07.01.20
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What to Include in a Vein Healthy Diet

vein-diet-west-florida-vein-center-300x200

vein-diet-west-florida-vein-center-300x200Varicose veins and vein health in general can be supported via your diet.

In addition to a variety of both highly successful invasive and minimally invasive treatment options available, you can also make certain lifestyle changes that can help minimize discomfort as well as reduce the appearance.

In addition to maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and exercising frequently, is to take a close look at what is being included in your diet.

The right diet can help you manage a healthy weight, and that can do wonders for varicose veins. It is a good idea to make note of which foods increase water retention, as well as which foods to incorporate and what benefits each holds.

We compiled a list of foods that are beneficial for vein health

Vitamins E and C

Why Vitamin E?

Vitamin E supports veins by fortifying vein walls as well as promoting healthy blood flow. It has also been shown to strengthen the power of vitamin C when used in combination. Vitamin E has proven effective topically to reduce the appearance of veins.

Why Vitamin C?

Vitamin C assists in circulation. It also contains two very important connective tissues that are partly responsible for keeping veins toned and strong: collagen and elastin.

Foods high in vitamins C and E include:

  • Broccoli
  • Nuts
  • Peppers
  • Citrus fruits
  • Spinach

High Fiber Foods

Constipation can make veins worse.

Being constipated increases pressure on veins. If you already have varicose veins and vein damage it can make them feel increasingly uncomfortable and contribute to their formation or worsening.

The answer: Eat a diet rich in fiber.  Fiber makes stool bulkier and softer, allowing it to pass through the intestines without problems.

Foods high in fiber:

  • Berries
  • Bran
  • Broccoli
  • Beans
  • Leafy Greens

Bioflavonoids

Sometimes referred to just as “flavonoids,” are antioxidants that are found in plants (fruits and vegetables). Bioflavonoids are found in many of the same foods that contain high amounts of vitamin C.

Bioflavonoids can help reduce the appearance of varicose veins by strengthening vessel walls and preventing stress inside of the veins from free radicals. They are often recommended for combating other conditions including heart disease and Alzheimer’s.

Foods high in bioflavonoids include

  • Strawberries
  • Garlic
  • Tea
  • Peppers
  • Citrus fruits

If you’d like further advice on how to manage your varicose veins or venous insufficiency through diet and lifestyle choices, or if you’d simply like more information on treatment options available for your condition, contact Dr. Zuzga of the West Florida Vein Center today by calling (727) 712-3233. www.westfloridaveincenter.com.

07.01.20
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Treasure Your Health

ER visit chiropractic fort myers kaster

ER visit chiropractic fort myers kasterHealthcare has become so expensive in recent years that if you have your health, you are the new wealthy in America.

Health care costs have jumped over recent years to a point where most people cant afford it even with insurance. The average ER visit these days ranges from $3,000 to $5,000. Actual treatments are only done in emergency circumstances. Generally what you end up with is a referral  to follow up with your primary care doctor or a specialist. If you are a cash only patient who isn’t insured, it can climb even higher.

ER care is for emergencies. Ruptured spleens, burst appendix, broken legs, or needing stitches. Things you have no warning about and the onset needs to be dealt with.

Being proactive in your normal health care can make the world of difference in your overall health and wellness, though of course it may not preclude emergency situations it can for sure help you save a bunch on healthcare costs over the course of your life.

Masking symptoms can make you feel better, but it won’t help the cause. To fix the cause of any disease or illness you have to find the root cause and make corrections. The further along you are into the symptoms the more correction and time it often takes to get back on course.

One of the best proactive protective health care modalities is chiropractic. Chiropractic focuses on the spine and correction of subluxations (misalignments). Because the spine houses your nervous system inside of the spinal column it is vital for it to be in alignment. Each nerve is a pathway of communication outwards to every organ in the body including the brain.

When your spine becomes misaligned it can pinch off nerves hindering proper electrical signal. Do this long enough and the cut off organ begins not to work so well. Left in that state this is one way that disease can creep in.

Treating via chiropractic is a relatively inexpensive form of medical treatment. It is often covered by many insurance policies so be sure to check your coverage. Waiting and allowing your body to fall into disrepair can be extremely expensive as well as  painful and or debilitating.

Start today. Give the office of Kaster Chiropractic and Associates a call at 239-332-2555 or visit online to learn more about Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. and our practice in Fort Myers, Florida.

07.01.20
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Could it Be Hypertension?

cardiology hypertension tampa florida tampa cardio

cardiology hypertension tampa florida tampa cardioEssential hypertension is the blanket term used when no root cause is found for high blood pressure.  As many as 95% of all high blood pressure falls into this category.

While essential hypertension is still a mystery to medical science, it has been associated with identifiable risk factors. High blood pressure seems to have a genetic component.  Hypertension is more prevalent in men than women. Race also seems to play a roll as well as the effected age group. In the USA, African Americans have been found to be twice as likely as Caucasians to develop HPB. That gap starts to narrow around 45. Past age 65, black women have the biggest incidence of reported high blood pressure.

Knowing the signs of high blood pressure can help you to catch it in its early stages before damage can occur:

While you can have high blood pressure and not know it often (which is why it is called the silent killer) it does sometimes present with symptoms you can identify if you know what you are looking for.

Nosebleeds

Headaches

Dizziness

Feeling shaky

It is important to get your blood pressure checked regularly. If your readings are high consistently it is time to see your doctor. High is considered anything over 120/80.

Diet is a great regulator and holds a strong influence on high blood pressure. Salt is the number one factor in foods. Those with high blood pressure tend to be sensitive to salt and even small amounts can raise the pressure level. Other linked conditions include being overweight, taking hormonal birth control pills, eating fatty foods with too much salt, smoking, excessive drinking, having diabetes, not getting enough movement or exercise in your daily life, and lacking in the minerals magnesium, calcium, and potassium.

While the source may not be able to be identified there are steps you can take to help get your blood pressure in check.

  1. Check your BP regularly, if it stays high for a period of more than a few weeks consult your physician as leaving hypertension unchecked can lead to damage of the cardiovascular system endangering your health and well-being.
  2. Reduce salt intake as well as fatty food.
  3. Get regular cardiovascular exercise. Movement, stretching, even walking daily help.
  4. Drinking enough water to stay well hydrated. Keep alcohol to a minimum if you must drink at all.
  5. Get tested for any mineral deficiencies and supplement as needed.
  6. If all of these suggestions are followed and still your blood pressure continues to be too high you may need pharmaceutical medication for high blood pressure in order to reduce it.

If you suspect you may be dealing with high blood pressure please give the office of Tampa Cardiovascular Associates in Tampa Bay, Florida a call today at 813-975-2800 to schedule your consultation.

06.15.20
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How to Detox From a Vaccination

hiropractor fort myers kaster vaccine

hiropractor fort myers kaster vaccineTo vaccinate or not to vaccinate… That is the question. There has been much debate. Though the idea of inoculation is very valid, as vaccines stand with all added ingredients, the evidence is mounting that it does potentially far more harm than good and should be avoided.

Both sides of this debate feel strongly.

Mandatory vaccinations violate our personal and constitutional rights. There have been measures taken by our government to try and implement mandatory vaccinations especially in schools and certain workplaces such as hospitals. This goes against all morals and ethics to try and force citizens to inject foreign substances into their bodies or the bodies of their children. Vaccines have been linked to autism and neurological damage as well as cancer and contain known toxic ingredients listed right on the insert. 

If you have been vaccinated is there a way to help yourself detoxify from it?

While not receiving it in the first place is your best bet, should you get a shot the answer is YES, you can do a vaccination detoxification with all natural ingredients.

By supplementing as suggested below if, for whatever reason, you do receive a vaccination it will help protect you significantly against the toxins and other dangerous chemicals and viral fragments in these vaccines. Additionally, these same steps also help to speed recovery from all forms of flu!

What is this magical combination?

Vitamin C – Adults take 2,000mg/day for immune support and chelation of metals used in the vaccines. *Begin taking this several days prior if possible, and 1 full week afterwards.

Chlorella – A potent cellular detoxifier and cleanser it also assists in heavy metal chelation.  5g/day.

Milk Thistle – This is a powerful liver detoxifier. 175-200mg/daily.

Oscillococcinum – is a homeopathic remedy that helps alleviate unwanted flu and flu vaccine symptoms. It provides relief for trauma caused to the body. It comes in small tubes which contain pellets. They are to be taken sublingually (under the tongue). Note: do not brush your teeth just before or after taking these, as mint can counteract its effects.

Colloidal Silver – Adults take 2 oz. per day minimum for effective immune support. If possible take several days prior and a week after receiving an injection.

That covers the actual supplementation. Here are some other helpful actions you can take.

Cold pack: Place a cold pack on the injection site as soon as you can, and keep icing for 2 days (10-20 min on every couple hours).

Sun exposure: Vitamin D3 protects against microorganism invasion and balances your immune system.

Fasting: Fasting is one of the quickest ways to flush the toxins through and out of your system. To do a proper fast, abstain from eating food, but drink as much water as you can. 24 hours minimum, and up to 3 days. You can also do a juice fast, drinking just fresh vegetable juice, but it isn’t quite as effective.

Sauna: As soon as you get vaccinated the sauna should be your next stop (if at all possible). Stay in for at least 20 minutes. Sweat released contains heavy metal and toxins.

Parsley/Celery/Cilantro: Juice and drink, as well as add to foods and eat. They all assist in detoxification at a rapid cellular level.

Your health is your number one asset. We strongly urge you to protect it!

Click here to read “The Truth About Vaccines”

http://www.amazing-glutathione.com/truth-about-vaccines.html

Chiropractor & Nutritionist in Fort Myers, FL.

Fort Myers Chiropractor, Dr. Jason B. KasterChiropractic 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 them before they start?

Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor, and nutritionist in Fort Myers can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.

      SCHEDULE NOW! 239-332-2555
06.01.20
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Vein Disease – More Than a Surface Issue

chemoablation

varicose-veins-tampa-flVaricose and spider veins are unsightly and sometimes embarrassing. It’s easy to consider them just a visual issue and dismiss them. The problem is that they are a medial issue that can become worse over time. The time to stop them is now.

Varicose veins don’t simply appear because you have hit a certain age. They are being cased by something physical going wrong. Varicose veins are damaged veins.

The underlying physical cause is important because without knowing the cause it is difficult to alter behaviors or lifestyle which can potentially help quell the uprising. Things like smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol in excess, standing or sitting for very long periods of time, excess stress on the legs due to non circulation of being seated for long flights or road trips, and bad fatty chemical-laden diets can all come into play.

Vein disease may also be genetic and hereditary. If your parents or grandparents had vein issues you are at a raised risk level yourself.

Many people mistakenly believe that spider veins and varicose veins are simply a cosmetic issue and from that thought, also conclude that treatment would be cosmetic in nature and therefore not covered by their medical health insurance. The truth of the matter is that it is a medical condition called Venous Insufficiency ie. Vein disease. It isn’t just cosmetic and over time it can morph from just visual into aching, painful, itchy legs that range from annoying to debilitating.

The best time to halt vein problems in their tracks is as soon as they start. Talk with your insurance company and go see your local Vein Specialist for a consultation and diagnosis so you can see what exactly you are dealing with and what your options are. Most vein issues the treatment is covered by your insurance leaving you with only a copay for the office visit.

If you are in the Tampa Bay/Safety Harbor, Florida area we would love to meet with you. Dr. Mark Zuzga is one of the top leading experts in vein care here in Florida and can get your legs back to the best state of health possible in a short amount of time.

Give us a call at 727-712-3233 or visit us on the web to learn more about our services and practice by going to www.westfloridaveincenter.com.

06.01.20
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Whiplash Prevention

whiplash head restraints fort myers car accident chiropractor

whiplash head restraints fort myers car accident chiropractor$29,000,000,000. That is how much whiplash treatments cost in the USA alone per year. Often the result of a rear-end collision whiplash is incredibly painful and may take years to fully recover from. Patients report flare-ups of pain even years after the incident that caused it.

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries resulting from auto accidents in the world. 

Can You Help Prevent Whiplash?

Though the head restraints in your cars are adjustable it’s one feature that many times go ignored and unused. It has been estimated that only 10% of drivers properly adjust their seat head restraint. This goes for the adjustable-height seat belt as well. When strapped closely over your chest in the correct position it will also help prevent injury.

What Happens to Your Body During a Crash

Whiplash occurs when a rear impact happens. The force of the crash causes your body and torso to move forward while the head moves backward, then bouncing off of the head restraint and lunging forward again. This takes the weight of your head and multiplies it by the force of the impact during the crash stretching and pulling ligaments and tendons in your neck with no warning.

How Your Head Rest Needs to be Adjusted

When adjusting your headrest the idea position will limit the range of motion should a crash occur. limiting the backward range of motion is what can limit the occurrence of whiplash.

We can’t control anyone else’s behavior or driving habits on the road, but we can control our space and protective areas. Know your car’s crash rating and make sure you are in a safe vehicle that is well maintained.

If you have already been involved in an accident, please seek medical help right away. The sooner you are able to see your chiropractor the better. In Florida, the law limits the amount of time you have to initiate a medical claim to just 14 days.

Chiropractor in Ft Myers, FL

Fort Myers Chiropractor, Dr. Jason B. KasterChiropractic 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?

Dr. Jason B. Kaster, of Kaster Chiropractic and Associates in Fort Myers, can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.

239-332-2555

06.01.20
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Endocarditis – It Can Be Avoided

endocarditis-tampa-cardio-heart-infection

endocarditis-tampa-cardio-heart-infectionInfective Endocarditis is an infection of the endocardium, by way of bacteria or fungus. It often leads to the onset of symptoms such as fever, anemia, heart murmurs, petechiae, and embolic phenomena.

Endocarditis infections may seem like dental issues it can easily leeway into heart issues. Dental care is paramount in heart health. Should your gums become sensitive and bleed regularly when you brush or floss you are at a higher risk.
Alternate additional tools like using a dental water pick, swishing with warm salt water rinses, and flossing daily can help your gums to heal and even prevent this.

Infections are generally strep or staph. They are caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream through normal daily activity on top of an injury or tears in the mouth by way of brushing too hard dental work, or even dental disease. Those who use IV drugs illegally or even IV therapy medically are also at a raised risk.

Dental infections – Symptoms to look out for:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Abnormal heart sounds
  • Skin becoming paler than usual
  • Joint Pain
  • Nausea
  • Night Sweats
  • Muscle Pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Left upper abdomen feeling full
  • Weight Loss

Treatment: is done by way of antibiotic medications. It is important to see your doctor as soon as you suspect you may have an infection.

Heart problems: This bacteria which has entered the bloodstream can settle in the heart and heart valves. Those with heart conditions have a greater likely hood of developing it. IE specifically refers to an infection in the lining of the heart but also may affect the muscles and flaps.

It may present as:

Subacute (or subacute bacterial endocarditis) — develops slowly over a period of weeks to several months.

Acute — develops suddenly and may become life-threatening within days

When it comes to IE preventative is the best care. With that said, never hesitate to come to us at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates of Tampa Bay, Florida if you feel like you need help with your heart. Always listen to your body.

We can be reached by dialing 813-975-2800. You may also learn more about us on our site at WWW.TAMPACARDIO.COM.

05.04.20
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Preparing Your Immune System for Anything That Comes Your Way

Imune-system-fort-myers-dr-kaster

Imune-system-fort-myers-dr-kasterThis pandemic has proven just how vital your immune system is to keep strong and healthy all year long.

We wanted to offer you some tips on what you can do to build it if you don’t already have a strong immune system.

Boost Your Immunity

Do Not Smoke. Smoking breaks down your immune system and makes you less healthy overall.

Limit or quit drinking. Alcohol is dehydrating and toxic to the body. Your liver has to work hard to process it and takes energy away from other repairs.


Let Go of the Stress – Stress is the number one thing that breaks down immunity. Eliminate and minimize as much as you can.

Take Care of  Yourself. Wash your hands frequently, keep them away from your face, eyes, mouth, ears, and nose

Work Out. Movement, stretching, weight barring exercise, and cardiovascular exercise are needed to keep every system in the body in working order. 

Sleep. Sleeping 7-9 hours a night is when your body repairs itself. No sleep = no repair. Eventually, you will overtax your system and it can break down.

Maintain a healthy weight. Carrying around excess weight makes every organ in the body work harder than it should have to.

Take care in the preparation of meat. This goes for seafood as well. Undercooked meats and seafood can lead to food poisoning and nothing smacks the body down like a round of food poisoning. Wash down counters and surfaces that raw items have touched.

Eat Healthy – We are what we eat. Fresh fruits, vegetables, healthy proteins, healthy fats, limiting processed foods and sugars, all contribute to health and wellness.

Visit your chiropractor regularly – getting adjusted to eliminate subluxations gives a major boost to your nervous system which controls every part of your body. Keep it working well and your health will follow!

Ready for an adjustment? We would love to see you in our office. Give us a call at 239-332-2555 to schedule in Fort Myers, Florida in the office of Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C.

05.04.20
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Treatment Options for Varicose Veins in Safety Harbor, Florida

varicose veins west florida vein center

varicose veins west florida vein centerIf you have put off healing yourself from varicose veins or even going for a consultation with a Vein Specialist because you didn’t think you could afford a cosmetic procedure, wait no longer. Most vein issues are not considered cosmetic and are covered under insurance!

If you have varicose veins it means you have a condition known as Venous insufficiency. This is an indication of physical damage to your veins. Leaving damaged veins untreated can lead to the spreading of damage making things worse. Even if they do not start out painful, often can lead to pain.

Vein issues can make your legs feel tired, achy, itchy, and even painful. When left untreated for a very long time ulcerations can occur which are very difficult to heal.

The best course of action is to make an appointment, have an exam, and find out what exactly you are dealing with as well as a recommended best course of treatment to get you back to health.

Dr. Mark Zuzga of the West Florida Vein Center has been treating patients for years now with much success. In-office, they offer several state-of-the-art medical options that can heal those damaged veins for good.

Option 1: The Venefit Procedure Endovenous Targeted Therapy – We proudly offer the Venefit™ procedure, formerly known as the VNUS Closure™ procedure, for the treatment of varicose veins and CVI. The Venefit™ procedure is a minimally invasive segmental ablation treatment that utilizes radiofrequency (RF) energy to provide an even and uniform heat to contract the collagen in the vein walls, causing them to collapse and seal. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood will re-route itself to other healthy veins.

The Venefit™ procedure allows for a quick, comfortable recovery and a return to everyday activities for the average patient, while also improving the appearance of varicose veins.

The Venefit™ procedure has been proven in clinical studies to have excellent long term effectiveness, with less pain and bruising than endovenous laser.

*A comparison of the patient experience between those treated with the Venefit ™procedure, using the Covidien ClosureFast™ Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Catheter, and those treated with 980nm laser ablation.

Option 2: Sclerotherapy – Sclerotherapy involves the injection, via a very fine needle, of a solution into small to medium varicose veins and spider veins. The solution causes the veins to shrink, close off, and gradually disappear. A session usually lasts approximately 15 minutes. There are few reported allergic reactions to the solution used. Depending on the number of veins, multiple sessions may be required, which will be decided after the initial consultation and evaluation.   Sclerotherapy is sometimes used alone but in the instance of very small spider veins, laser treatment is also used.

Option 3: Microphlebectomy / Phlebectomy – Varicose veins are micro-surgically removed through tiny punctures about the size of the tip of a ballpoint pen.  The word “phlebectomy” literally means removing the vein. On the day of the procedure, the doctor or nurse will mark your leg where the veins bulge out. Then, a special local anesthetic (numbing medication) called “tumescent” is injected into the area surrounding your vein. The doctor will make tiny incisions or “stabs” of about 2-3mm – the size of a ball-point pen tip – and use a crochet-type hook to “grab” the vein and remove it. This interrupts the vein, causes any remaining portions of the vein to “clot off”, and gets rid of those unsightly bulgy areas!

Option 4: EVLT (Endovenous Laser Treatment or Endovenous Ablation) – This revolutionary new treatment for large varicose veins was pioneered at Cornell University in New York. Originally performed in Spain, the EndoVenous Laser Ablation is performed in the office, takes less than an hour, and accomplishes the same thing as a major surgical vein stripping. Using ultrasound guidance and local anesthesia, a thin laser fiber in a catheter is threaded up through the vein. As the catheter is slowly withdrawn, the laser shrinks and seals the large vein that causes varicose veins in most patients. There is little or no visible scarring. In those patients who are candidates for the procedure, it is 97% successful.

Interested to learn more and find out what option may be right for you? Don’t wait. Call us today at (727) 712-3233 or visit www.westfloridaveincenter.com to learn more about each procedure.

05.01.20
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Tips to Reverse and Help Prevent Heart Disease

heart-disease-tampa-cardio-tampa-florida

heart-disease-tampa-cardio-tampa-floridaReady to take the leap and commit to heart health? It isn’t as challenging as you think. Just follow these tips for ultimate heart health!

1.  Eat Your Vegetables!

We are what we eat. Eating a diet high in vegetables ensures we get all of the vitamins and minerals our bodies need. This is in direct opposition to what eating has become here in America. Junk, Junk, Junk… processed foods have taken over and they are killing us.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that 32% of our calories come from animal sources, 57% from processed plant foods, and only 11% from non-bleached grains, beans, fruits, vegetables, and nuts.  Plant-based food is essential to heal the body and protect your heart.

2. Quit Smoking

34.3 million people smoke as of 2019. Smoking can be devastating for your cardiovascular health. If you smoke, quit. Your heart will thank you.

3.  Maintain a Healthy Weight

BMI is a better indicator of a healthy size than just weight alone.  Recommended BMI as a goal should be 20-25. The more weight you carry the harder your organs and skeletal structure all have to work. Give your body a break and stay within range.

4.  Exercise

30 minutes of movement a day is the minimum. Go for a walk, stretch, do some yard work or work around the house, bike, swim, run, go to the gym, just get that blood flowing and muscles moving.

5.  Sleep like a baby

Seven to eight hours a night is ideal. Less and you may be cutting your life expectancy. Your body needs this time to rest, repair, and heal. That goes for your heart as well as the rest of you.

6.  Never ignore symptoms, signs, or heredity

If you notice an issue or are at high risk due to heredity, don’t wait. Get it checked out. The Tampa Cardiovascular Associates want you to know that with advanced blood work you can detect heart disease a decade before you have a heart attack.

  • Check your cholesterol and advanced cholesterol
  • Your three-month sugar numbers
  • Your A1C
  • Your inflammation
  • Your high sensitivity C-reactive protein
  • Your homocysteine level
  • Your lipoprotein A
  • Your vitamin D

7. Take a Suana often

Infrared saunas have been shown to improve the function of the cells that line the arteries.

The infrared light on the spectrum is the one that is able to penetrate our skin and activate our energy system.  Studies suggest that regular sauna sessions can help stabilize blood pressure.  An infrared sauna can help you and your heart stay healthy. Saunas also help your body rid itself of toxins through sweat much like exercise.

These have been our helpful self-care tips for keeping your heart healthy.

Visit www.tampacardio.com or call 813-975-2800 to schedule an appointment.