08.01.17
by

Will The Side Effects of Medication Simply Go Away?

Side effects

Side effectsOddly, the answer may be “yes”.

The lists of possible side effects can be over whelming. While it is only a small percentage of people who will experience side effects – but what if you happen to be in that small percent?

You have spent the money and taken the time to go see a doctor in hopes of feeling better. They have assessed your situation and made recommendations based on your personalized health profile.

After filling your prescriptions you head home and hope for the best popping the medication into your mouth with some water. Now, you wait. While it’s good to be informed, reading the enclosed pamphlet or print out from your pharmacy can be unnerving. The list of possible side effects is generally not a small list. You push it from your mind and move on with your day.

What if you begin to notice that you just aren’t feeling “quite right”? Is it a side effect of the new medication or just an off day? It isn’t easy to know. Should you call your doctor? Wait it out? Keep taking the prescription? Stop all together?

Doing a little research on your particular medication may help put your mind at ease and allow you to make a sensible decision.

What you generally aren’t being told:

If you really don’t know what to expect as far as an experience with a specific drug, you might give up on it right before it begins its intended function.

Most side effects are temporary. (unless you are experiencing a side effect that is life threatening – in which case, seek medical attention immediately).

If you take a new medication and feel something that makes you uncomfortable the natural reaction is to stop taking it. The medical community calls this “non-adherence”. Stopping a medication abruptly can sometimes be detrimental to your health.

The reason many side effects are temporary:

When ingesting a new drug it takes some time to reach what is known as a steady state. Steady state is reaching a balance point where the medication coming in is equal to the amount going out. This is why it is important to take them at the same times daily so that the concentration levels in your blood stream stay on track.

Once your body adjusts and reaches this optimal steady state, many side effects will dissipate to tolerable if not completely gone entirely.

Never hesitate to call and talk to your doctor, pharmacist, nurse practitioner or even many insurance companies have nurse help lines. You should always feel comfortable with what you are taking and if there is a serious side effect, your doctor can change the dose or the medication entirely.

If you are looking for a physician in Lee County, Florida please use our free resource by going to www.ipalc.org/find to search by specialty and location.

08.01.17
by

Dealing with IBS

ibs

ibsIrritable bowel syndrome – and the uncomfortable abdominal pain, gas and chronic diarrhea or constipation that goes with it – can be a mild inconvenience or a severe impediment to daily life, affecting an individual’s social and professional habits. Two out of every three people with IBS symptoms are female, according to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders.

This disorder is estimated to affect as many as 45 million Americans. The symptoms are tough to deal with, painful, uncomfortable and if you don’t happen to be at home when an attack strikes, embarrassing as well.

Experts say emotional stress can aggravate symptoms, but stress alone doesn’t cause IBS. Hormonal changes and reactions to certain types of foods or beverages also play a role in the severity or frequency of symptoms.

While the root cause of IBS isn’t known and a cure doesn’t exist, experts believe that poorly coordinated signals between the brain and the gut are to blame, along with abnormalities in the gastrointestinal nervous system. A family history of IBS may increase the risk of symptoms, which can affect each person differently.

A gastroenterologist can help with the management of IBS symptoms and can recommend prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs. Those experiencing discomfort may the reduce the severity of symptoms by:

 –Slowly increasing the amount of soluble fiber in your daily diet.  Digestible fiber promotes regular bowel movements and reduces constipation. Soluble fibers are commonly found in oats and beans.

–Keep track of the type of symptoms you’re experiencing, how long they last and any triggers that may be associated with them, including sources of emotional stress. Also, note any medications or supplements you’ve been taking.On the other hand, insoluble fiber – which is found in cabbage, lettuce, onions, and peppers — may increase symptoms, so pay attention to which fruits and vegetables precede discomfort.

–Reduce the consumption of caffeine and alcohol, known triggers of IBS symptoms. Spicy meals, rich dairy products, and foods that are high in fat can also trigger irregular bowel movements.

It’s worth noting that physicians recommend those with IBS symptoms get checked for Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disorder that’s triggered by the consumption of gluten – a protein typically found in wheat and grains.

Gastroenterologists Brent M. Meyers M.D., Evelyn R. Kessel M.D. and Irma Cruz M.D. in Fort Meyers and Cape Coral are members of the Independent Physicians Association of Lee County, a network of independent physicians committed to maintaining high-quality medical care in southwest Florida. For help selecting an independent physician or for more information on the IPALC, call 239-314-0791 or visit http://www.ipalc.org.

 

 

07.11.17
by

Are You Covering Up Your Leg Veins?

spider veins

spider veinsSpider and varicose veins in your legs are unsightly and can feel embarrassing to some.

It may be tempting to simply try and hide them. Makeup, wearing long pants, avoiding beaches and the pool for fear of putting on a bathing suit – these can hamper your ability to really enjoy life.

Avoidance may work but all it is doing is covering up the root problem: Venous insufficiency. It isn’t simply a cosmetic issue. Veins, once damaged, if left untreated can spread and become worse over time leading to bigger problems such as achiness, leg, ankle and foot pain, swelling and edema, skin issues and even ulcers on the legs.

 

If you begin to have veins that are visible it is advisable to seek the advice of a Vein Specialist. Going through offices such as weknowveins.com where they offer FREE online screenings can give you peace of mind and some professional knowledgeable advice as to your current state and the very best medical recommendations for your health now and in the future.

 

Treatment options are numerous and with the advances that have been made in vein care, you no longer simply have to live with embarrassing or painful veins. Diagnostics are simple, quick and pain-free. The solutions are all outpatient procedures with very minimal recovery times. The majority of those who undergo treatment remark that they wish they had done it sooner.

 

To get started go to www.eveinscreening.com for a confidential FREE Vein Screening right online. Dr. Joseph Magnant is a board certified vascular surgeon and Dr. Nero is a board certified general surgeon. They have dedicated their lives to this surgical practice with the singular focus on the treatment of venous insufficiency. 239-694-VEIN (8346) to schedule an in-person appointment.

07.11.17
by

Does Growing Older Have to Mean Varicose Veins?

As we age maintenance is key. Eating a healthy balanced diet and keeping yourself in shape as well as living a healthy lifestyle can all help to keep your body functioning at its fullest. When blood flow is fluid and your veins are all working properly, no spider or varicose veins will be present. It is fully possible to live to a ripe old age and never have a vein issue at all.

While it may seem fairly normal to relate varicose and spider veins with aging, the truth is that though age-based vein issues have more to do with genetics and health than to do with your numerical age in years.

In both spider and varicose veins, it is the weakening of the walls that causes the visible pooling and bulging. Once damage has occurred in order to get back to health they do need to be surgically or chemically repaired. Damaged veins left untreated can lead to leg pain, achiness, swelling, and pain. Over time it can lead to hard to heal leg ulcerations.

What comes into play in the formation of venous insufficiency:

Gender – Birth control pill use, pregnancy, menopause, and puberty – that is a lot of hormonal changes for a body to go through over the years. It can become a contributing factor.

Family History – 50% of all of those who develop vein issues have other family members who also have it as well.

Leg Trauma – injury to an area of the leg can damage veins leading to wearing down of the vein wall cells and over time may cause venous insufficiency.

Weight – additional pressure on the veins can cause issues. Keeping your weight in check is important for your circulatory health.

Regardless of age or contributing factors, the sooner you see a Vein Specialist talk about options when it comes to restoring your vein health the better the outcome is likely to be. If you have vein issues currently, don’t wait. Give West Florida Vein Center a call today by dialing 727-712-3233 or visiting www.westfloridaveincenter.com.

07.10.17
by

Managing Hives

ipalc rash

ipalc rashBreaking out in hives can make you crazy. The itching, the scratching, it can be so intense it keeps you up at night. Nothing seems to help and until you know the source, you feel doomed to bouts at pretty well any moment.

When they initially come to pass it becomes a process of elimination in order to figure out the cause and eliminate it from your life.

Brought on by Hives, although normally associated with allergic reactions, can also be brought on by stress, insect bites, certain medications, infections, sun exposure and even extreme cold. The sooner you identify what it is that is causing hives for you, the better and more quickly you can halt them.

What works?

  1. Avoidance of the stimulant is the #1 best defense. If you can’t avoid it or haven’t yet figured out what it is here are some suggestions to help.
  2. Take Benadryl (antihistamine) to calm the reaction.
  3. Oatmeal or anti-itch bath – take a cool bath and soak allowing the skin to moisturize.
  4. Scratching, though it may feel good, will increase the need to scratch. It’s a vicious circle. If at all possible, avoid scratching. If that isn’t possible, try and use a skin brush rather than your nails which can have bacteria on them and are more prone to tearing. The brush will feel even better and not lead to broken skin areas.
  5. Moisturize with a hypoallergenic lotion directly after the bath. Pat dry.
  6. Use Calamine lotion to relieve itching by cooling the skin.
  7. Talk to your doctor about prescription options if you experience chronic hives.

 

Let your doctor help you pinpoint the cause. They are able to help diagnose and get to the root of the problems so that you can get on with your life, hive free. To find a practitioner here in Lee County, Florida please visit our FREE resource list from the Independent Physicians Association of Lee County by going to www.ipalc.org/find.

07.07.17
by

Has Sleepwalking Become a Problem?

sleepwalker

sleepwalkerSleepwalking can be problematic for not only the sleepwalker themselves but for anyone living with them.  Erratic night time behavior can leave the walker exhausted, never really getting a deep sleep and the person or people around them sleepless and on edge.

The term sleepwalking seems simple enough. It implies that the person simply wanders around the house at night in a daze. That isn’t always the full case. People have been known to eat odd items, have conversations, perform odd behaviors, try and drive, and at times even become violent.

Sleepwalking can go undiagnosed for years if no one is there to witness the events. The sleepwalker may notice things in their home seem to be moved or left out but not correlate it to sleep events and even rather to possible memory issues. If there is a witness, sleepwalking is hard to ignore.

A genetic element has been pinpointed in this condition. If you have other relatives that sleepwalk, it is 10x more likely that you may as well.

What causes sleepwalking behavior other than genetics: being sleep deprived, not having a normalized sleep schedule, living in a stressful environment that doesn’t seem to be resolving itself, drinking excessively, or taking prescription medications (sedatives, neuroleptics, stimulants and even antihistamines).

Certain medical conditions have also been linked to sleepwalking. They may include, but are not limited to:

  • Heart Problems
  • Nighttime asthma
  • Fever
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Heartburn
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Psychiatric disorders (dissociative states, multiple personality disorder, panic attacks, PTSD)

If you have a sleepwalker in the home the most important thing is to keep a safe environment. Lock doors and windows, place an alarm bell on the bedroom door, sleep on the ground floor, limit stress and meditate or take part in relaxation exercises. If sleepwalker is extreme, locking up car keys and sharp objects may also be a good idea.

Living with a sleepwalker can be disarming. They are erratic and you never know exactly what to expect, if an event will happen or you will get a good night’s rest. Getting help is key for all involved to be able to live a rested peaceful life.

Sleep studies can be done to diagnose the exact issue. This can help to rule out if the condition is stemming from the physical or from emotional or mental. The condition can generally be treated fairly effectively with relaxation techniques and or certain medications.

To find a sleep specialist in Lee County, Florida please visit the Independent Physicians Association of Lee County by visiting www.ipalc.org/find.

 

07.05.17
by

Does Medical Terminology Confuse You?

terminology

terminologyDoctors spend over a decade on schooling, sometimes more depending on the choice of specialty. Is it any wonder that they come out speaking a whole other language than the rest of us?

While many different professions have their own lingo, the medical profession exaggerates this disconnect because so many of the terms are simply foreign to the majority of us in the public.

Doctors need to be able to get across their diagnoses, thoughts, and possible strategies in order to have a successful doctor-patient exchange.

Unfortunately, not all doctors have an ideal bedside manner or the ability to simplify and communicate effectively. This can leave patients not fully understanding their situation and if there was ever a topic that really needs to be fully understood it’s your own medical advice.

Brushing up on your medical lingo can give you confidence in doctor-patient communications making your visits less stressful. Even more importantly, if you don’t understand something you are being told, do not be afraid to ask questions.

 

Here are some of the most commonly used medical terms. They are a good starting off point for better understanding your own health.

 

ABATEMENT – A decrease in the acuity of a symptom.

 

ABSCESS – A collection of fluid located on or in the body. This is an immune system response to an infection. It is accompanied by redness and swelling.

 

ACUTE – Condition that comes on suddenly, with severity and ends after a short course.

 

AMBULATORY – Ability to walk.

 

ASYMPTOMATIC – Shows no symptoms.

 

BENIGN – A condition or abnormal growth that is treatable and not life-threatening.

 

BIOPSY – Removal of tissue for diagnostic purposes.

 

CYANOTIC – Bluish color of the skin due to poor circulation and lack of oxygen in the blood.

 

EDEMA – Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body causing swelling of the affected area.

 

EMBOLISM – The halting of blood flow by a blood clot, which can result in a stroke or heart attack.

 

FIBRILLATION – Uncontrollable twitching of muscle fibers of the heart.

 

IDIOPATHIC – Of unknown cause.

 

PALLIATIVE – Treatment is given to alleviate symptoms of a disease but not cure it. This mainly refers to pain management of a chronic disease state.

 

RADICULAR – Referring to the nerve roots which originate in the spine.

 

SUBLUXATION – A slight dislocation or misalignment of a bone in a joint.

 

The more well-learned you are, the more confident you will feel when speaking with doctors, nurses and other medical personnel, whether it’s regarding your own health or that of a friend or loved one.

To find a doctor in Lee County, Florida please visit our free resource www.ipalc.org/find sponsored by the Independent Physicians Association of Lee County.

06.08.17
by

Could a Nutritionist Boost Your Health?

Nutritionist

“I know what to eat, come on now… I’m an adult.” – We all think that. After all, we have been eating our whole lives and we are still here, right? Yes and No.

Eating to survive and eating to thrive are often to different animals altogether. 

There are endless boxes, bags, packages, colorful containers, fresh veggies and fruits, meats and more all in giant rows ready to grab in every grocery store. We have a lot of choice.

You can opt for the healthy salad for a side dish or the yummy onion rings. Making these decisions daily, you are bound to select the latter eventually even though you know the veggies are best for your health. Doing this every now and then is fine, but making fatty, high cholesterol foods the staple in your diet is not in your best interest.

While that example seems very simple, there is a lot to nutrition. Balancing out the right macros for your body’s needs is a scientific mathematical equation, and most of us have never learned the formulas.

A nutritionist can look at your overall health as well as any special needs and suggest a food plan that will assist you in staying your healthiest. They can spot nutritional deficiencies and point out any food sensitivities/allergies that may be causing you discomfort.

A whole health assessment is taken of the entire person and history, not just the foods being consumed. During your meeting with a Nutritionist, they review your past, evaluate your current condition, and then make suggestions on how you can reach your future health goals. If you aren’t reaching your weight or health goals… Go talk to a  Nutritionist.

Some healthy eating tips:

  • Mindful Eating: notice how your body feels while eating. Stop eating when you feel satisfied, not overly-full.
  • Protein: every meal should have a protein. This will keep you feeling fuller longer and less likely to snack.
  • Ingredients over Numbers: if the ingredients in the food that you will be eating are not good for you, then it really does not matter how many calories it has.
  • Drink Water: Dehydration can make you choose unhealthy snacks and foods when, in reality, you are simply thirsty.
  • Cheats: That doughnut looks sooooo good…. Just because you are watching your food choices does not mean that you can’t indulge every now and then.
  • Use Apps: There are apps that can track your calories and eating patterns. Let them work for you.

Sometimes having help in making future choices is best, especially if your weight is affecting your health. The Nutritionists at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates are available for appointments. Call us at 813-975-2800 or schedule an appointment online at TampaCardio.com.

06.08.17
by

Standing ‘vs’ Sitting – Vein Health

vein health

It has been said that too much of anything is bad for you. This goes for extended periods of being on your feet as well as sitting and doing desk-bound work.

Both regular prolonged sitting and standing can cause extra strain on veins and the development of varicose veins. Movement helps pump blood through the veins. So take a break and relax, get up and stretch, just don’t stay stagnant for hours on end.

Those who sit for most of the day are 54% more likely to die of a heart attack. That is according to a study done by the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Louisiana. When seated in one position for a long time, calf muscles are not engaged. The calf muscles play a crucial role in pumping the blood back to the heart.

Prolonged sitting can cause the development of varicose veins, as well as blood clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). If you have to travel often or sit in one spot often, it’s best they engage their legs as much as possible throughout the day. Go for short walks, stand in a meeting, or park farther away in the parking lot, or take the stairs to get the benefits of interrupting sitting within the day.

Standing in one stationary position for more than two hours in a day isn’t healthy. When a person stands for a long period of time, stress is placed on the legs, hips, and pelvis. All of this pressure on these body parts weakens the vein walls and begins to damage the veins’ valves. This damage begins the development of varicose veins. To combat prolonged standing from a job or any other activity, it is suggested to add some stretching throughout the day, as well as trying to sit here and there.

The body gets worn down when repetitive motions are done time and time again; the body is built for movement. Whether you’re sitting or standing a lot, it’s best to take routine breaks, so as to not develop venous issues or other health problems.

If you think you may be suffering from varicose veins contact Dr. Zuzga of West Florida Vein Center. Let the experts at West Florida Vein Center diagnose and treat your venous issue. To book an appointment, click here or call 727-712-3233.

06.07.17
by

The Onset of Parkinson’s

parkinsons

In the day and age of so much information online, many of us will research a symptom only to be lead down a never ending rabbit hole of possibilities. Here is a clear description of what you might experience if you were at the start of Parkinson’s Disease. 

One single symptom alone does not mean that you have or are beginning Parkinson’s. If you are experiencing multiple symptoms, it would be wise to consult your doctor.

parkinsons Loss of Smell – Have you noticed that your ability to sense through smell has been diminishing? Try licorice, bananas, and pickles. If you cannot smell them that may be a cue.

Shaking/Tremors – With this disease, the shaking is felt in fingers, in your hand and even in your lip and chin. Twitching limbs or shaking limbs are a common early sign.

Handwriting Change – Have you noticed a change in your handwriting? If it has suddenly gotten smaller, less loopy and tighter looking, even crowded together it could signal Parkinson’s disease.

Constipation – Diet can cause this as well. Make sure you are taking in enough water and fiber. If your diet is on point, and you are still not having regular bowel movements, see your doctor.

Sleep disturbance – Sudden thrashing, tossing and turning even to the point of possibly falling out of bed. While it is normal for most of us to experience a restless night now and then, if it becomes a regular occurrence, check with your doctor. 

Stiffness – Loss of flexibility, a feeling of being more rigid and stiff than usual. (please be aware that arthritis can sometimes cause the same symptom).

Dizziness – Low blood pressure is linked to Parkinson’s. If you feel dizzy or faint when standing on a regular basis – please get it checked.

Sudden Loss of Posture – are you finding yourself stooping over? Slouching, leaning and stooping are a sign of Parkinson’s as well.

Stoic Expression – Do you suddenly have a serious look most of the time even if you aren’t thinking about anything? Do your eyes stare blankly and you blink less often? – There are some medications which can cause this too, but it should stop when the medication is discontinued.

If after reading this you feel you are a fit for these symptoms it is important to make a plan with your doctor as soon as possible. If you do not have a physician and are in Lee County, FL please visit IPALC’s free directory by going to www.ipalc.com/find.