Author Archives: dzadmin

07.09.19
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You CAN End Chronic Pain!

pain
painIn pain? No problem! Your doctor will prescribe an opioid- based pain killer, and you’ll be good to go… right? That’s what the suburban mother, the grandparent, the young high school football player all thought… until their opioid addiction stole away their health and quality of life. The trouble is that when you are in pain, you just want it to stop… to just go away. In fact, when you are in chronic, intense never-ending pain; the truth is that you will do just about anything to get some relief… respite from the overwhelming, consuming PAIN! So, if simply swallowing a pill will make it go away (after all, it was prescribed by the doctor) then that’s what we do. The complication is that this prescription answer to pain has led to a nation in crisis. The opioid crisis is startlingly real. And, it’s closer to home that you might want to think. It’s not just affecting “drug addicts.” And, to further aggravate the problem, medical professionals continue to prescribe opioid pain medication at an unprecedented rate. Drug companies are pushing their opioid products harder than ever, knowing all the while there are serious safety concerns. In fact, newly unsealed documents from a lawsuit brought by the state of Massachusetts alleged that Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, planned to branch into the market for opioid addiction overdose medicines while Continuing to aggressively market drugs with addictive opioids. WHY? There were internal Purdue documents discovered that stated: “Pain treatment and addiction are naturally linked.” Even as they continue to push the use of opioids as the best solution for pain, they predict that sales of naloxone, (the overdose reversal drug) and buprenorphine, (used for opioid addiction) will increase exponentially. But… there is some good news! There are alternatives to Big Pharma’s addictive “solutions.” So, I’ve arranged for you to grab a front-row seat for FREE to watch the world premiere of PAIN REVEALED. Register for free viewing RIGHT HERE. Pain Revealed is bringing the most recent science to cure acute and even chronic pain. You’ll see the greatest advancements in the history of medicine that are sure to affect how you treat your pain from now on. If you or someone you love is affected by chronic or acute pain, make sure you catch this one-of-a-kind documentary series. It all starts on July 23rd, and you will want to catch the latest science, hear from the world’s leading experts and discover how to approach pain in a new way! Please share this blog and or this link! https://pc705.isrefer.com/go/proptin/elrod/
07.01.19
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Are Your Legs in Summer Ready Shape? – Don’t Let Veins Stop You!

summer-legs-west-florida-vein-center

summer-legs-west-florida-vein-centerThings are downright hot here in Florida this year and our clothing choices show it. Bathing suits, shorts, tank tops, skirts, we will wear nearly anything to keep cool. That becomes a problem when you are living with venous insufficiency or vein disease.

Not only is vein disease uncomfortable and even sometimes painful it is visually embarrassing for many. Your once beautiful legs now marred by purple and blue lines. Here is the thing… unlike the old days, you don’t simply have to grin and bear it or wear ankle length skirts the way your grandmother did. You can fix the issue in a few quick painless appointments with our office.

The initial appointment is a consultation. We will take a look at your current state and take into consideration your entire medical history. From there we will create a treatment plan customized to your needs to get you the very best results possible.

The West Florida Vein Center is proud to offer a variety of state of the art vein dissolution services that can help heal your legs and rid you of unsightly painful varicose and spider veins.

We offer the following vein treatment options:

Venefit™ Targeted Endovenous Therapy procedure, formerly known as the VNUS Closure™ procedure, for the treatment of varicose veins and CVI. The procedure is a minimally invasive segmental ablation treatment that utilizes radio frequency energy to provide an even and uniform heat to contract the collagen in the vein walls, causing them to collapse and seal. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood will re-route itself to other healthy veins. This procedure allows for a quick, comfortable recovery and a return to everyday activities for the average patient, while also improving the appearance of varicose veins. It has been proven in clinical studies to have excellent long term effectiveness, with less pain and bruising than laser.

Endovenous Ablation

This revolutionary new treatment for large varicose veins was pioneered at Cornell University in New York. Originally performed in Spain, the EndoVenous Laser Ablation is performed in the office, takes less than an hour and accomplishes the same thing as a major surgical vein stripping. Using ultrasound guidance and local anesthesia, a thin laser fiber in a catheter is threaded up the vein. As the catheter is slowly withdrawn, the laser shrinks and seals the large vein that causes varicose veins in most patients. There is little or no visible scarring. In those patients who are candidates for the procedure, it is 97% successful.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy involves the injection, via a very fine needle, of a solution into small to medium varicose veins and spider veins. The solution causes the veins to shrink, close off and gradually disappear. A session usually lasts approximately 15 minutes. There are few reported allergic reactions to the solution used. Depending on the number of veins, multiple sessions may be required, which will be decided after the initial consultation and evaluation.

Microphlebectomy / Phlebectomy

Varicose veins are micro-surgically removed through tiny punctures about the size of the tip of a ballpoint pen.  The word “phlebectomy” literally means removing the vein. The day of the procedure, the doctor or nurse will mark your leg where the veins bulge out. Then, a special local anesthetic (numbing medication) called “tumescent” is injected into the area surrounding your vein. The doctor will make tiny incisions or “stabs” of about 2-3mm – the size of a ball-point pen tip – and use a crochet-type hook to “grab” the vein and remove it. This interrupts the vein, causes any remaining portions of the vein to “clot off”, and gets rid of those unsightly bulgy areas!

If you are considering vein treatment but haven’t quite decided yet, let us help you make the right decision for you. Give us a call at (727) 712-3233 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Zuzga or visit www.westfloridaveincenter.com to learn more.

07.01.19
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Varicose Veins – The Diagnosis

varicose-veins-tampa-cardio

varicose-veins-tampa-cardioWhile you may think it would be very easy to identify vein disease the truth is it doesn’t always show up in the form you might think. Visible purple or blue veins which are lumpy and twisted are a sure sign of varicose veins as well as small wiggly lines that spider web in appearance are spider veins, but many times you may experience leg pain and have no visual cues.

Pain, aching, throbbing and tiredness are all signs you may have vein issues.

Ultrasound is performed by a registered vascular technologist who can find precisely where the leakage is occurring. From there, a logical and effective treatment plan can be set in order to heal the health issue.

Surface layer veins, as well as deep saphenous veins, are both carefully examined in respect to clotting potential and valve function. This exam is an outpatient procedure. It will take approximately 30 minutes per leg, and is best performed at the direction of the Physician Vein Specialist who will be responsible for diagnosis and course of a treatment plan.

If you are in the market for a Tampa Florida Doctor Vein Specialist you are in luck. By simply visiting www.tampacardio.com you have found the best possible treatment in all of Florida.

Our team of well-respected professionals can get you on your way to living the active lifestyle you once enjoyed. The team includes Dr. Vasco Marques

M.D., F.A.C.C, F.S.C.A.I, R.V.P.I, Dr. Asad Sawar

M.D., F.A.C.C, F.S.C.A.I, R.V.P.I, Dr. Victor Feliz

M.D., F.A.C.C, F.S.C.A.I, R.V.P.I, Dr. Octavio Cosme

M.D., F.A.C.C, F.S.C.A.I, R.V.P.I Claudia Fuego

ARNP, Courtney Pariso MSN, ARNP, Roberta Moore MPH, ARNP-C, Kathleen Dailey

AANP, Jesus Ojeda CNMT, and Jesus Ojeda CNMT as well as an amazing administrative staff.

Click to learn more about each physician or staff member.

At Tampa Cardiovascular Associates, you are in good hands. We know veins inside and out as well as the entire cardiovascular system. This is a truly full-spectrum facility.

Our office is located in Tampa, Florida

3010 E. 138th Avenue, Suite 12

Tampa, Florida 33613

We can be reached by phone by calling (813) 975-2800 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.

www.tampacardio.com

07.01.19
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Chiropractic May Help With Sleep Issues

sleep-dr.-jason-kaster-fort-myers

sleep-dr.-jason-kaster-fort-myersMillions of Americans have sleep issues. Either they can’t fall asleep at all or they wake up tossing and turning. Either way, they aren’t getting the rest they need.

We have an idea for you if this is your situation…

Schedule an appointment with your chiropractor. It doesn’t just help soothe an aching back or a sore neck, it can actually help boost your sleep quality.

Medical Studies have indicated that as many as 33% of those who receive adjustments regularly get a better night’s sleep nightly on average. Best yet, those results are immediate.

Is Chiropractic Right For Your Sleep Dilemma?

If your sleep is being disrupted by any type of physical discomfort, the answer is yes. Chiropractic treatments can help to lessen or get rid of pain and discomfort while improving blood flow and promoting relaxation.

Certain types of anxiety can also be helped through chiropractic and nutrition supplementation.

Your chiropractor may be able to offer suggestions for getting better sleep including weaning yourself of stomach sleeping, getting a more supportive mattress, using a specially designed pillow, and helping you decide on the best sleep position for you. Nutrition may also play a part when your body is properly fueled and not deficient in any vitamins or minerals it simply works better.

This advice goes for both adults and children. 40% of infants are reported to experience deeper calmer longer sleep patterns after just one session with a chiropractor. When your baby sleeps better – you can catch some Z’s as well.

Ready to Make the Adjustment?

Chiropractic visits are covered by many health insurance plans, so call and find out. The office of Dr. Kaster also takes into consideration those who are uninsured or underinsured by offering very reasonable cash discount prices as well.

If you aren’t sleeping all night and waking up feeling refreshed you are selling yourself short. Over time it will wear you out and potentially cause more health issues. Come in today and get the sleep you so dearly need.

Visit www.drkasters.com to learn more!

06.02.19
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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.

06.02.19
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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!

06.01.19
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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.

06.01.19
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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.

      SCHEDULE NOW!   
       1-239-332-2555
05.04.19
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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!

05.03.19
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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!