auto insurance.

Unlike some other states, there are time constraints within which you are able to seek treatment for accident-related injuries.

In Florida, you have just two weeks (14 days) after an accident to start treatment.  If you do visit a doctor’s office or emergency clinic during this time frame you automatically lose your ability to use your PIP coverage. 

If you are not taken by ambulance from the accident scene please follow up with your doctor and your chiropractor as soon as possible.

Every policy issued in Florida carries the full $10,000 worth of PIP coverage, even though, in some situations, you may only be entitled to $2500, a reduced benefit. To access the full amount you must receive a determination of emergency medical condition. Many insurance companies will argue with you that you do not have a serious condition. Restrictions have been unjustly placed which discriminate against chiropractic physicians. because of this, we have to refer you out to another health care provider simply to get that determination on file.

If your auto insurer stops payment after $2500 for the $10,000 in benefits for which you pay a premium for, you may continue to obtain treatment with our office under a letter of protection if you are represented by a lawyer and are filing a claim for recovery against the at-fault driver.

DID YOU KNOW?: You can install our mobile app on your smartphone! With just a push of a button, we will know you need medical assistance and get you in as soon as possible. http://drkasters.com/web-app-download/

If you are in an accident – don’t worry about the specifics right away. Call our office at 239-332-2555 and come in for a post-accident evaluation, treatment plan, and adjustments. Let’s get you on the road to health and we will file all the paperwork for you.

For More Information on PIP Laws in Florida:

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation can assist you if you experience a problem or have a complaint. You can submit a complaint online by going to their consumer services website at https://apps.fldfs.com/eservice.

Chiropractor | Nutritionist in Ft 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 it as soon as possible?

Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor, and nutritionist in Fort Myers can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.

Our Recent Communications to Congressional Staff 

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Medicare Advantage for All will deliver comprehensive costeffective health insurance for all Americans. Our current Medicare Advantage program works for seniors and it works for taxpayers! It should be the platform upon which the Democrats build their “Medicare for All” program. 

We are a grassroots research and educational movement. We are on a mission to promote the highest quality, truly American health plan for the lowest possible cost.  

On the Medicare-Advantage-For-All. com website, we further our goal by re-publishing notices, emails, letters, and alerts that we send to congressional staff, which include members of Congress, key congressional staff members, the White House, including policymakers in the executive branch, academics, and D.C. think-tanks, policy wonks, the mediaand our loyal members. 

Below, we have shared some of our recent communications with members of Congress and other vital NEWS and information:   

 

10/23/2019 – VERMA DUCKS ON ADMIN. CONTINGENCIES if the ACA is struck down. 

By Adam Cancryn – Politico 

CMS Administrator Seema Verma repeatedly refused to tell a House oversight panel how the Trump administration plans to stabilize the nation’s health care system if a federal court strikes down the Affordable Care Act. 

“The president has made clear that we will have a plan in action to make sure that Americans have access to affordable coverage,” Verma told a House Energy and Commerce oversight and investigations subcommittee today. “I’m not going to get into any specifics of the plan.“ 

House Democrats repeatedly pressed Verma over the contingency planning, criticizing her for failing to lay out any fallback options even as the administration backs the legal effort by a group of GOP-led states to immediately wipe out Obamacare. A federal appeals court is expected to rule on the case in the coming weeks. 

“Do you have a plan that you can present to us, or is this another pie in the sky promise?” said Rep. Jan  (D-Ill.)Schakowsky 

Verma later insisted that the administration has planned for “a variety of different scenarios” and only needs to wait for the court to rule — but refused to offer any evidence or details. 

President Donald Trump had originally vowed to roll out his own health care plan by September, but officials have not provided any updated timing, and there’s little expectation any proposal from the White House will extend beyond offering general principles. 

 

10/22/2019 – HOUSE RSC PERSONALIZED AFFORDABLE CARE PLAN RELEASE 

House conservatives have rolled out their Personalized Affordable Care Plan as an alternative to “Medicare for All” ahead of the 2020 elections. The White House has not officially endorsed the Plan, which envisions rolling back Obamacare’s popular Medicaid expansion and much of the regulations governing the individual market and offering federal block grants to states to help establish their own health insurance markets. The proposal is designed to blunt criticism for failing to protect people with preexisting conditions, arguing that high-risk coverage pools — along with fewer benefit requirements for health plans and an equalization of the tax treatment for employer-sponsored and individual plans — will effectively provide all Americans with an array of low-cost options. 

 

https://www.medicare-advantage-for-all.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8670/2019/10/HOUSE-RSC-PERSONALIZED-AFFORDABLE-CARE-PLAN.pdf 

 

10/15/2019 – EMAIL TO RSC COMMITTEE MEMBERS 

 

Email to RSC member – October 15, 2019 

 

Recently, I sent you the list of 293 members of the 116th House of Representatives that have supported Medicare Advantage (MA). I will send it again Today! I have since learned that the Republican Study Committee is planning to release its own health plan alternative by the end of the month. As an important member of this and related committees, I am writing to urge you to incorporate Medicare Advantage into your thinking. 

 

Previously, I sent you the top 28 reasons why Medicare Advantage should be the core of your new health plan. I believe that to successfully pass any major health plan legislation in the House, then get it through the Senate and ultimately signed by the President, the plan must have three essential elements. It must be bipartisan (or capable of becoming so). It must be cost-effective, but even more importantly, in order to avoid the natural skepticism from public health advocates and others, it must be popular with the American people. The truth is Medicare Advantage is the ONLY health plan that meets ALL three of these basic criteria. 

 

Medicare Advantage For All has answers for you on this and how to restore the health of the American people, including the efficacy of Medicare Advantage as a national plan for all ages. These answers can be found on www.medicare-advantage-for-all.com  We are excited about your new health plan. Reducing our cost of health care and making it affordable will ultimately require an Apollo-like national commitment. And, we believe that you can “Make America Healthy Again” with the best design of the health plan for which you vote. You will be receiving our correspondence again soon by snail-mail.  Please keep a look-out for it. Thank you very much for your service. 

 

09/18/2019 – LETTER TO MA SUPPORTERS IN THE HOUSE 

 

Letter excerpts to the 293 House members supporting MA – September 18, 2019 

 

Thank you for supporting the Medicare Advantage Program (MA) which is the bright star on the national health insurance stage. MA is the most popular health plan with your constituents and in Congress.  Enclosed you will find the list of the 293 of your fellow Hose members that have supported Medicare Advantage. This is more than double the number of sponsors for the Medicare for All Act of 2019. Also enclosed please find our Fifth Edition of The True American displaying the Medicare Advantage programs popularity and making the case for extending this dynamic program to All Americans. (See the Fifth Edition here under the True American Tab – SITTING ON A BOMB: May 2019 ) 

 

The most important challenge we face is maintaining and promoting the health and wellbeing of all our people. We have 30 Million uninsured. We suffer from a crippling chronic disease epidemic that is driving our costs of health care through the roof. 

 

We believe you have already supported the solution. A properly designed Medicare Advantage plan with an integral health and wellness component created and delivered under the supervision of our able Health & Human Services Department is the answer to all of the problems. A Medicare-Advantage-For-All Program that changes the way our medical professionals treat chronic illness will save over $1 Trillion Dollars annually. 

 

Medicare Advantage is the most popular health plan in America. Unfortunately, there has never been any major health plan legislation passed by the Congress on Medicare that has NOT been bipartisan! In fact, every major act signed into law since Medicare’s inception was both bipartisan and passed to reduce the cost of the medicare program. 

 

Your constituents are looking to you for answers. We believe that for any health plan to pass the House, then get through the Senate and ultimately signed into law by the President; the plan must have three essential elements. It must be bipartisan (or capable of becoming so). It must be cost-effective, but even more importantly, in order to avoid the natural skepticism from public health advocates and others, it must be popular with the American people. The truth is Medicare Advantage is the ONLY health plan that meets ALL three of these basic criteria. 

We Americans are sitting on a health care Bomb! This problem can not be fixed without your help. But, every day your constituents have to live with high cost and the difficulty in getting the health care that they need and deserve. That can not be good for your re-election. Please consider working with the 293 of your colleagues, who support Medicare Advantage and help us create a “program that really works”. 

 

Want to support Medicare Advantage? You can. 

To support and join this movement, you can download our Medicare Advantage Membership Application and complete it with your contact information and send it to us with your financial support or just complete the Pay Pal Credit card authorization on the About and Become A Supporter Pages on our web site. 

For more information on the Medicare-Advantage-For-All plan and the movement, visit our Medicare-Advantage-For-All plan page or our Medicare Advantage Facebook page, call us at 1-888-683-3719 or contact our email us at: contact@medicare-advantage-for-all.com. 

The post Our Recent Communications to Congressional Staff  appeared first on Medicare News Advocate.

Natural Vein Health Support

varicose-veins-natural-remedies West florida vein

varicose-veins-natural-remedies West florida veinVaricose veins are not only a visual distraction they are also often painful and uncomfortable. Lifestyle alterations can help – exercising more regularly, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight – all can do wonders. While the best options to permanently eliminate varicose veins are medical in nature there are some natural things you can do at home which may help support vein health overall.

Looking to nature’s medicine cabinet you may find some relief with the following vitamins and herbs.

B Vitamins – B vitamins can lower your cholesterol and improve your overall circulation, with B12 and B6 being specially recommended for those at risk of developing blood clots.

Vitamin C – vitamin C is important for the production of collagen and elastin, tissues that help to keep vein walls strong and flexible, helping greatly to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with varicose veins.

Vitamin E – often used alongside vitamin C, vitamin E is important for improving blood flow and general circulation, and also reduces the stickiness of blood platelets to assist those who are at particular risk for blood clot formation.

Gotu Kola – also known as Centella Asiatica, Gotu kola is an effective herb in treating varicose veins because it encourages healthy blood flow, promotes vein flexibility, and tones the connective tissues which surround the veins.

Bilberry – often sold as a companion product to Gotu kola, bilberry is an antioxidant herb that improves blood flow by strengthening capillaries.

Horse Chestnut Seed – typically sold as an over-the-counter supplement called Venastat, horse chestnut seed extract helps varicose veins by reducing fluid retention, swelling, and inflammation.

Butcher’s Broom – an herb that has proven to be especially effective when used in combination with horse chestnut seed, butcher’s broom works by strengthening the walls of blood vessels.

For more information on natural remedies for varicose vein treatment and prevention, contact Dr. Zuzga of the West Florida Vein Center today at (727) 712-3233.

*Please check with your doctor prior to taking any vitamins or supplements for your venous condition. While the supplements listed above have been proven to be safe in most situations,  it is always best to double-check with a professional before taking anything that might interact negatively with any current medications or conditions.

The Effect of Sugar Addiction on Your Heart

Tampa Cardio sugar-and-your-heart-health

Tampa Cardio sugar-and-your-heart-healthSugar hits the pleasure center of the brain in the same way that hard drugs do. This makes refined sugar extremely addictive and very hazardous to your health. Moderation is key and elimination even better.

Until recent years not all that much study had been done on sugar. It was a well-known household dietary staple. The harmful effects of a diet high in sugar are becoming more publicly known, many are still unaware.

The fact is, your sugar intake could very well be harming your health now and into the future. Let’s take a look at how sugar affects the body.

  1. Sugar can compound depression. Though little known or recognized sugar has an effect on mental and cognitive function. It may offer one explanation as to why you feel drained in a short time after eating something sugary. It has also been scientifically linked to anxiety and memory lapses later in life.
  2. Sugar begets heart disease. Heart disease is still the top cause of death worldwide. Recent studies show that a high sugar diet could be a major contributing factor. Elevated levels of fructose can raise your insulin and blood glucose, as well as lead to obesity.
  3. Sugar causes dental issues. The obvious statement of the bunch,  sugar sticks to your teeth and feeds the bacteria. Over time, teeth can decay as a result causing cavities.
  4. Sugar adds weight. If you eat a lot of sugar, you are going to have a higher risk of being overweight.
  5. Sugar is bad for your liver. Excessive sugar consumption will have a similar effect on the liver as if you were an alcoholic. This is because sugar, which turns into fat, becomes lodged in the liver. That can develop into non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
  6. Cancer cells feed on sugar. Numerous studies have shown that there is a connection between sugar consumption and cancer. Sugar consumption creates elevated insulin levels so the body can’t properly regulate the abnormal growth and multiplication of unwanted cells potentially leading to cancer or feeding already existing cancerous cells.
  7. Sugar can spur type II diabetes. Excess sugar can result in insulin resistance, which in turn can result in a highly toxic excess of glucose in the blood. This can cause a number of conditions to develop, perhaps the worst of which is type II diabetes.
  8. Sugar is addictive. Sugar attaches to the same pleasure centers in the brain that result from doing street drugs and opiates. It is equally as addictive. It may be hard for people to practice moderation when it comes to junk food, and when trying to quit, they may experience withdrawal symptoms.

For further guidance that you can trust, make an appointment with the onsite nutritionist available at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates by calling (813) 975-2800.

Our physicians dedicated to keeping your heart health at its best. We’ll do anything we can to help you improve your everyday quality of life through important lifestyle choices. Visit www.tampacardio.com to learn more about our practice.