Author Archives: dzadmin

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.

02.06.17
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Skin Cancer Micro Surgery – Mohs

If you have been diagnosed with basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma your doctor may suggest Mohs as a viable treatment option.

Mohs microsurgery may be recommended when:

  • The tumor is very large
  • Rapidly spreading cancers
  • The cancerous cells have come back
  • There is scar tissue in the area of the cancer cells
  • The tumor is large
  • The edges cannot be clearly defined
  • The cancer is in an area where function preservation is vital 

What is Mohs surgery?

This type of surgery is done with a microscope which allows surgeons to trace cancerous cells down to the very root, ensuring full removal. It is most widely utilized to treat basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.

Because of the precise nature of the surgery, it is the most minimally invasive allowing for less chance or scarring or disfigurement.

During the procedure

The surgeon will remove the tumor as well as a thin layer of tissue surrounding it. They will create a drawing of the removed area which can be used as a guide if any remaining cells need to be further removed.

If microscopic analysis still shows evidence of remaining cancer cells, the process then continues layer-by-layer until the cancerous cells are eradicated. 

The intent is to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible making the recovery as full as nature permits. Sometimes reconstructive surgery is necessary due to size or shape of removal.

Who are the surgeons who perform Mohs?

These surgeons specialize in both pathology and dermatology. They remove only the cancerous tissue leaving healthy cells untouched. This skill level minimizes the cosmetic impact of the surgery itself while increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome.

The cure rate using this technology is the highest among all skin cancer treatment procedures – up to 99% even when other treatments have previously failed.

Visit www.ipalc.org/find to locate a dermatological surgeon in Lee county, Florida.

02.02.17
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Whats really in the milk you drink?

For decades milk has been the #1 drink of health American families.

It was noted as the best source of calcium and Vitamin D for growing bones and for aging bones. It has been a staple in every refrigerator and on every grocery list.

Unfortunately, we have strayed pretty far from the days of the neighborhood milkman bring fresh milk to your door. Dairy cows, for the most part, no longer roam free range on farms feeding on fresh grass, they are confined, drugged, treated with chemicals and hormones. All of this affects the quality of the milk itself.

Cows are fed antibiotics as well as growth hormones such as rBGH a genetically engineered hormone intended to increase milk production.

Hormone treated milk is different from natural milk. It contains raised levels of the IGF-1 hormone. IGF-1 has been linked to cancerous tumors and named as a major cause of breast, colon, and prostate cancer. Milk produced artificially tends to have increased levels of pus, making the milk turn sour faster for a shorter shelf life.

rBGH reduces the casein protein due to an increased thyroid hormone enzyme. 

Better choice: Organic. Even still, it has been pasteurized compromising the nutritional value. The process destroys part of the Vitamin C in milk and encourages the growth of potentially harmful bacteria. Pasteurization also makes the majority of the calcium insoluble and iodine contained reduced. 

Best Dairy Option: Grass Fed RAW. Check with your local health food store for possible local farming sources. 

Humans were not intended to drink cow’s milk at all. Better choices are other kinds of milk like almond, coconut, and rice. 

To learn more about your health and nutrition peruse our site or come in for a personalized appointment. www.chiropractorbonitasprings.com  (239) 947-1177

02.01.17
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Can you actually freeze your fat away?

Coolsculpting

According to the science on which Cryolipolysis® is based, you can. A new technique called Cool Sculpting has hit the market and is doing wonders for patients who wish to target certain areas for fat loss.

While not intended as a weight loss replacement or alternative, Cool Sculping is ideal for those with problem areas that do not seem to reshape or respond to exercise and diet alone.

Based on an observation made my scientists while studying children eating popsicles, this procedure is non-invasive. Scientists at Harvard noticed that some children who ate popsicles formed dimples in their cheeks. Dieter Manstein, MD and R. Rox Anderson, MD concluded that the popsicles were freezing off small pockets of fat cells and that this might be useful in other applications.

That is the basis for Cryolipolysis®, the science on which the CoolSculpting procedure is founded. Cold can target fat cells without damaging the skin or surrounding tissue.

 Coolsculpting reduces the number of fat cells in the treated area by as much as 25%. During weight loss, the fat cells are not eliminated, they just shrink. Fat cells when eliminated, never return. 

Treatments are customized to your body and tailored to fit your goals.  It has been FDA approved and has been performed safely for millions of people. Side effects are rare, generally mild and usually subside fairly quickly.

If you are interested in CoolSculpting you can find a board certified dermatologist in the SW Florida area by visiting www.ipalc.org/find

01.30.17
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Have a tattoo that you regret getting?

If you are considering tattoo removal it is important to go to see a board certified plastic surgeon who is skilled with laser removal.

There are multiple reasons people remove tattoo work. An impetuous decision they wish they had not made, perhaps a name that is no longer associated with your life, or a bad quality tattoo.

The laser can undo what the needle has drawn. Treatments take only a short window of time to perform. They are generally performed right in your doctor’s office. Removal is done with anesthetic, topical cream for smaller regions and injectable anesthesia for larger areas.

Each session the design will become lighter and less visible.  Removal requires multiple visits as the skin needs time to heal and recover between sessions. They are spaced approximately one month apart. All ink colors are removable, though black and grey are the easiest. Others may require more sessions. Each session lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. The laser is set to target certain colors or depth of ink to give optimal results.

The laser delivers energy in short quick bursts which dissolve the ink embedded in the skin into very small particles which are then safely detoxified through normal bodily processes. Drinking extra water the day before, the day of and a few days after will help the process along.

There is very minimal risk of discomfort or scarring. If you get keloid scars, that is one of the few cases where tattoo removal may not be right for you. Following the session the treatment are may blister or scab (much like the healing process of tattooing itself.) Avoid sun exposure during the healing process. Keep it clean and dry and wash only using very mild unscented soap.

Through repeated sessions, your old tattoo will eventually be non-visible. Results vary, but most are very pleased with the outcome.

To find a certified plastic surgeon who is skilled in laser tattoo removal please visit www.ipalc.org/find.