Feb 17
Dr. Miriam MartinDental Health chipped teeth, dental plaque, electric toothbrush, gum disease, spinbrush, teeth, toothbrush
From HuffPost Social Reading
If you use an Arm & Hammer Spinbrush — formerly known as the Crest Spinbrush, pre-2009 — listen up.
The Food and Drug Administration posted a warning today for users of this particular dental device, saying that parts of the toothbrush can pop off and cause your teeth to chip, get lodged in your throat, or fly off into your eye.
“Electric toothbrushes can be very effective in removing dental plaque, and so they can help prevent dental decay and gum disease,” Susan Runner, D.D.S., chief of FDA’s dental devices branch, said in a statement. “At the same time, it’s important to supervise children when they use these brushes, and to look out for any malfunctions of the toothbrush that might cause an injury.”
The Spinbrushes that are affected by the FDA warning include: Spinbrush ProClean, SpinBrush ProClean Recharge, SpinBrush Pro Whitening, SpinBrush SONIC, Spinbrush SONIC Recharge, Spinbrush Swirl, Spinbrush Classic Clean, Spinbrush for Kids and the SpinBrush Replacement Heads.
The FDA explained that the adult versions of the Spinbrush have removable heads that are not supposed to come off when you’re using the toothbrush. But the FDA has receive reports that the brush head came off, which left the metal parts underneath exposed that could cause injuries by poking the person.
The kids’ Spinbrushes, on the other hand, don’t have removable heads but the FDA said it’s received reports of the batteries leaving burns, and the bristles coming off the toothbrush head and getting stuck in children’s tonsils.
As weird as it may sound, this is certainly not the first toothbrush recall. In 2010, the FDA put out a notice warning users of the Oral-B CrossAction Power and PowerMAX toothbrushes to be careful because the brush head could come loose in the mouth and could pose a choking hazard.
And CBC News reported last year on a Health Canada warning of Colgate Motion Electric Toothbrushes, which were recalled by the Colgate-Palmolive manufacturer because the toothbrushes “exploded.”
Feb 09
Dr. Miriam Martinweight loss adiponectin, cravings, Dr. Oz, Lisa Lynn, obesity, raspberry ketone, weight loss
Raspberry ketones are a natural component of red raspberries and are responsible for its aroma. It can be made synthetically or extracted naturally. Well known fitness professional Dr. Oz has introduced raspberry ketone on his show as the new number one fat burner on the shelves. Lisa Lynn, a famous fitness trainer, joined Dr. Oz on the show and stated that many volunteers had experienced amazing results. The fat burner worked on all the critical areas such as stomach, thighs, upper body, and buttocks. Lisa Lynn notes that raspberry ketone “keeps you feeling full, and blocks fat and carbs from being absorbed and turned into extra pounds.” These supplements come in various forms such as powder, juices, and pills. However, the pills are more effective as they contain the highest concentration of the extract.
When tested on a group of mice, raspberry ketone was found to increase the secretion and expression of adiponectin. This is a protein hormone that inhibits a number of metabolic processes including glucose regulation and the breakdown of fatty acids. Raspberry ketones also increase the release of norepinephrine which causes a rise in body temperature which helps burn fat and increase metabolism. It is recommended that the supplement be taken thirty minutes before a big meal to help with weight loss. Raspberry ketones are reported to push the body into the fat-burning zone. According to Lisa Lynn, the “slimmers” need to be taken for a few months to see the best results.
It is important to note that there have not been many human studies, but animal studies have been favorable. Raspberry ketone may not be suitable for all individuals. For example, there is a risk of blood sugar fluctuations which could be harmful in diabetics. Also, the release of norepinephrine could potentially result in blood pressure elevation. A successful weight loss regimen, must be maintained with healthy eating and exercise. As with any other weight loss supplement, consultation with a licensed physician is recommended prior to its use.
Dec 07
Dr. Miriam MartinHealth and Wellness, Nutritional Health, weight loss HCG diet, Health and Wellness, obesity, weight loss
From “Everyday Health”
TUESDAY, Dec. 6, 2011 (HealthDay News) — U.S. officials on Tuesday said that they are taking action to remove controversial, unapproved and illegally labeled HCG weight loss products from the market.
HCG stands for human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone made by the human placenta and found in the urine of pregnant women. The products are typically given in conjunction with an extremely low-calorie diet — as low as 500 calories per day — which has some experts worried about possible health effects.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, companies marketing over-the-counter HCG weight loss products labeled as “homeopathic” were sent warning letters on Tuesday by the FDA and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. The letters cautioned that the companies are violating federal law by selling the unapproved drugs, and by making unsupported claims for their products.
HCG is approved in the United States as an injectable drug for treating some cases of female infertility and other medical conditions, but is not approved as a weight loss aid.
The FDA said that HCG weight loss products are sold online and in stores as oral drops, pellets and sprays, despite no proof as to either their effectiveness or safety.
Visitors to the website for one maker included in the FDA action, The Original HCG Drops, are told they can “lose 20-30 pounds in 30-40 days,” as they take the product. The company also claims that HCG “tells the body to release abnormal fat” and “hold on to lean muscle. All this is designed to establish a new body weight and reset your metabolism.”
The FDA is especially concerned, however, because labeling on homeopathic HCG weight loss products typically advises consumers to take the products in conjunction with a very low calorie diet. However, there is no substantial evidence that the HCG products help people lose weight, the agency said, and people on these types of severely restricted diets put themselves at heightened risk for problems such as gallstones, electrolyte imbalances and heartbeat disorders called arrhythmias.
“These HCG products marketed over-the-counter are unproven to help with weight loss and are potentially dangerous even if taken as directed,” Ilisa Bernstein, acting director of the Office of Compliance in FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in an agency news release. “And a very low calorie diet should only be used under proper medical supervision.”
One expert agreed with the FDA’s move.
“The HCG diet is a typical fad diet that preys on people’s desperation for fast weight loss,” said Samantha Heller, a dietitian, nutritionist, exercise physiologist and clinical nutrition coordinator at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital in Derby, Conn. “Not only is it dangerous for people to consume only 500 calories a day over time but the safety and efficacy of taking HCG for weight loss has not been established. A near starvation diet can result in emotional, psychological and physiological damage.”
The companies have 15 days to notify the FDA of measures they’ve taken to correct the violations outlined in the warning letters. If they fail to respond, the companies may face legal action, including seizure and injunction, or criminal prosecution, the FDA said.
“Deceptive advertising about weight loss products is one of the most prevalent types of fraud,” David Vladeck, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, said in the statement. “Any advertiser who makes health claims about a product is required by federal law to back them up with competent and reliable scientific evidence, so consumers have the accurate information they need to make good decisions.”
Companies receiving warning letters are: HCG Platinum, LLC makers of “HCG Platinum,” “HCG Platinum X-30,” and “HCG Platinum X-14″; HCG Diet Direct, LLC, makers of HCG Diet Homeopathic Drops; theoriginalhcgdrops.com and resetthebody.com, marketers of “Homeopathic Original HCG” and “Homeopathic HCG”; Natural Medical Supply, whose products include “Alcohol Free hCG Weight Loss Formula,” “hCG Diet Pellets Weight Loss Formula,” and “hCG Diet Drops Weight Loss Formula”; Nutri Fusion Systems LLC, makers of “HCG Fusion 30″ and “HCG Fusion 43″; and hcg-miracleweightloss.com, marketers of “HCG Extra Weight Loss Homeopathic Drops.”
Nov 10
Dr. Miriam MartinUncategorized, weight loss flabby skin, obesity, skin, weight loss
by Ben Greenfield
Fitness and Triathlon Expert
If you’ve lost weight recently, you may have noticed that you have loose skin hanging around. Whether it’s flaps under your arms, or a hanging pouch around your stomach, loose skin can be an embarrassing issue. In this article you’ll learn why skin gets loose, how to tighten it after fat loss and which medical procedures, nutrition tactics and exercises will actually help keep your skin tight.
Why Skin Gets Loose
Skin is an elastic living tissue that stretches as we move and grow (or shrink). It’s not one big piece of rubber that covers your body, but an actual organ. And just like all the other organs in your body, it is made of cells.
The cells on the outer part of your skin are constantly being lost and replaced with new cells, but the skin cells under that outer layer are more permanent. These lower layers of the skin are made up of connective tissues, fibers, blood vessels and all sorts of components that can stretch or contract — depending on how you treat them.
When you lose weight (and especially when you lose weight quickly) the elastic parts of your skin don’t have time to adapt to your new shape. If you are older, have poor nutrition, aren’t hydrated, have excessive sun exposure or smoke, this problem is aggravated even more, since all of these things contribute to decreased elasticity.
How to Tighten Loose Skin
As you lose weight and loose skin begins to appear, don’t panic! Your skin will slowly return to a shape that fits your new body. But that process can take up to two years, so here are steps you can take to make your skin tighten faster:
#1: Don’t Lose Weight Too Quickly
Crash diets and excessive amounts of time spent exercising can rapidly shed both muscle and fat, and result in a greater amount of loose skin. Aim for no more than 1-2 pounds of fat loss per week, and include weight training so you build muscle to help stretch the skin.
#2: Hydrate
Water is a crucial component of maintaining skin elasticity. From both food and drink, you should be taking in at least two liters of water each day.
#3: Eat
Two ingredients that keep skin plump and elastic are collagen and elastin, and the protein to help form these is found in cottage cheese, milk, legumes, tofu, beans, seeds, nuts and fish. The oils in these foods will also help with skin elasticity.
#4: Care for Your Skin
Avoid harsh detergents like sulfates in soaps, shampoos and dishwashing liquids. Limit sun exposure, stay away from tanning booths, and limit exposure to hot and chlorinated water, since all of these elements decrease elasticity.
Do You Need Surgery?
Skin can only be stretched so far before it loses some of its innate ability to snap back. If you’ve had a 9-month pregnancy, then you can tighten your loose skin. In contrast, if you’ve carried 50-100 extra pounds on your body for a long time, you might need to resort to plastic surgery and stapling to tighten loose skin.
As mentioned earlier, elasticity of your skin will naturally decrease with age. Although you have control over the rate of your weight loss, staying properly hydrated, eating the right foods and caring for your skin, you simply have no control over your age! So rather than letting age stress you out, you should focus on the things over which you do have control — like exercising and eating right — and you’ll find that you always look better than your peers. And feel great!
Jul 09
Dr. Miriam MartinHealth care Hair, smelly hair, smelly scalp
Many of us have a “bad hair day” every now and then. However, individuals with Smelly Scalp Syndrome have a “bad hair day” everyday. Smelly Scalp Syndrome is a condition that originates from the hair and scalp of men, women, and children of all hair lengths. It consists of an odor that can be quite pungent and intensifies throughout the day. The smell is quite easily transferred to towels and pillowcases. In fact, the smell is often so strong that it can be easily noticed by friends, family, and colleagues. This disorder may place a strain on both personal and professional relationships. Unfortunately, many health care professionals are unfamiliar with this condition and are at a loss as to how to treat it.
Cause
Bacteria are prevalent on the hair and scalp. When these microorganisms overgrow Smelly Scalp Syndrome can develop. The bacteria thrive on excessive oils on the scalp and produce an odor which is often described as muggy or moldy. Environmental factors, such as a smoky or chemical-infested work environment, can contribute to an odoriferous scalp.
Myths
Smelly Scalp Syndrome is not a hygiene problem. Individuals with smelly scalps often wash their hair at least once daily - only to have the smell return and intensify as the day progresses. It if often thought that this condition is the result of poor nutrition or hormone imbalances. However, it is the growth of the bacteria that are responsible for this syndrome.
Treatment
A licensed dermatologist can help diagnose and treat Smelly Scalp Syndrome. Sulfur shampoos and soap are helpful in eliminating this disorder. It is recommended that you shampoo daily with the sulfur preparations for one week and then periodically, thereafter to insure eradication of the bacteria. It may be necessary, however, to obtain prescription topical preparations from a dermatologist which may better suit your needs.
Helpful Tips
Bacteria live everywhere. Consider the following tips to assist you in eliminating Smelly Scalp Syndrome:
- Change your towel, hairbrush, pillowcase
- Discontinue the use of all hair products – if smell disappears you may have discovered the culprit
- Discard old hair products and replace with newer products
Conclusion
Smelly Scalp Syndrome is a potentially embarrassing disorder which can affect relationships both at home and at the workplace. There are some very simple remedies available to treat Smelly Scalp Syndrome. Whether your approach be a trip to the local drug store or to the dermatologist’s office, it is important to realize that there is hope for this condition.
Jun 19
Dr. Miriam MartinUncategorized, women's health african-american women, cornrows, hair extensions, hair loss, hair transplantation, hair weaving, traction alopecia
Many African-American women are at risk for developing hair loss as a result of their popular hair styling techniques. Traction Alopecia is a hair loss condition caused by damage to the dermal papilla and hair follicle by constant pulling or tension over a long period. It often occurs primarily in persons who wear tight braids, especially “cornrows”, that lead to high tension, pulling and breakage of hair. This condition is most prevalent in African-American women who commonly wear tight braids when cornrowing and weaving their hair. It can also occur with the wearing of dreadlocks, tight ponytails, and single extensions. Traction Alopecia occurs most commonly in children, teenagers, and young adults. It is seen less often in the older individual.
Traction Alopecia can also be caused by overprocessing the hair – also a common practice in African-American females.. This would include chemical straighteners, dyes, and bleaches which damage the keratin structure of the hair. As a result, the hair becomes very fragile and falls out with routine combing and brushing. These processes of straightening and braiding of the hair put the African American female at a great risk for developing hair loss from traction alopecia.
Often overlooked, is the negative impact traction alopecia can have on women. This includes:
- inability to style the hair
- dissatisfaction with appearance and body image
- low self-esteem
- loss of personal attractiveness and fear of not looking attractive to others
- embarrassment, loss of confidence, shyness
- social teasing and humiliation
- feeling of depression and introversion
- work-related problems
- negative effect on social life
Traction alopecia can be reversed if detected and treated early. However, if the condition is protracted, the condition is often irreversible. Hair styles and procedures that put undue stress and tension on the hair must be replaced for more “gentler” and looser styles. Stylists who service African-American women have an obligation to inform their customers of the potential risk of significant hair loss inherent with certain hairstyles.
Unfortunately, there is no medical treatment available to reverse late-stage traction alopecia. Hair transplantation is the only practical solution to date once severe and extensive hair loss has taken place. Hair transplantation is a surgical technique that involves moving individual hair follicles from one part of the body to bald or balding parts. The procedure, however, is very expensive and may be unaffordable for most women.
African American women who feel they may be suffering from the early stages of traction alopecia must see a licensed dermatologist to prevent further hair loss. Hormonal and nutritonal treatments may be beneficial. Counseling may also be indicated if the negative effects of the hair loss are severe.
Mar 20
Dr. Miriam Martinwomen's health hot flashes, menopause, perimenopause
Um, What Is Perimenopause?
No, you’re not going crazy. The Tasmanian-devil rage, sleep-depriving night sweats, unpredictable periods, and whatchamacallit forgetfulness-it’s real, it’s normal, and it’s called perimenopause, a physiological stage when your body begins its transition into menopause. During this time, estrogen levels fluctuate, causing irregular menstrual cycles, as well as a flurry of other more surprising symptoms. Here, the truth about what to expect-and simple steps you can take to feel like your self again.
1. It’s pretty much unpredictable.
You and your BFF likely won’t experience it the exact same way, from when symptoms start to their frequency or severity. Most women enter perimenopause between ages 45 and 55, but for some it starts as early as the 30s. Experts can’t predict how bad your symptoms will be or when they’ll end-perimenopause can last anywhere from a lucky two to an exhausting 10 years. You’re officially in menopause when you’ve gone 12 months without a period. One sign menopause is close: You miss your period for more than three months — that indicates you’ll likely stop menstruation altogether within a year. Symptoms, such as hot flashes and insomnia, also get more intense a year or two before and after menopause due to the rapid decline of estrogen. With time, most women adapt to lower levels of the hormone, and symptoms ease up.
Feel-better fix: There’s no way to postpone menopause, but studies suggest certain factors, such as smoking, may bring it on earlier. Also, ask your mom when she started going through “the change.” There’s a genetic link, so yours will likely begin around the same time.
2. It’s like PMS-on steroids.
You accidentally burned the pizza in the oven: The pre-perimenopausal you may have muttered a curse and tossed it in the trash. You-in-the-throes-of-perimenopause, however, assault the oven door, burst into tears, and blame your husband, kids, and cocker spaniel for distracting you. One minute later, you’re totally fine. Okay, maybe you don’t actually attack your stove, but the rest pretty accurately exemplifies the toll raging hormones take on your emotional state. Research shows that nearly 40% of women experience mood swings associated with hormonal dips-from sudden anger to intense moodiness, anxiety, or despair.
Feel-better fix: It’s hard to avoid mood swings entirely, but there are ways to alleviate them. Studies suggest too little vitamin B12 may be linked to mood swings and depression, so up your intake of B12-rich foods, including shellfish (clams, mussels, and crab), salmon, lean beef, low-fat or fat-free milk, and eggs. (A daily multivitamin also provides the recommended amount.) Some OTC products, such as Pamprin, may help ease irritability, as can yoga and–it goes without saying–getting enough sleep (see #9). For severe mood swings, your doctor may recommend hormone therapy (more in #10)-the medication may ease emotions by boosting neurotransmitters that help regulate moods.
3. You’re sweating, then you’re freezing.
About 80% of women in perimenopause experience hot flashes, often followed by a chill. Though researchers don’t know the exact cause, they suspect fluctuating hormone levels may send mixed signals to the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates body temperature, and that creates a hot flash. It can last from a few seconds to 10 minutes, causing a flushed face, intense sweating, or even heart palpitations. Those that occur in your sleep-typically accompanied by heavy perspiration-are called night sweats.
Feel-better fix: If you suspect your spicy Mexican lunch brought on a flash, take note, and avoid that trigger next time. (Coffee and wine are other common culprits.) Studies show that deep breathing for 15 minutes twice a day can reduce the frequency of hot flashes by 39%. Herbal supplements such as black cohosh may also help-if only because you think they will. Several studies show that it’s no better than a placebo in reducing hot flashes, but the effect is still significant.
The same is true for soy: Adding isoflavones-estrogen-like compounds found in soy foods-to your diet reduces hot flashes, according to some research; other studies show no change at all. Whether it’s the placebo effect at work or not, that edamame appetizer (always get your soy from food, not supplements) may still help you feel cool and comfortable.
Prescriptions meds-specifically, low-dose or very low-dose hormone therapy-are the most effective way to treat severe hot flashes. When hormones aren’t an option, antidepressants and certain blood pressure and antiseizure meds may work as well. Your MD can help you decide whether one of these routes is right for you.
4. Stock up on supersize tampons.
Gone are the days when you knew exactly what time your monthly visitor would arrive. About 90% of women experience 4 to 8 years of irregular periods before menopause. As ovulation becomes more erratic, the time between each cycle may shorten by a day or two at first, and then by several days, meaning you get your period more often. Blood flow can go from light to crazy-heavy and clumpy, with severe cramping. Later in perimenopause, you might skip periods, and then resume a normal cycle for a while.
Feel-better fix: Low-dose birth control pills with a combo of estrogen and progestin may help regulate your cycle (for smokers and women at high risk for blood clots, progestin-only pills may be safer). Taking birth control, however, means you may not notice when menopause starts. Your doctor may suggest a good time to stop taking the pill for a few months to see if your period resumes.
5. You can so still get pregnant.
Sure, irregular ovulation means less chances to conceive, and true, fertility steadily decreases as you get older. But as long as you are having periods-no matter how erratic-you can still get pregnant. In fact, while birth rates for teens and women in their 20s and 30s decreased in the past few years, those in the 40-plus bracket increased, according to the CDC. About half of pregnancies among women 40 and older are unintended, found a study from the National Center for Health Statistics. So unless a baby is on your agenda, use birth control.
6. You may go up a jeans size (sorry!).
While perimenopause is not totally at fault for an expanding waistline, it certainly contributes to the cause. Before menopause, many women store fat in the hips and thighs (better for pregnancy); when estrogen levels dip, however, testosterone increases, causing extra weight to settle in your midsection. Plus, the stress of hormonal fluctuations can cause your body to secrete more cortisol-and high levels stimulate the storage of fat around the belly. Hormones aside, metabolism slows about 5% per decade, which means that at age 45, you need 75 less calories per day than you did at age 35 to stay the same weight.
By Prevention Mar 18th
Feel-better fix: Amp up your workout routine-add two or three strength-training sessions (download a free workout here) to your weekly regimen to help fight age-related muscle loss, which slows down metabolism, and include fast-paced intervals (try this routine) to your daily walk to burn more calories. Your goal: Keep your waist size to under 35 inches; more than that is linked to an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Feb 19
Dr. Miriam MartinHealth and Wellness cigarettes, smoking, smoking cessation, stop smoking
By
Justine van der Leun
You’ve heard it all before: Smoking leads to lung cancer, heart disease, stroke. But did you know it can increase your risk of going blind? That smokers are more likely to break their hips? That smoking can even put a damper on your sex life? In fact, there are many surprising ways in which smoking is harmful. Read on to learn some of the little-known effects cigarettes can have on your health.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of irreversible loss of vision in the developed world — and smokers are three times more likely to suffer from it.
“Inside your eyes, your lenses are wearing away,” says Iyaad Hasan, director of the Tobacco Treatment Center at the Cleveland Clinic. “The theory is that smoking is a vasoconstrictor, which closes the vessels so you don’t get enough oxygen to your eyes over the years.” The resulting damage to the retina can cause a loss of vision in the center of the eye. And while beta carotene may help ward off macular degeneration, smokers cannot take the vitamin since it increases their risk of lung cancer. The upshot? Just one year after quitting, evidence shows that the chance of developing macular degeneration is reduced by nearly 7 percent.
Severe Forms of Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is no faraway Victorian woe — in fact, the potentially deadly disease exists in the U.S. today, with more than 11,000 reported cases in 2009. And smokers are at a heightened risk of contracting a severe form of the pulmonary bacterial infection. A 2008 study suggested that toxic carbon dioxide, present in cigarette smoke, may trigger TB (symptoms may include coughing up blood and fever). “Most people have a strong enough immune system to fight against it,” says Hasan. “But smokers’ immune systems are down.” Vulnerable populations include those in crowded, often rural areas with no insurance and poor health care.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
“You’re trying to avoid inflammation with rheumatoid arthritis, but a cigarette sends 4,000 chemicals that inflame your body,” says Hasan. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition in which joints are usually sore and painful. New York University researchers followed 1,405 smokers with RA, finding that the 21.1 percent that eventually quit had fewer tender, swollen joints. And Swedish researchers published a study in 2010 that suggested that smoking accounts for over 33 percent of common RA cases — and more than half of RA diagnoses in people with a family history of the condition.
Various Autoimmune Diseases
People with all autoimmune diseases should be especially aggressive in their quests to quit smoking. Smoking has been linked to the development of such diseases as lupus, hyperthyroidism and multiple sclerosis, among others. Moreover, the chemicals in cigarettes (ammonia, acetone and formaldehyde, for example) may cause flare-ups of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Smoking can even cut down the effectiveness of medications. “It’s an irritant, like if you drank a bottle of Mr. Clean,” says Hasan. “We’re trying to clear your body out, so why not stop smoking and lower the damage in general?”
Bone Loss
“Smoking is a contributing factor in one of every eight hip fractures,” says Hasan. Indeed, smoking has been known to be a risk factor for osteoporosis for more than 20 years. A two-decade study found that smokers had a rise in marginal bone loss, compared to nonsmokers. Those who stopped smoking during the course of the study had much less bone loss than those who continued to smoke throughout. “Your bones need oxygen, and the more you smoke, the more you deprive bones of oxygen and the bone demineralizes,” says Hasan.
Erectile Dysfunction
Medical professionals have long suspected that smoking and impotence are related — and have produced many studies that support the theory. Recently, a Chinese study of more than 7,000 men found a link between the number of cigarettes men smoked and their likelihood of experiencing erectile dysfunction. Researchers even went as far as to suggest that more than 22 percent of all cases of erectile dysfunction may be related to smoking. “It’s all about the vessels,” says Hasan. “A smoker has a higher chance of developing plaques in vessels, and there are vessels down in that area. So you don’t get enough blood flow and now your erection is limp.” As well, hypertension and diabetes, which are both linked to smoking, are often thought of as precursors to erectile dysfunction.
Acid Reflux
Fifteen million Americans suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease — and one massive 2004 study found that long-time smokers were 70 percent more likely to have the uncomfortable condition than those who had smoked for only a year. The damage may not be reversible, but it is progressive and preventable: Smoking increases acid production in your stomach and irritates a muscular valve that sits atop the stomach, slowly loosening it over time; eventually, when a smoker lies on his side, acid from the stomach can more easily slip out of the valve and into the throat, causing a painful sensation. “People who are smokers usually have some type of heartburn,” says Hasan. “Smoking itself is an irritant.”
Feb 13
Dr. Miriam MartinHealth and Wellness stress
By Women’s Health Feb 10th 2011 3:13PM
Chronic stress has serious consequences (think: migraines, depression, heart disease), but most people don’t even realize how frazzled they are, says Dr. Elizabeth Ricanati, of the Cleveland Clinic’s Wellness Institute. Learn to recognize your body’s stress signs.
1. You’re sniffling and sneezing
Stress can up your reaction to allergens because it weakens your immune system.
Chill out: OTC allergy meds can help, but so can exercise. Regular 30-minute workouts speed the release of epinephrine, your body’s natural decongestant.
2. You’re breaking out
When tense, your body pumps out extra adrenaline that prompts the emission of sebum, your skin’s pimple-causing oil. As production of one goes up, so does the other.
Chill out: Wash problem areas twice a day. Gel- or foam-based cleansers are best for dissolving oil. If those don’t cut the grease, ask your derm for a sebum-busting retinoid cream.
3. Your scalp is patchy
Anxiety may put your strands into no-grow mode because stress hormones can interfere with hair growth.
Chill out: Make sure you’re getting enough iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin B12, all of which promote hair health. Nosh on foods like broccoli and salmon.
4. Your jaw feels like it’s on fire
You may be grinding your teeth at night, an action triggered by tension.
Chill out: Press a warm washcloth against your jaw for five minutes before you hit the hay. The heat will relax your muscles and help cut down on grinding. Not working? See your dentist to get fitted for a mouth guard.
5. You’re ravenous for junk food
High levels of cortisol, your body’s stress hormone, can prompt you to crave sweets. (Thank your cave sisters, who needed quick energy boosts to deal with tense situations.)
Chill out: Your cravings will last as long as cortisol is rushing through your body, so swap an unsatisfying high-calorie eating spree for some sweet-tasting sugarless gum.
6. Your monthly flow is showing up early, late, or not at all
When stressed, your brain sends out signals that can alter or disrupt ovulation.
Chill out: Talk to your gyno about oral contraceptives. Birth-control pills can rebalance your reproductive hormone levels and get your cycle back on track.
Feb 12
Dr. Miriam MartinMedical Technology electronic health record, electronic medical record, healthtracker
MD Medical, Inc. is excited to announce the upcoming launch of the HealthTracker portion of their newly implemented CareTracker Electronic Medical Record. HealthTracker unites patients and providers with a secure, online, health care tracking web portal with medical information that is always up to date.
Features of HealthTracker include:
Powerful communication tool
Being able to provide our patients with access to their medical information and communicate with them quickly helps in the delivery of high quality health care. From the home page patients can request an appointment or prescription renewal, check messages from Dr. Martin, and pay their bills online.
Messages
Ability to send electronic messages to patients and attach information relevant to their medical care such as lab results, medication lists, forms, and appointment reminders
Appointments
Patients can view their upcoming and previous appointments and request an appointment online, from anywhere at anytime, and include the days and times that are convenient for them.
Prescriptions
Patients can submit a prescription renewal request online.
Online Statements and payment options
Patients can view statements and then conveniently make a payment online
Stay tuned for the official launch date of our HealthTracker system as we continue to strive for excellence in customer satisfaction.
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