Author Archives: dzadmin

07.07.17
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Has Sleepwalking Become a Problem?

sleepwalker

sleepwalkerSleepwalking can be problematic for not only the sleepwalker themselves but for anyone living with them.  Erratic night time behavior can leave the walker exhausted, never really getting a deep sleep and the person or people around them sleepless and on edge.

The term sleepwalking seems simple enough. It implies that the person simply wanders around the house at night in a daze. That isn’t always the full case. People have been known to eat odd items, have conversations, perform odd behaviors, try and drive, and at times even become violent.

Sleepwalking can go undiagnosed for years if no one is there to witness the events. The sleepwalker may notice things in their home seem to be moved or left out but not correlate it to sleep events and even rather to possible memory issues. If there is a witness, sleepwalking is hard to ignore.

A genetic element has been pinpointed in this condition. If you have other relatives that sleepwalk, it is 10x more likely that you may as well.

What causes sleepwalking behavior other than genetics: being sleep deprived, not having a normalized sleep schedule, living in a stressful environment that doesn’t seem to be resolving itself, drinking excessively, or taking prescription medications (sedatives, neuroleptics, stimulants and even antihistamines).

Certain medical conditions have also been linked to sleepwalking. They may include, but are not limited to:

  • Heart Problems
  • Nighttime asthma
  • Fever
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Heartburn
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Psychiatric disorders (dissociative states, multiple personality disorder, panic attacks, PTSD)

If you have a sleepwalker in the home the most important thing is to keep a safe environment. Lock doors and windows, place an alarm bell on the bedroom door, sleep on the ground floor, limit stress and meditate or take part in relaxation exercises. If sleepwalker is extreme, locking up car keys and sharp objects may also be a good idea.

Living with a sleepwalker can be disarming. They are erratic and you never know exactly what to expect, if an event will happen or you will get a good night’s rest. Getting help is key for all involved to be able to live a rested peaceful life.

Sleep studies can be done to diagnose the exact issue. This can help to rule out if the condition is stemming from the physical or from emotional or mental. The condition can generally be treated fairly effectively with relaxation techniques and or certain medications.

To find a sleep specialist in Lee County, Florida please visit the Independent Physicians Association of Lee County by visiting www.ipalc.org/find.

 

07.05.17
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Does Medical Terminology Confuse You?

terminology

terminologyDoctors spend over a decade on schooling, sometimes more depending on the choice of specialty. Is it any wonder that they come out speaking a whole other language than the rest of us?

While many different professions have their own lingo, the medical profession exaggerates this disconnect because so many of the terms are simply foreign to the majority of us in the public.

Doctors need to be able to get across their diagnoses, thoughts, and possible strategies in order to have a successful doctor-patient exchange.

Unfortunately, not all doctors have an ideal bedside manner or the ability to simplify and communicate effectively. This can leave patients not fully understanding their situation and if there was ever a topic that really needs to be fully understood it’s your own medical advice.

Brushing up on your medical lingo can give you confidence in doctor-patient communications making your visits less stressful. Even more importantly, if you don’t understand something you are being told, do not be afraid to ask questions.

 

Here are some of the most commonly used medical terms. They are a good starting off point for better understanding your own health.

 

ABATEMENT – A decrease in the acuity of a symptom.

 

ABSCESS – A collection of fluid located on or in the body. This is an immune system response to an infection. It is accompanied by redness and swelling.

 

ACUTE – Condition that comes on suddenly, with severity and ends after a short course.

 

AMBULATORY – Ability to walk.

 

ASYMPTOMATIC – Shows no symptoms.

 

BENIGN – A condition or abnormal growth that is treatable and not life-threatening.

 

BIOPSY – Removal of tissue for diagnostic purposes.

 

CYANOTIC – Bluish color of the skin due to poor circulation and lack of oxygen in the blood.

 

EDEMA – Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body causing swelling of the affected area.

 

EMBOLISM – The halting of blood flow by a blood clot, which can result in a stroke or heart attack.

 

FIBRILLATION – Uncontrollable twitching of muscle fibers of the heart.

 

IDIOPATHIC – Of unknown cause.

 

PALLIATIVE – Treatment is given to alleviate symptoms of a disease but not cure it. This mainly refers to pain management of a chronic disease state.

 

RADICULAR – Referring to the nerve roots which originate in the spine.

 

SUBLUXATION – A slight dislocation or misalignment of a bone in a joint.

 

The more well-learned you are, the more confident you will feel when speaking with doctors, nurses and other medical personnel, whether it’s regarding your own health or that of a friend or loved one.

To find a doctor in Lee County, Florida please visit our free resource www.ipalc.org/find sponsored by the Independent Physicians Association of Lee County.

06.08.17
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Could a Nutritionist Boost Your Health?

Nutritionist

“I know what to eat, come on now… I’m an adult.” – We all think that. After all, we have been eating our whole lives and we are still here, right? Yes and No.

Eating to survive and eating to thrive are often to different animals altogether. 

There are endless boxes, bags, packages, colorful containers, fresh veggies and fruits, meats and more all in giant rows ready to grab in every grocery store. We have a lot of choice.

You can opt for the healthy salad for a side dish or the yummy onion rings. Making these decisions daily, you are bound to select the latter eventually even though you know the veggies are best for your health. Doing this every now and then is fine, but making fatty, high cholesterol foods the staple in your diet is not in your best interest.

While that example seems very simple, there is a lot to nutrition. Balancing out the right macros for your body’s needs is a scientific mathematical equation, and most of us have never learned the formulas.

A nutritionist can look at your overall health as well as any special needs and suggest a food plan that will assist you in staying your healthiest. They can spot nutritional deficiencies and point out any food sensitivities/allergies that may be causing you discomfort.

A whole health assessment is taken of the entire person and history, not just the foods being consumed. During your meeting with a Nutritionist, they review your past, evaluate your current condition, and then make suggestions on how you can reach your future health goals. If you aren’t reaching your weight or health goals… Go talk to a  Nutritionist.

Some healthy eating tips:

  • Mindful Eating: notice how your body feels while eating. Stop eating when you feel satisfied, not overly-full.
  • Protein: every meal should have a protein. This will keep you feeling fuller longer and less likely to snack.
  • Ingredients over Numbers: if the ingredients in the food that you will be eating are not good for you, then it really does not matter how many calories it has.
  • Drink Water: Dehydration can make you choose unhealthy snacks and foods when, in reality, you are simply thirsty.
  • Cheats: That doughnut looks sooooo good…. Just because you are watching your food choices does not mean that you can’t indulge every now and then.
  • Use Apps: There are apps that can track your calories and eating patterns. Let them work for you.

Sometimes having help in making future choices is best, especially if your weight is affecting your health. The Nutritionists at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates are available for appointments. Call us at 813-975-2800 or schedule an appointment online at TampaCardio.com.

06.08.17
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Standing ‘vs’ Sitting – Vein Health

vein health

It has been said that too much of anything is bad for you. This goes for extended periods of being on your feet as well as sitting and doing desk-bound work.

Both regular prolonged sitting and standing can cause extra strain on veins and the development of varicose veins. Movement helps pump blood through the veins. So take a break and relax, get up and stretch, just don’t stay stagnant for hours on end.

Those who sit for most of the day are 54% more likely to die of a heart attack. That is according to a study done by the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Louisiana. When seated in one position for a long time, calf muscles are not engaged. The calf muscles play a crucial role in pumping the blood back to the heart.

Prolonged sitting can cause the development of varicose veins, as well as blood clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). If you have to travel often or sit in one spot often, it’s best they engage their legs as much as possible throughout the day. Go for short walks, stand in a meeting, or park farther away in the parking lot, or take the stairs to get the benefits of interrupting sitting within the day.

Standing in one stationary position for more than two hours in a day isn’t healthy. When a person stands for a long period of time, stress is placed on the legs, hips, and pelvis. All of this pressure on these body parts weakens the vein walls and begins to damage the veins’ valves. This damage begins the development of varicose veins. To combat prolonged standing from a job or any other activity, it is suggested to add some stretching throughout the day, as well as trying to sit here and there.

The body gets worn down when repetitive motions are done time and time again; the body is built for movement. Whether you’re sitting or standing a lot, it’s best to take routine breaks, so as to not develop venous issues or other health problems.

If you think you may be suffering from varicose veins contact Dr. Zuzga of West Florida Vein Center. Let the experts at West Florida Vein Center diagnose and treat your venous issue. To book an appointment, click here or call 727-712-3233.

06.07.17
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The Onset of Parkinson’s

parkinsons

In the day and age of so much information online, many of us will research a symptom only to be lead down a never ending rabbit hole of possibilities. Here is a clear description of what you might experience if you were at the start of Parkinson’s Disease. 

One single symptom alone does not mean that you have or are beginning Parkinson’s. If you are experiencing multiple symptoms, it would be wise to consult your doctor.

parkinsons Loss of Smell – Have you noticed that your ability to sense through smell has been diminishing? Try licorice, bananas, and pickles. If you cannot smell them that may be a cue.

Shaking/Tremors – With this disease, the shaking is felt in fingers, in your hand and even in your lip and chin. Twitching limbs or shaking limbs are a common early sign.

Handwriting Change – Have you noticed a change in your handwriting? If it has suddenly gotten smaller, less loopy and tighter looking, even crowded together it could signal Parkinson’s disease.

Constipation – Diet can cause this as well. Make sure you are taking in enough water and fiber. If your diet is on point, and you are still not having regular bowel movements, see your doctor.

Sleep disturbance – Sudden thrashing, tossing and turning even to the point of possibly falling out of bed. While it is normal for most of us to experience a restless night now and then, if it becomes a regular occurrence, check with your doctor. 

Stiffness – Loss of flexibility, a feeling of being more rigid and stiff than usual. (please be aware that arthritis can sometimes cause the same symptom).

Dizziness – Low blood pressure is linked to Parkinson’s. If you feel dizzy or faint when standing on a regular basis – please get it checked.

Sudden Loss of Posture – are you finding yourself stooping over? Slouching, leaning and stooping are a sign of Parkinson’s as well.

Stoic Expression – Do you suddenly have a serious look most of the time even if you aren’t thinking about anything? Do your eyes stare blankly and you blink less often? – There are some medications which can cause this too, but it should stop when the medication is discontinued.

If after reading this you feel you are a fit for these symptoms it is important to make a plan with your doctor as soon as possible. If you do not have a physician and are in Lee County, FL please visit IPALC’s free directory by going to www.ipalc.com/find.

 

06.07.17
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Is it a Stye?

stye

styeWhat IS a stye?

A Stye is an eye infection.  A stye can form when a single oil gland on the edge of your eyelid becomes infected with a staph bacterium originating inside of the nose. The eye can become infected when you scratch or pick your nose and then inadvertently touch your eye.

Do you need to see a doctor for a stye?

Most of the time a stye will heal on its own, but if you do not see improvement after 7 or 8 days, make an appointment to go visit your eye doctor. They can prescribe an antibiotic ointment to help prevent reoccurrences.

Redness, pain, and swelling are well-known markers of a stye infection as well as the telltale white bump. This is sometimes accompanied by a swollen eyelid or entire eye. While they are contagious, infecting others is unlikely unless you share pillows, bedsheets, washcloths or towels with others. It is best to keep all of them separate and washed often.

Styes pop up seemingly out of nowhere overnight. One day your eye is clear and healthy and the next, irritated, red and swollen. Though a stye won’t impair your vision, it is uncomfortable and aggravating. It may also make you extra sensitive to light and feel like you have something in your eye that you cannot get out.

It may look very much like a pimple with a white head, but unlike a pimple, it is not advisable to try and pop. – Attempting to pop will cause more pain and will thwart healing. It is not constructed like a pimple and no amount of pressure will push the infection out, you may end up rupturing it and spreading the bacterium and making the situation worse.  Instead, apply hot compresses to get it to come out by itself. 10 -15 minutes at a time keeping your eye closed 3-4 times a day will work the stye to the surface and out of your eye over the course of several days.

To find a qualified Optometrist in Lee County please visit www.ipalc.org/find.

 

05.30.17
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Vanessa Puleo of Led2Serve Announces Outreach Partnership with Basket Brigade Central Florida

vanessa puelo

vanessa pueloORLANDO, FL (PRWEB) MAY 26, 2017

Led2Serve, a Florida based non-profit organization, is pleased to announce a partnership with Basket Brigade Central Florida to lead the administration, planning and logistical execution of its yearly Thanksgiving food drive. Now in their 20th year, Basket Brigade has led a community effort to deliver baskets full to the brim with love and their signature note which reads, “This is a gift from someone who cares about you, all we ask is you take good care of yourself, and do this for someone else…someday.” Last year nearly eighteen-hundred families in the Central Florida area received a tailor-made food basket delivered to their door.

“We started Basket Brigade twenty years ago with the notion that one small act of generosity on the part of one caring person can transform the lives of so many people. We’ve grown this annual event to feed thousands of families. This new partnership will help the local serve event in so many ways. We can also now offer corporate sponsors the opportunity to give back to the local community through tax-deductible donations for Thanksgiving meals. We can only imagine this partnership with Led2Serve will allow significantly more families to be helped each year as a result,” said Joetta Raylots, Founder and creator of Basket Brigade Central Florida. Raylots continues to say, “I would like to thank the Central Florida community for making a difference to families in need over the last two decades. Basket Brigade is a global initiative that started from hearing motivational speaker Tony Robbins speak twenty years ago”.

Led2Serve has mobilized thousands of individuals to join in serving events both locally and on a global scale. Supporting Basket Brigade will provide the capability of accepting tax-deductible donations from corporate and individual sponsors for continued expansion and growth of this yearly event.

“We couldn’t be happier,” says Vanessa Puleo, Founder and Executive Director of Led2Serve. “I’ve known Joetta Raylots for many years and know what a huge heart she has for helping others. We’re thrilled to facilitate the growth of this meaningful event and look to years ahead of giving back to the community together. Taking a vision like Basket Brigade of feeding families, linked with Led2Serve’s mission to serve others, we will accomplish amazing things in the Central Florida area.”

Raylots and Puleo are in the planning stages of how to take the foundational process and success of the Basket Brigade program and duplicate it across the USA.

This year’s Basket Brigade will be held on Saturday, November 18th where over 300 volunteers will gather for the event. The goal of feeding 2500 families is becoming a reality.

About Led2Serve:

Founded in 2009 by Vanessa Puleo, Led2Serve was created to equip, inspire, and mobilize individuals and teams to serve others locally, nationally, and in regions of Costa Rica. Led2Serve’s customized Journeys provide the opportunity for team members to give of their time and talents by taking part in meaningful community projects such as building a ramp for the disabled, painting a school, or participating in an environmental clean up effort. Their journey is balanced with fun activities such as zip-lining, hiking, snorkeling and white water rafting. Since Led2Serve is a 501(c)(3) organization, team members pay a tax-deductible journey fee to cover the cost of their travel. Led2Serve coordinates all aspects of travel, from food and lodging to project materials and transportation. Teams travel to the same locations throughout the year bringing groups from schools, churches, non-religious organizations, sports teams and corporations to support established community partners. Led2Serve also helps to create, implement, and oversee the logistical parts of one day service projects in communities across the USA.

05.10.17
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Vanessa Puleo of Led2Serve announces a joint partnership with Century 21 North Short Group

vanessa puelo

ORLANDO, FLORIDA (PRWEB) MAY 10, 2017

Led2Serve, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, announces an innovative new partnership with Century 21 North Shore Group, New England’s leading real estate brokerage firm. This new alliance blends traditional real estate services with intentional community outreach resulting in a substantial impact not only locally, but spanning across the USA and Costa Rica. This effort will engage, create and supply agents with amazing opportunities to support local projects and make a life-changing impact in communities whose basic educational and housing needs are not met.

For decades, Century 21 NS Group has prided itself on giving buyers and sellers the highest level of service in the home buying and selling experience. Now, they have taken on a cutting edge role by providing customized service projects within those local communities. “We’re excited to give back to our local markets through purposeful service projects that will positively impact those in need. For us it’s not just about business, it’s also about making a real difference,” shared Jim D’Amico, President of Century 21 North Shore Group.

Century 21 North Shore Group has committed to donating a percentage of every real estate transaction to Led2Serve to support their current and future service projects. Led2Serve will lead their program facilitating the development, coordination, and implementation of local and global projects with a focus on the environment, education and housing.

“When a company is committed to devoting a percentage of it’s profits toward the benefit of others, the impact on housing, education and the environment is astounding. Significant, good things happen when you take two great ideas and put them to work for one outstanding cause,” stated Vanessa Puleo, Founder/Executive Director of Led2Serve. “Partnering with such a forward-thinking organization will enable us to send more teams, make more community impact, and continue the development of longterm service projects.”

Starting later this year, Century 21 North Shore agents, friends and family members will have the opportunity to travel on Service Journeys with Led2Serve to various parts of the United States and Costa Rica. They will utilize Led2Serve’s established business model which combines serving others with fun and adventure.

About Century 21 North Shore Group:

Century 21 North Shore Group was established in 1994 and is currently one of the fastest growing real estate companies in the United States. The Company was founded by James D’Amico III who continues to manage the operations with over 20 staffers and 600 agents. The Company currently ranks as one of the Top 10 Century 21 firms in the United States and Top 21 in the world. Century 21 North Shore Group also holds a position in the Power 500 through RealTrends.

About Led2Serve:

Founded in 2009 by Vanessa Puleo, Led2Serve was created to equip, inspire, and mobilize individuals and teams to serve others locally, nationally, and in regions of Costa Rica. Led2Serve’s customized Journeys provide the opportunity for team members to give of their time and talents by taking part in meaningful community projects such as building a ramp for the disabled, painting a school, or participating in an environmental clean up effort. Their journey is balanced with fun activities such as zip-lining, hiking, snorkeling and white water rafting. Since Led2Serve is a 501(c)(3) organization, team members pay a tax-deductible journey fee to cover the cost of their travel. Led2Serve coordinates all aspects of travel, from food and lodging to project materials and transportation. Teams travel to the same locations throughout the year bringing groups from schools, churches, non-religious organizations, sports teams and corporations to support established community partners.

For more information contact:

Jim D’Amico
CEO/President
Century 21 North Shore/NS Group
617-680-3464

Vanessa Puleo
Founder/Executive Director
http://www.led2serve.org
407-227-2695

05.04.17
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Varicose Veins & Obesity

Varicose Veins


Could being overweight contribute to venous issues and deficiency leading to varicose veins? Yes.

Why?

The heavier you are, the greater the pressure put on your body, veins and circulatory system included. Over time, the large leg veins will start to bulge causing blood to pool. The pooling can stretch the vein walls and damage the valves. This may start off feeling like a slightly itchy feeling and move on to leg heaviness, aching, swelling and pain. Restless legs at night and cramps may also be experienced.

Varicose veins can also develop due to genetics, hormone fluctuations from pregnancy or birth control, medications, ageing, blood clots or sitting or standing for extended repeated periods of time.

Is it too late?

It is never too late to take steps to get yourself going on the road to better health. Losing weight can prevent already existing varicose veins from worsening and new ones from forming. It cannot, however, reverse the current already appearing varicose veins.

The Key is prevention

  • Balanced diet and exercise are vital
  • Massage
  • Elevating your legs daily
  • Wearing compression hose

Varicose veins already forming?

If varicose or spider veins are already present come see us at The West Florida Vein Center. There is no reason to live with the pain and unsightliness damaged veins present. We will screen you thoroughly and present you with the best course of treatment options available. Our Vein Specialists are the best in the industry.

For more information on vein issues please contact West Florida Vein Center, Tampa’s leading vein treatment center, for a consultation. They can be reached by calling 727-712-3233 or going to www.westfloridaveincenter.com

05.03.17
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Don’t use Google as your medical advisor

google

When you don’t feel well, what is your first instinct these days? If you are like the majority of Americans and many others worldwide you now jump onto your smartphone, tablet or computer and start Google searching by symptom.

The search results come back to you via keyword only. You end up with a mishmash of garbled information which may or may not be factual.  Many health articles online are written by those with zero medical backgrounds.

In some cases what you turn up may give you validation and peace of mind along with some ideas of where to begin on self-care as well as starting point in finding a qualified physician for more serious health matters.

When the symptom you search comes back with numerous possibilities, it gets confusing. Many possible health problems are tough to understand without a solid background in western medicine. Clicking randomly on found possibilities may indicate very serious health problems, even flashing pop-ups at you that you may need immediate emergency care, often despite you not even being done entering your list of issues.

These pop-up warning signals are often unwarranted increasing your level of worry and anxiety, even possibly making your situation worse.

It becomes very easy to jump to conclusions and create terrible outcomes in your mind which very likely are not even plausible with a little more background and research.

While running to the emergency room may be the recommendation on WebMD and Symptom Checker for many issues, the ER specializes in emergency medicine only. There is a time and a place for the ER. They are there to stabilize you, save your life if necessary and send you on to the appropriate doctor afterwards. If you are experiencing possibly life-threatening symptoms, by all means, do not hesitate to go in.

Though Chiropractic care is often thought of as “just for back and neck issues” the truth is that Chiropractic is a full body care all-inclusive practice, especially when combined with Nutritional Response Testing and Therapy. While modern Western Medicine focuses on curing the symptoms or at least covering them, these modalities (still thought of as Alternative Medicine) work to find and heal the root cause so that the patient is truly cured.

If you are experiencing ongoing or even sudden onset health issues that you are unable to resolve on your own, or by going the traditional medical route, we would love to talk to you. Come in for a FREE consultation and see what we have to offer.

The combination of proper diet, personalized supplementation and correct alignment can make a night and day difference between sickness and health. Give Nutrition Specialists of Florida | Chiropractor Bonita Springs a call 239-947-1177 or visit www.chiropractorbonitasprings.com