Stress Can Cause Misalignments and Poor Health, Even Leading to Disease

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stress-misalignments-chiropractic-fort-myers-dr-kasterStress can cause you to have a lowered immune response which can lead to colds, flu, and illness.

Stress has a very tangible effect on your entire body, on your emotions, and on your mind. While small amounts of stress can be healthy and even a motivating factor, ongoing constant states of stress put your body into an unnatural version of the fight or flight response and can cause a world of problems.

When it comes to the world of chiropractic there are three kinds of stress that affect the skeletal system influencing alignment. They are the main reasons most basic components of human health.

CHEMICAL STRESS

Body chemistry affects muscle tone. When muscles tighten, the tension can pull on the bones that they are attached. This can cause misalignments.

Some of the most common causes of chemical imbalance or chemical stress include nutrient deficiencies (calcium, magnesium, potassium, and so on) smoking, alcohol, caffeine, processed foods, and other toxins.

Nutrients affect muscles by allowing them to relax. When your body has a lack of nutrients, quickly follows is the inability to allow the muscles to relax. Chemical toxins such as processed foods, smoke, alcohol, and VOCs can affect muscles by irritating the nerves. When we eat processed food, the body reacts to the food as it is a toxin. Because of this the nerves in the stomach send signals to the brain releasing stress hormones that cause a change in muscle tonicity. All of this affects the way our body is aligned.

PHYSICAL STRESS

When any physical stress occurs, bones can be shifted out of alignment due to impact, tension, or physical force. Strangely, although physical stress is the most well-known of the three, it is actually the least common cause of misalignments.

 

EMOTIONAL STRESS

Emotional stress is one of the most common reasons that the body ends up misaligned. Financial stress, job stress, political climate stress, family stress, and health-related stress just to name a few. These stress sources can cause us to subconsciously tighten our muscles, raise our shoulders, release cortisol, and remain on high alert physically. It causes an increase in tension and pulls on the skeletal frame.

Stress: The Outcome

Most misalignments are due to a combination of all three stress categories above. The unfortunate thing is that most people don’t go see the chiropractor until they feel pain. Pain is your body’s last form of defense when it comes to correcting itself.

Chiropractic care can be used preventatively. Getting adjusted regularly can stop a person from reaching pain and needing more frequent treatments. Signs that you could have a misalignment can include loss of range of movement, a pinching feeling, changes in body function, tight muscles, a decrease in body function, headaches, and random aches and pains. Also frequent colds are a sign of misalignments as they can prevent your nervous system from working full force.

It is important to regularly get checked by your chiropractor to make sure these three stressors are kept in check. If you have any questions about how these stressors can directly affect the way you are feeling, feel free to give us a call at 239-332-2555 www.kasterchiropractic.com.

 

How to Help Regulate Blood Pressure with Dietary Changes

Tampa cardio nutritional cardiology heart diet

Tampa cardio nutritional cardiology heart dietUnwanted side effects are the downside of blood pressure medication.

These potential known side effects are a major reason many patients put off taking blood pressure medications. They ignore their elevated readings and it can lead to trouble.

If you are concerned about your blood pressure but prefer not to take medications, we have some dietary suggestions to try first that may help control pressure levels naturally.

The standard recommendation is referred to as the DASH Diet. DASH stands for Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension. This carefully crafted diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.  It can help to reduce intake of saturated fats as well as cholesterol.

The DASH diet is recommended for short term or even lifelong use; however, this does not mean that followers of this diet have to completely eliminate all their favorite foods.  As long as this is the basis for your way of eating it’s okay to treat yourself once in a while.

Patients with high blood pressure are almost always told to reduce sodium levels. Even a small reduction can have a big impact. It is generally recommended that people consume no more than 2,300 mg per day. For those 50 and older that number is reduced to 1500 mg per day. The same holds true for those with chronic kidney disease, diabetes, ongoing high blood pressure, and anyone who is of African descent.

Another hot topic when it comes to blood pressure reduction is alcohol. There is a balance when it comes to choosing to imbibe. A single serving of wine or other alcoholic beverage has actually been shown to reduce blood pressure. More than one drink, however, is considered potentially harmful. Blood pressure medications should be considered as well. Many medications can be negated by drinking or have side effects.

Changing your diet and lifestyle significantly is never an easy task. Below are some tips on how to make the dietary transition a smooth one:

  1. Track your progress – Get a notebook to use as a food diary. Keeping track of what and when you’re eating can help highlight issues you might not have been aware of.
  2. Ease into it – No one expects you to change your diet overnight and easing yourself into it may be the best option to ensure success.
  3. Shop Smart – Never go to the store hungry or without a list.
  4. Try salt substitutes – Herbs and spices can add wonderful flavor to your food without adding extra sodium.
  5. Bump up the potassium – Potassium can counteract the harmful effects of sodium and is found in supplemental form as well as in certain fruits and vegetables.
  6. Nix the fast food – These foods are loaded with chemicals and salt. They tend to aggravate hypertension.

The doctors at Tampa Cardiology offer blood pressure assistance as well as the advice of an onsite nutritionist. The most important thing to remember is that changing your diet and lifestyle is a gradual process and takes a lot of hard work, but the results of a longer life and healthier body and mind are always worth the effort.

Get started right away and schedule your appointment online at: WWW.TAMPACARDIO.COM. We are also reachable by calling the office at 813-975-2800.

Eliminate leg pain with a Visit to Dr. Zuzga, D.O. of The West Florida Vein Center

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Ready to Live Life with Pain Free Legs?

dr-mark-zuzga-west-florida-vein-center-vein-treatmentPain detracts from life. It can be incredibly difficult to care about much else when you are not feeling your best. Leg pain caused by varicose veins can range from mild to debilitating and hamper your ability to get through the day.

There is an alternative. There is help.

Hi, I am Dr. Mark Zuzga, D.O. of the West Florida Vein Center located in Safety Harbor, Florida serving the Tampa Bay area. I have made it my life’s mission to care for and help those struggling with venous insufficiency.

I love what I do, and it gives me great fulfillment to see patients walk out of the office feeling good and good about themselves once again.  There have been so many amazing medical advances over the years that allow physicians who have chosen to dedicate their practices to the correction of venous disease that can take you from discomfort and pain and the unsightly bugles caused by vein deterioration to the repaired state of having healthy pain free beautiful legs once again.

In our office we offer the following treatments which can help eradicate varicose and spider veins as well as ulcerations, itchiness, vein related skin issues, pain, swelling, and tenderness.

Venefit Targeted Endovenous Therapy 

Microphlebectomy 

Sclerotherapy

Endovenous Thermal Ablation 

Click on each link above to learn more about the individual procedures on our website.

Every patient’s treatment is custom tailored to his or her own personal health needs. When you come into the office, I will sit down with you for a personal consultation going over your health history as well as what is currently going on that you are concerned with. We will do a physical examination and I will recommend the best course of treatment.

From there you can decide how you would like to proceed going forward. Choosing to correct vein damage can drastically improve your quality of life and most procedures are deemed medically necessary and covered by insurance.

Give us a call today at 727-712-3233 or visit www.WestFloridaveincenter.com to learn more. We look forward to seeing you in our office!

Sincerely,

Dr. Mark Zuzga, D.O.

You Need to Visit Your Chiropractor after Any Accident, No Matter How Small

dr kaster fort myers chiropractor auto accident

dr kaster fort myers chiropractor auto accidentThe first question of every person ever in a car accident, no matter how minor, is of medical treatment.

There are many minor fender bender car accidents where you may think “I am fine, it was just a minor accident”. Any injuries you might have sustained may allow you to walk away from the scene of the accident feeling ok, but you have to remember that your body is currently sending out fight or flight hormones to keep you going and protect you. The next couple of days following the accident you begin to feel the impact.

In Florida you have only 14 days under PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage on your auto insurance to initiate medical treatment. If it is not started within that range your bills become your own and must come out of pocket. Auto accidents are covered under your insurance policy’s PIP.

Even if you have walked away from an accident, you may notice soreness or pain in your back, neck, ribs, chest, and even knee, ankle, arm, shoulder, or wrists.

Do not speak with any insurance personnel regarding your physical state before you are evaluated. Wrong wording or just casually off handedly saying “I feel ok” or “I am fine” can affect a future settlement decision.

Visiting your chiropractor for an exam and adjustment following an accident can save you pain in the future. No matter how low of a speed you may have been going, even a slow impact at 10mph can throw you out of alignment causing soft tissue damage.

In the days following the accident you may notice:

  • Headaches
  • Neck Pain
  • Shoulder Pain
  • Low Back Pain
  • Dizziness
  • Concussion
  • Throbbing sensations
  • Sciatica
  • Confused/Foggy feelings
  • Burning
  • Knee Pain
  • Radicular pain

These conditions can be treated naturally with chiropractic and other manual treatments such as ice/heat, electrical stimulation, decompression, and massage.

Kaster Chiropractic’s staff is happy to take care of all the paperwork pertaining to their treatment on your behalf. If you have been involved in an accident don’t wait.

The time to get treatment is now.

 

Chiropractor/Nutritionist in Ft Myers, FL

Chiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions.

Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent it as soon as possible?

Kaster Chiropractic is a chiropractic office in Fort Myers. Call today to create optimal health for you and your family.

      SCHEDULE NOW!   239-332-2555    

Fight Aging Every Step of the Way. Revitalize and Regenerate on a Cellular Level with RenovoVita

Regenerate-on-a-Cellular-Level-with-RenovoVita

Regenerate-on-a-Cellular-Level-with-RenovoVitaWhen we are young most of us don’t really think all that much about health or aging. We simply wake up refreshed, looking and feeling good. As we age, we begin to slow down a little. Our skin becomes slightly less elastic and less resilient. Fine lines may begin to show followed by actual wrinkles. It can be disarming.

The thing is aging comes from cellular breakdown. As we get older our bodies do not reproduce cells as fast as when we were children.  If we can find a way to speed up the cellular replication and slow down the breakdown process, we then would be able to halt aging all together and at the very least postpone it.

This was our mission in creating a product line and we have very happily succeeded. Love your cells and recharge yourself with RenovoVita. Our products feed cells nano nutrients known as NAD+ which assists cells to replicate just like new. Each component of our products delivers a powerful individual effect on the body but when combined the synergistic approach complements and speed regeneration of youth that you can feel and see.

“When you have your health, you have everything” – Augusten Burroughs

The triple threat combo that can help boost your health, energy, focus, and appearance is what we offer.

With-N Cell Renewal Activation dietary supplement formulation – This is cutting edge science in a capsule. Formulated to help you live not only longer but better while seemingly stopping time in your body and face.

Zero-N Brain Health Formula – If you feel slow, unfocused, and just not as sharp as you once were your brain may be lacking vital nutrients. This nootropic delivers vitality and clarity in just two capsules of neurochemical enhancement, naturally.

Virg-N Youth Activation Serum – Finally you can look as young as you feel with this revitalizing skin serum. Improve elasticity, firm, and plump without harsh chemical ingredients. Virg-N leaves a light appealing scent, skin dewy for hours, and sinks deep into your skin to heal and soften.

Taking the time to take care of yourself is important. RenovoVita is the way to do it easily and in just minutes a day. Ready to feel like yourself again? Look no further. Visit www.RenovoVita.com to learn more.

FDA & Legal Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

 

Stop Aging in its Tracks and Regain Focus with RenovoVita!

RenovoVita-Memory-Zero-N

RenovoVita-Memory-Zero-NWhere DID the time go!?

As time passes, we all slow down. As kids, we run, jump, do cartwheels, climb on monkey bars, fall and get right back up. We are unstoppable. We think quickly and react even quicker. We have seemingly endless energy.

Once we hit the teen years and into college age we mostly no longer run, skip, or summersault. We live a more sedentary lifestyle because of school and conditioning. As we age into adulthood the movement slows even more.

By the time we start getting into our late 20s, 30s, 40s, and on up we may not remember things as easily or think as quickly. You may find yourself more easily distracted and with a lack of focus. It can be problematic and worrisome.

The biggest changes are noticed as people hit their 50s and 60s. While these changes can cause concern, most age-related memory problems don’t stem from any underlying brain issue. Instead, what appears to be a memory problem may simply reflect a slower processing speed and poor encoding and retrieval of new memories as a result of diminished attention. Even though your brain may be slower to learn and recall new information, your ability to make sense of what you know and to form reasonable arguments and judgments remains intact.

Much of this is reversible and often related to a lack of sleep. Structural changes that take place in your brain as you age can explain some of these developments, as well. The areas of the brain involved with memory processing, such as the hippocampus and especially the frontal lobes, undergo anatomical and neurochemical changes as we age.

The result –  it takes longer to take in, process, and remember new information. The accumulated loss of receptors and neurons which takes place with aging can make it more difficult to concentrate.

The physical aches and pains of getting older can affect focus. Pain is distracting, and some of the medications used to treat it also can affect concentration.

This is why it’s so important to treat health (including brain health) proactively and not wait for a decline to take action. RenovoVita’s line of health products is the trifecta you have been searching for. Brain health, cellular health, and skincare all in one shop.

Our supplements are completely natural and work with, not against your body, allowing it to heal naturally and rapidly, bringing about new fully functional cells to replace those old, damaged, or worn out, essentially, given some time, creating on a cellular level and entirely new you!

 

Ready to learn more and get your health going!?
Visit www.RenovoVita.com to learn more.

Can How You Dress Affect Your Vein Health? – Absolutely Can!

wardrobe-and-circulatory-health-west-florida-vein-center

wardrobe-and-circulatory-health-west-florida-vein-centerWearing certain clothing styles has been linked directly to aggravation of varicose and spider veins. 

Because varicose veins are bulging, ropy, and red or purplish in color, they tend to really stand out no matter where they are located on the body, though they are most commonly present on the legs.

Also because varicose veins are so noticeable, and not in a good way, it should come as no surprise that those who are affected by them generally try to hide their appearance. Typically, this involves wearing pants year-round, which if you live in Southern Florida, can definitely present a problem.

Now that you know how your veins are affecting the way you dress; you should consider how the way you dress is affecting your veins. While the clothing that you wear will not lead to the development of varicose veins in themselves, your clothing can contribute to the level of comfort or discomfort that you feel daily.

Tight Clothing
It may seem contradictory that compression stockings are recommended for those with venous disease, and yet, at the same time, tight clothing can contribute to the development of varicose veins. While compression stockings were specially designed to apply certain levels of compression to certain areas of the legs and feet, simply wearing tight clothing will not have the same beneficial effects.

Tight clothing, especially items that are more constrictive around the legs and waist, can have detrimental effects on the veins in the long term. This is because they restrict the normal circulation of blood, obstructing the flow of blood from the legs back to the heart, resulting in an increase in pressure within the veins.

High Heels

Wearing high heels may initially make your legs look better while you are wearing them but can only make things worse in the long run if special care is not taken.

Walking in high heels changes the natural motion of your legs and feet, shifting your weight from the calves into the toes and forefoot instead. This results in a less forceful calf muscle pump, which in turn results in the pooling of blood within the leg veins.

Because the higher the heel is, the more negative the results, vein specialists usually recommend keeping heels low and only wearing them during special events or occasions. If you typically wear stockings when in heels, it is also recommended that you wear compression stockings whenever possible, as they can ease the symptoms of venous insufficiency and are virtually indistinguishable in appearance from regular stockings.

Compression Stockings

Compression stockings are a special type of hosiery designed specifically to prevent varicose veins from forming and to prevent the progression of current varicose veins from getting worse. Built to compress the legs in specific ways and locations, compression stockings can greatly relieve venous pressure along with much of the discomfort that comes as a result.

Compression stockings are tightest at the ankles and become progressively looser towards the thighs, increasing arterial pressure and allowing more blood to reach the heart and less blood to pool in the feet and ankles. While compression stockings are sometimes prescribed by physicians, they are available over-the-counter in most drug stores and pharmacies.

For more information on venous insufficiency treatments and home remedies for pain or discomfort associated with varicose veins, or to discuss whether a compression stockings prescription is right for you,
contact Dr. Zuzga of West Florida Vein Center today
at (727) 712-3233. www.westfloridaveincenter.com.

 

High Blood Pressure – How High Is Too High?

hypertension-high-blood-pressure-tampa-cardio

hypertension-high-blood-pressure-tampa-cardioHypertension has long been known as the silent killer.

It earned this nickname because you can have elevated blood pressure for quiet some time and not have any idea about it. A constantly elevated pressure in your circulatory system leads to weakening of the blood vessels, arteries, and the heart muscle itself. It puts you at risk for heart disease and early death.

You cannot tell visually if someone has high blood pressure and many with high numbers feel just fine. It is important, especially as we age, to check our blood pressure regularly.

A normal healthy range for your blood pressure is right around 120/80 or slightly lower. Once you get above 120 to about 129/80 it is considered elevated and should be watched. Stage 1 hypertension ranges from 130-139/80-89 and stage 2 hypertension is 140 or higher/90 or higher. 180/120 or higher is considered a hypertensive crisis and you should call your doctor or go to the ER immediately as you are in the risk range for both heart attack and stroke.

IMMEDIATE ATTENTION SYMPTOMS: If you are in the hypertensive crisis range and you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, difficulty speaking, or vision issues call 911 immediately.

The risks of leaving high blood pressure untreated can include heart disease, stroke, heart attack, heart failure, peripheral artery disease, aortic aneurysms, kidney disease, and vascular dementia.

If you have your blood pressure checked and it is high for the first time, just keep an eye on it. We all have stressful off days or have a day where we drank an espresso or an energy drink, and some experience what is known as “white coat syndrome” where their blood pressure goes up just being in a doctor’s office due to nerves.

If your readings are continually high you will want to talk with your doctor about possible lifestyle and diet changes. If those don’t prove to be enough there are many medications that can easily help control your pressure and give your body a much-needed break.

Talk with us. WWW.TAMPACARDIO.COM. The doctors at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates are here to help you. 813-975-2800.

Sciatica – Heal Low Back Pain with Chiropractic Treatments

sciatica back pain fort myers dr kaster

sciatica back pain fort myers dr kasterAre you living with the pain of sciatica?

 

Sciatica is a very common condition that involves the sciatic nerve, which runs from the low back down the legs.

 

Symptoms of Sciatica 

 

If you experience low back pain or a “radiating” pain that travels down your hip, thigh, leg or even all the way down to your foot, you may suffer from sciatica.

 

Other symptoms of sciatica include:

 

  • Cramping
  • Tingling
  • Numbness

 

While sciatica can come and go, its presence is never welcome. Many people who experience pain caused by the sciatic nerve describe it as excruciating.

 

What Causes Sciatica?

 

Sciatica can develop for a myriad of reasons. This uncomfortable condition usually targets people ranging in age from 30 to 50.

 

Common causes of sciatica:

  • Spinal arthritis
  • Bone spur
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Pregnancy
  • Herniated disk
  • Piriformis syndrome

 

If you’re one of the many people who experience sciatica, keep reading to learn how you can manage this common condition.

 

How You Can Combat Sciatica & Feel Better In Your Body

 

The good news is that most people can manage their sciatica without needing surgery.

 

Here are a few helpful ways to manage your sciatica:

 

  • Apply an ice pack to areas of pain
  • Stretch the affected area regularly
  • Visit a trusted chiropractor
  • Get a massage or acupuncture
  • Receive an epidural steroid injection*

 

*Before you undergo a surgical procedure like a steroid shot, we highly recommend trying some of the non-invasive remedies mentioned above.

 

Chiropractic can help you alleviate sciatic pain

 

By lengthening the muscles along the spine and creating space between each vertebrae, we can help you relieve compression on the sciatic nerve.

 

Get the relief you’re seeking now. Talk to the experts at Kaster Chiropractic and Associates, Southwest Florida’s most trusted hands.

 

To schedule your appointment, visit www.drkasters.com or call us now at 239-332-2555.

 

What is BioPerine and How Can it Help Me?

pepper bioperine Renovovita With-N

pepper bioperine Renovovita With-NThe magic of BioPerine and why we included it in our With-N Cell Renewal Activation Formula.

BioPerine is a nutraceutical nutritional supplement that offers a safe way to benefit from heat producing chemical ingredients in black pepper. It was created by Sabinsa, a health and wellness company founded in 1988.

It is a patented extract from black pepper fruits. It provides a standardized amount of piperine, the bioactive ingredient in black pepper at a 95% purity.

While natural medicine has touted the praises of black pepper for centuries modern medicine took a little longer to jump on board.

ANTIOXIDANT: BioPerine offers a more bio available higher concentration version of traditional black pepper. It is a high level anti-oxidant which is capable of eliminating free radicals from the body preventing damage.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY: It is also a powerful anti-inflammatory agent helping to relieve pain and discomfort associated with injuries, arthritis, and illness.

BLOOD SUGAR CONTROL: Part 1 of The Ingredient Series by RenovoVita: A Focus on BioPerine

has shown majorly positive powerful effects on reducing of high blood sugar.

BRAIN HEALTH: BioPerine benefits extend to better brain health. No human trials have been performed yet, but it has shown to improve memory in animals. It is thought to have the potential to help with degenerative brain disorders.

ANTI-CANCER Benefits: Research has revealed that piperine could have anti tumorigenic properties, and in fact has been shown to increase the effectiveness in one of the most aggressive types of cancer known.

Effective Protection Sourced Naturally

As it is derived from black pepper, BioPerine offers the protection of piperine in a much more pure and concentrated way, making it easier to enjoy the benefits of the bioactive ingredient.

The FDA classifies BioPerine as GRAS (Generally recognized as safe). BioPerine is one of the most effective ways to live a healthier life. Whether it’s the ability to support better heart health, control blood sugar, its action as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant, or its ability to protect the brain and safeguard against cancer, BioPerine is an important component of any health regimen.

That is just ONE ingredient in With-N Cell Renewal Formulation from RenovoVita. When combined by our scientific team we have created one of the most potently effective formulations available on the market.

Ready to learn more?
Visit www.RenovoVita.com

Stay Tuned for more helpful in-depth ingredient information in the series!

FDA & Legal Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.