Anxiety and Heart Disease – Is There a Connection?

anxiety

anxiety

Anxiety attacks and heart attacks are often misdiagnosed by the person having them. They feel very similar and are both terrifying.

If you have experienced an anxiety attack you know that it is based in your heart center. You feel it in your chest often in the form of butterflies and even heart palpitations. You may even have an elevated heart rate level during times of raised anxiety and trouble breathing normally.

Anxiety is not healthy, especially on an ongoing basis. Stress can make you physically sick as well as emotionally. When chronic, anxiety can increase your risk for heart issues.

While normal types and amounts of stress are healthy and motivating, being anxious now and then is normal. If it becomes chronic that it may pose a negative threat to your wellbeing.

40 Million people in the USA experience anxiety yearly. Generalized anxiety disorder is defined by at least 6 months of excessive worrying or feeling anxious about unrelated events. Approximately 5% of adults meet the criteria for this disorder. The incidence is higher, coming in at 11% among those with coronary artery disease and 13% of those with heart failure.

It has not been established whether anxiety sets off heart disease or vice versa. It is known that chronic anxiety can change the way the body reacts to stress. This happens via hormones and physiological reactions meant to keep us safe – known as the flight or fight response.

If your fight or flight response is constantly engaged it can lead to heart issues as well as adrenal burn out which may, in turn, cause other endocrine system issues.

Confusing Anxiety for a Heart Attack

A panic attack is so very similar in feel to a heart attack people often mistake them. Upon a trip to the ER, you will receive a diagnosis of non-cardiac chest pain. As many as 1 in 3 people will experience this in their lifetime.

What Can You Do?

The best answer medical professionals have found so far is a combination of medication and talk therapy. A cognitive behavioral therapist will help you identify unwanted thoughts and establish what is anxiety based and what is something that genuinely needs to be looked at and considered.

Medications work as a temporary bandaid to allow you to get through tough anxiety-filled times while working through the root cause with a therapist or on your own using tools such as automatic writing, meditation, yoga, or other relaxation healing based activities.

The best advice is never to ignore chest pain of unknown source. It is far better to be safe than sorry. If you are in the Tampa Florida area and looking for a cardiologist we invite you to check out the physicians at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates. www.tampacardio.com 813-975-2800.

Transdermal Human Growth Hormone

somaderm

somadermThe office of Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C., has found a way to revitalize your wellbeing and bring back the feelings of health you had in your youth. 

This may sound like doing the impossible but the fact is – it can be done.

On average, around the age of 30, our biology starts to slow. This can mean weight gain, foggier thinking, lines beginning to show on our faces, all the signs of age. We live in a youth-obsessed society where many of us will do literally anything to fight the signs of aging. Much of what is on the market and available can be a hindrance to our health if not downright dangerous.

Finally, an all natural answer

Human Growth Hormone also is known as simply HGH. HGH is a widely studied and scientifically documented hormone which drops in natural regulation as we get older. HGH, produced by the pituitary gland is what brings about growth in children throughout the natural life cycle. It helps control body composition, muscle growth, bone growth, fat and sugar metabolism, heart function, and all the fluids in the body. It essentially is a hormone that keeps you young and active.

Athletes have been turning to HGH for years to enhance performance and recovery as well as stimulate new muscle growth. The problem is that many products have been found to have side effects and even be harmful in its synthetic form.

You may even have seen supplement pills that promise to kick your body into gear again and trick it into producing HGH naturally. These claims are widely unfounded in science.

While we have believed in the power of HGH up until now we have never suggested it to our patients, let alone considered selling it in our office. Finally, an all natural homeopathic product has hit the mainstream market. SOMADERM™ Gel by New U Life works on a cellular level. It offers a cutting edge scientific breakthrough using the power of HGH.

The gel is applied topically and transported transdermally to the blood pathways in the body. Transdermal application is far more absorbable and effective than pills which lose potency during digestion.

You no longer have to accept the symptoms that come with age. With SOMADERM™ Gel, you can regain your youth. SOMADERM™ Gel – the ageless standard.

Interested? Come in for a consultation and talk with Dr. Kaster, D.C. to learn more!

Vein Ligation and Stripping – The Recovery Process

varicose veins

When a patient decides to undergo any type of medical procedure it is important that they have all of the information. This includes what to expect post-procedure. Though the vein treatment may take only a few minutes, your body will need some additional care and rest afterward.

varicose veinsEvery person recovers at a slightly different rate. Your own recovery time may vary. This is based on the average experience of all of our patients.

What You Can Expect

Your leg(s) may feel a little sore or stiff for the first few weeks. You may be prescribed pain medication to get through this part of the recovery. Your legs in the areas they worked on may be slightly bruised.

We ask that you continue to wear tight compression dressings for the first 3 days after surgery. If you have stitches they will dissolve on their own or your doctor will let you know they need to be removed if non-dissolvable within 14 days.

Make sure to rest for 3 to 7 days. Veins removed will be immediately non-visible. Those injected will take time to fully dissolve and disappear from sight.

Caring for Yourself at Home

  1. Your doctor may limit activity for a few days
  2. Get enough rest/sleep
  3. Avoid strenuous activities
  4. Prop your legs up on a pillow many times throughout the day
  5. Walk a little more each day
  6. Take all medicine as directed
  7. Do not drive until you are given the go ahead
  8. You may shower after the compression dressing comes off. Please do not take a bath for the first two weeks.
  9. Ice and elevate. 10-20 minutes at a time place an icepack on the leg worked on.
  10. Be sure to follow up with your physician as directed for the very best outcome.

If you have any questions do not hesitate to call and ask, that is what we are here for during your recovery. Ready to take back your leg and circulatory health? Call us to schedule an appointment today: www.westfloridaveincenter.com (727) 712-3233.

Did You Know That Orthotics Could Help You Avoid Joint Replacement?

orthotics

orthoticsWhen many of us hear the word orthotics, foot pain comes to mind. The thing is, they are to help rebalance far more than just your feet. Your feet are your base. If not properly aligned the rest of your body ends up out of alignment.

The result of walking unevenly can be ankle pain, knee pain, hip issues, and back problems. When you have custom orthotics created for your daily footwear any misalignment is corrected. This saves the rest of your body wear and tear.  This realignment helps diminish or stop all together pain that was a result of bad alignment.

Billions of dollars are spent every year on surgeries. Knee and hip replacements alone came in at $6 billion in 2013 and it is estimated that a whopping 11 million will need either a hip or knee replaced by the year 2030.

orthotics

Having Foot Levelers created for you can help correct posture, gate, and stance allowing your body to move more freely avoiding injury. This leads to less possibility of worn out body parts down the road, meaning you age minimizing any pain or injury and could eliminate a need for surgery. Orthotics are inexpensive, especially when compared to the major medical bills that come with surgery.

Orthotics efficiency has been backed by studies over the past 66 years proving that if you simply wear them in your shoes, they decrease back, neck, hip, knee, and even ankle pain.

When you get a new pair of Foot Levelers it is important to ease slowly into them. Your body may have been in its incorrect alignment for years now. It will not return overnight to proper. Start the first day wearing them for an hour. Remove and wear your shoes without them. The next day move the time up to 2 hours. Then 3 and so on until you are wearing them all day long.

You may be tempted to ignore that direction. Please for your own sake, don’t. The new alignment if forced all day at once in the start will leave you waking up with very sore legs, feet, and possibly the rest of your body as if you did a really strenuous workout. Aching isn’t the goal.

Most people remark they can feel an immediate difference in the way they stand and move and over a short period of time they are amazed at just how much better they feel overall.

If you have neck pain, back pain, hip pain, knee or ankle pain, please give us a call. Our office has a state of the art Foot Levelers foot scanner in-house. We can create a pair of corrective orthotics just for you.

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. Add to that, nutritional recommendations that can help your body heal itself. 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 in Fort Myers can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.

       1-239-332-2555

Cough Remedies for That Cough That Just Lingers

cough florida dr kaster

cough florida dr kasterThis year seems to be “Year of the Cough”. Many of us, despite the rising temperatures, have this lingering nagging cough, that simply refuses to leave. What can you do about it?

For many weeks now there have been reporting in the state of Florida of irritating cough that simply lingers. Coughing helps to clear the throat of irritants and phlegm. It can also be a symptom of allergies, bacterial infection, or a virus. There is a lot of air pollution in Florida right now and that is not helping.

If you still have a productive cough (coughing up phlegm) after more than two weeks you need to pay attention as it could be a bacterial infection. Bacterial infections may require treatment. Bacterial infections can be treated with medications as well as IV fluids in order to rehydrate. On the flip side, upper respiratory infections are viral. They have to run their course naturally.

There are several natural ways in which you can help your body fight off invaders.

Take a look at the best cough helpers.

Fluids – Be sure to drink plenty of liquids. Hydration is vital as your body works to fight off a virus or bacteria. Your condition should begin to improve. If it does not, or if it gets worse, you develop a fever, or cough up blood please seek medical help.

Honey 
– Mix 2 teaspoons of honey with herbal non-caffeinated tea, lemon, and warm water.  The honey is soothing while the lemon can help as a decongestant. Honey is a natural antibiotic.

Peppermint – Peppermint acts as a decongestant, a throat soother, and helps to break down and eliminate mucus. Peppermint also holds antibiotic properties.

Probiotics – Probiotics will help support your immune system function and calm sensitivities to allergens like pollen while balancing your internal flora.

Thyme – This household herb helps relieve cough and aids in healing bronchitis. It can help to relax the muscles in the throat while soothing and relieving inflammation. To make some thyme tea: add 2 teaspoons of crushed thyme to 1 cup of boiling water, allow it to steep for 10 minutes, cool a bit, and drink. You may strain it, but it will not hurt to drink the thyme itself.

Bromelain – That’s right, grab some pineapple or head to the health food store for a supplement. Bromelain can help suppress cough and loosen that mucus in your throat. (Do not take if you are already on antibiotics or blood thinners).

Chiropractic Adjustments – Surprisingly chiropractic adjustments can help you fight off a cough as well. When your body is fully in alignment your nervous system is able to fully revitalize all organs as intended. This can help your body heal more quickly and keep your immunity high so you do not catch every cold and cough that comes through.

For more great health information visit www.drkasters.com and check out the blog!

Sclerotherapy – the Right Choice for Small Vein Removal

sclerotherapy-west-florida-vein-center-tampa

sclerotherapy-west-florida-vein-center-tampaAs we age many of us begin to notice small changes in our bodies. If your parents or grandparents had varicose veins or spider veins in their legs you are more likely to develop them as well. Genetics is not the only factor though. Lifestyle also plays a big part.

If you have visibly noticeable small veins that resemble a spider web you likely have telangiectasia, a lesser form of varicose veins or vein disease. While not usually painful, if not treated they tend to start out in a small location and spread fairly quickly.

Sclerotherapy is the main go to treatment for combatting telangiectasis. Sclerotherapy is used on spider veins as well as small superficial varicose veins appearing on the legs. They may also appear (though less commonly) on other parts of the body as well.

What Is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is injection therapy using a very thin 32 gauge needle and a solution to chemically treat specific areas where vein damage exists. The injected chemicals collapse the blood vessel. This takes place within only a few seconds taking effect immediately. The doctor can see it working as they proceed. Sclerotherapy typically takes from 1 to 6 treatment sessions to reach the fading level desired for the treated veins.

Thanks to the natural adaptive healing processes of the human body the blood is simply re-routed to other healthy veins that can easily take on the extra flow while the spider veins fade from view gradually over a period of several weeks due to nonuse and reabsorption.

This procedure is performed using the smallest gauge needle made in order to minimize the sensation of an injection. Most patients are pleasantly surprised when they experience just how painless modern sclerotherapy actually is. Even if you are needle phobic this procedure has been said to be a breeze.

The Doctor’s Suggestion: Wear graduated compression stockings immediately after treatment for up to a week or more. The main benefit is, of course, the look of your legs. No longer encumbered by purplish blue lines sclerotherapy may also help improve annoyance symptoms sometimes linked to spider veins, such as itching, aching, burning and nighttime cramps. If you have tried sclerotherapy in the past and have been unsuccessful in relieving symptoms outside of the visual it could be a sign that deeper veins may need to be treated as well.

It is important to note that there is minimal to no discomfort with this treatment and no downtime.

Sclerotherapy is, so far, the most effective treatment option for spider veins.

Interested to learn more? We are here to help. Give the office of Dr. Mark Zuzga a call today at The West Florida Vein Center of Safety Harbor / Tampa, Florida.

www.westfloridaveincenter.com (727) 712-3233 to set up a consultation and get you on the road to healthier legs.

Most insurance accepted!

Elevate Your Health By Cutting Out The Sugar

sugar-tampa-cardio

sugar-tampa-cardioNot much was known about the dangers of sugars to the body until recent years.

The dangerous effects of a loaded sugar diet are becoming more widely known, however, many are still unaware. They still view candy, soda, cookies, cakes, pies, and other sweets all just like food. While there is other nutritional value to it, that sugar included adds up quickly.

“Sugar is bad”. We all keep hearing it but rarely do you get the explanation behind the statement. Let’s look into it and see why it’s been deemed “bad”.

Your dental health is likely to suffer


Sugar loves your teeth, but it’s a one-way relationship. Sugar sticks to your teeth and feeds the bacteria found there. Over time, teeth can decay and rot as a result.

You overwork your liver

Sugar is just plain bad for your liver. Excess sugar consumption has a similar effect on the liver as drinking mass amounts of alcohol. This is because of the high fructose content in sugar, which turns into fat, and after becoming lodged in the liver, it can often develop into non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Type II Diabetes, coming up!

High amounts of sugar in your diet can result in insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can result in an excess of glucose in the blood which is toxic. This can cause a number of conditions to develop, perhaps the worst of which is type II diabetes.

Cancer connection
Sugar feeds cancer cells. Numerous studies have shown that there is a connection between sugar in excess and cancer. Once again relating to insulin – sugar creates elevated insulin levels, creating an environment where the body can’t properly regulate the abnormal growth and multiplication of unwanted cells, thus, potentially leading to cancer.

It becomes an addiction

Sugar attaches to the same pleasure centers in the brain that result from doing heavy drugs and is equally addictive. It may be hard for people to practice moderation when it comes to junk food. Quitting cold turkey can actually lead to withdrawal symptoms. It’s best to ease it out of your diet if you are a big sugar fan.

Sugar contributes to obesity. If you eat a lot of sugar, you will have a higher tendency to become overweight. Fat gained from sugar consumption attaches around your gut, earning itself the nickname “sugar belly.”

Contributes to Heart Disease

That’s right. Consuming sugar excessively over time can lead directly to heart disease.
Heart disease is the #1 killer worldwide, and recent studies show that a diet high in sugar could be a major contributing factor.

My cause other issues

Sugar can raise your blood glucose and insulin levels

Sugar leads to obesity

Sugar can make you depressed.

Sugar contributes greatly to your overall mental health

Sugar can bring on anxiety
Sugar has even been related to memory issues especially later in life.

For further guidance please make an appointment with the onsite nutritionist available at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates by calling (813) 975-2800. Not only are our physicians dedicated to keeping your heart health at its best, but we’ll do anything we can to help you improve your everyday quality of life through important lifestyle choices. www.tampacardio.com.

Are You A Mosquito Magnet? How to put an end to it!

mosquitos

mosquitosWhile summer is many people’s favorite season, our time spent at the beach, the pool, at events outdoors and barbecues can all be hindered by our friend the mosquito. No one likes to be bit over and over again. It can really bug you.

While bug spray may keep the bugs off, they are not all that healthy for you. Have you ever noticed that you seem to have that one friend in every group who just simply doesn’t get bit? Meanwhile, you are scratching yourself silly?

It makes you question “What am I doing wrong? Or am I really ‘just that tasty’”? It’s frustrating!

Let’s take a look at what makes someone a mosquito magnet.

What Do Mosquitos Like in a Human?

First:  A factor that you can not control is the core basic fact that blood type O makes you the tastiest snack around. Research has found that type O blood is 2x as desirable as any other blood type. On the flip side, if you happen to be type A? You are likely safe.

Second: Your blood now has alcohol in it. Alcohol boost metabolism. When your metabolism is boosted you output more CO2. They are most attracted to beer drinkers.

Third: You are athletic. Lactic acid is high on the chart for mosquitos. Avoid going outside within an hour of working out hard.

Fourth: Pregnancy. Again, CO2 is the factor here. Pregnant women emit more CO2 than most.

Fifth: Dark or Bright Clothing. If you are in high contrast to your background environment, they see you. I know it sounds silly, but if you wear light colors that blend in with the sky, they miss you.

What if you fall into several of those categories, making you prime for mosquito attacks?

Repel them Anyway!

What they hate

Eat garlic, onions, or chili peppers – they hate it!

Wear light thick material for clothing. Bites can only pierce so deeply and as we mentioned above, the light fabric is like camouflage to them.

Shower before going out. Mosquitos love the smell of sweat. They don’t love clean skin nearly as much.

Use bug spray and avoid thickly populated mosquito hangouts such as water’s edge areas and wooded spaces.

Knowing what mosquitos are looking for is key to helping avoid the little buggers.
We hope this makes your summer more pleasant.

More interesting health information can be found at www.drkasters.com

Update! Sleeping with the TV on Can Disturb Circadian Rythems and Lead to Health Issues

sleep-with-tv-on

sleep-with-tv-onMany people leave the television on for noise as they go to sleep, but the question becomes, is this bad for our health?

It’s a common practice and most don’t ever think twice about it. The problem is when your tv is left on, even quietly, in a room where you are trying to sleep it interrupts your ability to get to the level of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. This is the deep sleep where your brain and body are able to regenerate and heal.

The exposure to the blue high-frequency Calvin scale light readings that the RGB output of a tv screen produce is a nonnatural daylight effect which can mess with your circadian rhythms and natural ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. One recent study found that exposure to nonnatural light cycles may have other health consequences besides insomnia including increased risk for depression and anxiety.

The other issue with the tv playing while you are sleeping is that during sleep even though your mind is “turned off” and you are sleeping, your subconscious still hears and takes in everything. They don’t call TV “Programming” for nothing. Your subconscious is literally being programmed. While you may be perfectly able to monitor what you watch while awake, show after the show comes on without you being able to change the channel while you are snoozing. This leaves a wide window open for shows containing violence, anger, sadness, remorse, anxiety, loud startling noises that could actually wake you anyway. These emotions can carry over into your own life and feel like they belong to you when in reality its nothing more than “programming”.

Many that sleep with the TV on becoming dependent on it to go to sleep creating bad sleep habits. Try other bedtime behaviors such as meditation, reading, journaling, or simply clearing your mind. Try a sleep mask to block out all light, and earplugs to get rid of the sound. Sensory deprivation is great for sleep.

It may take some time but you might be happily surprised once you make the adjustment at how much more rested you feel when you wake up and just how easily you are able to drift off once you get used to it.

If you have problems relaxing enough to go to sleep try natural sleep aids such as lavender, valerian, vervain, or melatonin. All are sold over the counter at any health food store and many grocery stores as well.

www.drkasters.com can help you sleep naturally with regular chiropractic adjustments, dietary changes, and supplementation. Give them a call today to schedule 239-332-2555.

Do You Take Aspirin Daily? – You Need To Know This!

aspirin-no-longer-recommended

aspirin-no-longer-recommendedCardiologists and General Practitioners are no longer recommending an aspirin regimen for the majority of the public.

For years aspirin has been the standard recommended protocol for seniors. Millions age 70 and up in the USA take one aspirin per day routinely as it was previously touted as the go-to answer by the American Heart Association as the best preventative measure to help protect against potential stroke and heart attack.

In a recent study which included 20,000 patients, the outcome contradicted previous results. The recommendation of 1 aspirin a day is no longer used for anyone who is not already at an elevated risk. This risk group includes those who have already had a heart attack or stroke in their past.

If you have had either a heart attack or stroke, stents inserted, or a propensity towards blood clots – aspirin can still be a lifesaver. If that isn’t the case there are better options.

“It’s much more important to optimize lifestyle habits and control blood pressure and cholesterol as opposed to recommending aspirin.” Said Dr. Roger Blumenthal, the doctor who co-chaired the new guidelines.

Aspirin – The New Findings

Anyone who is already at a risk for bleeding – someone who is on blood thinners, has diabetes, ulcers, heart disease, kidney disease, gastrointestinal tract issues, or is on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, or anticoagulants should not use aspirin at all. Not even just for a headache.

Aspirin – What is It?

It was discovered in1763 by Reverend Edmund Stone of Chipping-Norton, England. Aspirin is made from the chemical ingredient known as Salicylic acid made from the bark of the willow tree. 

A more natural approach 

Aspirin is used because it’s an analgesic.  An analgesic acts on the central nervous system to help alleviate pain. It is also an anti-inflammatory – when you can reduce inflammation, this also negates pain.

Salicylic acid, the same ingredient your aspirin tablets are made from, can be found right in your daily dietary intake. This is a list of foods that contain salicylic acid and can encourage your body to rely on a healthy natural alternative to aspirin in pill form.

Apples

Avocados

Blueberries

Broccoli

Cauliflower

Cherries

Chili peppers

Cucumbers

Currants (including dried currants)

Dates

Eggplant

Figs

Grapefruit

Grapes

Kiwi

Licorice (the herb, not the candy)

Meadowsweet (an herb)

Paprika

Peaches

Plums and prunes

Radishes

Raspberries

Spinach

Strawberries

Turmeric (the spice)

Willow Bark

Zucchini

If you are taking aspirin as a daily regimen preventatively consult your physician or cardiologist. Their recommendations very likely have changed thanks to modern research.

If you are in the Tampa Florida area visit www.tampacardio.com or call (813) 975-2800 to schedule a consultation.