Tag Archives: internal medicine fort myers

06.15.26
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Heart Disease Prevention in Southwest Florida: Why Cholesterol Is Only Part of the Story

IMLWP best concierge doctor in fort myers, fl

For years, cholesterol has been treated like the main character in the heart disease conversation. If your cholesterol is high, you worry. If your cholesterol is “normal,” you breathe a little easier. But when it comes to preventing heart disease, especially here in Southwest Florida where many adults are actively trying to stay healthy, active, and independent for as long as possible, cholesterol is only part of the story.

IMLWP best concierge doctor in fort myers, fl

It matters, of course. Cholesterol is important. LDL cholesterol, often called “bad cholesterol,” can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. But the problem is that too many people stop the conversation there. They look at one number on a lab report and assume it tells the whole truth. It does not.

Heart disease is rarely caused by one isolated issue. It is usually the result of several risk factors working together over time. Blood pressure, blood sugar, inflammation, insulin resistance, family history, smoking history, weight changes, kidney function, stress, sleep, hormones, nutrition, and activity level can all play a role. Two people can have the same cholesterol number and very different levels of actual cardiovascular risk.

That is why a deeper, more personalized approach matters.

At Internal Medicine & Lipid Wellness Practice, heart disease prevention starts by looking at the whole person, not just one lab value. A cholesterol panel can provide useful information, but it is not always enough to understand what is happening inside the arteries or how the body is handling inflammation, blood sugar, and vascular stress. Prevention should not be based on guesswork. It should be based on a clearer picture of risk.

One of the biggest pieces of the puzzle is blood pressure. High blood pressure can quietly damage blood vessels for years before symptoms ever show up. Many people feel perfectly fine while their cardiovascular system is under constant strain. This is part of what makes heart disease so dangerous. The early warning signs are not always dramatic. Sometimes there are no warning signs at all.

Blood sugar is another major factor. Even before diabetes develops, insulin resistance and elevated glucose levels can increase cardiovascular risk. This is especially important for adults who have gained weight around the midsection, feel more tired after meals, have a family history of diabetes, or have been told their labs are “borderline.” Borderline is not a life sentence, but it is a signal. And signals are worth paying attention to before they become emergencies.

Inflammation also matters. Chronic inflammation can affect the blood vessels and may contribute to the development and progression of cardiovascular disease. This does not mean every ache, pain, or abnormal marker means heart disease is coming. It means inflammation should be considered as part of a broader prevention strategy, especially in people with autoimmune conditions, chronic inflammatory concerns, or a strong family history of cardiovascular disease.

Then there are advanced lipid markers that many standard checkups do not fully explore. Some patients may benefit from testing beyond basic cholesterol, including markers such as ApoB or lipoprotein(a). These can help identify risk that may not be obvious from a traditional lipid panel alone. This is especially valuable for patients who have a family history of early heart disease or who have been told their cholesterol is “not that bad” but still have other risk factors.

Family history deserves its own spotlight. If heart disease runs in your family, that information matters. It does not mean you are doomed. It means prevention needs to be smarter and more proactive. Genetics can load the gun, but lifestyle, monitoring, and medical care often influence how much risk actually develops over time. Knowing your family history gives your provider important context and gives you the chance to act earlier.

The same is true for lifestyle. Nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, and smoking status all affect cardiovascular health. But this is not about shaming people or handing them a generic “eat better and exercise” speech. Most people already know they should move more and eat well. The real question is what does your body need, what is realistic for your life, and what changes will actually make the biggest difference for your risk profile?

That is where personalized prevention changes everything.

For someone in Southwest Florida who wants to stay active, travel, play golf, enjoy the water, keep up with family, or simply feel confident about the future, heart disease prevention is not just about avoiding a diagnosis. It is about protecting quality of life. It is about catching problems early, understanding your real risk, and creating a plan that supports long-term health instead of waiting for something scary to happen.

The goal is not to create fear. The goal is clarity.

When you understand your cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, inflammation, family history, and advanced risk markers, you are no longer guessing. You are making informed decisions. You can treat what needs to be treated, improve what can be improved, and monitor what needs watching. That is real prevention.

At Internal Medicine & Lipid Wellness Practice, patients receive a more complete approach to cardiovascular wellness. Instead of focusing on cholesterol alone, care is built around a full understanding of each patient’s health, risk factors, lab results, history, and goals. Because your heart health deserves more than a quick glance at one number.

Cholesterol is important. But it is not the whole story.

If you have a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, diabetes risk, inflammation concerns, or you simply want a better understanding of your cardiovascular health, now is the time to take prevention seriously. The best time to address heart disease risk is before it becomes heart disease.

Schedule a visit with Internal Medicine & Lipid Wellness Practice and take the next step toward a clearer, smarter, more complete heart disease prevention plan.

Take a Proactive Approach to Heart Health

If you’re searching for advanced lipid testing in Fort Myers, IMLWP offers cutting-edge diagnostics and personalized care designed to prevent heart disease, not just react to it. Schedule a consultation today and take the next step toward a healthier heart and a longer life.

Memberships are limited to ensure we maintain our high standards of availability and care. Spots fill quickly.

Get started today. Select the concierge healthcare plan that fits your life and take control of your health.

Join Now & Schedule Your Appointment or call our office at (239) 362-3005 ext 200 to make arrangements.

06.01.26
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Why More Fort Myers Patients Are Choosing a Membership-Based Doctor

IMLWP
IMLWP

For many patients in Fort Myers, the traditional healthcare model has started to feel rushed, reactive, and frustrating. Appointments can take weeks to schedule. Office visits may feel too short to fully discuss symptoms, lab results, medications, lifestyle changes, and long-term goals. For people managing chronic conditions, complex health concerns, or simply trying to stay proactive as they age, that kind of care often does not feel like enough.

That is one reason more Southwest Florida patients are exploring membership-based primary care.

A membership-based doctor, often referred to as concierge medicine or direct primary care, is designed to restore the relationship between patient and physician. Instead of relying on high-volume, insurance-driven visits, this model allows practices to limit the number of patients they accept. The result is more time, better access, and a more personalized approach to ongoing health management.

At Internal Medicine, Lipid & Wellness Practice in Fort Myers, this approach includes longer appointments, direct physician access, advanced preventive care, and a “medical home” model built around continuity. Standard visits are typically 30 to 60 minutes, while initial appointments may allow up to 90 minutes for a deeper review of the patient’s history, concerns, goals, and overall health picture. The practice also emphasizes advanced metabolic profiling, lipidology, chronic disease management, and care coordination for patients who need support beyond a basic office visit.

For many patients, access is one of the biggest advantages. A membership model can offer same-day acute visits, after-hours advice, direct communication with the physician, and more responsive follow-up. That can be especially valuable for busy professionals, retirees, seasonal residents, and anyone who wants a doctor who knows their history instead of starting from scratch every time. IMLWP’s membership information also notes that concierge memberships include unlimited office visits, annual physicals with comprehensive labs, specialist care coordination, on-site pulmonary and cardiac stress testing, body fat analysis, metabolic rate testing, and access to an in-house dispensary for generic medications at wholesale cost.

Another reason patients are making the switch is prevention. Many people do not want to wait until a health issue becomes serious before getting answers. Membership-based primary care gives physicians more room to look at patterns, monitor risk factors, evaluate advanced labs, and guide patients through lifestyle, medication, and wellness decisions before small concerns become larger problems.

This model can be particularly helpful for patients managing high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, thyroid concerns, hormone and endocrine issues, cardiac risk, digestive concerns, and other ongoing conditions. IMLWP’s Fort Myers practice highlights comprehensive care for a wide range of adult health concerns, along with advanced lipid testing for cardiovascular risk assessment and prevention.

For patients tired of feeling rushed, overlooked, or shuffled through the system, membership-based medicine offers something refreshingly old-school: a real relationship with a doctor who has time to listen.

In Fort Myers and throughout Southwest Florida, patients are not just looking for another appointment. They are looking for access, trust, prevention, and a physician who can help them think long-term. For many, a membership-based doctor is not just a different way to receive care. It is a smarter way to protect their health.

Ready to learn more or schedule in Fort Myers, Florida? You can reach the office of Internal Medicine Lipid and Wellness Practice by dialing 239-362-3005. Or, visit them on the web at www.IMLWP.com today!

05.26.26
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5 Ways a Concierge Doctor Can Help Boost Your Health in Ft. Myers

imwlp concierge doctors ft myers florida
imwlp concierge doctors ft myers florida

Finding the right doctor can make a major difference in how a person feels, ages, and manages long-term health. For many patients, traditional healthcare can feel rushed, reactive, and impersonal. Appointments may be short, lab work may only cover the basics, and deeper health concerns can get pushed aside until symptoms become more serious.

Concierge medicine offers a different approach.

At Internal Medicine, Lipid & Wellness Practice in Ft. Myers, the focus is on personalized, proactive care that helps patients better understand their health and take meaningful steps toward improvement. Instead of waiting for illness to become the reason for care, concierge medicine allows patients to build an ongoing relationship with a physician who has the time to look deeper.

Here are five ways a concierge doctor can help boost health and support long-term wellness.

1. More Time With the Doctor

One of the biggest advantages of concierge medicine is time. Longer appointments allow for more detailed conversations, more thorough evaluations, and a better understanding of the patient’s full health picture.

In a rushed visit, it can be difficult to discuss fatigue, weight changes, sleep concerns, stress, medications, family history, hormones, heart health, and lifestyle in a meaningful way. With concierge care, patients are not treated like a checklist. They are treated like whole people.

That extra time can lead to better questions, better answers, and a clearer path forward.

2. Personalized Health Plans

No two patients are exactly alike. Age, genetics, metabolism, lifestyle, medical history, stress levels, and goals all matter. A concierge doctor can create a health plan based on the individual, not a one-size-fits-all template.

This may include customized lab testing, nutrition guidance, medication management, cardiovascular risk assessment, weight management support, hormone evaluation, and practical lifestyle recommendations. The goal is not simply to “manage numbers,” but to help patients feel better and function better.

Personalized care can be especially helpful for patients who have been told their labs are normal but still do not feel like themselves.

3. A More Proactive Approach to Prevention

Traditional medicine often focuses on treating problems after they appear. Concierge medicine is designed to be more proactive.

For example, advanced lipid testing, metabolic markers, inflammation levels, blood sugar trends, and family history can reveal risk factors that may not show up on basic testing. This deeper view allows the physician to identify potential issues earlier and help patients take action before bigger problems develop.

Prevention is not just an annual physical. It is an ongoing strategy.

4. Direct Access and Better Communication

When patients have questions, waiting days or weeks for guidance can be frustrating. Concierge medicine often allows for better communication and improved access to the physician.

This can be especially valuable when reviewing lab results, adjusting medications, discussing new symptoms, or making health decisions. Patients benefit from having a doctor who knows their history and can provide more informed guidance.

Better access can also create peace of mind. Health should not feel like a guessing game with a voicemail system as the referee.

5. Whole-Person Wellness Support

Good health is more than the absence of disease. Energy, strength, sleep, mood, metabolism, heart health, hormones, and quality of life all play a role.

Internal Medicine, Lipid & Wellness Practice takes a comprehensive approach to care by looking at how different systems in the body work together. This type of whole-person view can help uncover patterns that may be missed when each symptom is treated separately.

For patients in Ft. Myers who want more personalized attention, deeper testing, and a physician relationship built around prevention, concierge medicine can be a powerful option.

A concierge doctor does more than respond to illness. The right physician helps patients understand their health, protect their future, and create a smarter plan for living well.

Ready for a great concierge doctor right in Ft. Myers, Florida? Visit: www.IMLWP.com today!

04.28.26
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What Is Concierge Medicine – and Is It Worth It in Fort Myers?

Ft Myers concierge doctor

Healthcare is changing, and for many patients in Fort Myers, the traditional model is no longer meeting their needs. Long wait times, rushed appointments, and limited access to your doctor can leave you feeling frustrated and overlooked. That’s where concierge medicine comes in.

At Internal Medicine, Lipid & Wellness (IMWLP), concierge medicine offers a more personalized, proactive approach to your health – focused on you, not the system.

IMWLP Fort myers healthcare

What Is Concierge Medicine?

Concierge medicine is a membership-based healthcare model that provides patients with direct access to their physician, longer appointment times, and a higher level of individualized care. Instead of managing thousands of patients, concierge doctors limit their patient panel, allowing them to focus more deeply on each individual.

This means:

  • Same-day or next-day appointments
  • Extended, unrushed visits
  • Direct communication with your doctor (phone, text, or email)
  • A strong focus on prevention and long-term wellness

For patients in Fort Myers, this level of access and attention can make a significant difference in both experience and outcomes.

How Is It Different from Traditional Healthcare?

In a traditional insurance-based model, physicians often see a high volume of patients daily, which can limit time and personalization. Concierge medicine flips that model.

At IMWLP, care is designed around:

  • Prevention over reaction
  • Root-cause analysis instead of symptom management
  • Stronger doctor-patient relationships

This approach is especially valuable for individuals managing chronic conditions, cardiovascular risk factors, or those simply looking to optimize their health before issues arise.

Is Concierge Medicine Worth It?

For many Fort Myers residents, the answer is a resounding yes, especially for those who value time, access, and a more comprehensive approach to healthcare.

Concierge medicine may be a great fit if you:

  • Want faster, more convenient access to your doctor
  • Feel rushed or unheard in traditional appointments
  • Are focused on prevention and long-term health
  • Prefer a more personalized, relationship-based approach

While concierge care typically involves a membership fee, many patients find the benefits (time saved, improved health outcomes, and peace of mind) well worth the investment.

A Smarter Approach to Your Health

At Internal Medicine, Lipid & Wellness, concierge medicine is more than convenience – it’s about delivering a higher standard of care. With a focus on advanced lipid management, preventative medicine, and whole-body wellness, IMWLP helps patients in Fort Myers take control of their health with confidence.

If you’re ready for a more personalized healthcare experience, concierge medicine may be exactly what you’ve been looking for.

Why Fort Myers Residents Are Making the Switch

From personalized attention to enhanced access and preventive focus, concierge medicine offers a healthcare experience that aligns with modern patient expectations. At Internal Medicine Lipid and Wellness in Fort Myers, FL, patients receive trusted internal medicine care combined with advanced wellness strategies- all in a supportive, patient-centered environment.

If you’re ready for healthcare that’s built around you, concierge medicine may be the solution.  Explore our concierge membership plans today and learn how we can help you take control of your health journey. Still have questions? Feel free to give us a call at 239-362-3005 Ext 200.

08.07.17
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Vitamins, Supplements that are Good for Your Heart

vitamins

A healthy diet could aide in saving your life. By eating balanced, nutritious meals, you are fueling the body with what it needs to keep your cholesterol and sugar levels in check, while fighting off harmful diseases. Instead of thinking about what to take out of your diet, focus your attention on what foods you should be adding in to your daily eating habits. Lean meats, fruits, vegetables, “good” fats, and whole grains are essential to your health, especially heart health.

However, no one has the perfect diet. Life gets in the way sometimes, and you could have a few days in the week in which you didn’t get in enough vitamins. Whether you were too busy or just not in the mood for a salad, your diet can sometimes fall short. That’s OK. If your consistently eating healthy over time, your body will reap the benefits. Since we cannot have the perfect diet, it can be good for you to supplement your diet with vitamins, but talk to your doctor about what you should or can take daily, especially if you think you may have a vitamin deficiency.

For this article, I wanted to share with you some vitamins and supplements that you can take to help with your cardiovascular health. Whether you currently have a heart condition or not, it’s always a good idea to try and keep your heart at its healthiest, since heart disease is the #1 killer in America. The following list are supplements and vitamins that can help keep heart conditions at bay, or keep your heart from further deterioration.

Magnesium – Magnesium helps sodium move throughout the cells in the body, supports relaxation and dilation of vascular arterial walls and stabilizes heart rhythm.

Omega-3 – Omega-3 helps the body balance cholesterol and triglycerides, which is great for people who are at risk for heart disease. Omega-3 is also known to lower blood pressure and slows down the buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) – Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that fights off free radicals, and manages blood pressure and cholesterol. It also helps with keep the arteries healthy and muscle cells optimally utilizing energy.

L-carnitine – L-carnitine helps transport fat into the mitochondria to be used and burned as fuel by cells.

Arginine – Arginine is an amino acid that helps improve vascular function.

Phospholipids– are necessary to “prime” the HDL particle thus allowing it to sop up cholesterol.

If you’re looking for help with your diet or have concerns about your heart health, Dr. Kordonowy of Internal Medicine, Lipid & Wellness of Fort Myers offers comprehensive dietary consults to his patients. Dr. Kordonowy also offers vitamins and supplements for you to purchase online here.   Dr. Kordonowy offers direct patient care membership and concierge services including the unique Inpatient Advocate Service™. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kordonowy, call 239-362-3005, ext. 200 or click here.

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.

01.25.17
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Don’t Fear Fat because it Doesn’t Make You Fat!

fat

Fat doesn’t make you fat. Many nutritious foods out there are high in fat actually. The human body needs fat; it gives us energy, builds cell membranes, helps with blood clotting and muscle movement, reduces inflammation, and helps us absorb some vitamins and minerals. Fats are both  “good” and “bad.”  Good fats are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, bad fats are man-made trans fats, and saturated fats fall in between.

Dietary fat can actually help people lose weight, because fat can help a person fill fuller for longer, so a person potentially is consuming less calories. When a person eats fat, it also slows the entry of glucose into the blood, which helps moderate sugar levels.

Here is some information about the different kinds of fats:

Monounsaturated Fats –  These fats are found in avocados, olive oil, peanut oil, most nuts, canola oil, sunflower oil, and high-oleic oil.

Polyunsaturated Fats – These fats are essential fats, and the body requires them for normal bodily functions; the body can’t produce these fats. Essential fats must be eaten. Polyunsaturated fats can reduce (slightly) LDL cholesterol. Polyunsaturated fats can be found in salmon, herring, sardines, sunflower, safflower, soybean, flaxseed, cottonseed, corn, sesame and, grape-seed oils.

Trans Fats – This type  is associated with elevating LDL cholesterol, as well as HDL cholesterol in the blood.  T

Saturated Fats – These fats a are found in red meat, whole milk, cheese, and coconut oil.  Often baked processed and packaged foods are heavy in saturated (and trans) fat. Too much saturated fat in one’s diet can raise cholesterol (both LDL and HDL).  It is recommended that saturated fat is limited to 10 percent of the day’s caloric intake.

Want more control of your diet? Contact Dr. Kordonowy of Internal Medicine, Lipid & Wellness in Fort Myers today. Dr. Kordonowy offers dietary counseling and  weight loss strategies. To book an appointment, click here or call 239-362-3005, ext. 200.

01.12.17
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Acid Reflux Facts

Put a little extra spicy sauce on your dinner? Or, did you overate last night? There’s a good chance you may feel like your breathing fire right now. Suffering from heartburn with that burning sensation in your chest is no fun. Nearly everyone experiences heartburn in their life. However, if you’ve been experiencing heartburn at least twice a week for multiple weeks, there’s a good chance you have acid reflux disease.  In the US, about 10 to 20 percent of the population suffers from this disease. More than 60 million Americans suffer from heartburn at least once a month. Not only is this a horrible disease to physically deal with, but $40 billion annually is spent on diagnosing and treating the disease.

There are two types of acid reflux disease: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD). With GERD, the stomach acid travels to the esophagus and with LPRD the refluxed material travels further up the throat. Most people will experience heartburn when the lining of the esophagus encounters too much stomach acid for a prolonged period.  The resulting tissue inflammation of the esophagus causes the burning sensation. Chronic acid reflux is associated with abnormal cellular/tissue changes that over time increased the risk of esophageal cancer.  This “precancerous” tissue change is known as Barrett’s Esophagus/Disease. This concern/development is one of the reasons physicians will recommend a referral to a gastroenterologist for direct endoscopy of the esophagus for new onset and significant chronic heart burn.

Chronic reflux can lead to persistent cough, night time sleep difficulty, hoarseness of the voice and scarring or stricture of the esophagus.  The primary symptom of stricture or blockage/tumor in the esophagus is a sensation or actual experience of food or pills getting “stuck” in the chest.  Left unattended over time this can result in an emergency known as food bolus impaction- a very dramatic emergency due to intense pain/lodging of food and intense salivation as normal saliva can’t get down into the stomach.

Chest pain: Often, people experience chest pain from the stomach acid splashing into the esophagus. This type of chest pain can sometimes be mistaken for a heart attack. If you have chest pain, do not ignore it and contact a doctor for evaluation.

Pain when lying down: When you lay down, acid can better leave the stomach and enter the esophagus. If you’re experiencing heart burn, try angling your back in bed, and avoid a big meal or fluids before bedtime.

Pain from Eating: When a person with acid reflux eats a big meal, the stomach pushes the contents up, which causes heart burn. To avoid this, avoid big fat-filled meals and watch alcohol and tobacco intake. Alcohol, caffeine, chocolate and nicotine/smoking decrease the muscle tone of the lower esophagus which promotes refluxing of stomach contents/acid.

Bitter taste in the mouth: When the acid is released upward from the stomach, it can land in the back of your throat and leave a bitter taste in your mouth. Sometimes, this bitter taste can cause people to choke.

Other symptoms: Coughing, hoarseness, sore throat, nausea, asthma, trouble swallowing, pain in the chest with eating, and extra saliva.

There are quite a few treatment options for acid reflux. For minor cases, avoiding certain food and beverages (chocolate, coffee, greasy or spicy foods, alcohol) will help reduce heartburn. Also, cutting back or stopping smoking, reducing weight, and taking over-the-counter medications can help.

For more serious cases, a person should talk to his or her doctor about symptoms; the heartburn could be a sign of another possible condition, or stronger prescription medication may be needed. As noted earlier if the problem is significant and especially if the sensation of food getting stuck is noted a direct endoscopy by a specialist is recommended.

If you’re suffering from acid reflux or heart burn and unable to manage it, it’s time to contact a doctor. Dr. Kordonowy of Internal Medicine, Lipid & Wellness of Fort Myers can diagnose and treat you for your symptoms. Don’t deal with the pain anymore and call 239-362-3005, ext. 200 or click here to book an appointment.

01.12.17
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Vitamin C Healthy Benefits

It’s cold and flu season now. Flu shots have been returning at local clinics and pharmacies. For preventative home care, many people turn to vitamin C to ward off colds and flus; this vitamin helps the immune system function at an optimum level. However, the benefits of vitamin C go beyond just helping fight off a cold. The vitamin is great to consume to maintain overall health in the body, because cells need vitamin C to work properly. Our bodies do not naturally produce the vitamin, so it’s important for us to consume this vitamin through our diet.

These are all benefits this vitamin provides for the body:

  • According to the Journal of American College of Nutrition, proper levels of Vitamin C helps the body burn more fat during exercise with up to a 30% difference between optimal and insufficient levels.
  • Vitamin C helps improve blood cell function and vascular relaxation, which can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke, and lower blood pressure.
  • Vitamin C fights off cell-damaging free radicals in the body, which can help your body reduce inflammation.
  • This vitamin may enhance chemotherapy’s effect on cancer cells, and improves the quality of life in cancer patients.
  • This can help with cataracts, because it helps increase the blood supply to the ocular areas.
  • This vitamin has been known to help repair wounds in the body, because it helps the growth of connective tissues that speed up the healing process.
  • Low levels of this vitamin and diabetes are related; this vitamin helps the process of insulin and glucose in the body.
  • A disease associated with severe vitamin C deficiency is known as scurvy.

If you’re looking to improve your overall nutrition, besides just adding vitamin C, it’s best to talk to a doctor. Dr. Kordonowy offers the unique Biophotonic scanner to assess your body stores of certain antioxidants.  Dr. Kordonowy of Internal Medicine, Lipid & Wellness of Fort Myers provides dietary education services and counseling, as well. To book an appointment, click here or call 239-362-3005, ext. 200.