Dental Hygiene and Overall Health: Why it Matters

Health Basics, Healthy Living, Preventative Health

As a team of dedicated primary care providers in Jupiter, we’re committed to the comprehensive health and well-being of our patients. While we focus on numerous aspects of health care, one area that often gets overlooked is dental hygiene. However, dental health is not an isolated facet of your well-being; it’s intrinsically linked to your overall health. Today, we want to emphasize the importance of dental hygiene and how maintaining it can contribute to a healthier you.

The Mouth: A Window to Your Health

Your mouth is a gateway to the rest of your body. What’s happening in your mouth often mirrors your overall health condition. Oral health and systemic health are not separate entities; they are two sides of the same coin. A healthy mouth can help you ward off medical disorders, while an unhealthy mouth, particularly if you have gum disease, may increase your risk of severe health problems like heart attack and stroke.

The Connection Between Oral Health and Systemic Diseases

Numerous studies have linked oral health issues like gum disease to an array of health problems, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory issues, and even certain types of cancer. Researchers suggest that inflammation in the mouth can release harmful bacteria into the bloodstream, leading to other systemic health issues.

For instance, gum disease (periodontitis) has been linked with cardiovascular diseases. The harmful bacteria can travel through the bloodstream, triggering inflammation, and contributing to the formation of arterial plaque, leading to heart disease.

Similarly, periodontitis can make it difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar, creating a vicious cycle of deteriorating oral and general health.

Why Regular Dental Care is Crucial

As primary care providers, we place a high value on prevention, early detection, and timely treatment, the principles that also apply to dental care. Regular dental check-ups allow for early detection of oral health issues, which can prevent them from escalating into more serious systemic health problems.

Moreover, your dentist can also spot early signs of nutritional deficiencies, general infections, and even more severe systemic diseases during a routine oral examination.

Concierge Medicine and Coordinated Care

One of the significant advantages of concierge medicine is our ability to provide coordinated, comprehensive care. In our practice, we understand the crucial link between oral health and overall well-being. As a result, we include dental health advice as part of our preventive health strategies and remind our patients about the importance of regular dental check-ups.

Our personalized and attentive approach allows us to work closely with our patients, guiding them on all aspects of their health, including dental hygiene. As your primary care providers, we make sure your healthcare journey is well-coordinated, encompassing every facet of your health.

Your Health, Your Responsibility

While we are here to provide you with the best possible healthcare, maintaining good oral hygiene starts at home. Simple habits like brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding tobacco can make a big difference in keeping your mouth healthy.

In conclusion, oral health plays a significant role in maintaining your overall health. At MD2.0 in Jupiter, we believe in a holistic approach to your well-being, and dental hygiene forms a crucial part of it. Remember, a healthy smile is just one more reason to smile about your health!

[Note: Always consult with your healthcare provider or your dentist for all health-related advice and information.]

Keep smiling, stay healthy!

Improve Your Nutrition with these Simple Steps 

Concierge Medicine, Environment, Health Basics, Healthy Living, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Preventative Health

Nutrition plays a crucial role in providing the necessary nutrients for our bodies to function properly. These essential nutrients include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Carbohydrates provide energy, proteins are vital for tissue growth and repair, fats contribute to insulation and organ protection, while vitamins and minerals are required for various bodily functions, such as building strong bones, maintaining a healthy immune system, and supporting heart and brain health.

A balanced and healthy diet, consisting of a variety of foods from different food groups, ensures that our bodies receive all the necessary nutrients. Proper nutrition not only helps to maintain healthy body weight but also reduces the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. On the other hand, a poor diet lacking essential nutrients can lead to malnutrition and various health problems. Therefore, good nutrition is essential for overall health and well-being.

There are several ways to improve your nutrition, including:

  • Encouraging a balanced diet: Consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. A balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients for the body to function properly.
  • Ensuring adequate hydration: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids. This helps prevent dehydration, which can lead to health problems.
  • Providing smaller, more frequent meals: Instead of large meals, consider offering smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day, especially for adults. This ensures they receive the necessary nutrients without feeling overwhelmed.
  • Offering nutrient-dense snacks: Opt for nutrient-dense snacks such as fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. These snacks boost energy levels and provide essential nutrients.

In conclusion, in addition to prioritizing good nutrition, it is beneficial to seek guidance and support from primary care concierge doctors in Jupiter. These healthcare professionals specialize in personalized care and can offer valuable insights and recommendations tailored to individual needs. Collaborating with primary care doctors can further enhance one’s journey toward optimal nutrition and overall health. By combining their expertise with the principles of a balanced diet, hydration, and nutrient-dense snacks, individuals can receive comprehensive care that addresses their unique requirements and fosters long-term well-being. Together, the commitment to sound nutrition and the assistance of primary care concierge doctors empower patients to lead fulfilling and healthy lives.

Learn About this Devastating Mental Disease and How to Stay Ahead

, , , , Concierge Medicine, Health Basics, Healthy Living, Preventative Health

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the brain, causing progressive cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioral changes. It is the most common cause of dementia and is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal proteins in the brain.


June is recognized as Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about this devastating disease and to support those who are affected by it. Our concierge primary care doctors in Jupiter want to discuss some important facts about Alzheimer’s disease, as well as tips for maintaining brain health and reducing your risk of developing the disease.

Facts about Alzheimer’s disease:

  • Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 6 million people in the United States, and that number is expected to triple by 2060.
  • There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but early detection and intervention can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
  • Alzheimer’s disease is more common in older adults, but it can also affect younger people.
  • Genetics, lifestyle factors, and environmental factors may all play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
  • There are several different types of dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease is just one of them.

Tips for maintaining brain health:

  • Stay physically active: Regular exercise can help improve blood flow to the brain and promote the growth of new brain cells.
  • Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help support brain health.
  • Stay mentally active: Engage in activities that challenge your brain, such as puzzles, reading, or learning a new skill.
  • Stay socially connected: Social interaction can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
  • Manage chronic health conditions: Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, so it’s important to manage these conditions through lifestyle changes and/or medication.

In conclusion, Alzheimer’s disease is a complex and devastating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. By raising awareness and taking steps to maintain brain health, we can work to reduce the impact of this disease and improve the quality of life for those affected by it.

Water Flavor Social Media Trend: Healthy?

Health Basics, Healthy Living, Lifestyle, Nutrition

Now that summer is officially here, our primary care concierge doctors in Jupiter want to bring to your attention the new “water trend” trending all over social media. 

In recent years, a new trend has emerged on social media: adding flavorings to water in order to make it more appealing and encourage people to drink more of it. This trend has been popularized by influencers and fitness enthusiasts who promote the idea that adding flavors to water can help individuals to stay hydrated and improve their overall health. However, the question remains: is this trend healthy?

It is Not That Easy

The answer is not straightforward. On the one hand, adding natural flavorings to water can make it more palatable, which may encourage individuals to drink more water throughout the day. Drinking enough water is crucial for maintaining optimal health, as it helps to regulate body temperature, prevent dehydration, and support proper digestion and elimination.

On the other hand, many commercial flavorings that are marketed for adding to water contain added sugars and artificial sweeteners. These ingredients can contribute to the overconsumption of calories, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. Additionally, artificial sweeteners have been linked to a range of health concerns, including disruption of gut microbiota, increased risk of metabolic disorders, and even cancer.

Moreover, some natural flavorings, such as fruit juices and honey, can also contain high amounts of sugar. While these may be healthier than artificial sweeteners, they should still be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Healthy Flavorful Alternatives

Ultimately, the key to making water more appealing and encouraging adequate hydration is to find a flavoring that is healthy and fits your individual dietary needs. Some healthy options for flavoring water include adding slices of fresh fruit, such as lemon, lime, or cucumber, or infusing water with herbs like mint or basil. These natural flavorings can provide a burst of flavor without adding unnecessary calories or artificial sweeteners.

In conclusion, while adding flavorings to water can be a useful tool for staying hydrated, it is important to choose healthy options that do not contain added sugars or artificial sweeteners. By making this choice, you can reap the benefits of proper hydration without compromising your overall health and well-being.

Surprising Facts About Skin Cancer

, Concierge Medicine, Health Basics, Healthy Living, Preventative Health

You may think you already know everything about skin cancer. But because May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, our concierge primary care doctors in Jupiter want to share some facts about this often-deadly disease that you may not be aware of.

Brief Skin Cancer Recap

Let’s start with some facts about skin cancer you may already know:

  • Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, followed by squamous cell carcinoma. Both can easily be cured if caught in time, but they can be disfiguring and expensive to treat.
  • Malignant melanoma is the most deadly type of skin cancer. It represents only about three percent of all skin cancers diagnosed but is responsible for the most deaths. That’s because of its tendency to spread to other parts of the body, including vital organs. But when diagnosed early, its five-year survival rate is 99 percent.
  • The most preventable cause of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, either from the sun or from artificial sources like tanning beds.
  • About 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers and 85 percent of melanoma cases are associated with exposure to UV radiation.
  • One bad sunburn in childhood doubles the risk for melanoma later in life. Having five or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma. A single indoor tanning session increases your risk of melanoma by 20 percent.
  • Even if it’s cool and cloudy, you still need protection, because ultraviolet (UV) light can penetrate clouds.

Odd Skin Cancer Facts

There are other facts about skin cancer that you might never have heard before.

1. For example, did you know that more men than women die of melanoma? The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says that one reason may be that men know less than women about skin cancer and that they use sunscreen less than women do.

Men’s skin is also more prone to penetration by UV rays than women’s because they have thicker skin with less fat beneath. A man’s skin also contains more collagen and elastin, making men’s skin more likely to be damaged by UV light.

2. On the other hand, one study found a greater association between white wine consumption and a higher risk of melanoma in women. Those who drink a glass of white wine each day showed a 13 percent increased risk of invasive melanoma (meaning it’s gone deeper than the top layer of skin), while those who drank the most white wine had an increased risk of 50 percent or higher than those who don’t drink any alcohol.

3. UV rays can penetrate glass in windows, both at home and in the car. This helps explain why left-sided facial cancers, especially in men, are more common. It’s all about the position we drive in, with the left side of the body exposed to more UV light. Windshields are treated to block UV rays, but side, back and sunroof windows aren’t. Also, be aware that UV rays can not only penetrate glass, but also can “bounce” under beach umbrellas and reflect off of concrete surfaces.

4. It’s extremely rare for a mole to transform into a melanoma, according to Dr. Ashfaq Marghoob, a dermatologist with the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. While melanoma can develop in a preexisting mole, nearly 70 percent do not. At the same time, the presence of many moles can identify those who are at an increased risk for developing melanoma somewhere else on their skin.

That’s why it’s important to apply sunscreen to all parts of the body.

“Some people use sunblock only where they have moles because they think the moles themselves are dangerous,” he says.

5. Caffeine may protect against skin cancer. One study found that women who drank more than three cups of coffee daily were 21 percent less likely to develop basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common type of skin cancer. Men were 10 percent less likely to develop BCC.

6. Melanomas are not necessarily brown. Some have no color or are pink or appear as simple bumps on the skin. That’s why it’s important not to try to diagnose skin cancer on your own.

“Be aware of isolated or pink spots, especially if the spot looks different than any other marks on the skin,” Marghoob says. “Pay attention to any spot or mark that has an uneven texture, shape, border, or distribution of colors,” he added. “In addition, any spot that has changed in some way should prompt a visit to your doctor.”

Avoiding Skin Cancer

To avoid getting skin cancer, the most common cancer in the U.S. and around the world, the AAD recommends these steps.

  • Seek shade. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If your shadow appears to be shorter than you are, stay in the shade as much as possible.
  • Wear sun-protective clothing, such as a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection. For more effective protection, choose clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number on the label.
  • Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing. Broad-spectrum sunscreen provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

If you have any questions about how to protect yourself from the sun or notice new or suspicious spots on your skin or any spots that are changing, itching, or bleeding, let us know.

Staying Safe In Flooding Events

, , , , Environment, Health Basics, Natural Disaster

In light of last month’s flood disaster in Fort Lauderdale, and the fact that such events are happening more often, our primary care concierge doctors in Jupiter want to review what you should know to stay safe in similar situations.

Not only are extreme flooding events more likely these days, but here on the east coast of Florida we also regularly deal with the threat of hurricanes. And with hurricane season arriving in just a few weeks, it pays to be prepared.

More to Come

In the aftermath of the Fort Lauderdale flooding, Kevin Guthrie, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, said, “This is the second most-catastrophic flooding event that I’ve seen in my tenure as emergency manager . . . over the last 33 years,” with Hurricane Ian being the worst.

Unfortunately, with the changing climate, such events are becoming more common, both in Florida and across the country. Warmer air holds more water vapor than cooler air, thus intensifying rainfall amounts.

The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that flooding kills more people than almost any other weather-related hazard. That’s why it’s important to know what to do in storm emergencies.

Before the Storm

  • Be sure you have a 30-day supply of your medications—both prescription and non-prescription—on hand before the storm hits. See us if you need refills of any drugs you may be taking.
  • If your medications need to be refrigerated, talk to us about how to keep them properly stored if your power goes out.
  • If you are on dialysis, talk to the doctors or staff at the dialysis center about where to go after the storm.
  • If you use medical devices such as ventilators or oxygen concentrators, be sure the batteries are fully charged, and know where to go if the battery doesn’t work.
  • If you are on a special diet, be sure to have enough food available to last at least a week. And have enough bottled water available for everyone in the household to prevent dehydration. The rule of thumb is one gallon per person per day.
  • If you have service animals or pets, ensure they have enough water, food, and any medications to last at least 10 days after the storm.
  • Be sure to have plenty of hand sanitizers and hand wipes available.
  • Make sure to take all your medical paperwork with you if you evacuate: a list of current medications, a list of drug allergies, insurance cards, and contact numbers for your physicians.
  • If you haven’t had a tetanus vaccine in the past 10 years, see us now to be inoculated. During after-storm cleanup, tetanus bacteria can infect you from even a minor cut or scratch.

Driving Safely

Flash floods are caused by slow-moving thunderstorms, or storms that move over the same area one right after the other, known as “training,” because they follow each other like train cars. The NWS says that most deaths associated with floods occur at night or when people become trapped in cars that stall while driving in flooded areas. 

In April’s flooding, CNN reported that a month’s worth of rain fell on Fort Lauderdale in just one hour. Many of the city’s streets turned into lakes as two feet of rain left over 1,000 people calling for help.

If you encounter flooding, remember: Turn around, don’t drown. It takes just a foot of water to float a car; two feet will float most vehicles, including pick-up trucks.

One final tip from the man who helped create the “turn around, don’t drown” slogan: Hector Guerrero, formerly with the NWS, tells NPR that floodwaters can make it challenging to open car doors or windows. That’s why he keeps a safety hammer in his car in case he gets stuck in rising waters.

“You hit the corner of that windshield,” he says. “You can break it out if it has to come to that.”

Then head to higher ground: a nearby hill, a building, or even a tree.

After the Storm

Many deaths and injuries occur after a disaster. So here’s what you need to know to stay safe.

  • Avoid floodwaters if at all possible. They are filled with such contaminants as oil and gas, infectious diseases, household chemicals, and sewage, not to mention displaced animals. Water may also cover potholes and sinkholes.
  • If you’re using a generator to maintain power, be sure it’s far enough away from the house to prevent carbon monoxide from seeping into the home.
  • Do not eat any food or water that may have come into contact with floodwater. If in doubt, throw it out.
  • If lifesaving drugs have been exposed to floodwaters, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that if the container is contaminated but the contents appear unaffected (i.e., the pills are dry), they may be used until replacements are available. Other types of drugs or drug products such as inhalers, oral liquids, drugs for injections, and so forth, should be discarded if they have come in contact with contaminated water.
  • Insulin loses its potency according to the temperature it is exposed to and the length of the exposure. Under emergency conditions, you might still need to use insulin that has been stored above 86 degrees Fahrenheit. When a fresh supply becomes available, discard any questionable insulin remaining.
  • Take care during cleanup. Be aware of downed power lines, the hazards of power tools like chainsaws, and the dangers of overexertion and heat.

Surviving Spring Allergies Without Gaining Weight

, , , , , Health Basics, Healthy Living, Medications

With the fresh air of the ocean and year-round warmth, you might be surprised to find that Florida is one of the top hot spots in the country for spring allergies. You might also be surprised to learn that some of the over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications you automatically reach for to stop the resulting sneezing and sniffling can cause you to gain weight.

So our concierge primary care doctors in Jupiter want to tell you the differences between the various types of antihistamines and suggest other ways of battling spring allergies.

‘Pollen Storm’

As NBC News reported last month, a growing number of adults in their 30s, 40s, and 50s who’ve never had allergies before are experiencing them now.

“What I see is people coming in for the first time, especially over the last five, seven years or so,” Dr. Clifford Bassett, an allergist at NYU Langone Health in New York City, told NBC.

“They will always say, ‘I don’t understand how this is happening to me,’ ” he added.

The culprit appears to be climate change, the network reported. As CO2 levels rise, plants and trees produce more pollen, coupled with earlier spring blooms from trees. This is driving a longer season, with more severe reactions from sufferers.

“The pollen season right now is about three weeks longer than it was 30 years ago, and there’s about 20 percent more pollen in the air,” Dr. Neelu Tummala, an ear, nose, and throat specialist and co-director of the Climate Health Institute at George Washington University, told the network.

Dr. Stanley Fineman, an allergist at Atlanta Allergy and Asthma and a spokesperson for the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, calls the phenomenon a “pollen storm.”

“The pollen counts, particularly this season, have been much, much higher than we’ve seen in the past,” he told NBC.

COVID, Cold, or Allergies?

And since the dawn of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, now people are wondering whether their stuffy or runny nose, loss of taste or smell, and itchy, watery eyes are symptoms of COVID-19.

For instance, the loss of the senses of taste and smell can also happen with allergies and colds when the nasal passages become blocked.

In the past, doctors would say that if you’ve never had allergies before, your symptoms are likely something else, such as a cold or other type of virus. But because more people are now experiencing allergies, that’s not necessarily a reliable indicator.

Experts generally agree, however, that fever, chills, and body aches typically indicate viruses, while the telltale symptom of allergies is itching.

“The biggest symptom I would suggest is the itchiness of the eyes, nose, and throat,” Bassett said. “You don’t get itchiness if you have a cold or if you’re having a sinus infection.”

Nevertheless, it’s best to get tested if you’re experiencing new symptoms.

“We’ve definitely had patients come to our clinic who thought they were having allergies, but they had COVID instead,” Dr. Michelle Pham, an allergist, and immunologist at USCF Health in San Francisco, told NBC.

The Risk of Weight Gain

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, there are several ways to treat allergies.  One of these is oral antihistamines.

But a 2010 Yale University Study that found those who regularly took antihistamines weighed more than those who didn’t gave some allergy sufferers pause. The researchers cautioned that it wasn’t clear whether those who were already overweight were more prone to allergies, and thus more likely to take antihistamines.

According to the non-profit Obesity Medicine Association, however, “Histamine decreases our hunger by in part affecting the appetite control center in our brains, and it makes sense [that] an anti-histamine would have the opposite effect. These drugs can interfere with the ‘I’m full’ signal coming from the rest of our bodies and lead to overeating.”

In fact, some antihistamines—particularly cyproheptadine—are prescribed for children and pets to increase appetite.

But not all antihistamines have this effect. The Cleveland Clinic explains that so-called first-generation antihistamines were approved in the 1930s, but had more serious side effects, including drowsiness, dry mouth, and rapid heart rate. The second-generation antihistamines, approved in the 1980s, carry far fewer side effects. They also don’t relieve nasal congestion the way many first-generation antihistamines do.

What To Do Instead

If you want to try to do without antihistamines, first, avoid exposing yourself as much as possible to pollen.

  • Avoid outdoor activity in the early morning when pollen counts are highest.
  • Keep windows closed, in the home and car.
  • Wear a mask, hat, and sunglasses if you need to be outdoors.
  • Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter.

Next, rinse frequently with a saline nasal spray or a neti pot to clean out pollen in your sinuses.

Finally, try switching to second-generation antihistamines. These include:

  • azelastine (Astelin)
  • loratadine (Claritin, Alavert)
  • cetirizine (Zyrtec)
  • desloratadine (Clarinex)
  • fexofenadine (Allegra)

If OTC medications aren’t working, be sure to let us know. There are prescription approaches that may help.

Keep in mind that, even if your allergies have been manageable in the past, with the stepped-up pollen levels accompanying global warming, you may need more intensive therapy.

“Before, you could get away with just using an intranasal steroid,” Tummala told NBC, “and now you have to do a neti pot rinse and then the steroid,” she said.

Yes, COVID-19 Remains a Threat

, , COVID, Health Basics, Healthy Living

Our primary care concierge doctors in Jupiter dislike being the bearers of bad news, but it’s important to know that the COVID-19 virus is still active, still mutating, and still killing people: as many as 250 Americans a day, primarily those who are immunocompromised and older adults.

That equals roughly 90,000 of us every year. This figure is well below the height of the pandemic when 4,000 Americans a day were dying. But the number isn’t insignificant if it impacts you or someone you love.

It’s also important to remember that, even if an infection doesn’t result in death, the long-term consequences even for younger, healthy people can be severe and/or debilitating.

Newest Variant

The latest omicron subvariant, XBB.1.5, now accounts for nearly 80 percent of COVID-19 cases being diagnosed in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In addition, the World Health Organization has identified a new subvariant, XBB.1.16, known as Arcturus. The CDC reported last month that it is now responsible for about seven percent of coronavirus infections, up from about four percent the previous week.

The good news is that Arcturus doesn’t appear to be any more deadly than previous omicron variants. While a change in the spike protein might mean it could spread more rapidly, there’s no indication that cases will be more severe.

“We’ve seen this in the past,” Paul Hunter, a professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia in Britain, told The Washington Post.

“You look at the virus and it’s got mutations that should make it more virulent, but then, in reality, you don’t see that,” he said.

“It will probably become the dominant variant for a while in the U.S. and Europe and most countries around the world, but I don’t see it driving up severe infections more than we’ve seen in recent waves,” he added.

Still Dangerous

That doesn’t mean Arcturus or the currently dominant XBB.1.5 are benign, however.

COVID-19 remains the third leading cause of death in the U.S. Florida is currently seeing 17 new cases every day per 100,000 population, the highest in the nation (Kentucky is second, at 13 new cases per day per 100,000).

These numbers are likely undercounted because so many people have abandoned getting officially tested for COVID-19, are testing at home and not reporting positive cases, or not getting tested at all.

And it’s not just older Americans who are impacted. The CDC reported last month that the 18-29-year-old age group “has accounted for the largest cumulative number of COVID-19 cases compared to other age groups.”

NBC’s Today Show recently reported on a new study by Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, which found that the age group hit hardest by post-COVID-19 heart attack deaths was people between 25 and 44. This cohort saw a 29.9 percent relative increase in heart attack deaths over the first two years of the pandemic.

“Young people are obviously not really supposed to die of heart attack,” Susan Cheng, a cardiologist at Cedars Sinai and co-author of the study, told Today in February.

“They’re not really supposed to have heart attacks at all,” she said.

In addition, a National Center for Health Statistics survey showed that nearly 20 percent of adults who had a COVID-19 infection continue to have the debilitating symptoms of long COVID.

Remember the Vulnerable

Unfortunately, most of America seems to have moved on from the pandemic. People are going about their lives as if SARS-CoV-2 was just a bad dream they’re happy to have awakened from.

“Get all the shots you wish, take all the precautions you wish, but the health of us out there are done sacrificing for the weakest of health or brain,” wrote one anonymous commenter last month on The Post website.

This attitude of “stay home forever” rankles journalist Jeanine Santucci, as she recently wrote in USA Today.

A young mother with type 1 diabetes, she is at higher risk from COVID-19. She is fully vaccinated and has loosened her self-quarantine over the past three years, now seeing friends outdoors unmasked if they have a negative COVID-19 test. She ventures out in public with an N95 mask and a portable air purifier but resents the general lack of masking in indoor public spaces.

But she called the “stay home if you’re at risk” approach “cruel” and unfair.

“The main reason I am still taking this seriously, and I hope you will, is that our country’s most vulnerable people deserve to be part of society,” she said.

Protect Yourself and Others

“With the removal of mask mandates in health care settings and essential places such as pharmacies, public transit, and grocery stores, immunocompromised people are made outcasts,” Santucci added.

“But simply putting on an N95 when you go out makes us safer. It shows us you care that we’re alive.”

Given the prevailing attitudes from both government and the general public that if you want to avoid getting COVID-19 you’re pretty much on your own, we recommend continuing to take precautions when you’re in public spaces.

This means any place that is not well-ventilated, including your own home if you have visitors whose infection status is unknown. Wear a mask in crowded settings, and stay up to date on your vaccinations.

As Santucci wrote, “I hope you’ll take into consideration just how much is at stake for you, and the fact that you’re also making a risk calculation for vulnerable people like me when you do.”

Is Exercise Better Than Drugs for Mental Health?

, , , , , Concierge Medicine, Health Basics, Healthy Living, Lifestyle, Preventative Health, Uncategorized

If our primary care concierge doctors in Jupiter could prescribe a single treatment for a host of different health concerns, it would be exercise.

For example, one study published in the journal BMJ compared exercise alone versus drug therapy alone and found that for heart disease, diabetes control or prevention, stroke rehabilitation, and treatment of heart failure, regular physical exercise was just as effective as prescription medications in treating many of these conditions.

And according to the Mayo Clinic, some of the disorders that benefit from regular exercise include:

  • Heart disease – In addition to strengthening the heart muscle and lowering blood pressure, exercise can help you be more active without experiencing chest pain or other symptoms.
  • Diabetes – Regular exercise can not only help insulin more effectively lower your blood sugar level, but also help control weight and boost energy.
  • Asthma – Exercise has been shown to control the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
  • Back pain – Regular low-impact aerobic exercise can help increase the strength of your back muscles and improve endurance and muscle function.
  • Arthritis – Exercise is the primary approach to reduce pain, help maintain muscle strength in affected joints and reduce joint stiffness.

What About the Brain?

It makes sense, then, that the benefits of exercise would also impact the brain.

And that’s just what a new study, published in February in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, revealed. Researchers from the University of South Australia correlated data from 1,039 studies involving more than 128,000 volunteers.

They found that physical activity was 1.5 times more effective for managing depression than either counseling or the leading medications typically prescribed for the disease.

The review showed that exercise interventions that were 12 weeks or shorter were the most effective at reducing mental health symptoms, showing how quickly physical activity can make a difference, Science Daily reported.

“Our review shows that physical activity interventions can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in all clinical populations,” lead researcher Dr. Ben Singh said in a statement.

“We also found that all types of physical activity and exercise were beneficial, including aerobic exercises such as walking, resistance, training, Pilates, and yoga,” he said. 

“Importantly, the research shows that it doesn’t take much for exercise to make a positive change to your mental health.”

Even a Little Bit Helps

This last finding is important because one of the hallmarks of depression is a lack of energy. So asking them to engage in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate physical activity every week is akin to asking them to climb a mountain with a broken leg.

Another study, published this month in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, offers similar reassurance that any regular movement can make a difference.

For this study, the researchers looked at 15 studies involving more than 190,000 subjects.

They found that people who engaged in brisk walking for a total of 2.5 hours a week had a lower risk of depression than those who didn’t exercise at all. 

“Most benefits are realized when moving from no activity to at least some,” the study authors wrote. 

“Our findings, therefore, have important new implications for health practitioners making lifestyle recommendations, especially to inactive individuals who may perceive the currently recommended target [of 2.5 hours a week] as unrealistic,” they added.

How Does it Work?

There are several reasons exercise has such a positive effect on depression and anxiety, according to Dr. Antonia Baum, an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at George Washington University, who was not involved in these studies.

It can improve blood circulation to the brain and have a positive impact on inflammation and the body’s immune response, she told U.S. News, noting the connection between heart health and depression. There may also be intangible benefits such as getting stronger or feeling empowered or gaining a sense of well-being.

Yet another recent meta-review of 41 studies involving 2,265 people with depression found that almost any type of exercise substantially reduces symptoms of depression, The Washington Post reported.

“We found large, significant results,” said study leader Andreas Heissel, an exercise scientist at the University of Potsdam in Germany.

Although more exercise produced greater results, “Something is better than nothing,” Heissel noted.

Small Moves

Jennifer Heisz, a neuroscientist and an associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, who was not involved in these studies, was even more encouraging.

“Any movement, every movement, every step counts,” she told U.S. News.

“It doesn’t have to be as much as you need for physical health,” she added. “You can get by with half of that, and this is very consistent with the literature.”

Heisz suggested that people try to move a little every day, even if it’s just a five- or 10-minute walk, or a two-minute movement break every half hour for those who sit all day.

“That’s how simple we need to get, especially for people who are not moving at all, and to acknowledge that there is this additional barrier of motivation for people who are suffering from depression,” she said.

One final word: It’s important not to try to treat depression yourself. We can help guide you through different approaches or even recommend other professionals that can help.

If you have thoughts of harming yourself, dial or text the new national suicide hotline number 988 for immediate help.

Celebrate Earth Day With a Climate-Friendly Diet

, , Environment, Health Basics

As we prepare to celebrate the 51st Earth Day this week, our primary care concierge doctors in Jupiter know that many people are looking for ways to be kinder to the Earth without radically altering their entire lifestyle.

One way is to be more mindful of the carbon impact of the foods we eat. As an added bonus, eating more sustainably provides great health benefits, as well.

But you don’t have to make drastic changes to make a difference.

First, Some Facts

The World Economic Forum reports that, in a business-as-usual scenario, emissions from food production alone could use up all of the earth’s 1.5°C to 2°C carbon budget.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says that food production accounts for 20-30 percent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and as much as 66 percent of water usage.

According to Scientific American (SA), the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that red meat such as beef and lamb is responsible for 10 to 40 times as many GHG emissions as grains and vegetables.

Livestock farming from cattle alone is estimated to generate about 20 percent of the GHG methane produced in the U.S.

In addition, a 2009 study found that cattle ranching is responsible for 80 percent of the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest.

Finally, SA reports that concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs or “factory farms”) can produce as much sewage waste as a small city.

The Wellness Advantage

In addition to the benefits for the planet, this way of eating provides another bonus: From a health perspective, plant-based diets are unquestionably better for the body than a diet high in meat, especially red meat.

According to Harvard Health, “an accumulated body of evidence shows a clear link between high intake of red and processed meats and a higher risk for heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and premature death.”

“The evidence is consistent across different studies,” says Dr. Frank Hu, chair of Harvard’s Department of Nutrition.

On the flip side, plant-forward diets have been shown to support the immune system, reduce inflammation in the body, reduce the plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease, and improve the gut microbiome.

And, of course, incorporating more plants into your diet reduces the number of antibiotics you’re exposed to.

As SA reports, the widespread use of antibiotics to keep livestock healthy in the unnatural confines of those overcrowded CAFOs has led to the development of dangerous antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria that can make some common infections impossible to treat.

Different Approaches

As we said, you don’t have to go totally vegan to help the planet or your health. There is an array of climate-friendly (or at least friendlier) diets to choose from.

Vegans, of course, don’t consume any animal products at all.

Vegetarians don’t eat meat but may eat some animal products such as eggs and dairy.

Flexitarians are, as their name suggests, more flexible in what they eat. Closest to vegetarians, they do occasionally consume meat.

Sustainarians eat a mostly plant-based diet but will eat meat if it is locally and humanely raised.

Reducetarians try to eat less meat for a variety of reasons, including their own health, the welfare of animals, and the environmental impact of their food. They’re also concerned with the concepts of biodiversity loss, and their food’s impact on water supplies and food workers.

Climatarians, also known as “climavores,” eat less meat and only a moderate amount of sustainable fish, avoid food waste and “air-flown” food, and choose high-welfare, organic meat.

Regenivores’ diets are similar to those above, especially reducetarians, but focus even more on whether it’s ethically produced. HuffPost reports they take into consideration soil health, workers’ rights, the impact of chemicals on the humans involved in food production, and the treatment of animals throughout the supply chain.

Other Ideas

Kind of confusing, isn’t it? If you don’t want to label your efforts to reduce your carbon footprint but just want to eat more sustainably, Canadian Living offers a simpler approach:

  1. Eat less meat. “A 2016 systematic review shows that following a diet low in animal products has the biggest impact on the environment of any dietary change, reducing GHG emissions and land use up to 70-80 percent, and water uses up to 50 percent,” the magazine reports. Keep in mind that beef has the largest carbon footprint of all animal products.
  2. Eat more plants. For your health and that of the planet, focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and unsaturated oils, moderate amounts of seafood and poultry, and little red or processed meat, added sugar, or refined grains.
  3. Reduce food waste. Food waste ends up in landfills, where it generates about 25 percent of Canada’s methane gas. (The U.S. total is approximately 16 percent). Buy only what you need, and make a plan to use up leftovers as much as possible.
  4. Buy local food. This supports local farmers, reduces the need for transporting food long distances, and is more nutritious because fewer nutrients are lost during transit.
  5. Reduce kitchen garbage:
    • Buy/use reusable grocery and produce bags.
    • Carry a reusable water bottle.
    • Use beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap.
    • Replace washable silicone bags instead of plastic bags.

This Earth Day, you can do your health and the planet a favor just by making a few simple changes to your diet.

For a suggested Earth Day menu, Earthday.org offers a sample here.

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