Author Archives: dzadmin

05.03.17
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Yearly Wellness Exam

wellness exam

Have you had your annual wellness exam yet this year? Surprisingly, many people overlook and bypass going despite the fact that it is covered 100% by most insurance policies. This quick checkup can help to maintain your health year after year as you age. It only takes an hour or less and can give you peace of mind.

The exam starts by taking a personal Health Risk Assessment. This includes health history, family health history, and physical exam. Your doctor will take note of any physical complaints you currently have as well. The family history can be important in diagnosing symptoms as some conditions and diseases are genetic and hereditary. It is important to bring a list of all medications and supplements with you for a completely accurate outcome.

Glucose and cholesterol levels are measured by doing bloodwork. Fasting, drinking water only, for 8 hours’ prior is usually assigned before your appointment.

They will then examine your eyes, mouth, ears, nose and skin. Your doctor will check vitals such as blood pressure, pulse, oxygen level, and heart rate. Height and weight will be taken to determine your BMI (body mass index) making sure you are in the normal range making suggestions for best health.

Age appropriate screenings may be included: For younger sexually active patient’s STD screenings may be offered as well if deemed necessary. Breast exams, as well as prostate check, may also be included, though full exams should be done by your gynaecologist and proctologist respectively.

Opening up the patient-doctor dialogue is vital during not only your wellness exam but during any visit. Choosing a doctor, you are comfortable talking to can make a difference in your overall health care. Honesty in answers and feeling free to ask questions makes it easier for the doctor to get a full health picture and give you answers based on fact. It enables them to give you the very best personalized recommendations.

If you are looking for a physician in Lee County, Florida please visit www.ipalc.org/find to find a doctor near you.

 

04.06.17
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Vanessa Puleo of Led2Serve Announces The Launch Of Their Service Learning Journeys in the Washington DC Area

Vanessa Puelo

Vanessa PueloWe’re pleased to announce Led2Serve’s first service learning journey was completed in Washington, DC in late March. Led2Serve traveled with a team of twenty-two from St. John’s Military school in Salina, Kansas. This team joined an impactful service learning mission where students learned about our nation’s great history and were able to make a positive difference in the lives of others with service projects coordinated by Capital Area Food Bank and SOME (So Others Might Eat) non-profit organizations.

Led2Serve organized all details for the Journey Team which included the team touring the Capitol Building followed by a solemn visit to the Arlington Cemetery to witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This journey team also visited numerous monuments throughout the city, including the Vietnam Memorial Wall. The week’s adventures were capped with a tour of the breathtaking National Cathedral where students learned of the extensive history behind the building of the church and how it serves as a cornerstone of religious diversity in our country.

led2serve

Moving into the service component of the journey all team members spent time serving through Led2Serve’s partnership with the Capital Area Food Bank, the largest organization in the Washington metro area combating hunger for 540,000 people each year and its companion problems: chronic undernutrition, heart disease, and obesity. For their second serve project, the journey members served with So Others Might Eat, an interfaith, community-based organization that helps the poor and homeless of the nation’s capital. SOME help to break the cycle of homelessness by offering services, such as affordable housing, job training, addiction treatment, and counseling, to the poor, the elderly and individuals with mental illness.

Vanessa Puleo, Founder and Executive Director of Led2Serve stated “As part of Led2Serve’s community serving component we regularly travel to established partnership locations many times a year, to forge impactful and lasting relationships that will benefit individuals within those communities. We’re very pleased to have these new partnerships with the Capital Area Food Bank and So Others Might Eat who have such a positive role in the Washington DC area.” Puleo continues to say, “Service-Learning Journeys are a way to engage in educational travel linked with a learning outcome and meaningful service to support those opportunities. High-school and college teams can teach their classes while we travel and serve throughout DC”.

led2serve

About Led2Serve:

Founded by Vanessa Puleo in 2009, led2serve was created to equip, inspire, and mobilize individuals and teams to serve others locally, nationally, and through many regions of Costa Rica. led2serve’s customized Journeys provide the opportunity for team members to give 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 cleanup effort. Their hard work is then balanced by taking part in activities such as zip-lining, snorkeling, white water rafting and other fun activities. Team members typically pay a Journey fee to cover the cost of their travel, which is tax deductible, as they are a 501(c)(3) organization. Team members can fundraise for their trips if they choose.

Led2Serve coordinates all aspects of travel, from food and lodging, to project materials. They travel and serve primarily in the Eastern United States and throughout five regions of Costa Rica. Led2Serve teams travel repeatedly to the same locations and serve with established community partners year round bringing groups from schools, churches, non-religious organizations, sports teams, family and friend groups, sports teams, and more.

Contact Information:
Vanessa Puleo
Founder/Executive Director
vanessa@led2serve.org

04.05.17
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Want Vein Treatment but not sure insurance will cover it?

Many patients are reluctant to go see physicians, especially Vein Specialists, because of the fear of cost. It is automatically assumed by most that this is a vanity treatment and there is no way insurance would foot the bill. This is not always the case. In fact, this is not the case most of the time. Depending on the severity of your venous insufficiency your treatment, so long as not considered simply cosmetic will likely be covered.

While it’s true that spider veins generally are not covered, varicose veins are almost always considered a medical necessity. 

If the veins on your legs have enlarged bulging veins that appear purplish or blue in color and your legs feel heavy, painful, itchy, or swollen it is guaranteed that you are experiencing venous insufficiency.

Treatments for varicose veins have advanced throughout the years and are now outpatient procedures that generally take about an hour or so (though multiple sessions may be needed in certain cases). There is no need to live in pain. 

An ultrasound of the veins can be done in the office to show which veins have become defective, to demonstrate medical necessity and to plan treatment. All insurance plans require a venous ultrasound before they will approve treatment of varicose veins. Vein treatments can then be scheduled. To begin the process give us a call and set up an appointment for a vein screening. 

If you have further questions or are experiencing symptoms that you would like to have addressed, we invite you to give us a call today at 727-712-3233 and Let The West Florida Vein Center Vein Specialists help. Call for a consultation. www.westfloridaveincenter.com

04.05.17
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The truth about Salt

Including salt in your diet, for the average person, is just fine. We need sodium to be able to function properly. Moderation is key. Too much or too little can have negative effects.

What is salt’s role in our health?

Salt helps to maintain the electrical charge in cells It also distributes fluids. The nervous system requires it to function. Dietary salt also helps promote proper muscle function and movement.  In the intestines, sodium helps the body absorb chloride, amino acids,

It can also promote proper muscle function and movement.

On average you only need to replace about 2,000 milligrams of sodium each day.

The American Heart Association reports the average American takes in around 3,436 milligrams per day – far more than needed, which can lead to issues over time.

Too Much Salt:

  • Possibility of raised blood pressure
  • Brain tells you that your thirsty because of the increased salt in the body.
  • Kidneys try to rid the body of excess salt through urine.
  • Elevated blood pressure from too much salt can lead to an enlarged heart.
  • Extra pressure on the heart because of the presence of excess water in the blood.
  • Water retention and bloating.

Too Little Sodium

  • Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach.
  • Loss of proper muscle control.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Disorientation, seizures, brain damage.
  • Headache.
  • Cerebral edema (brain swelling).

Track your daily sodium by following serving information on food labels which also list the amount of sodium per serving.

If you’re experiencing any symptoms consult a doctor to determine what the cause could be. Dr. Kordonowy of Internal Medicine, Lipid, & Wellness in Fort Myers can give you a dietary assessment and determine what amount of dietary salt you should be ingesting. To book an appointment with Dr. Kordonowy, click here or call 239-362-3006, ext. 200. Or to find a doctor in your area visit www.ipalc.org/find.

04.05.17
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How Important is Collagen?

As we age, collagen levels drop. This can cause a wide array of noticable issues.

Collagen is a part of our bones, skin, muscles, blood vessels, tendons, and digestion. It gives us flexibility and holds us together.

•Wrinkles

•Lose skin

•Cellulite

•Aches and pains

•Loss of flexibility

•Stretch marks

•Digestion issues

•Slowed metabolism

•Less energy

Supplementation may need to be considered.

It may help in the following ways:

•Stronger teeth and nails

•Improved skin and hair

•Supports the repair of joints

•Can help with leaky gut

•Boost in metabolism

•Reduces stretch marks and cellulite

•Helps to detox the body and improve liver health

•Helps to protect cardiovascular health

•Lessening of arthritic symptoms

•Immune system booster

•Bone regeneration and healing

•Wound healing

•Antibacterial properties

Collagen is a complex protein. It is made up of 19 different amino acids both essential and non-essential.

Natural Sources of Collagen:

•Bovine

•Chicken

•Fish

•Eggshell membrane

Be aware of things that deplete your collagen.

•Excess sun exposure

•Alcohol in excess

•Eating a lot of sugar

•Smoking

•Drugs – prescription or otherwise

Collagen can be obtained through food sources or through supplements.

Keeping collagen levels high can help minimize the aging process in the way that it impacts us and how we feel in our bodies. 

To learn more about nutrition and get a customized health plan tailored to your body visit Nutrition Specialists of Florida by going to www.chiropractorbonitasprings.com or calling 239-947-1177.

03.27.17
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Ways to Help Treats Upper Respiratory Illness Symptoms

Spring has sprung but that doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods just yet when it comes to cold and flu season. Upper respiratory illnesses (URI) are common in the early spring, just like the fall and winter seasons. The upper respiratory system includes the mouth, nose, sinuses, larynx, throat, and trachea. Unfortunately, many of the these URIs are viral and cannot be treated by antibiotics. These infections are not usually treated with antibiotics unless there is proof of a bacterial infection.

The common cold is a URI and a viral illness. Symptoms can include: a stuffy nose, muscle aches, sneezing, a sore throat, post-nasal drip, cough, and a mild fever (under 101.5). A cold can last anywhere from 3 to 14 days. If you’re illness is lasting at least 10 days with no improvement, you should schedule an appointment for an evaluation with the doctor.  Also, if you are experiencing a high fever, shortness of breath, wheezing, confusion, chest pain, teeth-chattering chills, or rib pain, you should make an appointment to see the doctor as soon as possible. At my office, our nursing staff can triage patients quickly with the above-mentioned issues. We can test for influenza (the flu) and low oxygen levels to check for more serious illnesses beyond a cold or allergy. We can also test for strep throat in our office quickly through a swab test.

Since viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics, there are many remedies a person can do to lessen the symptoms and duration of his or her URI. Below, I’ve shared a few things that can be used when suffering from a URI.

  1. Vitamin C – When taken at a high dosage (1000mg 3 times a day), vitamin C has been known to shorten the duration of a cold.
  2. Zinc gluconate (Coldeez brand) – Take 5 to 6 lozenges per day every two hours. The high level of zinc gluconate (13.3 mg) improves symptoms and shortens duration of illness.
  3. Antihistamines (Zyrtec, Claritin, Alavert, Loratidine, Tavist,) can help with coughs and drying secretions.
  4. Vicks menthol rub can help breathing and provide relieve at night when applied to the chest, throat, and upper lip.
  5. Nasal saline can help flush out nostrils.
  6. Ibuprofen and other anti-inflammation medication can reduce a fever, headaches, and muscle aches. If you are on blood thinners or anti-platelet therapy, use acetaminophen instead of Iburprofen or asprin. If you are allergic to NSAIDS, avoid Ibuprofen, Aleve, or aspirin.

Below,  I’ve shared are a few links to medicinal products I offer and approve  on my website to help ease URI symptoms.

Sinus Relief Products

Cold and Cough Products

Pain Relievers

Allergy Medication

If you’re experience a long-lasting cold, flu-like or strep throat symptoms, give me, Dr. Kordonowy of Internal Medicine, Lipids & Wellness of Fort Myers, and my team a call today at 239-362-3005, ext. 200 or click here to contact us to schedule an appointment today.

03.21.17
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Do you suffer from Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?

Pelvic congestion syndrome

Pelvic congestion syndromePelvic Congestion Syndrome is experienced as a heaviness and or pain in the lower back and abdominal area. It is caused by varicose veins in the region of the pelvis. Since these damaged veins are deep in the abdomen and are not visible from the skin, it can be difficult to come to a diagnosis. This is due to the fact that there are many causes for pelvic pain in women, especially during the childbearing age when menstruation occurs. Pelvic Congestion Syndrome can be misdiagnosed as endometriosis, fibroids, and other diseases.

It can be difficult to diagnose due to the fact that the veins damaged in PCS are deep veins and non-visible. They occur mainly in younger women of childbearing age. It is often mistaken for fibroids, endometriosis, and other diseases.

Diagnosed or not the pain and discomfort can become so severe that it affects the woman’s daily life. That is why at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates, they are adamant about a correct diagnosis as swiftly as possible and getting started on the resultant treatment.

The doctors at Tampa Cardio are highly trained in embolization. Embolization is a simple procedure that can get rid of those painful pelvic varicose veins.

There is no need to continue to suffer. Come talk with us and we can advise you on the treatment options for you and your condition. Our team of experienced doctors brings a high level of knowledge on the topic of varicose veins. We know the pain that our patients go through and we want to take that pain away. We care about each and every patient and are focused on providing the absolute best care possible.

If you live in the Tampa bay area and are considering vein treatment, please call Tampa Cardiovascular Associates at 813-975-2800 or schedule an evaluation through our online form.

03.17.17
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ER or Urgent Care?

ER

ERHealthcare is more confusing than ever these days. If an unexpected illness or injury were to happen, do you know where to go?

Being treated in an emergency care facility may be convenient but it also generally costs two to three times for than a standard doctor.

Here are some helpful tips on how to decide if you really need to go to the ER.

Call 911 immediately if you or someone else:

  • Has stopped breathing
  • Is choking
  • Has sustained head injury
  • Is passing out, fainting, or has confusion
  • Has possibly sustained an injury to neck or spine
  • Inability to move
  • Electric shock
  • Severe burn
  • Severe chest pain or pressure
  • Seizure that lasted 3 to 5 minutes

Go to an emergency department or call 911 for help for problems such as:

  • Breathing issues
  • Passing out, losing consciousness
  • Pain in the arm or jaw
  • A headache that starts suddenly and is more painful than usual
  • Suddenly not able to speak, see, walk, or move
  • Suddenly weak or drooping on one side of the body
  • Dizziness or weakness (persistent)
  • Inhaled smoke or poisonous fumes
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Sudden confusion
  • Serious burn
  • Possible broken bone
  • Wound
  • Coughing up or throwing up blood
  • Severe pain anywhere on the body
  • Severe allergic reaction with trouble breathing, swelling, hives
  • High fever + a headache and stiff neck
  • High fever that does not get better with medicine
  • Throwing up or loose stools that do not stop
  • Poisoning or overdose of drug or alcohol
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Seizures

Go to an Urgent Care

Urgent care facilities are wonderful if you have issues and cannot wait for a regular doctors appointment, yet they are also not life threatening.

Commonly treated ailments can include:

  • Colds
  • Influenza
  • Earaches
  • Sore throat
  • Migraines
  • Fever
  • Rash
  • Sprains
  • Back pain
  • Minor cuts and burns,
  • Broken bones (minor)
  • eye injuries (minor)

Suggestion

On the back of your health insurance card is usually a hotline where you can call and speak to a nurse for advice. Call this number and tell the nurse your symptoms. They will then issue advice on what best to do next.

To find a doctor in Lee County, go to http://ipalc.org/find/
For emergency personnel, dial 911

Google “Urgent Care Near Me” to find urgent care facilities in your area.

03.14.17
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Chronic Sinusitis

Do you suffer seasonally or year round from bouts of fatigue accompanied by a stuffy nose, sore throat, watery eyes, and headache?

All are signature sinus issues. All can make your life downright miserable. It is sometimes hard to distinguish if you are experiencing allergies or a cold. Proper diagnosis and treatment can lead to quicker recovery and less suffering.

All are signatures of chronic sinusitis.

Sinusitis can make you feel just downright rotten and unable to cope with daily life. When persistent it can be difficult to tell the difference between a cold or allergies. Diagnosing the condition properly will lead to the quickest recovery.

Both colds and allergies can trigger sinus issues. When the mucus cannot drain properly it can lead to increased pressure resulting in pain and eventually infection can set in.

Those who have allergies or asthma are the most likely to develop sinusitis as their sinus tissue becomes swollen when breathing in allergy triggers like pollen, smoke or dust.

Sinusitis will generally heal without antibiotics if you have a good immune system in about two weeks. If you are still experiencing the same level of symptoms or they have gotten worse over the first two week period consult your doctor.

Self Care: Heat packs, nasal decongestants, nasal sprays, humidifiers or salt water rinse with a net pot, breathing in essential oils of peppermint or eucalyptus may ease symptoms.

If you have allergies, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of sinusitis. Your doctor may recommend ongoing treatments such as allergy shots or medication which can help to control inflammation. Avoidance of allergy triggers is always advised if possible.

To find a board certified ENT or Immunologist in Lee County visit www.ipalc.org/find

03.10.17
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Vanessa Puleo of Led2Serve Invites Everyone To A Service Journey

led2serve, a thriving non-profit organization, is in it’s eighth year of providing middle and high school youth with fun and meaningful service mission journeys for their spring and fall breaks. Their trips combine rewarding service to others with an adventurous component to provide a well-rounded experience that is second to none.

Founded in 2009, led2serve was created to equip, inspire, and mobilize people to serve others locally, nationally, and through many regions of Costa Rica. “Engaging students at every grade level is something that changes their lives dramatically”, says Vanessa Puleo, Founder and Executive Director, “When a student engages in a life-changing serving opportunity during a class trip whether their sixth grade, or their senior year…something eventually clicks. They begin to see life, serving, fun and community blend as one. Eventually, they can envision incorporating a piece of serving into every place they travel.”

Service projects can range from building a ramp for the disabled, painting a school, or participating in an environmental clean up effort. Students then are able to balance their hard work by taking part in activities such as zip-lining, snorkeling, white water rafting and other fun and adventurous activities.

The team at led2serve has learned, over the years, the ability for young adults to serve and play together fosters a strong team spirit and support that is unrivaled. They customize trips whether the school sending their students is public or private, small groups or large. The goal is to create well designed partnerships that align with each specific class and goals. In fact, some classes will serve and play together during led2serve journeys for as many as five or six years in a row, allowing the students to continually strengthen and grow their interpersonal relationships with others over time and experience a truly rewarding time in their lives.

To request or discuss a customized Service Journey reach out either by email: connect@led2serve.org or phone, (863)354-0137. You can also visit their web site www.led2serve.org to learn more.