Tag: wellness

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Broward Health Coral Springs offers elite cardiac services

For many years Broward Health Coral Springs (BHCS) provided cardiac care services to the community, but one key component was missing—a cardiac catheterization lab for emergency catheterizations. Subsequently, patients were transported to other facilities, but that’s no longer the case.

Last June, a new state-of-the-art cath lab became operational at BHCS. “We now have the ability to care for specifi c patients with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarctions (STEMI),” said Mohamed Osman, M.D., director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and specialist in Interventional Cardiology at BHCS. “This is a unique opportunity to provide an even higher level of care through angioplasty procedures.”

Designated as a Level 1 Heart Program by the Agency for Healthcare Administration, the new cath lab was termed a “milestone” by hospital CEO Jared Smith, one that “increases our ability to provide a high level of care and uphold our recognition (per Our City Magazine) as the area’s best hospital and Emergency Department.”

Gary Lai, D.O., and chief of Emergency Medicine says the addition of the STEMI heart program makes it possible for EMS to pre-alert the ER and send electrocardiograms prior to a patient’s arrival. “We can prepare immediately to stabilize, medicate, and expedite patients to the in-house cath lab,” he said. “This saves lives and maximizes outcomes.”

The new catheterization lab allows BHCS specialists to perform invasive cardiac procedures and utilize advanced imaging for diagnoses by using contrast dye to determine the severity of the arterial blockage. Once identified, a balloon angioplasty is performed, or a stent is inserted to clear the artery and save as much of the heart muscle as possible. Pacemakers and defibrillator implant procedures are also performed.

Generally speaking, the last 20 years has seen a rapid transformation of new techniques focusing on minimally invasive procedures, rapid care, and shorter hospital stays, according to Dr. Osman. “Although open heart surgery is certainly an option, the major shift has been toward less invasive, less traumatic procedures that obtain excellent results.” People with severe heart valve problems always required open heart surgery. A significant number are now treated with stents to reduce the risk of a major heart event.

Surgical progress in cardiology can be defi ned by an alphabet soup of acronyms: SAVR (Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement); CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft); BAG (Bilateral Arterial Grafting); PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention); TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement); EVAR (Endovascular Abdominal Aneurysm Repair): and ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defi brillator). The term Electrophysiology refers to leadless pacemakers and remote monitoring devices. “Because of these techniques, patients spend less time in the hospital, recover faster, and there’s less trauma to the body,” said Dr. Osman. “An aortic valve replacement once required open heart surgery, but now the TAVR procedure accomplishes the same goal by inserting a transcatheter through a small incision in the groin.”

Surgical complications 

Any medical procedure has the potential for complications such as excessive bleeding, stroke, and even death, but the key is how often complications occur as a result of surgery. “Both minor and major complications are possible, but keep in mind that no patient is the same,” said Dr. Osman. “If a younger patient requires open heart surgery the only problem is the heart and nothing else, so the focus is isolated, but older patients—especially those with underlying conditions such as diabetes, kidney problems, or a previous stroke, are in a high- risk category for complications,” the specialist said.

To show that one size doesn’t fit all, Dr. Osman uses the example of two patients with the same high percentage of blockage that would be treated differently. “The one who is asymptomatic can be treated with medications and dietary changes, while the other who has difficulty breathing and may have underlying medical conditions is a prime candidate for a stent.” He reminds us that everyone is different, and each patient requires a different mode of treatment depending on general health and underlying conditions. “The key is a full evaluation to create a treatment plan with the best benefit.”

Dr. Osman refers to the doctor-patient relationship as “the art of medicine.” The unique relationship includes listening, evaluating, diagnosing, and treating. “At the end of the day when pieces of the ‘puzzle’ come together it’s the collaboration between the surgeon and interventional cardiologist that makes it happen,” he said. He recently saw a patient with a 90-percent blockage of the artery. CABG open heart surgery was performed, and the person is expected to make a full recovery. Choosing the right therapy is the goal.

The COVID consequence

When COVID’s first wave peaked in March 2020, it impacted cardiology services.

With a focus on caring for acute COVID patients, the shift was away from elective cardiac procedures. “Many patients feared coming to the hospital out of fear of COVID and that posed a huge problem,” said Dr. Osman. “In cardiology, time is a big factor and the longer treatment is delayed the worse a condition can become.” He cited a patient who suffered a heart attack yet remained at home for two days. They were able to save his life, but the heart muscle was significantly damaged and he’s now living with a very weak heart muscle. “Things like this are still happening but not to such a high degree. Remember that the margin of error is much less with age,” he said.

The medical facility keeps a log on how long it takes after arrival in the ER to when a clogged artery is opened in the cath lab. According to Dr. Osman the best time to date has been 23 minutes.

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2021-The year of the vaccine

We’ve closed the book on an unexpected 2020, where so much of our lives were dominated by the pandemic. COVID-19 will still be with us this year, but we hope our lives will slowly recover in 2021 as vaccines are made available for everyone.

Creating a new vaccine is time-consuming. Unlike the flu vaccine for the H1N1 pandemic in 2009, there is no existing vaccine for coronaviruses to build upon. According to the CDC, COVID-19 vaccines must be developed and tested to ensure they work and are safe. Michal Linial, a professor of biological chemistry at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem said “Classical vaccines were designed to take 10 years to develop.” So a new vaccine process is now being used for the early COVID-19 vaccines.

As of December 15th, three vaccines have been submitted for FDA approval. There are two mRNA (messenger RNA) vaccines by Pfi zer and Moderna, and one DNA vaccine by Oxford-AstraZeneca. Both of these methods are relatively new, and until COVID-19, no DNA or mRNA vaccines had been approved in the US for human use.

The basic concept these vaccines use is to trick your body into producing proteins that appear to be similar to COVID-19 fragments, which will elicit an immune response from your body’s defense system. This response will protect you from infection from the live virus. This is a new process, compared to vaccines based on live or dead pathogen proteins. The new DNA and mRNA vaccines are non-infectious and can be produced faster and economically.

Both mRNA and DNA vaccines use your body to produce the proteins, using the instructions stored in either mRNA or DNA format. DNA instructions are processed inside your body’s cells to produce the proteins designed to emulate fragments from the virus; whereas mRNA is translated into the protein outside of the cell in your body’s intracellular fluid.

Since mRNA does not enter your cell, the chance of your genome being affected is averted. But mRNA is fragile, thus the cold storage requirements for these vaccines: -70 degrees Celsius for Pfi zer, and -20 degrees Celsius for Moderna. The advantage of the DNA vaccine like the Oxford-AstraZeneca version is to reach areas where cold storage is not common.

The minor and moderate side effects reported of these early vaccines are sore arm at the injection site, fever, fatigue, headache, joint pains, and muscle aches. These effects are due to your body ramping up for a virus infection, but because the vaccine is non-infectious, you will not get a case of COVID-19, just the symptoms from your body’s response.

According to Moderna, no one receiving the vaccine in their trials developed a severe case of COVID-19. The reported efficacy rate for these vaccines are in the 90-95% range, which is much higher than your typical flu vaccine.

While the creation and approval of these first sets of vaccines have been completed, the logistics of getting them delivered across the country has just begun. Operation Warp Speed (OWS), is a partnership between the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), and the Department of Defense (DoD).

OWS aims to accelerate the development, manufacture, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Their stated distribution objective “is for everyone to be able to easily get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as large quantities are available. Several thousand vaccination providers will be available, including doctors’ offices, retail pharmacies, hospitals, and federally qualified health centers.”

OWS has provided a playbook to state and local jurisdictions on the distribution of the vaccines. In Florida, the Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), an agency headed by Director Jared Moskowitz, a Parkland local, is responsible for the distribution of vaccines across the state. “We went out and bought dry ice machines,” said Director Moskowitz. “We got the ultra-cold freezers that we need. We feel that we’re in a good position.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said the state has been planning since early summer on how best to distribute the vaccines, with initial distribution planned at five Florida hospitals (including Memorial Healthcare System in Broward), and eventually expanding to look like state testing sites. “It may even be the same sites we have now,” Moskowitz said. “Giving out the vaccine in a mass distribution — call it spring, late spring, early summer.”

So we say good riddance to 2020. There is much hope life will start returning to normal as more folks are vaccinated in 2021. As of Dec 15th, 2020, a new hope is slowly arriving in the form of vaccines, and state officials work through the prioritization process. The logistics of successfully implementing a smooth mass vaccination is immense, and we all need to follow the recommendations so we can get back to the OLD normal as quickly as possible.

Welcome to 2021, the year of the vaccine.

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Waist watching? Add soup, whole grains, citrus

As we start the New Year, I’ve had a ton of questions from my clients who are focused on giving a jump-start to their healthy lifestyle goals.

I’ve had questions on the Green cleanse, shapely shakes, citrus cleanse, green tea diet, food lovers cleanse, and more.

My response to those inquiries is consistent with my mantra — “For better health: All things in moderation. There is not one food that is all good or all bad for you.”

Now there are some food choices that can aid you in moving forward on the path to a healthier you.

Take soup for instance. Research published in the Journal Appetite showed that people who started lunch with vegetable soup ended up eating 20 percent less than those who skipped the soup.

The key to adding soup to your meal plan is to choose one that is broth-based, which is low energy density, and provides fewer calories per gram than other foods, and contains low to moderate amounts of sodium.

Soup contributes to a feeling of fullness, so by starting a meal with soup, it can prevent you from overeating.

Whole grain foods are also excellent choices for a healthy lifestyle. They are high in fiber, which can be helpful in weight management and weight loss.

Whole grains have always been around, but the “on-trend” group in the whole grain family falls under the moniker of ancient grains. These are grains such as farro, quinoa, and sorghum.

Farro is often labeled the “mother of all wheat species.” The grain is highly regarded in Italy and fast becoming one of the popular grains on-trend in the USA. Whole grain farro is high in fiber, protein, vitamin B3, and zinc. It is low in gluten.

Quinoa is technically a gluten-free seed. In cooking, however, it is used as a grain. It is high in protein, iron, and fiber.

Sorghum is a substitute for wheat, is gluten-free and also high in protein, iron, and fiber as well as a rich source of antioxidants.

Citrus fruits are also good options to include as you make steps to improve your well-being. These fruits have high fiber, high water content, and fewer calories per gram. These attributes will give you a greater feeling of fullness, helping to suppress your appetite.

Research indicates that eating a half grapefruit before meals can promote weight loss. In addition to waist-trimming qualities, grapefruit contains immune-boosting vitamins A and C, and antioxidants.

However, if you are taking prescription medication, make sure you check with your health care professional before making grapefruit part of your daily meal plan.

Take Away: You can enjoy a variety of foods eaten in moderation. Add
30 minutes of physical activity and you’ll have a head start toward your goals.

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Fresh produce offers health in seasonal colors

With the arrival of the end of the year holidays, I get the impression that my clients think they have a pass on doing the right thing. Not! I know there is  plethora of tempting edibles at every gathering, at homes, and workplaces.

But one of the best things about this time of year is the colorful and nutrition filled fresh produce. It’s as if Mother Nature selected the season’s bounty to fit right in with the traditional holiday colors of red and green.

Radishes

Though red radishes are the most popular, they also come in rose, purple, lavender, and white. The popular variety in red and white could easily be considered the Santa Claus vegetable.

With a few swift slits of the paring knife, these orbs become the focal point of a vegetable tray. They look good, and they are good for you. The radish is low in calories, and high in vitamins A and C.

Radishes are a good source of vitamins and minerals. The vegetable’s high water and fiber content aids in digestion and makes it an excellent detoxifier.

Radicchio 

This colorful veggie looks like red cabbage with deep red or magenta leaves and white veins. Its flavor is spicy, with a hint of bitterness. It adds a stunning  pop of color to salads, and vegetable trays. You can also spread radicchio’s leaves with hummus, dips, tuna, or shrimp salad instead of crackers. It is a good source of antioxidants, contributing to overall health and wellness. The veggie is also high in fiber, as well as vitamins C and K, which promotes bone health. It contains magnesium which helps build strong bones and teeth, and potassium which plays a positive role in regulating blood pressure.

Beets 

Red beets are available year-round and can be served roasted, steamed, pickled, or in juice. This vegetable is in the same family as spinach and Swiss  chard. Beets are a good source of heart healthy folate and potassium. They also contain energy producing carbohydrates, antioxidants manganese and vitamin C; they are a good source of digestive-supportive dietary fiber, along with magnesium, iron, and phosphorus.

You can intensify the color of beets by adding lemon juice or vinegar while cooking for a brighter color. Baking soda will cause them to turn a deeper purple. Add salt after cooking, because it can blunt the color.

Red Swiss Chard

This leafy green, also in the vegetable family with beets, is stunning with its magenta stalk and veins surrounded by textured deep green leaves.

Swiss chard is an excellent source of bone-building vitamin K, manganese, and magnesium; it is high in antioxidants vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. It contains potassium and iron, is a good source of fiber and B vitamins including folate which is good for a healthy heart. Swiss chard can be included in salads and sandwiches or as a hot vegetable. To maximize the nutrients, quick cooking such as sauté or steaming is best.

Whether seasonal festivities or year ‘round, these “reds” are vegetables to dish about; they are fabulous looking, great of these to your menu and you’ll be one nutrition-savvy hostess/host serving great dishes that are nutrition rich.

Take Away: Festive occasions can be enjoyed without shelving your plan for good health. Make wise choices and try to opt for colorful fruits and vegetables. Plenty of fruits and vegetables will go a long way toward keeping the calories down and nutrition up.

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What’s the deal with CBD?

CBD oil has recently been heralded as the key to alleviate many ailments for which traditional medicine has not offered reliable cures. So what is CBD?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is an extract derived from the cannabis sativa plant, sometimes referred to simply as the cannabis plant.

The varieties of c. sativa containing high CBD, and low Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), are generally called hemp, or industrial hemp. The more famous, or infamous, varieties of c. sativa  with high THC are often generally referred to as marijuana (AKA weed, pot, reefer, grass, dope, ganja, Mary Jane, etc).

Cannabinoid compounds bind with receptors in human cells. Two main types of receptors have been identified, CB(Cannabinoid receptor type)_1 and CB_2. CB_1 is most widely expressed in the brain, and CB_2 are seen expressed in immune cells. Researchers are still working to identify other receptors in human cells.

Medical studies have shown the strongest evidence of CBD benefit is in certain epilepsy syndromes, which don’t respond well to anti-seizure medications. The FDA recently approved the first-ever cannabis-derived medicine, Epidolex, a purified CBD extract.

Other studies suggest CBD can help alleviate anxiety and insomnia. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), the studies are not as advanced as for epilepsy. Interestingly, recent studies say THC may increase anxiety as opposed to CBD which reduces it.

Another potential benefit of CBD that is being studied is the anti-inflammatory properties due to its interactions with the immune system. According to Harvard Health, “CBD may offer an option for treating different types of chronic pain.” More studies are ongoing to substantiate the effectiveness of CBD on these difficult to treat conditions.

As the medical community continues to study the benefits of CBD, more and more consumer products are being marketed. CBD products are often used topically, ingested, or inhaled. According to Dr. Junella Chin, an osteopathic physician, topical cream or ointment can be applied to “muscles, joints, and ligaments and still get a nice, localized release.”

Dr. Chin says, when CBD is inhaled, you will feel an impact in 10 minutes, that tends to wear off in two hours. Whereas, if it’s ingested as an edible or liquid, it will last 4-5 hours, but takes half an hour before you feel the effect.

Given the vast number of CBD infused products you can find, you should look for a third party quality assurance stamp or certificate of analysis. A 2017 Journal of American Medical Association study found 26 percent of 84 products tested contained lower doses than stated on the label. So in the wild, wild west of CBD products, it is buyer be aware.

CBD’s legal status is complicated. All 50 states have laws legalizing CBD with varying degrees of restriction. Federally, CBD oil extract from the marijuana plant, is still a schedule I controlled substance, whereas CBD oil extract from hemp (0.3% THC or lower), is legal for cosmetic use only, and not for food, or dietary supplements. In Florida, CBD extract can be legally processed with a state license under SB 1020.

As with all things, there are side effects from CBD that are also being studied. The FDA in their March 2020 statement says, potential side effects “include potential liver injury, interactions with other drugs, male reproductive toxicity, as well as side eff ects such as drowsiness.” The statement acknowledges much we still don’t know about CBD, and as recently as Oct 2019, the FDA and FTC sent warning letters to a Florida company for unproven claims on the benefits of CBD.

The CBD industry is evolving quickly, the FDA stated, and there is “significant public interest in CBD and we must work together with stakeholders and the industry to develop high-quality data to close the substantial knowledge gaps about the science, safety, and quality of many of these products.” So when you are shopping for CBD infused bath salts or other products, keep in mind, there is much we are still learning, both beneficial and potentially harmful.

 

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Diwali

With the arrival of the season of fall comes the Hindu festival of lights, Diwali. Diwali, one of the biggest Hindu celebrations, is a five-day festival that usually occurs in mid-October or mid-November, and it celebrates the victory of good/light over evil/darkness in different forms and has many legends behind its origin. Lord Rama’s return from his 14-year exile after defeating King Ravana, Lord Krishna’s triumph over the demon Narakasura, and Lord Vishnu’s defeat of King Bali. During Diwali, Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is honored. Diyas and clay lamps are lit inside and outside of homes.

The lighting of Diyas signifi es the destruction through knowledge of all negative qualities, violence, anger, jealousy, greed, and fear; thus celebrating the victory of good over evil. This year, Diwali (the third day) is on November 14. The first day is known as Dhanatrayodashi, and it represents when Lord Dhanvantari, the Hindu god of medicine, brought Ayurveda, the science of medicine, to mankind.

It also marks the day whenGoddess Lakshmi was born from the churning of the ocean. On Dhantrayodashi, people usually buy gold, silver, utensils, and clothes. The second day of Diwali is Naraka Chaturdasi. On this day, Lord Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasura. People often take a holy bath and relax.

The third day of Diwali, often called Diwali itself, Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped during Lakshmi Puja in the evening. It is also the darkest day of the month, Amavasya, so Diyas are lit and placed outside the home to keep darkness from entering. The fourth day is celebrated for various reasons in different parts of India. For example, in Gujarat, this day is celebrated as the New Year. The fourth day is also known as Annakut, which means “mountain of food.” Large offerings of vegetarian food are given to Lord Krishna for his defeat over Lord Indra. The fifth and final day is called Bhai Duj, and it celebrates a sister’s love for her brother.

During Diwali celebrations, you will find homes lit with Diyas, doorsteps decorated with rangolis to welcome guests with great honor, fireworks to celebrate the new year, and amazing sweets and delicacies to share with friends and families. Most importantly, Hindu families give thanks. Hindu families give thanks for all they have been blessed with and share their blessings with others and the community at large. During Diwali many of our local temples have food drives to share their blessings.

From Hinduism Today

FACT: Believing that the Divine resides in all things, Hindus practice non-injury and hold a deep respect, bordering on reverence, for all living beings. This embracing attitude is reflected in India’s history of welcoming refugees from all cultures and faiths. By following dharma, Hindus eschew violence and terror. Secure in their faith, they interact harmoniously with their neighbors, regardless of religious affiliation.

FICTION: Many people wrongly believe that Hindus, being proud of their religion, may disdain other cultures. In fact, Hindus fully accept the spiritual efficacy of other paths and never proselytize.

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To sleep, perchance to scheme – ay there’s the rub

Sleepopolis.com is a website that bills itself as “Your Ultimate Sleep Destination.”

That must be true, because I’ve been trying to reach them for months and they never, ever answer their phone or respond to emails.

I figure they all must be catching like 40 million winks. If I apply the highly respected “Rip Van Winkle snooze postulate,” first developed by Washington Irving in 1819, I’m not going to hear from them until 2040.

That’s a hell of a power nap.

OK, so here’s what happened. Last April I read a story in the Miami Herald about a survey Sleepopolis.com had done about the best cities for sleeping. The story said Miami was rated 246 out of 300 Florida towns.

So, I looked up the whole study and discovered that Parkland, our Parkland, was among the top ten best Florida cities for sleeping, snoring in at number six, right between Miami Shores and Fruit Cove. Wow, what a story.

The only other area city to make the top ten was Palm Beach, which nodded off at number nine.

As for the rest of Broward County? How do you spell that noise you make when you put the “P” sound with the “F” sound and end with a bunch of “T” sounds?

Pfttt?

And this was not a casual study. Sleepopolis included factors like drinking, smoking, obesity, physical and mental health, exercise, and unemployment. Surprisingly, the only critical factor overlooked was whether sleepers had a My Pillow under their noggins.

But still, how can Parkland rank sixth and Coral Springs103rd or Coconut Creek way down at 193? Is that much more drinking and smoking and not exercising going on in cities literally right next door to us? I don’t think so.

The worst Broward County city was North Lauderdale, ranking 298 out of 300. I don’t even want to know what goes on there.

The study “measured,” and I use the word with total sarcasm, 20 of Broward County’s two dozen cities. But as I looked at all the numbers, I noticed scores for things like obesity, drinking, and sleepless nights were almost identical for most towns. There was only one measurement that differed significantly.

And that measurement is why Sleepopolis won’t return my calls.

I put the 20 Broward County cities in a spreadsheet. The cities fell in line perfectly according to one factor: Median income.

Parkland, in first place among Broward towns, had a median income of $131,525. The median income of the last place, North Lauderdale was more than three times less at $41,841. There were no exceptions. Rankings dropped as median incomes fell; one by one, in perfect order; from Parkland, Cooper City, and Weston at the top; to Margate, Dania Beach, and North Lauderdale at the bottom.

The Miami Herald should have taken a harder look before condemning its town’s ability to get a good night’s sleep. Maybe it’s just a case of projection. Given the paper’s pending bankruptcy and hedge fund guys rubbing their hands together gleefully, I’m sure folks at the Herald aren’t sleeping that well. Maybe they should commute fromParkland.

By Richard Battin
editor@theparklander.com

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Guidelines for Breast Health

“In the pink” is pervasive this month. According to Dictionary.com, the idiom is actually “in the pink of health.” One would think that this is the connection between breast cancer awareness and the pink images that are highly visible. In reality, the symbol is derived from a ribbon’s symbolism as a sign of courage and support, and a promotion by Self magazine and Estee Lauder cosmetics in 1992. The pink ribbon promotion has evolved significantly over the years — from lapel pins to illuminated skylines in cities nationwide, to the addition of the color and symbol in uniforms for professional sports.

Though we need to be aware of breast health every month, with pink splashed spectacularly on just about everything in October, it brings the topic to the forefront. You know I am all about having a healthy lifestyle and making sure you’re in the know on keeping “your girls” aka breasts, healthy. Here are a few guidelines to help you out.

  1. Lifestyle
    Adjust your lifestyle to limit alcohol, increase fruit and vegetables, and exercise regularly; these are all factors that can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. It is also important to avoid smoking, control weight, and avoid exposure to radiation and environmental pollution. Breastfeeding can be beneficial, and the length and duration of hormone therapy should be limited.

2. Mammograms
Mammograms are considered the gold standard in breast cancer screening. The
American Cancer Society recommends that all women
get a mammogram every year beginning at age 40. For women with an above-average risk
of getting breast cancer, it is suggested that they discuss with their doctors if they should begin screenings at an earlier age.

3. Know Your Breasts.
Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of breast self-exams. If you choose to do breast self-exams, your doctor can review how to do them with you. If you know how your breasts “should” feel then you can easily recognize when something is atypical and you should reach out to your health care provider.

4. Be Persistent.
If you think you feel “something,” and your healthcare professional dismisses your concerns, be persistent. You are your best advocate. If necessary, seek another opinion.

5. Network
Talk to your network of friends and ask them to share the names of their doctors or clinics. Personal recommendations from people you trust can go a long way when choosing healthcare professionals.

6. Symptoms
A lump is a symptom we hear about most often and 80 percent of lumps turn out to be benign. A lump can feel like a frozen pea, marble, or another hard item. This does not mean it is cancer, but if it is still noticeable after a few weeks or changes size or shape, have your doctor take a look.

Some of the other signs that something is amiss include persistent itching, a bug bite–like bump on the skin, and nipple discharge. If you notice something out of the ordinary that continues a few weeks, again, you will want to check with your doctor.

I’m not trying to alarm or create anxiety; you know my goal is to help guide you along the path of living a healthy lifestyle. Keep these guidelines in mind year ‘round for good health.

Take Away: You are your best advocate for “being in the pink of good health.” Follow these guidelines and make wise choices about your lifestyle.

By Michelle Stewart

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Medicare plan change window opens October 15

Each year in late September, every Medicare recipient should receive an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) in the mail, which summarizes their current Medicare Advantage or Part D drug plan changes that will go into effect on Jan. 1st of the following year. Medicare Open Enrollment (Oct. 15th through Dec. 7th) is the period in which you may make changes to your current Medicare plan or your Medicare Drug plan.

Recipients should take the following steps to see if their current plan is still appropriate:

  • Check your prescription drugs to make sure they are still covered. If not, you may need to change to a plan that will reduce the cost of your drugs.
  • Since contracts can change during the year, you will need to ensure your doctors and hospitals are still in the plan; if they are no longer in the plan, you will need to go out of your network to see your usual doctor and this will probably cost more money than you want to spend. If you are currently on an HMO Advantage plan, you might need to change plans so your primary care doctor remains covered.
  •  Medicare Open Enrollment is the time to join a Medicare drug plan because if you select a plan outside of this period, you may encounter a late enrollment penalty; if you wait for future years, coverage will probably be more expensive.

Have you checked the following plan changes to see if they benefit you?

  • Plans sometimes add value items, such as gym memberships, over the counter allowances, meal delivery, and acupuncture.
  • Drug plans also make changes to which pharmacies are included as well as changes to tier coverage, deductibles, co-pays, and sometimes they will no longer cover the cost of a specific drug. Not knowing this information can save or cost you a lot of money. Also, if you went into the coverage gap last year, you need to see if changing plans can help you save money.
  • Some plans are more useful for issues that might be important to you. Aetna, for example, has a generous hearing aid allowance compared to other plans, but co-pays may be higher. And if you have money coming out of your Social Security for Medicare payments, those could be waived depending on the amount you receive from Social Security.

The best way to make sure you’re getting the most out of Medicare is to visit a broker who is familiar with all the plans. There is no charge.

Reneé Gorden is an insurance broker and the founder of Health Choice America in Boca Raton.

By Reneé Gordon

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Shed those COVID-19 pounds

Food is our comfort in these trying times. It helps relieve the anxiety we feel due to the uncertainties swirling around us. What’s going to happen to school? Should I visit my favorite restaurant? Given the amount of TV / streaming content we have also consumed, couch potatoing is an activity that is gaining
momentum as we settle into new routines.

There are many activities residents have been doing to burn off those newly acquired COVID-19 pounds. Some, like me, have a bike and have gotten more familiar with their neighborhoods. Others have been running and playing tennis, as those activities allow us to keep our social distance and get our heart rate up.

However, a lot of us need some help to get a good program going. There are a lot of local pros that can help; you may have seen the Trainstation mobile gym trailer driving around in your neighborhood. Rick delivers all the gym equipment you need to your house. Harry, a kickboxing trainer from HB Kickboxing, can help you get a workout and improve your martial arts skills.

Whatever your choice is, COVID-19 pounds are another way this pandemic could impact your health long term, but there are many options to shed them. So, you can keep active, or if you need help, many professionals are ready to keep you healthy.

 

By Curiously Hungry

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Dietitians View: What About Breakfast?

What’s for breakfast? It is National Breakfast Month and the question is, “What are we eating?” I share with my clients that it is not necessarily when you eat, but what you eat. It is important to eat something to fuel your body as your day starts. Research shows that eating breakfast can aid in improved performance and concentration in both the conference room and the classroom. Additionally, breakfast helps you eat adequate amounts of the vitamins and minerals recommended for a healthy lifestyle, you also are more likely to control your weight and eat less fat and cholesterol.

Key ingredients for a healthy breakfast include:
• Whole grain rolls, bagels, cereals, low-fat bran muffins, English muffins, Melba toast, and crackers.
• Low-fat protein, such as peanut butter, almond butter, Nutella® spread, Canadian bacon, low-fat mozzarella cheese sticks, turkey bacon and sausage, scrambled egg whites or an egg-white omelet, hard-cooked eggs, or vegetarian protein items.
• Low-fat or fat-free dairy foods, i.e., fat-free milk, Greek-style low-fat yogurt, cottage, and natural cheeses.
• Fruits and vegetables, including fresh or frozen items, 100 percent juice beverages without added sugar, fruit, or vegetable smoothies.

Breakfast-on–the-go has grown in popularity. Research from The NPD Group on American eating habits noted an increase in breakfast and morning snack consumption. However, 70% of breakfast meals are consumed in the home. If you’ve been a ‘breakfast skipper,” try these tips for making this meal a little easier to get on the table (or in your hand and out the door).

1. Pre-pack to-go bags the day before a busy morning. Include a zip-top plastic bag of granola; add a hard-cooked egg, low-fat yogurt, and fruit just before you leave.

2. Have a smoothie. Just make sure to add some protein, like yogurt, whey protein powder, or tofu, to keep you satisfied longer.

3. Make quick and healthy breakfast sandwiches with toasted frozen waffles, peanut or almond butter, and sliced banana.

4. Set foods aside the night before; cut up fruits, pour cereal, or prepare mixtures for baked or scrambled eggs.

5. Consider steel-cut oats for a super-healthy and convenient meal. Combine the oats and water, bring to a boil, remove from heat, cover, and let set overnight. The next morning, you can reheat them in the microwave oven.

6. Keep your freezer stocked with frozen waffles. They are available in whole grain and gluten-free varieties. Keep fresh strawberries or blueberries on-hand; they’re a good source of antioxidants and they dress up waffl es or a bowl of cereal.

7. Prepare hard-cooked eggs in advance. Hard-cooked eggs in the shell can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.

8. Always keep a bowl of fresh seasonal fruits available for the easiest grab-and-go breakfast or snack.

Adding breakfast to the day is easy; just make a few adjustments to your schedule, plan ahead, and grab-and-go, choosing some of the above breakfast choices.

If you begin with breakfast, you are well on the way to jumpstarting the day with optimum energy.

 

By Michelle Stewart

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Rampant Allergies? The eyes have it

This summer, your immune system certainly isn’t the only part of your body you should be looking after.

As residents of South Florida, taking care of our eyes should certainly remain a top priority as people begin to flock to the beaches and their backyards. Summer weather and activities, in particular, can cause excessive strain, irritation, or permanent damage.

Luckily, there are a plethora of practices we can follow to combat these effects, while still participating in a summer of fun. Dr. Adrienne Florczyk, an optometrist in Coral Springs, offers a few tips that families everywhere can follow.

A mask shouldn’t be the only protective accessory you’re investing in.

Wearing sunglasses that are 100% UV protection polarized are the most efficient in blocking out harmful rays to make sure you don’t get a sunburn of the eye. A broad-brimmed hat can also be helpful for shading your eyes from direct sunlight. Additionally, shoppers can order UV protection contact lenses if they are contact users.

Watch out for water parks

Waterparks, pools, and beaches can all contain bacteria or chemicals that irritate the eyes. Wearing waterproof goggles is one way to protect your eyes, but if you have children who aren’t so fond of them, Dr. Florczyk recommends buying preservative free artificial tears that flush out the eyes after spending some time in the water.

Yard work can put your eyes at risk

While any outside activity can dry out or trap bacteria in your eyes, yard work, especially, requires some attention. If you are spraying sunscreen, bug spray, or other chemicals that may get in your eyes, you should wear safety goggles or polycarbonate sunglasses that won’t break during landscaping. They also act as a shield from any falling brush or debris.

Spending your relaxation time inside? Your eyes still need protection!

A lot of our down time is spent staring at a television, computer, or phone screen. Unfortunately, it can cause excessive eye strain, especially from the blue wavelengths emitted by these devices.
If you’re staring at a screen, follow the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break, and look 20 feet away. This gives your eyes a needed break to keep them healthy. Blue
light glasses, a newer product, also filter out the blue light from screens by using anti-glare coating. Because blue light has been proven to disrupt your natural sleep cycle, this type of eyewear is growing increasingly popular.

By Madison Smith

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