Showing posts with label Heat Illness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Heat Illness. Show all posts

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Are statin drugs safe for healthy people?

According to some new information that's been hitting the presses lately, the FDA has approved using statin drugs such as Crestor in otherwise healthy adults to "prevent" high cholesterol. According to an article on National News Desk from Dec. 17, 2009, the FDA has approved statin drugs for people who have an elevated C-Reactive Protein, to reduce the risk of heart attack and strokes, but this benefit may increase the occurrence of diabetes in these patients.

As you well know, our practice has always taken the stance that healthy people don't need chemicals or drugs to stay healthy. If you read the article noted above it appears that the FDA would rather you die slowly from diabetes, than quickly from a heart attack... It makes no sense to trade one catastrophic event for another, especially when both type 2 diabetes and heart disease can be prevented by a healthy diet and a minimal amount of regular aerobic exercise. We prefer that you live a long prosperous life, and die naturally of old age!



It is becoming more and more obvious that we, as humans, must take responsibility for our own health. The current "health care system", which has trained doctors and patients alike to look to prescriptions and surgeries to change the outcome of our nations health, has come under much scriutiny this year. This challenge has brought to light the fact that, as a nation, we have become a complacent society; in more ways than just one. It is up to each of us, as individuals, to take stock in what is important for ourselves and our family, and change our future for the better.



C-Reactive Protein is an inflammation marker that we use in our clinic every day to help monitor the cardiovascular health of our patients. Often "CRP" can be lowered rather quickly with some minor changes to lifestyle, diet and nutrients. Hemoglobin A1C is also a test that is used to monitor a persons sugar levels over time. These two very simple blood tests are great ways to check a patients progress.



Keep in mind that when something is too good to be true, most times it is. When a study is published that goes against what you believe to be true, challenge it. Check to see who funded the study, and who completed it. If the company who completed the study stands to make money from the outcome of the information, then chances are the deck was stacked to come out on their side.



True wellness requires that you pay attention to your body, listen when it tells you something is not quite right, educate yourself on a healthy diet, and work in that 15-20 minutes of aerobic exercise every day. As our bodies age, we lose the ability to make and utilize some of the nutrients that we need to stay healthy, such as;


  • Essential Fatty Acids, commonly referred to as fish oil or Omega 3, 6, 9. Used to fight inflammation, ease depression and lube up the joints and arteries.

  • Vitamin D - the sunshine vitamin. Boosts the immune system, fights cancer cells, aids calcium absorption and many other great things yet to be discovered!

  • Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant which also helps fight inflammation and is known to ease PMS and Menopausal symptoms too.

  • Vitamin C - Crucial to good health, known to fight cancer, build the immune system and has a chelating effect on the plaque in the arteries

  • Co-Q Enzyme 10 - many people over 40 have lost the ability to make this key antioxidant which is known to help reduce inflammation and lower C-Reactive Protein.

  • Alpha Liopoc Acid - another important element to health that is reduced with age, Alpha Lipoic Acid is known to reduce blood glucose levels by converting it to energy, it also eases neuropathy related to diabetes.

  • B-Complex - B Vitamins including folic acid are among some of the many essential vitamins and minerals that Americans lack. They are also the first to go when you are under constant stress. The body relies on B-vitamins for energy, and stress uses them up rather quickly.

Of course... I could go on all day about nutrients that supply your body with the help it needs to stay healthy...the point is... its up to you to stay well. No magic pill is going to rescue you from diabetes or heart disease if you eat a diet high in processed foods, sugar and fat.


If you wish to check your health status call us to set up your March Madness appointment. To get a complete work up its only $250.00. More information is available on our website at http://www.drkessinger.com/images/march.pdf

Friday, June 26, 2009

Are you dehydrated?

Water is something that doesn't get much media attention. Most people do not drink enough water to support their body functions on a daily basis, and in the heat, it's even more important to get an adequate intake of fluids. Your body is constantly losing fluids through normal body functions like breathing, sweating etc. If you drink caffeine or take medicine that causes you to urinate frequently you are even more susceptible to heat related illness.

One way to know if you are starting to get dehydrated is to pay attention to your lips. If you find yourself licking your lips frequently, or if they start to get chapped you could be dehydrated. Normally by the time your body tells you to drink water, it is already feeling the effects of being low on fluids. You should keep a water supply available all the time, but when its hot out you need to be drinking frequently. The recommended daily amount of water is generally 8-9 glasses of water a day for adults during normal activity. Excessive sweating, public speaking, frequent urination and health concerns can change this amount depending on your situation.

If you are doing out door activities you need to make sure you are hydrated before you begin. During the time you are outside you should drink a glass of water about every 20 minutes. Even if you are not thirsty. Children need to be sure to consume water frequently while playing sports, of course they don't need as much as an adult. Children should have about a half a glass every 20 minutes. Sports drinks are popular choices for hydration because they have electrolytes in them, but remember they also may contain high amounts of sugar, sodium or caffiene. Be sure to choose your drinks carefully.

Signs of dehydration are...

  • Dry lips and tongue, sticky feeling
  • Headache
  • Weakness, dizziness, or extreme fatigue
  • Urine that appears darker than normal
  • Nausea
  • Cramps

If you experience these symptoms you should drink water, and be sure to keep drinking plenty of water until all symptoms go away. Don't flood your system with water, because too much water can make you feel nauseated and it can deplete your electrolyte balance. You should have a light snack, including some complex carbohydrates and protein, if you consume large amounts of water.

If you notice someone has stopped sweating, is dizzy or seems disoriented please seek medical attention immediately.

More information is available at these websites.

http://womenshealth.about.com/od/commonhealthissues/a/staycoolsummer.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dehydration/SM00037