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Holistic Healthcare

The term “holistic” is often associated with unscientific alternative medicine, but there is in fact a holistic way of approaching health that understands the mind and body of the patient as a unified whole. That is what “holistic” means: considering the complete individual, the entire person as a unity rather than viewing them as a collection of independent systems. Although the understanding of the person is based on a modern, scientific approach to medicine, the holistic perspective on healthcare considers those many systems to be interdependent and the health of the overall person dependent on all of those systems working as they are supposed to with one another. Anything that affects the mind, body, or wellbeing of the person can influence health.

One important feature of a holistic approach to health care is that the doctor will focus on the patient’s lifestyle and make suggestions for changes in lifestyle if that can help the patient’s overall health. The most prevalent example is probably exercise and diet, which can have myriad effects on health. Non-holistic healthcare providers might treat symptoms that arise because of the effects of weight or lack of exercise, but a holistic doctor will appreciate that those symptoms will continuously return if the underlying issues are not treated. Doctors who practice holistic healthcare will often prescribe changes in diet or exercise regimens that will attempt to treat the whole person.

A holistic healthcare practice understands that human beings have innate healing abilities that can emerge when the mind and spirit are appropriately healthy. This means paying attention to emotional and mental well-being as well as physical, as people who suffer from depression or sleep disorders related to emotional turbulence may have a harder time recovering from physical issues than otherwise emotionally healthy people. A holistic doctor will seek to treat mental and spiritual problems through many different means. This may even include working on relationships with family and friends in order to create a more emotionally supportive environment that will help with physical healing.

The primary feature of holistic healthcare is that it serves the person, not the disease. Health is a feature of an entire human being, including mind and wellbeing, not merely individuated systems within the biology of the human creature. At Internal Medicine, Lipids, and Wellness Practice in Fort Myers, Dr. Kordonowy is part of a team that provides holistic healthcare. Dr. Kordonowy believes in a patient seeing his or her doctor periodically to assess his/her present level of wellness and potential risk for future disease is an important investment for themselves.

If you have any questions about what holistic healthcare can do for you, be sure to contact Dr. Kordonowy today at (239) 362-3005, extension 200 or click here. Dr. Kordonowy is a concierge, patient membership physician, and provides direct primary care services.

 

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The Importance of Iron

Popeye knew what he was doing by eating his spinach. He turned to spinach to get stronger, which is true – spinach can help a person feel/be stronger. How? Spinach is loaded with iron, which not only helps a person’s strength, but also can give a person energy, strengthen bones, improve brain and cardiovascular function, and keep the digestive tract healthy. Sadly, low iron is the number one nutritional deficiency in America.

If you’ve ever felt extra exhausted or weak, there’s a good chance you may be lacking this mineral, especially if you’re a woman. Around 10 percent of women in America are deficient in iron, according to the CDC.

Iron is an essential mineral that is extremely important for the body to have a proper amount. This mineral helps transport oxygen throughout the body. Iron is an important component of hemoglobin, which is the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. In fact, hemoglobin represents, around two-thirds of the body’s iron. If your body is lacking iron, the body cannot make enough heathy oxygen-carrying red blood cells, and you most likely will develop anemia.

When the body lacks oxygen, you feel fatigued and exhausted; your body will have a tougher time fighting off infections or even thinking or making decisions properly.

How do you know if you have a deficiency? Often, people don’t even realize they have anemia unless they are beyond fatigued, pale, or have a hard time exercising. Symptoms of low iron include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Increased heart beat
  • Sores at corner of the mouth
  • Cold hands and feet
  • A sore tongue
  • Brittle nails
  • Hair loss
  • Difficulty swallowing

A doctor can detect an iron deficiency through a blood test. If you are pregnant, have ulcerative colitis, celiac disease or Chron’s, you should get your blood tested regularly.

The amount you need depends on age, gender, and health. Your doctor will help determine how much you need. Your doctor will suggest an iron-rich diet if your iron is low. Iron-rich foods include: red meat, spinach, beans, dried fruit, and fortified cereals. However, your diet may not be enough for your deficiency, and your doctor may recommend an iron supplement. Your doctor will start you on a low dose and gradually increase your dosage, so your chance of developing side effects (constipation, upset stomach, vomiting) is lessened. Adults shouldn’t take more than 45 mg of iron a day.

If you’ve been extra sluggish lately (even though you get enough sleep) and your mind seems foggy, you may be low in iron. Your best bet is to get your blood levels checked by a doctor. Dr. Kordonowy of Internal Medicine, Lipid & Wellness of Fort Myers will examine you and order a blood test to determine if you have an iron deficiency or another issue. To book a consult, click here or call 239-362-3005, ext. 200. Dr. Kordonowy of Internal Medicine, Lipid & Wellness is a concierge, patient membership physician in Fort Myers, and provides direct primary care services.

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Common Nutritional Deficiencies

Even in Western countries where food is relatively plentiful, there are still millions of people who suffer from nutritional deficiencies. Often, these deficiencies express themselves in minor ailments that many people ignore, because people assume that if they’re eating enough they’re also getting enough nutrients. However, because of the nature of highly processed foods and other problems with manufactured food, many people are not getting the proper nutrients they need. Here are a few of the most common nutritional deficiencies in the United States:

 

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is important for bone health, as it is involved in helping bones absorb calcium. Vitamin D deficiencies are fairly widespread in the United States, and this can lead to a decrease in bone health, especially among the elderly. Some foods like milk and bread have vitamin D added, but eggs and fish are also a great natural source. The easiest way to get vitamin D is to spend a little bit of time in the sun every day, as the body naturally produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.

 

Calcium

Calcium is also important for bone health, and as mentioned above works with Vitamin D to replenish the bones. Calcium helps people recover from activity and exercise, especially endurance and high-intensity exercise. Calcium is most commonly found in dairy products, but other healthy sources include almonds and salmon. Be sure to increase your vitamin D to help your body absorb calcium.

 

Potassium

Potassium helps with muscle functioning, including the heart, and with healthy nerve tissue. Sometimes healthy levels of potassium can help lower blood pressure. Fluid loss through excessive sweating, or from vomiting or diarrhea can flush potassium out of the body, causing a deficiency. Bananas are the most well-known source of potassium, but many other foods are also a good source, including mushrooms, potatoes, and leafy, green vegetables.

Iron

Iron is important for healthy red blood cells and the immune system, as well as the general growth and functioning of our bodies. People with iron deficiencies may feel fatigued or be more susceptible to illness. Iron can be gained from many meats, with organ meats being the richest source. Oysters, clams, chicken, turkey, and red meat are great sources of iron. Iron deficiency is most common among women, but anyone with poor eating habits can also be at risk.

 

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 helps the body produce energy by assisting in enzymatic reactions. In addition, B12 helps make neurotransmitters in the brain as well as in the production of DNA. The source of vitamin B12 is primarily from animals, through meats like chicken and fish, as well as animal products like milk and yogurt. The increase in recent years of the Vegan lifestyle has increased the incidence of Vitamin B12 deficiency, but even Vegans have options of B12-fortified foods. Most healthy adults can usually get enough B12 through diet alone.

 

Nutritional deficiencies aren’t immediately life-threatening, but over time the negative effects can build up and adversely affect your health. Even a general feeling of weariness and lack of motivation might be a sign of some deficiency. Be sure to critically examine your diet to see what you might be missing out on, and definitely consult a doctor for advice in getting the nutrients your body needs. Contact Dr. Kordonowy of Internal Medicine, Lipids, and Wellness in Fort Myers for a nutritional consultation. A certified dietician is available at the office. Call him today at 239-362-3005, ext. 200 or click here. Dr. Kordonowy of Internal Medicine, Lipid & Wellness is a concierge, patient membership physician in Fort Myers, and provides direct primary care services.

 

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Common Nutritional Deficiencies

Even in Western countries where food is relatively plentiful, there are still millions of people who suffer from nutritional deficiencies. Often, these deficiencies express themselves in minor ailments that many people ignore, because people assume that if they’re eating enough they’re also getting enough nutrients. However, because of the nature of highly processed foods and other problems with manufactured food, many people are not getting the proper nutrients they need. Here are a few of the most common nutritional deficiencies in the United States:

 

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is important for bone health, as it is involved in helping bones absorb calcium. Vitamin D deficiencies are fairly widespread in the United States, and this can lead to a decrease in bone health, especially among the elderly. Some foods like milk and bread have vitamin D added, but eggs and fish are also a great natural source. The easiest way to get vitamin D is to spend a little bit of time in the sun every day, as the body naturally produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.

 

Calcium

Calcium is also important for bone health, and as mentioned above works with Vitamin D to replenish the bones. Calcium helps people recover from activity and exercise, especially endurance and high-intensity exercise. Calcium is most commonly found in dairy products, but other healthy sources include almonds and salmon. Be sure to increase your vitamin D to help your body absorb calcium.

 

Potassium

Potassium helps with muscle functioning, including the heart, and with healthy nerve tissue. Sometimes healthy levels of potassium can help lower blood pressure. Fluid loss through excessive sweating, or from vomiting or diarrhea can flush potassium out of the body, causing a deficiency. Bananas are the most well-known source of potassium, but many other foods are also a good source, including mushrooms, potatoes, and leafy, green vegetables.

Iron

Iron is important for healthy red blood cells and the immune system, as well as the general growth and functioning of our bodies. People with iron deficiencies may feel fatigued or be more susceptible to illness. Iron can be gained from many meats, with organ meats being the richest source. Oysters, clams, chicken, turkey, and red meat are great sources of iron. Iron deficiency is most common among women, but anyone with poor eating habits can also be at risk.

 

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 helps the body produce energy by assisting in enzymatic reactions. In addition, B12 helps make neurotransmitters in the brain as well as in the production of DNA. The source of vitamin B12 is primarily from animals, through meats like chicken and fish, as well as animal products like milk and yogurt. The increase in recent years of the Vegan lifestyle has increased the incidence of Vitamin B12 deficiency, but even Vegans have options of B12-fortified foods. Most healthy adults can usually get enough B12 through diet alone.

 

Nutritional deficiencies aren’t immediately life-threatening, but over time the negative effects can build up and adversely affect your health. Even a general feeling of weariness and lack of motivation might be a sign of some deficiency. Be sure to critically examine your diet to see what you might be missing out on, and definitely consult a doctor for advice in getting the nutrients your body needs. Contact Dr. Kordonowy of Internal Medicine, Lipids, and Wellness in Fort Myers for a nutritional consultation. A certified dietician is available at the office. Call him today at 239-362-3005, ext. 200 or click here. Dr. Kordonowy of Internal Medicine, Lipid & Wellness is a concierge, patient membership physician in Fort Myers, and provides direct primary care services.

 

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Eat Right For Your Heart

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.

The original article appeared here.

The foods you eat directly impact your cardiovascular health. Improving your diet can help you manage current health conditions, such as high cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar, and can also help prevent future health problems.

What is a heart-healthy diet?

A heart-healthy diet is:

  • High in omega-3 fats, found in many fishes, especially salmon
  • High in fiber
  • High in fruits and in green, red and orange vegetables
  • Low in saturated fats and trans fats
  • Low in sodium
  • Low in sugar
  • Low in cholesterol
  • Low in alcohol or alcohol-free
  • Calorie-balanced to support a healthy weight

What’s the difference between healthy fat and unhealthy fat?

Saturated and trans fats can be especially harmful to your heart and arteries. A heart-healthy diet is low in these harmful fats but includes moderate amounts of healthy fats. Mono- and polyunsaturated fats, especially omega-3 fats, are good for your heart.

When it comes to your weight, all fats are equally high in calories. When it comes to your heart, some fats are bad and some are good.

Why are saturated fats so bad for me?

Saturated fats are unhealthy primarily because they raise blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the so-called “bad” cholesterol. No more than 7 percent of your calories each day should come from saturated fats. For a person eating 2,000 calories per day, that’s 16 grams of saturated fat, the equivalent of less than 3 ounces of cheese.

To decrease your saturated fat intake, cut down on meat, cheese, butter and cream. Switch to more plant-based fats instead. For example, add guacamole instead of cheese to your tacos. Spread peanut butter — especially natural peanut butter — instead of butter on your toast. Sauté vegetables in a teaspoon of oil instead of a pat of butter.

Why are trans fats so bad for me?

Trans fats, commonly found in deep fried foods or foods made with partially hydrogenated oils, are especially harmful because they raise LDL cholesterol and also decrease the “good cholesterol,” high-density lipoprotein (HDL). There is no recommended level of trans fat because any amount can be harmful.

Fortunately, nutrition facts labels on packaged foods are now required to list trans fat content. Read labels and avoid foods containing trans fats.

How much healthy fat should I have in my diet?

Research suggests that a heart-healthy diet can provide up to 35 percent of its calories from fat, as long as the fats are mostly mono- and polyunsaturated. For a diet of 2,000 calories, that’s a maximum of 78 grams of fat.

Unsaturated fats mostly come from plant sources, as indicated on the table above. One exception is the increasingly famous omega-3 fat, which is found in highest concentrations in oily fish, such as salmon.

Omega-3 fat, in the form of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), is being studied to find out exactly how it benefits health. So far, evidence is strongest for omega-3 fat’s ability to lower blood pressure and decrease blood levels of triglycerides. At the UCSF Cardiovascular Care and Prevention Center, we recommend eating fish frequently — at least two times per week.

For non-fish eaters, a fish oil supplement may be appropriate. Up to three grams per day of combined EPA and DHA is probably safe for most people, but, as with all supplements, be sure to check with your doctor before you start taking it. We also recommend visiting the Environmental Defense Fund website, which rates the safety of many fish oil supplement brands.

  • Eat fatty fish at least twice a week. If you don’t eat fish, consider adding a fish oil supplement providing up to three grams daily of combined EPA and DHA. Check with your doctor first and investigate the quality of the supplement you plan to take.
  • Also include walnuts and ground flaxseeds, which are good vegetarian sources of omega-3 fat, in your diet as often as possible.

Remember, all fats are high in calories, so if weight loss is your goal, don’t go “hog wild” even with healthy foods, such as salmon and walnuts. A drizzle of oil on your salad, a few nuts on your oatmeal, or a small fillet of fatty fish topped with a spoonful of diced avocado is plenty for most people.

In addition to the dietary fat guidelines above, we recommend you limit cholesterol intake. Cholesterol is most concentrated in meats, egg yolks, organ meats, shrimp and squid, but it is present in all animal products. A reasonable serving of lean meat is the same size as the palm of your hand. If you have a high risk of heart attack or stroke, limit these cholesterol-rich foods to once a week.

How much sodium, or salt, should I have in my diet?

Cutting down on sodium is one of the best things you can do for your heart. The average American eats about 4,000 milligrams of sodium per day. That’s twice the recommended amount.

People vary in sensitivity to sodium, but in general, decreasing sodium intake can help people with hypertension by decreasing their blood pressure significantly. It can also prevent or delay the high blood pressure that typically appears in people with normal blood pressure as they age.

Aim to consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. Some people, including African-Americans, middle-aged and older adults, and people with high blood pressure, should aim for less than 1,500 milligrams per day. That’s equivalent to a mere 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of table salt.

How can I decrease the amount of sodium in my diet?

  • Avoid the salt shaker and salty condiments like sauces, pickles, relish, capers and olives.
  • Watch out for the main sodium culprits — packaged and processed foods. Eat foods labeled “low sodium,” “reduced sodium,” or “light in sodium.” When possible, choose foods that provide 5 percent or less of the daily value of sodium per serving.
  • Canned soups, processed meats (frankfurters, sausage, pepperoni, deli turkey or ham), crackers, chips, pretzels, frozen meals and canned tomato juice are especially high in sodium. Avoid these foods and choose fresh foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat and nonfat milk and yogurt instead.
  • Restaurant food is usually high in sodium. Eat out less and cook at home more often, seasoning foods with fresh or dried herbs, garlic, ginger, citrus juices, salt substitute (potassium chloride), pepper or vinegar instead of salt. If you must add salt, do so after the food is cooked rather than while cooking, to maximize its impact on your taste buds.

Why is sugar bad for my heart?

Sugar is a general term used to describe simple carbohydrates (mono- and disaccharides) that are either naturally occurring or added to foods during processing or at the table. Complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides) are commonly referred to as starches, and these are broken down into sugar in the body during the digestive process.

Common table sugar — white, granulated sugar — is sucrose. It is made up of one molecule of glucose and one molecule of fructose, the sugar in fruit.

Sugar is a threat to heart health for a few reasons. First, sugar raises blood glucose and stimulates insulin production. This is not a problem for people with normal metabolism, but is troublesome for those with pre-diabetes, diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Second, high-sugar foods are often high in calories and can lead to overeating and weight gain. Third, diets high in simple sugars can increase blood levels of triglycerides.

Is the natural sugar in fruit healthy?

A heart-healthy diet does include some carbohydrates, and even a small amount of sugar — in the right form and in limited amounts.

Naturally occurring sugars are more healthful than added sugars. A heart-healthy diet includes fruit, vegetables, grains and yogurt and milk for some — all of which contain naturally occurring sugars. Because these foods provide important vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates, the body’s main fuel source, they should be a regular part of the diet.

Added sugars, however, are in many of the processed foods we eat. The biggest source of added sugar for Americans is soft drinks, but fruit drinks, sweetened coffee drinks, pastries, candy, jams and jellies, syrup, and many ready-to-eat cereals are also high in added sugar. Read the labels. These foods are often low in nutrients and should be included in very limited amounts or avoided in a heart-healthy diet.

The bottom line: Cut down on sweets. Avoid sugary beverages. Include healthy carbohydrates — from fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and whole grains, and low- or nonfat milk and yogurt — in moderate amounts, eaten throughout the day rather than all at once. Talk to a dietitian for help figuring out how much carbohydrate is best for you.

What effect does alcohol have on my heart?

Too much alcohol is not good for your heart. Excessive alcohol intake can increase fats (triglycerides) in the blood, increase blood pressure and add extra calories that lead to weight gain.

In moderation, alcohol appears to have some beneficial effect on the heart. The possible antioxidant effect of red wine has been widely publicized, but its potentially beneficial substances can be obtained from other foods, such as grapes or red grape juice.

Alcohol may have an anti-clotting effect on the blood, reducing clot formation and reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke. Aspirin may help reduce blood clotting in a similar way. The best-known beneficial effect of alcohol is an increase in HDL, the “good” cholesterol. However, regular physical activity and weight loss are other effective ways to raise HDL cholesterol.

While studies on the potential mechanisms of alcohol on cardiovascular risk need further research, right now we do not recommend adding alcohol to your diet to achieve these potential benefits. If you already drink alcohol and have no reason to avoid it, such as alcoholism or family history of alcoholism, limit it to one serving per day for women and two servings per day for men. One serving is 12 ounces of beer, four ounces of wine, 1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits or one ounce of 100-proof spirits.

How much fiber should I have in my diet?

A high-fiber diet is part of a heart-healthy lifestyle. In addition to its role in heart health, a high-fiber diet appears to reduce risk of developing diabetes, diverticular disease, constipation and colon cancer. Fiber also slows digestion, which means high-fiber foods help you feel fuller, longer — which may help you eat fewer calories and control your weight.

Dietary fiber is material from plant cells that cannot be broken down by enzymes in the human digestive tract. There are two important types of fiber: water-soluble and water insoluble. Each has different properties and characteristics. Both types of fiber are helpful in maintaining good digestion and providing a sense of fullness, which helps prevent overeating and weight gain.

Soluble fiber in particular decreases blood cholesterol. Fruits, vegetables, legumes (dry beans, lentils, peas), barley, oats and oat bran are good sources of soluble fiber.

Total dietary fiber intake should be at least 25 to 30 grams a day from food, not supplements. Right now dietary fiber intakes among adults in the United States average about 15 grams a day. That’s about half the recommended amount.

How can I increase the amount of fiber in my diet?

Fruits and Vegetables

  • Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Fresh fruit is slightly higher in fiber than canned. Eat the peel whenever possible — it’s easier than peeling or eating around it.
  • Have fresh fruit for dessert.
  • Eat whole fruits instead of drinking juices. Juices don’t have fiber.
  • Add chopped, dried fruits to your cookies, muffins, pancakes or breads before baking. Dried fruits have a higher amount of fiber than the fresh version. For example, one cup of grapes has 1 gram of fiber, but one cup of raisins has 7 grams. However, one cup of raisins or any other dried fruit has more calories than the fresh fruit variety.
  • Add sliced banana, peach or other fruit to your cereal.
  • Grate carrots on salads.
  • Keep prepared carrot and celery sticks, cucumber rounds and other fresh vegetables for a quick, high-fiber snack.
  • Choose a side salad instead of fries with lunch.
  • Consider alternatives for routine meals eaten out. Choose restaurants with healthier choices such as vegetable side dishes, whole grain breads, fruits and salads. Fast food should not mean high-fat and low-fiber meals.
  • Try recipes that use more vegetables and fruit.

Legumes and Beans

  • Add kidney beans, garbanzos or other bean varieties to your salads. Each one-half cup serving is approximately 7 to 8 grams of fiber.
  • Substitute legumes for meat two to three times per week in chili and soups.
  • Experiment with international dishes, such as Indian or Middle Eastern food, that use whole grains and legumes as part of the main meal or in salads.

Grains and Cereals

  • Keep a jar of oat bran or wheat germ handy. Sprinkle over salad, soup, breakfast cereals and yogurt.
  • Use whole-wheat flour when possible in your cooking and baking.
  • Choose whole grain bread. Look on the label for breads with the highest amount of fiber per slice.
  • Choose cereals with at least 5 grams of fiber per serving.
  • Keep whole-wheat crackers for an easy snack.
  • Cook with brown rice instead of white rice. If the switch is hard to make, start by mixing them together.

Dr. Kordonowy of Internal Medicine, Lipid & Wellness of Fort Myers is a concierge, patient membership physician, and provides direct primary care services. He will be able to administer the tetanus vaccine at his office To book an appointment, click here or call 239-362-3005, ext. 200.

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Lipids Resources and Management

As a lipidologist (cholesterol specialist), I wanted to briefly introduce you to National Lipid Foundation. This Foundation supports patient and clinician education research and community outreach activities that enhance and support the Foundation in its efforts to reduce cardiovascular events and deaths related to abnormalities of cholesterol metabolism.

With a wider depth of knowledge in this specialty, a lipidologist can offer more treatment recommendations; they can run complex diagnostic tests to diagnose or predict other diseases that correlate with specific lipid densities and sizes, such as metabolic syndrome and diabetes. In short, lipid specialists help reduce deaths related to high cholesterol and other lipid disorders.

Lipidologists’ goal is to enhance the practice of lipid management; this branch of medicine (lipidology) continues to evolve. Lipidologists primarily treat patients with disorders or disruptions in the amount of lipids in the blood (dyslipidemia). Lipids are fats, and normal levels are required for good health. Really high lipid levels can lead to illness and cardiovascular disease, including arterial blockage, heart attack, and stroke.

If you have very high cholesterol, have difficult treating your cholesterol, have a family history of early heart attacks, or a personal history of vascular disease (coronary artery disease), it’s best to consult with a board certified lipidologist to receive the most accurate treatment for your cholesterol problems. A lipid specialist can treat patients through drug therapy, diet changes, and lifestyle modifications.

The Foundation’s website is a great resource to learn more about Lipids. One example of a great resource on this site is the FCS Cookbook. The cookbook was created by the wife of a patient who was suffering from extremely high triglycerides levels and Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome, which is a rare hereditary condition where a person lack properly functioning lipoprotein lipase. (LPL). This woman created a cook book full of delicious recipes (husband and children approved) that are low in fat, which reduced his symptoms.

At Internal Medicine, Lipid & Wellness of Fort Myers, Dr. Kordonowy offers his patients an advanced cholesterol clinic, and those who can truly benefit from his expertise are those that suffering from high cholesterol, those who have complex cholesterol disorders, sufferers of familial hypercholesterolemia, and people with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Kordonowy’s expertise within this medical subspecialty has helped many patients increase their longevity, because they could effectively manage their difficult cases of high cholesterol.

To book a consult, click here or call 239-362-3005, ext. 200. Dr. Kordonowy is a concierge, patient membership physician in Fort Myers, and provides direct primary care services.

 

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Heart Problems – Signs Not Readily Visible

heart problemsMost people when they hear the words heart problem begin to think immediately of a heart attack.
They may imagine someone grasping at their chest and falling to the floor. The truth is that you can experience symptoms that would lead a cardiologist to look further into your state of health and not even realize it yourself that it could potentially be a heart-related issue.

Warning signs

#1Dizziness – could be caused by a heart rhythm abnormality or even a heart attack. Make note of it and if it keeps happening, get it checked out. This could signify a drop in blood pressure or reduced blood flow to the brain and should be taken seriously.

#2 Memory Loss – If you feel more forgetful than usual and even family or friends begin to notice it could be a symptom. Restricting the blood flow to the brain can cause injury to brain cells resulting in memory loss.

#3 Pain – Not in the chest – jaw, neck, arms, elbows and even shoulder pain can point to a heart problem. This is known as referred pain. It is caused when the nerves in the directly pained area get overwhelmed and cannot handle any more.

#4 Sweating with no exertion can be a sign of heart disease. If your antiperspirant won’t work, it could be a sign. Heart issues cause an over stimulated nervous system and can kick in your fight or flight response. This can make you sweat even if you are not doing anything strenuous.

#5 Edema – do your shoes suddenly feel tighter than usual or are visibly swollen? This may also be accompanied by suddenly gaining weight for seemingly no reason. Fluid will build up in your extremities when the blood isn’t being pumped properly.

#6 Erectile Dysfunction – it can be a clear sign that his cardiovascular health needs a checkup. – Narrowing of the blood vessels may first present here. This may occur before any other symptom.

#7 No Energy to Work Out – you feel less energetic and more lethargic making it difficult to hit the gym and stay in shape. – When your heart isn’t in shape it is far less effective at oxygenating your blood and physical activity becomes much more difficult.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms it is best to stay on the safe side and get checked out by your physician as soon as possible.  Though many of these symptoms can be explained in other ways it is always best to err on the side of proactive prevention.

If you are in the Tampa, Florida area please give us a call today at 813-975-2800 or visit online at WWW.TAMPACARDIO.COM. With three convenient locations, we are pleased to serve the greater Tampa, Florida area.

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Is it Just Vanity?

veinIt’s a fact that as we age our bodies do change. wrinkles and creases may begin to appear, skin loosens, our hair may grey. But what about varicose and spider veins? Many may consider it as well a badge of ageing, but the truth is that spider veins and varicose veins are not simply normal effects of time. They are the result of venous insufficiency. Vein Disease.

Varicose and spider veins are not an aesthetic issue, they are the result of an underlying physical problem. When vein walls become weak in certain spots it can cause stretching, twisting and even pooling of blood while it is trying to travel both to and from the heart in the normal circulatory process. This not only causes unsightly purplish blue raised veins which can be embarrassing and make you want to cover them, they can also cause a whole host of physical discomfort issues.

The discomfort that comes from damaged veins can range from:

Aching

Swelling

Dermatitis

Discoloration

Itching legs

Clusters of small spider web looking veins (spider veins)

Twisted visible veins

Heavy Legs

The truth is you are not just being vain if you are considering treatment for varicose or spider veins. You are being proactive in protecting your own health.

Left untreated the above symptoms can and do progress to an advanced state where leg ulcers may form eating away the flesh making them very difficult to treat and heal or you may form blood clots known as DVT – Deep Vein Thrombosis. Blood clots may cut off circulation to a foot, hand, leg or other body part leaving it susceptible to permanent damage and even amputation.

Blood clots can be incredibly dangerous. If the clot itself breaks free, it can travel intravenously and if it reaches the heart, lungs, or brain may cause heart attack, pulmonary embolism or stroke which can be fatal.

It is important to have all possible vein issues checked by a Vein Specialist. For a vein specialist referral, or for more information on vein disorders and treatments, visit http://www.westfloridaveincenter.com/contact/ or call the West Florida Vein Center by dialing 727-712-3233.

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Is Osteoporosis Affecting Your Health?

OsteoporosisWhat is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease which causes the bones in the body to weaken and become brittle over time increasing the risk of fracture and breaks.

Bone is a living mesh of tissue, not just calcium.

Collagen plays a big role in how sturdy bone is constructed. When collagen and calcium are lacking, the bone becomes weak. Bone consistency regenerates itself by building new cells and releasing old ones.

As you age, bone becomes more brittle.

In the USA low bone mass affects more than half the population 55 and up.1 in 5 men and 1 in 3 women, ages 50 and older may at some point have a broken bone because of osteoporosis. 

Causes of bone weakening include Medication use, Adrenal Fatigue, metabolism imbalance, Vegan Diets, Copper deficiency,  Hyperparathyroidism, Eating Disorders,  Smoking, Excessive Alcohol use, family genetics, and a small bone frame.

How do you test for bone density?

The main reason someone would suspect Osteoporosis would be family history if they are not experiencing any symptoms. A bone density test may be given by your physician.

Physical Symptoms: Back pain (which can be caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra), a stooped forward lean in your formerly straight posture, loss of height as you get older, and even breaking a bone without a super hard fall or impact.

Drug companies produce several pharmaceuticals which have been formulated to increase the density of bone. The problem is that they all come with the potential risk for side effects. Thinking about bone health while you are still young is the best possible protective measure.

BE PROACTIVE!

Drop the Stress – Chronic stress can not only spoil your mood and mental health it can wreak havoc on your physical health. Be nice to yourself, rest, treat yourself occasionally, do what makes you feel joyful and relaxed.

Nutrition – Eat a diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, and grass-fed meats. Avoid refined sugar, white flours, and processed foods. The soil much of our food is grown in these days has been severely depleted of the minerals we need. So much so that supplementing may be necessary. The best way to determine what you are missing is with Nutritional Response Testing. Magnesium, Calcium, Vitamin K2, Vitamin D3 and Strontium all have shown benefits to bone strength.

Lift – Strength training builds bone as well as muscle. Consult a personal trainer if you need a little direction to get started.

Use Essential Oils – Helichrysum and Cypress can be applied topically to areas can help with bone repair and healing if a break occurs or a weak spot is shown to exist.

Chiropractic Care – Keeping your bones in alignment on a regular basis helps the entire body function properly.

If you are in the Southwest Florida, Fort Myers area, Cape Coral, Naples, Estero, or Lehigh, please visit www.drkasters.com or call the office at 239-332-2555. 

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How Diet Can Hurt or Heal Your Heart

heart healthy dietHow much thought do you really give to what you are feeding your body? Many of us don’t give all that much thought. We buy food based on the fact that we enjoy it.  The problem is that many of the foods we love the taste of do not contain the nutrients our bodies need in order to function.

While there is a lot of grey area as far as whats “good” and “bad” to eat for your body and for heart health in particular, we have broken it down to some of the most common “food bombs” that can contribute to bad heart health as well as several health-boosting foods which help the body build and heal itself when eaten as part of a balanced diet. Let’s dive in!

Foods that can be damaging to your heart health (there are many out there, we are highlighting some of the worst offenders)

Canned Fruits – Yes, surprise! Fruit made the list. Fresh is a different story, but canned peaches and other fruits contain more than double the sugar of a fresh peach.

Extra Butter Movie Popcorn – Ok, we all know this stuff isn’t health food but how bad could it really be? Well? Pretty bad! It contains 7 x more trans fats than the daily allowance.

Cinnabon cinnamon buns – Oh my are the every tasty. They, however, contain your entire day’s worth of fat…. so If you are going to indulge and eat one, track your macros!

Taco Bell Salad – Though it has the word “salad” which equates to healthy, it has a shocking amount of fat equal to 37 strips of bacon.

Lunchables – contain more sugar than a child should have in an entire day.

Biscuits & Gravy – A southern favorite here in Florida! But beware this dish contains more than 2/3rds of a days worth of sodium.

And the winning worst offender we found goes to the popular chain PF Chang’s. Their signature dish PF Chang’s Pan Fried Noodles (which admittedly are scrumptious) contains a whole day worth of calories for a large man, 1 and a half days worth of fat, and more than 3 days worth of sodium. Goodness!

Now that we have that behind us lets take a look at what would be far better to consume. Whats healthy and helps our bodies, minds, and hearts work at full capacity giving us lasting health.

Salmon, kidney beans, oatmeal, almonds, flax, broccoli, walnuts, carrots, tuna, asparagus, almond milk, dark chocolate (yes folks we said chocolate!), sweet potato, spinach, brown rice, blueberries, cantaloupe, oranges, and Xango juice!

These miracle foods help do everything from prevent hardening of the heart, to aiding in the prevention of irregular heartbeats, improve brain function and blood pressure, lowers blood sugar as well as cholesterol, and even break down carcinogens and free radicals.

There is no contest. Healthy is the way to go. Eat Clean, feel good.

If you are in the Tampa, Florida area and need more health advice in relation to the heart we would love to see you at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates. Visit us online at www.tampacardio.com or call any time (813) 975-2800.

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