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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <articles> <article> <ID>13640</ID> <title>Giving the Power to the Patients: An Interview with Dr. Gregg DeNicola from Caduceus Medical Group</title> <publishDate>2021-08-21 14:32:19</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_1 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_1"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_1 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_0"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/thumbnail_image0.jpeg-e1630678490917.jpg" alt="" title="thumbnail_image0.jpeg" class="wp-image-13644" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_1 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">&nbsp; <h1><span style="font-weight: 400;">Interview with Dr. Gregg DeNicola - Co-founder of Caduceus Medical Group</span></h1> &nbsp;  &nbsp;  <span style="font-weight: 400;">When he was merely a high schooler, Dr. Gregg DeNicola discovered his passion for practicing medicine while volunteering at a pediatric ward. "I remember watching kids light up when we visited, and the faces of their parents too." Coming from a proud, hardworking, blue-collar family with a small liquor store business, Dr. DeNicola was determined (and pushed by his parents) to become professional by trade and used his volunteering experience as a sign that he belonged in medicine. In his interview with </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top Doctor Magazine</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, Dr. DeNicola describes his experience of practicing Family Medicine for over thirty-five years and co-founding Caduceus Medical Group (CMG), an innovative physician-owned multi-specialty group in Orange County.</span>  &nbsp; <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Medical Training and a Double-edged Corporate Experience</span></h2> &nbsp;  <span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. DeNicola has a bright academic record, received a Bachelor of Science Cum Laude, and completed medical school at Creighton University. He completed his internship and residency at Northridge Hospital (UCLA School of Medicine). In the early 80s, Dr. DeNicola started in a small Family Practice Group, allowing him to start an Independent Physicians Association (IPA) managed care group a few years later. This business was a very successful venture and handled things like HMO contracts and managed care. Due to its success, they took the company public in the 90s. By 1997 Dr. DeNicola started to see the problem with the single-minded obsession with corporate profits - "We discovered that a doctors group probably shouldn't be a publicly run company, maybe for hospitals or pharmaceutical companies - that's OK, but not doctors… In the public marketplace, the need to make a profit is so great, but health care really shouldn't be about making a profit."</span>  &nbsp; <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Co-founding Caduceus Medical Group</span></h2> &nbsp;  <span style="font-weight: 400;">Fed up with the drag of a constant corporate need for profit, Dr. DeNicola co-founded </span><a href="https://www.caduceusmedicalgroup.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Caduceus Medical Group</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> on January 1, 1999. Under his leadership, Dr. DeNicola and a handful of other close physician co-founders created a new kind of multi-specialty medical group that was less weighed down by shareholders and government interference. The group was also not locked into certain hospital systems and specific pharmaceutical companies. Instead, Caduceus Medical Group's business model puts the doctors and community they serve first by giving their patients an innovative high amount of freedom of choice in specialists, hospitals, medicine, cash price lists, and guaranteed access to care as a cornerstone of operating philosophy. This setup is similar to the local community multi-specialty medical group business model that was commonplace before the corporate takeover of medical groups in the 1970s and 1980s. However, the difference between those early multi-specialty practices and Caduceus Medical Group is that CMG created six locations throughout Orange County without outsourcing any billing, collection, coding, or upper management. "We're definitely run by our doctors, and we're fiercely independent, so we don't allow hospitals to affiliate with us, or any HMO, or health system.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">We truly only have one customer, and that's our patients,"</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. DeNicola proudly states.</span>  &nbsp; <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Expanding the Business</span></h2> &nbsp;  <span style="font-weight: 400;">Caduceus Medical Group has added several expansions to the group through the years. What started with just a mix of Family Practice, Pediatrics, and OB-GYN specialists has expanded into Physical Therapy, Radiology, Psychology, Urgent Care, and labs. "We did it organically. We didn't really make any acquisitions. Maybe a few tiny ones, but we mostly kept reinvesting profits in ourselves, and that prevented us from going to hospitals on our knees,"</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. DeNicola shares.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Today, CMG is open to more investment and looking to hire more doctors and specialists to expand the company into Los Angeles and Southern California.</span>  &nbsp; <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Differences in Business Model from Competitors</span></h2> &nbsp;  <span style="font-weight: 400;">"They all have the term 'healthcare system' - which means they control the doctors, the hospital, the health plan, the pharmacy, as much of the pie as they can control is what makes them a 'system.' We're very proud not to be part of a system. We're your doctor." In short, Dr. DeNicola tells us that CMG gives the patient the power to choose their desired hospital or specialist (provided their insurance companies will cooperate), which sets them apart from other healthcare systems.</span>  &nbsp; <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">COVID-19 and Telemedicine</span></h2> &nbsp;  <span style="font-weight: 400;">Fortunately, Dr. DeNicola tells </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top Doctor Magazine </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">that his organization has been using telemedicine for patients since 2014. When the first wave of the pandemic rocked the country's healthcare system, CMG was able to quickly adapt to the pandemic with their existing online/app appointment system and a fully operational telemedicine healthcare protocol in place. Despite this, unfortunately, several of the staff were still affected by the pandemic. Dr. DeNicola himself also suffered from lingering severe effects of coronavirus pneumonia, which has sidelined him from caring for patients in person.</span>  &nbsp; <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">What's Next for The COVID-19 Long-Haulers?</span></h2> &nbsp;  <span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. DeNicola is currently concerned about treating the next phase of this pandemic, the COVID-19 long-haulers. "</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">By long haulers, we mean patients who have symptoms of COVID-19 two months or more after they had the bug. Usually, these symptoms are different from when they were sick. Depression, PTSD, heart attack strokes, these things aren't rare." </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. DeNicola is hopeful for national herd immunity to be achieved possibly by Halloween this year, and perhaps then a shift into preventing it from coming back. Still, Dr. DeNicola is noticing a need for vigilance against the virus, "I tell my patients, it's like the coronavirus is a poodle. And COVID-19 didn't mutate into a pitbull…it mutated into a pack of wolves. It's one really, really mean virus." Despite the pandemic, Dr. DeNicola is adamant that new doctors be wary of focusing on profits. They need to go back to putting patients first now more than ever.</span></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/thumbnail_image0.jpeg-e1630678490917.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/business/financial/giving-the-power-to-the-patients-an-interview-with-dr-gregg-denicola-from-caduceus-medical-group/</url> </article> </articles> <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <articles> <article> <ID>7009</ID> <title>CEO Nick Loporcaro and Dr. Michael Le: Your Neighborhood Doctors</title> <publishDate>2021-04-18 20:39:25</publishDate> <description> <p>Visiting the doctor's office can often be a tedious and time-consuming task. Older people especially find themselves hospitalized as they undergo follow-up treatment, and their end-of-life care often comes from a sterilized hospital room.</p>   <p>Landmark Health is founded on the principle of receiving the highest quality care from the comfort of your home. Landmark CEO Nick Loporcaro and co-founder/CMO Dr. Michael Le are out to change the experience not only for the elderly but also for people with multiple chronic health conditions.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/CEO-Nick-Loporcaro-and-Dr.-Michael-Le_-Your-Neighborhood-Doctors-1-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-7029"/></figure>   <h2><strong>A Viable Business Model</strong></h2>   <p>A current hospital's business model has a doctor visiting an average of 30 patients a day, keeping them on a constant rush from patient to patient. This cycle struck Landmark’s founders as problematic. They wanted to innovate a new structure that allowed doctors more control while treating frail patients in place, thus creating real change and impact for patients.</p>   <p>Enter Landmark Health, the company that allows doctors to visit patients as long as they need and in the locations that benefit them.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/image-16.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7012"/></figure>   <p>"Wrapping 24/7 medical professional service around patients increases their quality of life," Le said. "We made it 24/7 to get in front of that 911 call. I've seen it many times where these vulnerable patients, who come in with relatively minor things, can catch infections from the hospital."</p>   <p>With the spread of COVID-19, Landmark's services have only become more relevant and have begun to appeal to more patients seeking services that go above routine hospital care.</p>   <h2><strong>High-Quality Concierge Services</strong></h2>   <p>"We analyzed patients receiving Landmark care versus those who were similarly matched elsewhere. We found a 26% reduction in the mortality rate for patients using Landmark services," Dr. Michael Le said.</p>   <p>Landmark Health has found a niche in which doctors visit six to eight patients a day in their homes. This model minimizes the patient's contact with potentially harmful germs, increases their personal care, and gives them a higher quality of life with more time with their families at home.</p>   <p>"From a patient's satisfaction standpoint, you can imagine this is that free concierge-level of care for those who would never be able to afford it, so just tremendous patient status satisfaction," Le continued.</p>   <h2><strong>A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood</strong></h2>   <p>"I aspire to see the day where we have so much density in a market that our providers can walk out of their homes and walk to their patients' homes," Loporcaro said. "We want to build up that density to increase the quality of care for our patients and the quality of life for our doctors as well."</p>   <p>Loporcaro also noted that Landmark provides a viable option for doctors who want to practice their passion and treat patients the way they want while earning a very competitive salary. Landmark has a robust shared services and IT infrastructure to support their local interdisciplinary teams, allowing doctors and advanced practice providers to focus on their passion - taking care of patients.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/image-15.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7010"/></figure>   <p>If you are interested in learning more about Landmark Health,<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.landmarkhealth.org" target="_blank">you can visit here</a><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.landmarkhealth.org/" target="_blank">.</a> Landmark is also actively growing! <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.landmarkhealth.org/join-our-team/" target="_blank">Visit the following page if you would like to apply!</a></p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/CEO-Nick-Loporcaro-and-Dr.-Michael-Le_-Your-Neighborhood-Doctors-1-1024x1024.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/research/news/ceo-nick-loporcaro-and-dr-michael-le-your-neighborhood-doctors/</url> </article> <article> <ID>3799</ID> <title>Joe Biden, the self-proclaimed President-Elect</title> <publishDate>2020-11-14 06:29:13</publishDate> <description> <p>Joe Biden, the supposed President-Elect gave his victory speech last weekend promising unity and a more connected America. To enact his vision, he believes he must undo everything that President Trump established, especially in the health care scene. What exactly does Joe Biden’s vision for the medical world look like and how will it affect you?&nbsp;</p>   <p>Joe Biden’s healthcare vision has been widely criticized by conservatives and progressives alike. What he calls Medicare for all, most see as a mere stepping stone to true “Medicare for all”. The presumed President-Elect believes that his plan will provide 97% of Americans with health coverage, through a Medicare esque program and increase the Affordable Care Act through bolstered subsidies. Biden’s plan strives to alter prescription drug pricing and raise taxes for his healthcare agenda. According to an analysis from the <a href="https://www.crfb.org/papers/primary-care-estimating-democratic-candidates-health-plans">Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget</a>, Biden’s plan would incur a total cost of $2.25 trillion and $800 billion in deficits for over a decade.</p>   <p>The first plan the presumed President-Elect would like to enact is reducing the qualifying age for Medicare from 65 to 60. In order to make such a proposition a reality, funding would have to come from tax revenues, rather than the Medicare trust fund (which is slated to run out out of money in six years). Lowering the Medicare age may reduce hospital costs and increase private insurance risk pools. However, Biden’s plan could also result in significantly lower reimbursements for hospitals, because Medicare pays far less than private insurance. Losing funding such as this could prove to be disastrous, killing vital revenue streams for healthcare providers; not to mention how damaging the increase of taxes and premiums may be for American families.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/washington-d-c-august-12-2009-vice-president-joe-biden-official-portrait-white-72b774.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3801" width="541" height="676"/><figcaption>Washington, DC, August 12, 2009 -- Vice President Joe Biden, official portrait. White House Photo</figcaption></figure>   <p>The next thing that Biden is proposing is the end of “surprise billing”. Last year Congress failed to pass legislation that would bar healthcare providers from billing customers out of the blue for surprise expenses. Presumed President-Elect Biden says that he <strong>will</strong> bar providers from charging any extra expenses when the individual has no choice of care during an emergency or ambulance services. Surprise billing will continue to be a prevalent issue during this trying season because many Americans will be filing for unemployment. Keep in mind however that Biden has been extremely vague on how he would do this, but if he succeeded, it would save upwards of $40 billion.&nbsp;</p>   <p>As stated before, Biden has a plan to boost the Affordable Care Act. He would like to see the removal of the current cap limiting subsidies for those making 400% of the national poverty level, translating to Americans paying no more than 8.5% of their income towards premiums. However, during Obama’s presidency, when the ACA was promised to reduce such premiums, they increased upwards of 40%. There is no reason, nor security that this won’t happen again. Providers see this as an opportunity to increase their operating rates and make marketing plans more tempting to beneficiaries.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Joe_Biden_kickoff_rally_May_2019-1024x912.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3803" width="623" height="555"/></figure>   <p>Lastly on Biden’s list is his prescription medication reform. Prescription drug prices have skyrocketed over the last few years, making it difficult for Americans to pay for the medications they need. Roughly 1 in 4 Americans say that it has become increasingly difficult for them to purchase their medications, and it has become a bipartisan goal to reduce the costs of such medications. Biden’s solution involves following the democrat’s plan of removing the exception for drug corporations to negotiate with medicare on prices. Essentially, drug corporations are in charge of acquiring prescription medications in part D of the Medicare plan. Biden would also like to limit the launch prices of drugs that don’t face generic competition, through the establishment of an independent review board. This review board would watch prices in other countries, through external reference pricing.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Biden’s plans look beneficial on the surface, however, if you look deeper you will find that it will cause more harm than good. The financial future of America and her people is not something that should be handled flippantly. If the President-Elect were to succeed in enacting his plans, there is no telling what kind of irreparable damage America’s economy may sustain. </p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/washington-d-c-august-12-2009-vice-president-joe-biden-official-portrait-white-72b774.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/?p=3799</url> </article> <article> <ID>3778</ID> <title>What Biden’s Win Will Mean For Healthcare/Medicare ... Either way RPM is here to stay!</title> <publishDate>2020-11-10 14:34:08</publishDate> <description> <p>With the 2020 Presidential Election now over and Joe Biden declared the 46th President-Elect of the United States of America, what does this mean for healthcare and medical practices and hospitals and insurance premiums all across the nation? Honestly, with a divided government, it means really stable times ahead for everyone as the government won’t be able to effect too much change. The stock markets are already reflecting this newfound stability from predictability.&nbsp;</p>   <p>This also gives our nation time to heal and focus on what matters most: true positive help and growth where American’s find and give it most: at the local level. Real doctors; real patients; real solutions. Let small business and community America have a chance to heal and reunite and the American people will once again show that they call the shots and produce the backbone of resilience that make us all Americans.&nbsp;</p>   <p>When it comes to healthcare, there are a few things we’ll be watching here at Top Doctor Magazine and let’s start with where the two campaigns saw common ground in this past election cycle: according to Trump’s campaign site, he also is envisaging a future in which the individual, whether patient or doctor, is in charge of their healthcare, “surprise billing” is banned, and veterans are protected and provided with “world-class” healthcare and services.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Copy-of-Presidential-Candidates-Contrasting-Visions-For-The-Future-of-Healthcare-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3779" width="342" height="342"/></figure>   <p>Surprisingly, both candidates have shared this common goal and to reduce prescription drug prices. Former Vice President Joe Biden has also made clear his intention to reduce prescription drug costs, by creating an independent commission to regulate drug costs and simultaneously removing tax breaks being given to pharmaceutical companies.&nbsp;</p>   <p>The similarities end there though, as Biden plans not on removing and repealing the Affordable Care Act, but rather reinforcing and enlarging it. He plans to add a public option plan that would allow all Americans to have premium-free healthcare that is similar to Medicare, regardless of any other insurance options available to the individual. Biden has mentioned that undocumented immigrants will be given access to this public option plan as well. His administration would also be removing the income cap that determines eligibility for a tax credit that assists in paying for insurance premiums.&nbsp;</p>   <p>While Trump has taken steps to separate government funding and abortion, Biden plans to resume financial support of Planned Parenthood, and allow federally funded abortions. Biden has shared a 775 billion dollar plan for child and elder care that will shorten waitlists for patients requiring home care, and allocating tax breaks for caregivers of elderly family members.</p>   <p>Finally, Biden intends to create a public health jobs corps that would employ hundreds of thousands of American healthcare workers to serve in prevention of diseases in communities that are currently understaffed, care for veterans, and combat addictions. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Untitled-design-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3780" width="823" height="489"/></figure>   <p>With President-Elect Joe Biden looking to claim the Oval Office come January, we can expect he will attempt big changes in the healthcare world. But with a <a href="https://www.npr.org/2020/11/07/932068951/senate-control-likely-decided-by-fate-of-2-georgia-runoff-races">Republican-controlled Senate</a>, it will be very hard for any sweeping changes to be effected. Some may see this as a bad thing, but&nbsp; usually the less the government can do and the more small businesses and community leaders can do, the better for you and me across the nation. One such bottom-up innovation that is and will continue to make sweeping changes and advances to healthcare no matter what is Remote Patient Monitoring. With the advent of Covid-19, huge advances have been made in the world of telehealth. RPM uses digital technology to collect health information from patients and electronically transfer that data to their health care providers, who are then able to assess needs and make prescriptions for care. This ability to care for and monitor patients remotely has been an amazing asset in reducing the amount of in-person doctors appointments and ongoing visits required by doctors.&nbsp;</p>   <p></p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Copy-of-Presidential-Candidates-Contrasting-Visions-For-The-Future-of-Healthcare-1024x1024.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/?p=3778</url> </article> <article> <ID>3767</ID> <title>Presidential Candidates' Contrasting Visions For The Future of Healthcare</title> <publishDate>2020-11-01 10:28:30</publishDate> <description> <p>As the presidential election approaches, the topic of healthcare is front and center once more. Both candidates hold contrasting views and the American people are again at odds. So, what do these men believe, and how will it affect the future of healthcare?&nbsp;</p>   <p>Healthcare is a complicated topic that covers many areas that impact civilian life, government policy, business, and innovation. How these men treat healthcare policy will have drastic effects on the rest of the nation. Voting is essential to ensure that your voice is heard and that you are doing your part to see your healthcare needs' proper resolution.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>   <p>But what exactly do these men believe when it comes to fair and proper healthcare?&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Presidential-Candidates-Contrasting-Visions-For-The-Future-of-Healthcare-2-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3770"/></figure>   <p>Well, President Trump has a firm conservative view on how healthcare should operate. First and foremost, Trump plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act and replace it with a free-market plan. Through this, he wants to give authority to the states, permitting consumers to purchase across state lines. This would break insurance company monopolies. Trump's plan would provide individual tax relief for insurance and help keep plans affordable. As well as wants to maintain and further improve Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare.&nbsp;</p>   <p>The large theme around Trump's views on healthcare is the removal of government control over them. He believes the only involvement the government should have, is to make sure that institutions are financially strong in catastrophic happenings. In the end, medical care should remain private. Socialized medicine is not an attractive idea to the President.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Another great plan Trump has is to create deals with local hospitals to increase care for impoverished communities. Low-income Americans deserve the same healthcare as everyone else, and Trump wants to make sure that there is a plan in place to make that happen. As for abortion, Trump has always been pro-life and remains to be so.&nbsp;</p>   <p>His vaccination stances are pro-vaccine, but not pro "all in one" vaccinations for children. He believes that vaccines are beneficial and help curb serious illness. Still, he also believes that super dosing with vaccines can lead to aging children's physical and cognitive disabilities.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Biden, on the other hand, has polar opposite views.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Presidential-Candidates-Contrasting-Visions-For-The-Future-of-Healthcare-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3769"/></figure>   <p>Candidate Biden has always been pro ACA and wants to push to protect further and expand it, removing any congressional talks about its repeal. To go along with this, Biden wants to expand premium subsidies with the ACA. This would include those who make 400% more than the national poverty level. He also would like to reinstate funding for the ACA. As for Medicare, Biden does not want it to be universal and will push people to receive similar care through the ACA.</p>   <p>Biden would like to increase the government's presence in the medical arena, having individuals rely on the government for medical assistance. He would also like the government's ability to help negotiate prices for healthcare with individuals on a personal basis. He would permit the importation of prescription drugs, rather than the U.S. made generic.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>   <p>Biden says that because of his Catholic background, he is not pro-abortion; however, he will not stop abortions. He believes abortions are every woman's right to choose and that he should not get in the way of that kind of personal decision. This includes late-term abortions and federal funding.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Other stances Biden holds include his wanting to establish an LGBTQ+ mental health task force, a Racial and Ethnic Disparity task force, and increase opioid crisis treatment.&nbsp;</p>   <p>As evidenced above, both candidates share drastically different views on how the healthcare system should work. Their choices will have lasting effects on the nation for many years to come. As a voter, now is the time for your voice to be heard. Will you heed the call?&nbsp;</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Presidential-Candidates-Contrasting-Visions-For-The-Future-of-Healthcare-2-1024x1024.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/?p=3767</url> </article> <article> <ID>3735</ID> <title>2020 Election: What a Trump Win vs A Biden Win Will Mean For Healthcare/Medicare ... Either way RPM is here to stay!</title> <publishDate>2020-10-28 15:35:44</publishDate> <description> <p>One of the key points that concern Americans everywhere when comparing the two potential presidential candidates is their stance on healthcare. Both President Trump and former Vice President Biden have made their plans for altering the current state of affairs fairly clear, and the tacts they both plan to take could not be more different. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/3-1-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3737"/></figure>   <p>Since President Trump’s inauguration in 2017, he has been attacking the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and working to “repeal and replace” what he declared to be an unconstitutional approach to healthcare. His initial attempt to dramatically do away with Obamacare was thwarted, and he and his administration have since chosen to dismantle the Affordable Care Act bit by bit, rather than all at once.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Some ways that this has been done is in eliminating the “individual mandate”, which is the requirement that all Americans either be on a healthcare plan, or pay a significant penalty. This was intended to keep healthcare premiums low by flooding the insurance marketplace with healthy consumers. Trump reduced the penalty to $0, and insurance premiums rose in response, as healthy individuals chose not to have insurance, and the pool of insurance users grew smaller and sicker. This mandate has yet to be settled, as the issue is still under discussion in several courts. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/4-1-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3738"/></figure>   <p>Another big change made by President Trump removed the ban on Medicaid adding work requirements to their plan, effectively giving Medicaid the ability to kick people off of Medicaid for being unemployed or not working a certain amount of hours. This is another controversial move that is likely going to be decided in the Supreme Court.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Several other changes have been made to the ACA, and this some claim that this has made American citizens who rely on Medicaid and other forms of government healthcare uneasy, as the changes to policy result in a level of uncertainty.&nbsp;</p>   <p>If President Trump continues to hold office in 2021, he has declared his intention to reduce the costs of prescription drugs and insurance premiums, as well as creating more coverage for American citizens that have preexisting conditions. He has been unclear about the exact method he plans to use to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, but what has been extremely evident is that he intends to do away with it, as he has reiterated that it is, in his opinion, “unconstitutional” and “too expensive”.&nbsp;</p>   <p>President Trump has pledged to issue every American on Medicare essentially a $200 gift card for prescription drugs while policies for prescription drug reform are being put into place.</p>   <p>According to Trump’s campaign site, he also is envisaging a future in which the individual, whether patient or doctor, is in charge of their healthcare, “surprise billing” is banned, and veterans are protected and provided with “world-class” healthcare and services.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Surprisingly, the plans both candidates have shared have at least one shared goal. Former Vice President Joe Biden has also made clear his intention to reduce prescription drug costs, by creating an independent commission to regulate drug costs and simultaneously removing tax breaks being given to pharmaceutical companies.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/5-1-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3739"/></figure>   <p>The similarities end there, as Biden plans not on removing and repealing the Affordable Care Act, but rather reinforcing and enlarging it. He plans to add a public option plan that would allow all Americans to have premium-free healthcare that is similar to Medicare, regardless of any other insurance options available to the individual. Biden has mentioned that undocumented immigrants will be given access to this public option plan as well. His administration would also be removing the income cap that determines eligibility for a tax credit that assists in paying for insurance premiums.&nbsp;</p>   <p>While Trump has taken steps to separate government funding and abortion, Biden plans to resume financial support of Planned Parenthood, and allow federally funded abortions. Biden has shared a 775 billion dollar plan for child and elder care that will shorten waitlists for patients requiring home care, and allocating tax breaks for caregivers of elderly family members.</p>   <p>Finally, Biden intends to create a public health jobs corps that would employ hundreds of thousands of American healthcare workers to serve in prevention of diseases in communities that are currently understaffed, care for veterans, and combat addictions.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>   <p>No matter which man finds themselves seating in the Oval Office come January, we can expect big changes in the healthcare world. But something that will be around no matter the man in the office is Remote Patient Monitoring. With the advent of Covid-19, huge advances have been made in the world of telehealth. RPM uses digital technology to collect health information from patients and electronically transfer that data to their health care providers, who are then able to assess needs and make prescriptions for care. This ability to care for and monitor patients remotely has been an amazing asset in reducing the amount of in-person doctors appointments and ongoing visits required by doctors.&nbsp;</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/3-1-1024x1024.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/?p=3735</url> </article> <article> <ID>2378</ID> <title>The Rich Have Stopped Aging (Part 2)</title> <publishDate>2020-05-24 18:15:00</publishDate> <description> <div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_2 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_2"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_2 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_1"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/17-3.jpg" alt="" title="17-3" class="wp-image-2379" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_2 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">I recently watched an episode of Doctor Who, the British sci-fi TV show. In that episode, they used miraculous microscopic tiny robots to repair and grow tissue that was perfectly matched to a patient's body based on their DNA. I found myself laughing as I watched and not because it was particularly funny but because their robots are precisely what we already have in our bodies in the form of stem cells. </div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_3 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">Today, we are using cellular therapy to do things that probably would have seemed like science fiction just a few years ago. We are on the cutting edge of the most incredible advances in medical technology that harnesses a blend of genetics, regenerative medicine, and Mother Nature. We are finally able to harvest these tiny little biological robots and move them to areas where we can use them instead of discarding them after birth. Regenerative medicine is simply a means to stoke the flames of those natural fires of human healing. Let us explore the steps of regeneration. Step One: When your body is injured, or cells grow old and begin to die, your system sends out SOS signals in the form of inflammation. This cascade of inflammation activates a signal of chemicals known as cytokines that cause an army of stem cells and other cellular tissues to race to the scene and suppress inflammation.</div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_4 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">This mixture of cells is a "regenerative soup," which is incredibly good at reducing inflammation and modulating your body's immune response. Large amounts of growth factors, cell adhesion molecules, etc. are also present in the "regenerative soup." If the body needs repair, tissue repair occurs. Step Two: Once on the scene of the injury or cell death, stem cells "morph" into any of the 220 different cell types. The repair process begins. What's the secret? Is there a secret laboratory in the desert of California wherein a deep vault, scientists are developing the most potent drug ever imagined? A Drug so powerful and amazing that it can regenerate every cell in the human body? Have the most significant scientific minds finally come up with the Fountain of Youth? No! It's not hidden in some secret location. The secret has been in plain sight for 100 years.</div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_5 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">The secret cure is in the miraculous and amazing bodies of pregnant mothers. Within their placenta and umbilical cord tissues, those regenerative "powers" are stored just waiting to be released. Once the army of stem cells enters the fight, miracles happen. Knees and hips are repaired. Diseased, in-flamed organs are rejuvenated and regenerated. A youthful feeling returns. Life feels good again. Instead of looking at life and thinking of all the things you can't do anymore, you can start making plans to do all the things you love to do. How about a walk down the beach, a round of golf with your friends, playing with your grandkids, or naturally preserving your precious independence and mobility?</div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_6 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">Can I, as a healthcare provider, help my patients grow biologically younger and prolong their human youth span? What if Icould help my 70-year-old patients feel 40? Are we willing to accept that getting old and feeling bad is just part of the aging process? I am here to tell you that with the recent scientific breakthroughs in regenerative medicine, old age is optional. The human youth span can be extended 20, 30, even 40 years. Old age is reversed, and the physical decline is delayed. Joint replacement surgeries can be delayed or canceled. What if you could replace all the old worn-out joints naturally? What if you could replace damaged cells in your body with fresh young cells? Is it safe to assume that you would feel much more youthful, look much younger, act much younger? Not exactly! Literally, you would be younger. I can now offer treatment options for anyone wishing to change their lives, and the secret is in the tissues that are the products of conception.</div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_7 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">“Regenerative medicine is a revolutionary approach to treating many degenerative diseases and injuries,” explains Kristin Comella, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer of American Stem Cell Centers of Excellence. “It is continually growing, and includes a variety of techniques, such as stem cell therapy, to harness your own body’s natu-ral healing mechanisms.” treating many degenerative diseases and injuries," explains Kristin Comella, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer of American Stem Cell Centers of Excellence. "It is continually growing, and includes a variety of techniques, such as stem cell therapy, to harness your own body's natural healing mechanisms."</div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_2"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/61.jpg" alt="" title="61" class="wp-image-657" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_8 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">Now back to my story. After two years of suffering from knee pain and having to wear a knee brace just to function, I returned to see the orthopedic surgeon. Sitting in his waiting room, the office manager greeted me. She informed me that the surgeon could no longer help me because during my time of contemplation, I turned 65, and he no longer treated Medicare patients. I returned to my office to find another surgeon. It just so happened I was scheduled to attend a regenerative medicine seminar that weekend. After two days of learning about the many benefits of regenerative medicine, I decided to have adult umbilical stem cells injected into my knee. I was my first patient. I had one MRI scan before the injection, which revealed a torn meniscus, torn ACL ligament, and arthritis within the joint. Two months after my stem cell injection, I was 90-percent pain-free, and four months afterward, I was on the racquetball court without a brace. One year later, a follow-up MRI showed a healed meniscus, a healed ACL, and cartilage repair. I am pain-free and back to all my activities. No longer did I need a referral to another surgeon.</div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_9 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">Three years later, I continue playing racquetball and have a very active, pain-free life. I have the peace of mind knowing that I will never have to have knee replacement surgery. I will continue sharing this miracle of natural healing that is safe, highly effective, and economical with all my patients."With demonstrable safety and mounting evidence of the effectiveness of stem cell therapy for orthopedic condi-tions, potentially all orthope-dic diseases could be treated with stem cell therapy in the future."—Dr. Shane Shapiro, Orthopedic Surgery and Center for Regenerative Medicine, Mayo Clinic.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_3 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_3"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_3 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_button_module_wrapper et_pb_button_0_wrapper et_pb_button_alignment_left et_pb_module "> <a class="et_pb_button et_pb_button_0 et_pb_bg_layout_light" href="https://topdoctormagazine.com/issue1/rich-stopped-aging/">Rich Stopped Aging Part 1</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/18-1.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/?p=2378</url> </article> <article> <ID>2369</ID> <title>The Rich Have Stopped Aging (Part 1)</title> <publishDate>2020-05-19 18:05:00</publishDate> <description> <div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_4 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_4"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_4 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_3"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/17-1.jpg" alt="" title="17-1" class="wp-image-2374" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_10 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><span class="tt">T</span>hat comes with getting old”is what society and the medical communities are telling us. Sit-ting in a prominent orthopedic surgeon’s office in 2012, I heard those same words. “Your knees are worn out. You’re getting old, and I recommend knee replacement surgery.”</div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_11 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">"Let me think about it," was my response. For the next five years, I wore braces and sucked it up. Forty years of racquetball had taken its toll on my knees. I found myself with the baby boomers' scourge: a severely degenerated knee and facing knee replacement surgery. Eighty-five million baby boomers have lived, and 64,000,000 are alive today. What we all have in common is that we are rapidly aging. Suffering from chronic degenerative diseases is our fate. Many have pain, no energy, do not feel well, cannot sleep through the night, and have very inactive lifestyles. We have some-how accepted that diabetes, arthritis, COPD, heart disease, obesity, and joint replacements are inevitable. Pretty sad state. I will come back to my knee replacement story later.</div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_12 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">Just a bit of history so you can understand where I’m coming from. I graduated from Lubbock Christian University and Harding University with a degree in education and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration respectfully. My first teaching job was a junior high school basketball and football coach and then a high school coach and teacher in Homerville, Georgia. I coached the varsity men’s basketball team in a small school in Arkansas and later became afifth-grade teacher in Little Rock, Arkansas.</div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_13 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">A degree in education and a Master's Degree in Educational Administration respectfully. My first teaching job was a junior high school basketball and football coach and then a high school coach and teacher in Homerville, Georgia. I coached the varsity men's basketball team in a small school in Arkansas and later became afifth-grade teacher in Little Rock, Arkansas.a degree in education and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration respectfully. My first teaching job was a junior high school basketball and football coach and then a high school coach and teacher in Homerville, Georgia. I coached the varsity men’s basketball team in a small school in Arkansas and later became afifth-grade teacher in Little Rock, Arkansas.</div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_5 et_pb_gutters2"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_2_5 et_pb_column_5 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_4"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap has-box-shadow-overlay"><div class="box-shadow-overlay"></div><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/17-2.jpg" alt="" title="17-2" class="wp-image-2375" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_5 et_pb_column_6 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_14 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">My next career move was to Oklahoma, where I became a Christian school superintendent. When my family out-grew my income, I decided to change my career and moved to Kansas City, where after four years, I graduated from Cleve-land Chiropractic College with aDoctor of Chiropractic degree. We then located in North Richland Hills, Texas, where I opened my first practice. I have been on the same street for 36 years and have cared for over 22,000 patients.</div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_15 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">I made the conscious decision 20 years ago to periodically examine my career and reflect on how I treat patients. After 16 years of providing chiropractic care, I found myself asking, "What can I do to serve my patients better?" Self-evaluation led me down the path of discovery to where I am now: the CEO of a multidisciplinary I made the conscious decision 20 years ago to periodically examine my career and reflect on how I treat patients. After 16 years of providing chiropractic care, I found myself asking, "What can I do to serve my patients better?" Self-evaluation led me down the path of discovery to where I am now: the CEO of a multidisciplinary practice that provides unique medical and chiropractic services, all of which are regenerative in nature. The keystone of our philosophy of care is regenerative cellular therapy. I first learned about cellular therapy, often referred to as stem cell therapy, when I heard about a secret meeting of the extraordinarily rich and famous. Let me share the story with you.</div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_6"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_7 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_16 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">A few years ago, wealthy A-list celebrities, billionaires, and leading antiaging scientists gathered at the home of a well-known billionaire in Southern California for a by-invitation-only three- day event. These individuals were seeking the answer to reversing the aging process. The wealthy paid $100,000 to learn about successful youthful living and how to de-age the cells of the human body. This profound meeting addressed the "Secret of Opting Out of Old Age," and the subject matter focused on breakthrough scientific discoveries that reverse the aging process within the human body. Revealed in those three days was "top secret," and only the rich and famous could afford it. After the meeting was adjourned, each attendee left with the knowledge of how to reverse the aging process.</div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_5"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/59.jpg" alt="" title="59" class="wp-image-650" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_17 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">The results of that meeting revealed the changing world of medicine as we know it. The scientists explained that years, even decades of aging, can now be reversed. Injuries once thought to be crippling could now be healed. Even more astonishing, growing younger biologically was within their grasp. Staying youthful, sharp, and energized for decades longer is more probable than ever thought possible.</div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_18 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">Take, for example, a legendary NFL quarterback who goes from "washed-up" at the age of 36 to having a record-setting MVP season just one year later at 37. How about an aging NBA superstar who tried stem cell therapy? After injuring his knee, he thought his career was over. Then he decided to try stem cell therapy. His results: He played three more years at the highest level, and today is one of the NBA's all-time scoring leaders. Both refused to accept physical limitations and sought cellular therapy to extend their careers and rejuvenate their aging, broken bodies. Their dilemma, my dilemma, and your dilemma become how to slow down and reverse the aging process. As we age, can we cheat death? Can we stop father time? Surely there is a way to live longer, be more active, and have pain-free lives. If so, the answer lies in super-charging our natural repair processes.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_5 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_7"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_8 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_button_module_wrapper et_pb_button_1_wrapper et_pb_button_alignment_right et_pb_module "> <a class="et_pb_button et_pb_button_1 et_pb_bg_layout_light" href="https://topdoctormagazine.com/issue1/rich-stopped-aging-2/">Rich Stopped Aging Part 2</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/16-4.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/?p=2369</url> </article> </articles> <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <articles> <article> <ID>3593</ID> <title>Don’t Let Knee Pain Keep You From Becoming The Best Version of YOU</title> <publishDate>2020-10-12 20:37:47</publishDate> <description> <p>With approximately 25% of adults in America suffering from frequent or chronic knee pain, you are not alone in your struggle to overcome this obstacle in the pursuit of overall wellness and health. New studies are continuously being published that bear the ill-tidings of increasing knee pain and joint replacement statistics - especially in the older population. But this doesn’t have to be the case for YOU.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Knee pain limits both function and mobility; oftentimes impairing the quality of life for those affected. And while knee pain is most common in men and women aged 50 or older, it can be a negative influence at any age as it comes from various causes. According to a study conducted for the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3408027/">Annals of Internal Medicine</a>, knee pain has substantially increased over a 20-year period independent of age and body mass index. With this in mind, it is of the utmost importance to understand the causes, risk factors, and prevention techniques so that you can navigate current or potential knee pain.&nbsp;</p>   <h1>Causes</h1>   <p>A variety of causes can lead to knee pain: injuries, mechanical problems, and types of arthritis, for example. To better understand the cause of your knee pain, first, you must understand your knee. </p>   <h3><strong>The Knee</strong></h3>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Untitled-design-5-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3596"/></figure>   <p><a href="https://www.summitmedicalgroup.com/news/fitness/Preventing-Knee-Injury-and-Knee-Pain/">Our knees are composed of four bones</a>, with the femur at the top of the joint and the tibia and fibula making up the joint’s lower part. On the top of the knee, a fourth bone (the patella) slides in a shallow groove at the end of the femur. Likewise, to the four bones, four main connective tissue bands secure the femur to the tibia and create a hinge-like structure out of the joint, allowing it to rotate as it bends. This unique ability is why the knee is called a swivel joint.&nbsp;</p>   <p>In addition, the knee includes fibrous bands of tissue known as tendons that connect the muscle to the bone. Our knees have two major tendons - the quadriceps tendon and the patellar tendon. You guessed it. The quadriceps tendon connects the long quadriceps muscle (found at the foundation of the thigh) to the patella, and the patellar tendon connects the patella to the tibia. These tendons are responsible for you being able to straighten and extend your leg while the hamstring muscles at the back of the leg help stabilize the knee joint.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Finally, there is the meniscus and bursa - your knee’s cushioning system. The meniscus, a C-shaped cartilage, curves around the inside and outside of the knee while the bursae (fluid-filled sacs) help the many ligaments and tendons to slide smoothly across the knee joint. Altogether, the bones, tendons, ligaments, meniscus, and bursa construct one of the most dynamic and essential joints of the body. Since they support and stabilize, weakness in any of them greatly increases the likeliness of injury.&nbsp;</p>   <h3><strong>Knee Pain with Injury</strong></h3>   <p>Injuring the knee is a widespread occurrence. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22506941/">The National Library of Medicine</a> presented a study that found that the knee is the most commonly injured joint by adolescent athletes, with an estimated 2.5 million sports-related injuries presented to emergency departments annually. Additionally, doctors often discover that meniscus tears, torn cartilage, or patellar fractures are <a href="https://bestlifeonline.com/common-injuries-over-50/?nab=1&amp;utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com">among the top 30 injuries</a> older patients suffer from.&nbsp;</p>   <p>The following are the most prevalent knee-related injuries found in all ages:&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Untitled-design-6-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3595"/></figure>   <p><strong>ACL Tear - </strong>The most common of the various knee injuries is the ACL tear or rupture. This occurs when the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), one of the four ligaments that connect your shinbone to your thighbone, is overstretched, partially torn, or completely torn (in which case it is referred to as an ACL rupture). It is estimated that there are <a href="https://www.beaumont.org/conditions/acl-tears">100,000 to 200,000 ACL ruptures</a> in the United States alone every year. This type of injury is most common among athletes of specific sports such as soccer, football, skiing, or tennis.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>Fractures - </strong>An unfortunate consequence of vehicular accidents or falls, typically the patella ( kneecap) that suffers a fracture or break. As it sits in front of the entire joint, acting like a shield, it is most vulnerable to direct falls onto the knee for impact, such as hitting the dashboard in a vehicle collision.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>Patellar Tendinitis - </strong>Found most often in runners, skiers, cyclists, and those involved in activities that contain lots of jumping, patellar tendinitis is the irritation and inflammation of the patellar tendon, which connects the quadriceps muscle to the shinbone.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>Torn Meniscus - </strong>A torn meniscus is very similar to the ACL tearing, except the meniscus is a tough, rubbery cartilage, not a ligament. The meniscus is the knee’s shock absorber and can be torn if suddenly twisted while bearing weight.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>Knee Bursitis - </strong>Like patellar tendonitis, knee bursitis is a type of inflammation. It comes from three main causes: frequent or sustained pressure (such as kneeling), overuse, and a direct impact to the knee. If such an injury occurs, the bursae (small sacs of fluid that cushion the knee joint) become inflamed and painful.&nbsp;</p>   <h3><strong>Knee Pain without Injury</strong></h3>   <p>The most common cause of knee pain that does not result from an injury is arthritis. More than a hundred different types of arthritis exist, but the varieties listed below are most likely to affect the knee.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>Osteoarthritis - </strong>The most common type of arthritis, and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1753462/">the most common cause of disability in older adults</a>, osteoarthritis is sometimes referred to as degenerative arthritis. It is a wear-and-tear condition that occurs when the cartilage in the knee deteriorates with age and use.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>Rheumatoid arthritis - </strong>This type of arthritis can affect almost any joint in the body and is the most debilitating form of arthritis. It is an autoimmune condition and considered a chronic disease, although pain and severity can vary.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>Septic arthritis - </strong>If the knee joint becomes infected, septic arthritis may quickly cause extensive damage to the knee’s cartilage. There is usually no trauma before the onset of this knee pain, although it often occurs with a fever.&nbsp;</p>   <h1>Risk Factors</h1>   <p>While there is no specific guarantee relating to the cause of knee pain, there are several factors that increase the risk of injury and problems. Such factors include:&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>Excess weight - </strong>While knee pain can be independent of a person’s body mass, it should be noted that the knee absorbs a huge amount of pressure with every step. <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/age-proof-your-knees">This pressure equals one and a half times your body weight.</a> Consequently, the pressure of excess weight takes a toll over time - weakening muscles and ligaments or deteriorating the cartilage. One of the first treatment angles doctors take is to assess the patient’s weight and ascertain if it is contributing to the knee pain or injury.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>Lack of muscle strength and flexibility - </strong>As discussed above, the bones, muscles, and other dynamics of the knee all work together to stabilize and protect the joint. If there is a weakness in one or multiple areas, the risk of injury becomes far greater. Strong muscles are essential to stabilization, while muscle flexibility ensures that you can achieve a full range of motion protecting against injuries like ACL ruptures.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>Certain sports or occupations - </strong>For those in sports that put greater stress on the joints than others, injuries are always at a higher risk. This is true concerning knee injuries as well. Basketball players, runners, and skiers all face the same conflict: do what they love and risk injury. Additionally, jobs such as farming or construction that require repetitive pressure or stress on the knees also increase the risk of injury.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>Previous injury - </strong>This may sound repetitive, but it is worth reconsidering. There is a much higher risk of pain currently or in the future for those of us who have had previous knee injuries. Which is why the next segment of this article is so important. Preventative measures are a must in order to keep knee pain from impairing quality of life.&nbsp;</p>   <h1>Prevention Tactics</h1>   <p>As they say, the best defense is a good offense. While it is not always possible to prevent knee pain, the following suggestions can reduce or prevent injuries, pain, and joint deterioration altogether.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>Get Strong, but Stay Flexible - </strong>With weak muscles being a leading cause of knee injuries, you will benefit greatly from building up balance and stability. This comes from strengthening the hamstrings and quadriceps, but also other exercise routines and target areas. Many fitness industry professionals recommend that the best way to alleviate knee pain is to get moving. Swimming, yoga, walking, and cycling are all approved (and suggested) exercises associated with improving arthritic knee pain or general knee pain symptoms.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Untitled-design-7-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3594"/></figure>   <p><strong>Be Smart About Exercise - </strong>Exercising is a great way to stay fit and healthy and keep joint pain at bay, but it can also do more harm than good if done improperly. If you are already experiencing knee pain, or are in the categories for those potentially at risk, try switching your exercise routines to low-impact activities such as swimming or stationary biking.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>Keep extra pounds off - </strong>As mentioned before, excess weight does not always cause knee pain. However, it has the potential to do so in many cases. Each extra pound puts additional strain on your joints (not just your knees), increasing the risk of injury and pain. This is why it is important to stay focused on protecting your joints from any unnecessary strain.&nbsp;</p>   <h1>Treatments</h1>   <p>Treatments for knee pain will vary depending upon the underlying cause of the knee pain. These treatments can include medication, therapy, and in severe cases surgery.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>Medication - </strong>The type of medication prescribed by a doctor fluctuates with the exact diagnosis. Typical medications for anti-inflammatory treatments (common for simple sprains and even arthritis) are over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, or ibuprofen, and naproxen (Aleve). Injectable medications are also a rising choice of treatment, as discussed below.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>Therapy - </strong>In some cases, knee pain can be easily corrected through physical exercise (such as movements designed specifically to strengthen the weak areas causing pain). Additionally, certain types of corrective wedges worn in the shoes or even braces can lessen or eliminate your discomfort.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>Surgery - </strong>If surgery is needed to treat your knee pain, the options you have may include: arthroscopic surgery, partial knee replacement surgery, and total knee replacement surgery. In the first procedure, the doctor can examine and repair your joint damage using fiber-optic cameras and small incisions around the knee. Arthroscopy can be used to remove or repair damaged cartilage, reconstruct torn ligaments, or remove loose bodies from the knee joint. In the second and third procedures, the doctor either replaces the most damaged parts of your knee with small parts of metal and plastic or replaces the entire joint with an artificial one made of metal alloys and high-grade plastics and polymers.&nbsp;</p>   <h1>Injectable Treatments&nbsp;</h1>   <p>Injectable medications are a common treatment, and are usually the step between taking oral medication and surgery</p>   <p><strong>Corticosteroids -</strong> Injections of a corticosteroid drug into the joint may work to reduce symptoms of an arthritic flare-up and provide relief for weeks or months. However, these injections are not always successful and may lead to cortisone abuse in later years.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>Hyaluronic acid - </strong>The human body naturally produces this thick, gooey substance. Found in large amounts in your skin, its main function is to retain water and keep the tissues lubricated and moist. When used to treat knee pain (particularly osteoarthritis), it can provide relief through one or a series of shots up to six months.</p>   <p>A third possible treatment is the injection of stem cells and growth factors into the knee joint. Dr. Dana Churchill, an established Naturopath specializing in regenerative and fully integrated healthcare at his clinics in California, sees many patients suffering from knee pain. So much so that one of his areas of expertise in treating joint pain. In an interview with Top Doctor Magazine, he shared that his “gold standard” for treating knee pain is the injection of Wharton’s Jelly. This gelatine-like substance is found within the umbilical cord and contains hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate. Both of which are already used widely as a dietary supplement to treat osteoarthritis. A regenerative agent, Wharton’s Jelly regenerates the tendons, ligaments, and cartilage in the knee. It can postpone and even stop deterioration. Dr. Churchill reports that with the injection of Wharton’s Jelly, he has seen an improvement of symptoms and pain in as soon as two weeks and as long as six weeks.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Citations:&nbsp;</p>   <p>Nguyen, U. S., Zhang, Y., Zhu, Y., Niu, J., Zhang, B., &amp; Felson, D. T. (2011). Increasing prevalence of knee pain and symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: survey and cohort data. <em>Annals of internal medicine</em>, <em>155</em>(11), 725–732. <a href="https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-155-11-201112060-00004">https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-155-11-201112060-00004</a>&nbsp;</p>   <p>Gage BE, McIlvain NM, Collins CL, Fields SK, Comstock RD. Epidemiology of 6.6 million knee injuries presenting to United States emergency departments from 1999 through 2008. <em>Acad Emerg Med</em>. 2012;19(4):378-385. doi:10.1111/j.1553-2712.2012.01315.x&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/cardio/buying-an-indoor-cycling-bike-was-expensive-but-my-knees-are-forever-grateful/ar-BB18PxQw?li=BBnba9O </div></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-embed"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/knee-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20350849 </div></figure>   <p><a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/knee-pain-and-problems">https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/knee-pain-and-problems</a>&nbsp;<br><a href="https://www.summitmedicalgroup.com/news/fitness/Preventing-Knee-Injury-and-Knee-Pain/">https://www.summitmedicalgroup.com/news/fitness/Preventing-Knee-Injury-and-Knee-Pain/</a></p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Silent-Auction-Best-Practices-7.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/frontline-heroes/doctor/dont-let-knee-pain-keep-you-from-becoming-the-best-version-of-you/</url> </article> </articles> <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <articles> <article> <ID>4866</ID> <title>Kian Karimi Spotlight</title> <publishDate>2021-02-25 16:58:27</publishDate> <description> <p>"When I first saw my first rhinoplasty procedure, I was so intrigued by the complexity… all of the emotional and psychological things that went along with it. <strong>And I, at that point, realized that facial plastic surgery is the perfect harmony of science and art, and I was captivated right away</strong>," Dr. Kian Karimi said regarding the moment that sealed his future as a cosmetic surgeon. </p>    <p>As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Karimi is renowned for his innovative contributions to facial surgery and has a flourishing practice, Rejuva Medical Aesthetics, located in Brentwood, Los Angeles. Karimi is the United States leading expert on PDO Thread - which he introduced and popularized as a non-surgical treatment for rejuvenation - and microcannulas and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). </p>    <h2><strong>In Development</strong></h2>    <p>"At the time, it was a bit of a risk," Karimi said regarding bringing PDO threads into popularity.</p>    <p>After facing concerns about the non-surgical procedures and meeting with international doctors to study their techniques, Karimi became excited about the PDO thread's potential. "Once the PDO thread gets metabolized by the skin, it undergoes an amazing callogenesis response, increasing up to 20 times the concentration of type 1 collagen... weeks and months after the thread lift is performed," Karimi said. "It's really the gift that keeps on giving."</p>    <p>Karimi and his team continue to search for ways to innovate in the aesthetic space of cosmetic surgery. He is currently looking at PRFs, which inject one's red blood cells to heal wounds and create aesthetic enhancements. This autologous therapy and others strike Karimi as promising for effective natural ways to help people achieve their desired aesthetic.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img class="wp-image-4868" src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/image-23.png" alt="" /></figure>    <h2><strong>Putting Your Best Face Forward</strong></h2>    <p>The pandemic created a sudden, increased demand for cosmetic surgery. Karimi describes this occurrence as people being forced to look into the digital mirror, with increased Zoom and FaceTime usage. </p>    <p>"I think people are really realizing the impact that our expressions have, our words have, and our appearance has on others both personally and professionally," Karimi said. </p>    <p>"If you put your best forward," he continued, "then it can really positively impact those around you in all aspects of your life." </p>    <p>With his work gaining momentum in the aesthetic space, Dr. Kian Karimi shows the beauty of helping people recover from past surgeries or regain their confidence. His growing clientele and visibility indicate that he has found something that resonates with people: personal fulfillment through aesthetic expressions.</p>    <p>If you would like to read more about Dr. Kian Karimi, you can visit his website <a href="https://www.rejuvamedical.org/plastic-surgeon-los-angeles-dr-karimi/">here</a>. You can also read more about the boom in the cosmetic surgery industry <a href="https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/zoom-pandemic-how-cosmetic-doctors-are-seeing-a-50-surge-in-business-and-you-can-too/">here</a>.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/image-23.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/research/news/kian-karimi-spotlight/</url> </article> <article> <ID>2378</ID> <title>The Rich Have Stopped Aging (Part 2)</title> <publishDate>2020-05-24 18:15:00</publishDate> <description> <div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_6 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_8"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_9 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_6"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/17-3.jpg" alt="" title="17-3" class="wp-image-2379" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_19 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">I recently watched an episode of Doctor Who, the British sci-fi TV show. In that episode, they used miraculous microscopic tiny robots to repair and grow tissue that was perfectly matched to a patient's body based on their DNA. I found myself laughing as I watched and not because it was particularly funny but because their robots are precisely what we already have in our bodies in the form of stem cells. </div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_20 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">Today, we are using cellular therapy to do things that probably would have seemed like science fiction just a few years ago. We are on the cutting edge of the most incredible advances in medical technology that harnesses a blend of genetics, regenerative medicine, and Mother Nature. We are finally able to harvest these tiny little biological robots and move them to areas where we can use them instead of discarding them after birth. Regenerative medicine is simply a means to stoke the flames of those natural fires of human healing. Let us explore the steps of regeneration. Step One: When your body is injured, or cells grow old and begin to die, your system sends out SOS signals in the form of inflammation. This cascade of inflammation activates a signal of chemicals known as cytokines that cause an army of stem cells and other cellular tissues to race to the scene and suppress inflammation.</div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_21 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">This mixture of cells is a "regenerative soup," which is incredibly good at reducing inflammation and modulating your body's immune response. Large amounts of growth factors, cell adhesion molecules, etc. are also present in the "regenerative soup." If the body needs repair, tissue repair occurs. Step Two: Once on the scene of the injury or cell death, stem cells "morph" into any of the 220 different cell types. The repair process begins. What's the secret? Is there a secret laboratory in the desert of California wherein a deep vault, scientists are developing the most potent drug ever imagined? A Drug so powerful and amazing that it can regenerate every cell in the human body? Have the most significant scientific minds finally come up with the Fountain of Youth? No! It's not hidden in some secret location. The secret has been in plain sight for 100 years.</div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_22 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">The secret cure is in the miraculous and amazing bodies of pregnant mothers. Within their placenta and umbilical cord tissues, those regenerative "powers" are stored just waiting to be released. Once the army of stem cells enters the fight, miracles happen. Knees and hips are repaired. Diseased, in-flamed organs are rejuvenated and regenerated. A youthful feeling returns. Life feels good again. Instead of looking at life and thinking of all the things you can't do anymore, you can start making plans to do all the things you love to do. How about a walk down the beach, a round of golf with your friends, playing with your grandkids, or naturally preserving your precious independence and mobility?</div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_23 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">Can I, as a healthcare provider, help my patients grow biologically younger and prolong their human youth span? What if Icould help my 70-year-old patients feel 40? Are we willing to accept that getting old and feeling bad is just part of the aging process? I am here to tell you that with the recent scientific breakthroughs in regenerative medicine, old age is optional. The human youth span can be extended 20, 30, even 40 years. Old age is reversed, and the physical decline is delayed. Joint replacement surgeries can be delayed or canceled. What if you could replace all the old worn-out joints naturally? What if you could replace damaged cells in your body with fresh young cells? Is it safe to assume that you would feel much more youthful, look much younger, act much younger? Not exactly! Literally, you would be younger. I can now offer treatment options for anyone wishing to change their lives, and the secret is in the tissues that are the products of conception.</div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_24 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">“Regenerative medicine is a revolutionary approach to treating many degenerative diseases and injuries,” explains Kristin Comella, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer of American Stem Cell Centers of Excellence. “It is continually growing, and includes a variety of techniques, such as stem cell therapy, to harness your own body’s natu-ral healing mechanisms.” treating many degenerative diseases and injuries," explains Kristin Comella, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer of American Stem Cell Centers of Excellence. "It is continually growing, and includes a variety of techniques, such as stem cell therapy, to harness your own body's natural healing mechanisms."</div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_7"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/61.jpg" alt="" title="61" class="wp-image-657" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_25 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">Now back to my story. After two years of suffering from knee pain and having to wear a knee brace just to function, I returned to see the orthopedic surgeon. Sitting in his waiting room, the office manager greeted me. She informed me that the surgeon could no longer help me because during my time of contemplation, I turned 65, and he no longer treated Medicare patients. I returned to my office to find another surgeon. It just so happened I was scheduled to attend a regenerative medicine seminar that weekend. After two days of learning about the many benefits of regenerative medicine, I decided to have adult umbilical stem cells injected into my knee. I was my first patient. I had one MRI scan before the injection, which revealed a torn meniscus, torn ACL ligament, and arthritis within the joint. Two months after my stem cell injection, I was 90-percent pain-free, and four months afterward, I was on the racquetball court without a brace. One year later, a follow-up MRI showed a healed meniscus, a healed ACL, and cartilage repair. I am pain-free and back to all my activities. No longer did I need a referral to another surgeon.</div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_26 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">Three years later, I continue playing racquetball and have a very active, pain-free life. I have the peace of mind knowing that I will never have to have knee replacement surgery. I will continue sharing this miracle of natural healing that is safe, highly effective, and economical with all my patients."With demonstrable safety and mounting evidence of the effectiveness of stem cell therapy for orthopedic condi-tions, potentially all orthope-dic diseases could be treated with stem cell therapy in the future."—Dr. Shane Shapiro, Orthopedic Surgery and Center for Regenerative Medicine, Mayo Clinic.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_7 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_9"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_10 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_button_module_wrapper et_pb_button_2_wrapper et_pb_button_alignment_left et_pb_module "> <a class="et_pb_button et_pb_button_2 et_pb_bg_layout_light" href="https://topdoctormagazine.com/issue1/rich-stopped-aging/">Rich Stopped Aging Part 1</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/18-1.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/?p=2378</url> </article> <article> <ID>2369</ID> <title>The Rich Have Stopped Aging (Part 1)</title> <publishDate>2020-05-19 18:05:00</publishDate> <description> <div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_8 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_10"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_11 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_8"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/17-1.jpg" alt="" title="17-1" class="wp-image-2374" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_27 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><span class="tt">T</span>hat comes with getting old”is what society and the medical communities are telling us. Sit-ting in a prominent orthopedic surgeon’s office in 2012, I heard those same words. “Your knees are worn out. You’re getting old, and I recommend knee replacement surgery.”</div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_28 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">"Let me think about it," was my response. For the next five years, I wore braces and sucked it up. Forty years of racquetball had taken its toll on my knees. I found myself with the baby boomers' scourge: a severely degenerated knee and facing knee replacement surgery. Eighty-five million baby boomers have lived, and 64,000,000 are alive today. What we all have in common is that we are rapidly aging. Suffering from chronic degenerative diseases is our fate. Many have pain, no energy, do not feel well, cannot sleep through the night, and have very inactive lifestyles. We have some-how accepted that diabetes, arthritis, COPD, heart disease, obesity, and joint replacements are inevitable. Pretty sad state. I will come back to my knee replacement story later.</div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_29 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">Just a bit of history so you can understand where I’m coming from. I graduated from Lubbock Christian University and Harding University with a degree in education and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration respectfully. My first teaching job was a junior high school basketball and football coach and then a high school coach and teacher in Homerville, Georgia. I coached the varsity men’s basketball team in a small school in Arkansas and later became afifth-grade teacher in Little Rock, Arkansas.</div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_30 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">A degree in education and a Master's Degree in Educational Administration respectfully. My first teaching job was a junior high school basketball and football coach and then a high school coach and teacher in Homerville, Georgia. I coached the varsity men's basketball team in a small school in Arkansas and later became afifth-grade teacher in Little Rock, Arkansas.a degree in education and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration respectfully. My first teaching job was a junior high school basketball and football coach and then a high school coach and teacher in Homerville, Georgia. I coached the varsity men’s basketball team in a small school in Arkansas and later became afifth-grade teacher in Little Rock, Arkansas.</div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_11 et_pb_gutters2"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_2_5 et_pb_column_12 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_9"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap has-box-shadow-overlay"><div class="box-shadow-overlay"></div><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/17-2.jpg" alt="" title="17-2" class="wp-image-2375" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_5 et_pb_column_13 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_31 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">My next career move was to Oklahoma, where I became a Christian school superintendent. When my family out-grew my income, I decided to change my career and moved to Kansas City, where after four years, I graduated from Cleve-land Chiropractic College with aDoctor of Chiropractic degree. We then located in North Richland Hills, Texas, where I opened my first practice. I have been on the same street for 36 years and have cared for over 22,000 patients.</div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_32 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">I made the conscious decision 20 years ago to periodically examine my career and reflect on how I treat patients. After 16 years of providing chiropractic care, I found myself asking, "What can I do to serve my patients better?" Self-evaluation led me down the path of discovery to where I am now: the CEO of a multidisciplinary I made the conscious decision 20 years ago to periodically examine my career and reflect on how I treat patients. After 16 years of providing chiropractic care, I found myself asking, "What can I do to serve my patients better?" Self-evaluation led me down the path of discovery to where I am now: the CEO of a multidisciplinary practice that provides unique medical and chiropractic services, all of which are regenerative in nature. The keystone of our philosophy of care is regenerative cellular therapy. I first learned about cellular therapy, often referred to as stem cell therapy, when I heard about a secret meeting of the extraordinarily rich and famous. Let me share the story with you.</div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_12"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_14 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_33 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">A few years ago, wealthy A-list celebrities, billionaires, and leading antiaging scientists gathered at the home of a well-known billionaire in Southern California for a by-invitation-only three- day event. These individuals were seeking the answer to reversing the aging process. The wealthy paid $100,000 to learn about successful youthful living and how to de-age the cells of the human body. This profound meeting addressed the "Secret of Opting Out of Old Age," and the subject matter focused on breakthrough scientific discoveries that reverse the aging process within the human body. Revealed in those three days was "top secret," and only the rich and famous could afford it. After the meeting was adjourned, each attendee left with the knowledge of how to reverse the aging process.</div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_10"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/59.jpg" alt="" title="59" class="wp-image-650" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_34 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">The results of that meeting revealed the changing world of medicine as we know it. The scientists explained that years, even decades of aging, can now be reversed. Injuries once thought to be crippling could now be healed. Even more astonishing, growing younger biologically was within their grasp. Staying youthful, sharp, and energized for decades longer is more probable than ever thought possible.</div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_35 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">Take, for example, a legendary NFL quarterback who goes from "washed-up" at the age of 36 to having a record-setting MVP season just one year later at 37. How about an aging NBA superstar who tried stem cell therapy? After injuring his knee, he thought his career was over. Then he decided to try stem cell therapy. His results: He played three more years at the highest level, and today is one of the NBA's all-time scoring leaders. Both refused to accept physical limitations and sought cellular therapy to extend their careers and rejuvenate their aging, broken bodies. Their dilemma, my dilemma, and your dilemma become how to slow down and reverse the aging process. As we age, can we cheat death? Can we stop father time? Surely there is a way to live longer, be more active, and have pain-free lives. If so, the answer lies in super-charging our natural repair processes.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_9 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_13"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_15 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_button_module_wrapper et_pb_button_3_wrapper et_pb_button_alignment_right et_pb_module "> <a class="et_pb_button et_pb_button_3 et_pb_bg_layout_light" href="https://topdoctormagazine.com/issue1/rich-stopped-aging-2/">Rich Stopped Aging Part 2</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/16-4.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/?p=2369</url> </article> </articles> <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <articles> <article> <ID>29545</ID> <title>The Benefits of Zinc Before and During Cold and Flu Season</title> <publishDate>2023-12-04 22:22:47</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_10 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_14"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_16 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_36 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><b>Introduction</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As we see flu season on the horizon, the importance of maintaining a healthy immune system becomes increasingly apparent. Among the various minerals and nutrients essential for immune health, zinc stands out as a crucial element that can bolster our body's defenses against seasonal illnesses like the flu! Its role in supporting immune function has been well-documented, making it a valuable addition to our health regimen both before and during flu season.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Zinc as a Preventative Measure</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Before the onset of flu season, providing your body with zinc can be an effective preventive measure. This essential mineral plays a pivotal role in numerous bodily functions, including immune response, cell division and wound healing. It acts as a catalyst for over 300 enzymes, contributing to the proper functioning of many </span><a href="https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/tips-natural-products-for-the-flu-and-colds-what-does-the-science-say#:~:text=There%20is%20currently%20no%20strong,effects%20and%20interact%20with%20medicines."><span style="font-weight: 400;">biochemical</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> processes in the body.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Zinc is particularly renowned for its ability to enhance the activity of immune cells. It helps regulate the production and function of various immune cells, such as neutrophils and natural killer cells, which are essential for combating infections. Additionally, zinc assists in the production of antibodies, which are crucial for the body's defense mechanism against pathogens like influenza viruses.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Studies have indicated that maintaining adequate zinc levels can reduce the severity and duration of the common cold, which shares symptoms with influenza. While not a direct cure for the flu, incorporating zinc into your diet or as a supplement before flu season may provide an added layer of defense against viral infections.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img class="wp-image-29550 size-large aligncenter" src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/zinccoldandflu-819x1024.png" alt="" width="819" height="1024" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Alleviating Cold and Flu Symptoms</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">During flu season, the benefits of zinc become even more pronounced. As the virus spreads more readily, reinforcing your immune system becomes crucial in warding off illness. Zinc supplementation during this period can help shorten the duration of flu symptoms and potentially reduce the likelihood of developing severe complications.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Research suggests that zinc cough drops or syrup taken within 24 hours of the onset of flu symptoms may decrease the duration of the illness by interfering with the virus's ability to multiply and spread in the body. It's important to note that the effectiveness of zinc supplementation may vary depending on the formulation, dosage and individual factors, so consulting a healthcare professional should be a first step.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Zinc's anti-inflammatory properties can assist in alleviating symptoms commonly associated with the flu, such as sore throat and cough. By reducing inflammation and supporting the body's immune response, zinc can contribute to a speedier recovery from flu-related discomfort.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img class="wp-image-29552 size-large aligncenter" src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Zinc2-1024x536.png" alt="" width="1024" height="536" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Dietary and Supplemental Sources of Zinc</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You might be asking a necessary question: What is a good source of zinc? There are various ways you can have a higher intake of this mineral during this year’s cold and flu season. One of the easiest ways to get zinc is through seafood like oysters and crab or through red meat. These have the highest presence of zinc out of all the foods you could eat for a natural source of zinc. If you are not partial to seafood or are trying to avoid red meat, there are other foods that have a great source of zinc! Brown rice, legumes such as kidney beans, blueberries and even cheddar cheese are fantastic natural sources where zinc can be found. </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you feel you are not getting enough zinc through your diet, there are also supplements you can take. This can be an easy way to ensure you are getting enough of this cold-fighting supplement during cold and flu season to help your immune system ward off any cold-related symptoms. </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Striking a Balance</b></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, it's crucial to strike a balance with zinc intake, as excessive amounts can have adverse effects on health. Overconsumption of zinc may lead to gastrointestinal disturbances and interfere with the absorption of other essential minerals like copper and iron. Therefore, moderation and adherence to recommended daily allowances are essential. Consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating zinc into your daily routine. </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Conclusion</b></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Incorporating zinc into your health regimen before and during flu season can offer significant benefits for immune health. Whether through dietary sources like nuts, seeds, legumes and whole grains or as a supplement, maintaining optimal zinc levels can bolster the body's defenses against seasonal illnesses like the flu. As always, it's best to seek guidance from a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage and form of zinc supplementation tailored to your individual needs.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sources</span></p> <p><a href="https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/tips-natural-products-for-the-flu-and-colds-what-does-the-science-say#:~:text=There%20is%20currently%20no%20strong,effects%20and%20interact%20with%20medicines"><span style="font-weight: 400;">https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/tips-natural-products-for-the-flu-and-colds-what-does-the-science-say#:~:text=There%20is%20currently%20no%20strong,effects%20and%20interact%20with%20medicines</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/#:~:text=The%20richest%20food%20sources%20of,also%20contain%20zinc%20%5B3%5D."><span style="font-weight: 400;">https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/#:~:text=The%20richest%20food%20sources%20of,also%20contain%20zinc%20%5B3%5D.</span></a></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Zinc.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/medicine/holistic-medicine/the-benefits-of-zinc-before-and-during-cold-and-flu-season/</url> </article> <article> <ID>29106</ID> <title>80-year-old Stan Cottrell's Home Run for Veterans!</title> <publishDate>2023-11-01 13:25:33</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_11 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_15"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_17 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_37 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a world where people often perceive age as a limitation, one man has shattered the boundaries of what's possible. At the age of 80, Stan Cottrell is not just running; he's on a mission to change the world, one stride at a time. His incredible journey is a testament to the human spirit's boundless potential for greatness.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stan Cottrell is a USMC veteran whose life story is a symphony of resilience, hope and unwavering determination. From the very beginning, Cottrell's days start with an unshakable belief in his own ability to win. He carries with him a cherished motto, a gift from his mother that has guided him throughout his remarkable journey. </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img class="wp-image-29120 aligncenter" src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/stanwithfriends-1024x536.png" alt="" width="753" height="394" /></p> <div class="page" title="Page 30"> <div class="section"> <div class="layoutArea"> <div class="column"> <p><em>Stan and friends in Kentucky</em></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"'Lord, I'm reporting for duty,' my Mama would say," Cottrell recalls. "And on the last day of her life, on that final morning, she said it for the last time."</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For Cottrell, age is nothing but a number, a mere label that he refuses to let define him. He firmly believes that too many people limit themselves based on society's expectations. Labels, whether self-imposed or externally imposed, can dictate our actions and beliefs. In Cottrell's eyes, there are no neutral moments in life; we're either positive, hopeful and expectant or we're not. </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img class="wp-image-29114 size-large aligncenter" src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/staninpoland-819x1024.png" alt="" width="819" height="1024" /></p> <div class="page" title="Page 31"> <div class="section"> <div class="layoutArea"> <div class="column"> <p><em>Stan and friends in Poland</em></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As Stan Cottrell embarks on his 77th ultra distance run and 44th year of running for causes greater than himself, his story becomes an anthem of purpose. Two years ago, he completed his third jaw-dropping 100-day run across the entire United States, covering 30 miles a day. Over the past 76 years, he has run a staggering 283,000 miles.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>THE MISSION</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">His most recent endeavor, </span><b>"Home Run for Veterans,"</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is a rallying cry for veterans suffering from PTSD. Cottrell's connection to this cause runs deep, as he recalls family members who endured the aftermath of World War II without the understanding of PTSD. "When I was growing up, people called these symptoms 'shell shock,'" Cottrell added. </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img class="wp-image-29113 size-large aligncenter" src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mstbook-819x1024.png" alt="" width="819" height="1024" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>COMBATING PTSD</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a real disorder that develops when a person has experienced or witnessed a scary, shocking, terrifying or dangerous event. These stressful or traumatic events usually involve a situation where someone has faced life-threatening situations or a severe injury has occurred.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stan Cottrell has joined ranks with the Gene Birdwell Foundation to support their book; "Military Sexual Trauma" (MST). This monumental manual showcases a myriad of causative agents leading to an all-encompassing world called PTSD.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The mission of the Birdwell Foundation is to decrease and eliminate veteran and first responder suicide by providing a community of support from fellow warriors who have found their way out of the darkness through a healing process that equips them to be now reared and ready to teach and provide to others. "No one can pull themselves up by their own bootstraps. We need each other." Cottrell added. </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>RUNNING A MARATHON A DAY</b></p> <p><b>"Home Run for Veterans"</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is such an attraction magnet," Cottrell explains. "I'm honored to do my part — running a marathon a day for 39 days — 1,024 miles total beginning March 15th throughout Georgia to bring light where only darkness has long been the norm."</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stan Cottrell's 1,024-mile run is for the benefit and awareness of veterans suffering from PTSD and the issue of 24 veterans each day that commit suicide. Cottrell plans on visiting with as many veterans as possible as he runs to 9 Georgia-based military bases.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img class="wp-image-29118 size-large aligncenter" src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/runninginvietnam-1024x536.png" alt="" width="1024" height="536" /></p> <div class="page" title="Page 33"> <div class="section"> <div class="layoutArea"> <div class="column"> <p><em>Finishing run in DeNang, Vietnam</em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">His dedication to this cause, especially at the age of 80, is truly inspiring. By running a marathon distance every day and including all the military bases in Georgia in his route, he is not only raising awareness but also paying tribute to the sacrifices made by veterans.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stan Cottrell's heart also extends to the less fortunate, as he has witnessed both the grandeur of the White House and the struggles of those living in poverty. He has run through third-world countries, raising funds to provide coats and shoes for children facing winter without adequate clothing. </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"I was one of those children who didn't have a coat for winter," Cottrell reflects. "I know what it's like to wait for a pair of shoes until tobacco sales time." </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img class="wp-image-29115 size-large aligncenter" src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/windingroad-819x1024.png" alt="" width="819" height="1024" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>UNIFYING THE WORLD</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yet, Cottrell's journey is not just about personal achievement; it's about transformation and the power of the human spirit to soar beyond limitations. His life began with adversity, as he faced ridicule at the age of 12 for his small stature. But on that summer day in 1955, when he won a 100-yard dash running barefoot at the county fair, he discovered his gift and theme for the rest of his life. </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A stranger's encouraging words ignited a spark within him: "You sure are little, but those legs of yours sure can fly. Why, you might just grow up and be a champion someday." Cottrell reflects this was a significant marker in his life. </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Four years later, Cottrell received an unexpected scholarship opportunity, which led to his college education. But that was just the beginning of his extraordinary journey. Running in 43 countries, the Great Wall of China, and coast to coast three times in the United States, he became a symbol of hope and unity, drawing crowds of 100,000 or more in countries like Korea, Bulgaria, China, and Vietnam. </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Every step of Cottrell's journey reinforces a message of hope, purpose, and unity. He believes every person has a unique mission, a divine decree to fulfill. His gift for running became his vessel to inspire, unite, and bring about change. </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img class="wp-image-29117 size-large aligncenter" src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/finishingraceinchina-1024x536.png" alt="" width="1024" height="536" /></p> <div class="page" title="Page 34"> <div class="layoutArea"> <div class="column"> <p><em>Stan running in China</em></p> </div> </div> </div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As he continues challenging himself, Cottrell imparts wisdom to future runners and individuals seeking a healthier lifestyle. His message is simple yet profound: movement is life. Almost 70% of the U.S. population is overweight, and Cottrell urges people to start with small steps. </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"Get yourself a good pair of walking shoes and just start moving," he advises. "Fitness should never be a punishment; it should be a nourishment for your body."</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stan Cottrell's life is a testament to the limitless potential of the human spirit. His age is merely a number, and he believes there are no limits to what one can achieve. As he reflects on his remarkable journey, he leaves us with a powerful truth: </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"And my life has just begun at 80 years old. Where are the limits? They don't exist. It's time to salute the Veterans!"</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stan Cottrell's call is for everyone to join this cause by using their influence, resources, talents, and prayers as a rallying cry to stand in solidarity with veterans and work towards a better future for them. Let's support this noble endeavor and help make a difference in the lives of those who have served our nation.</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></i></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/stanholdingflag.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/featured/80-year-old-stan-cottrells-home-run-for-veterans/</url> </article> <article> <ID>28684</ID> <title>From Private Chef to Health Crusader: Chef Tzarina's Journey of Transformation Through Food</title> <publishDate>2023-09-11 19:32:40</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_12 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_16"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_18 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <ul class="et_pb_module et_pb_social_media_follow et_pb_social_media_follow_0 clearfix et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_0 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-facebook'><a href='https://www.facebook.com/topdoctormagazine/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Facebook' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_1 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-youtube'><a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgxWTuq7ki1y7bw22kYlwg' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Youtube' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_2 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-instagram'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/topdoctormag/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Instagram' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li> </ul><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_38 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the world of haute cuisine and culinary artistry, there are chefs who not only tantalize our taste buds but also transform lives through the power of food. Chef Tzarina, the culinary virtuoso gracing the cover of TopDoctor Magazine, is one such remarkable figure. Beyond her culinary prowess, she has ventured into the realm of health and wellness, using her own personal journey as a guiding light to help others navigate the path to a healthier, happier life.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><b>A Culinary Odyssey</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tzarina's food journey began at the early age of 16 when she enrolled in culinary school, where she knew her love for food and people would be combined into a beautiful career and life. As she worked her way through restaurants all over England, she finessed her skills as a chef, delighting the palates of many. Her culinary creations eventually graced the tables of the uber-wealthy, worldly diplomats and those who cherished the exquisite art of gastronomy. However, Tzarina's story isn't just about preparing sumptuous meals; it's about how food became a catalyst for change.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><b>A Personal Health Journey</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Life took an unexpected turn when Tzarina found herself battling a relentless foe—endometriosis, diagnosed at the age of 14. Over time, this insidious condition led to the formation of massive tumors and cysts within her body, threatening her health and well-being. Faced with a pivotal choice, she embarked on a difficult global quest for healing and acceptance.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tzarina's journey wasn't just about medical interventions; it was a holistic transformation encompassing diet, lifestyle, exercise, and mental health. She was determined to regain control of her life and health. Her resilience and commitment to her own well-being ultimately led her to discover the transformative power of food.</span></p> <p><img class="aligncenter wp-image-28833 size-large" src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/cheftzarina1-822x1024.png" alt="" width="822" height="1024" /></p> <h2><b>Food as Medicine</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Food, often underestimated, became Tzarina's primary prescription on her path to recovery. She realized that the choices we make in our diet can profoundly impact our health. Through meticulous research and personal experience, she curated a diet that not only nourished her body but also aided in her healing process. At the time, this was also the only thing that was financially available to her as she was saving for many years for what would become her life-saving surgery.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While working alongside many wealthy clients who noticed her skillset and attention to nutrition, many successful individuals contracted her to help them make lifestyle changes, change their diet, detox and even support their journeys to sobriety. When given the opportunity to work with clients' medical teams, evaluate their bloodwork and adjust their diets accordingly, she became a sponge to not only apply these combined practices to her own life but also to those around her.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tzarina's story is a testament to the idea that food can be the first prescription written when someone faces a pivotal moment in their life. Whether by necessity or desire, a shift in dietary habits can lead to profound transformations. Her journey is an inspiration for those who seek a healthier, happier life through food.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Her greatest accomplishment to date was serving a client at their private estate with a team of 25 medical professionals to assist with detox and rehabilitation, serving as the culinary leader to a team of 4 cooks to ensure at all hours of the day, they were able to deliver nutritious, delicious and most importantly, effective meals.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p> <h2><b>Empowering Others</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Having triumphed over 15+ years of health challenges, Tzarina is now on a mission—a mission to empower others to take control of their well-being through food. She understands that her experiences, while deeply personal, can resonate with countless individuals facing health-related crossroads. Tzarina's message is clear: you have the power to change your life through the choices you make in your kitchen.</span></p> <p><img class="wp-image-28834 size-large aligncenter" src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/cheftzarina2-822x1024.png" alt="" width="822" height="1024" /></p> <h2><b>Extending the Impact</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While Tzarina once worked in the most exclusive, private settings, she has now extended her impact to a wider audience. She collaborates with TopDoctor Magazine and teams at TopDoc Clinics around the world to share her knowledge and expertise with readers and clients. Her aim is to provide subscribers with the knowledge and practices employed by the top 1% of the world's population. Through these meaningful collaborations, she aims to motivate TopDoctor Magazine's readers to prioritize their well-being by focusing on nutrition, curated supplement regimens, and wellness plans.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The journey to reclaim oneself includes many aspects that TopDoc Clinics help patients with every day. "When you feel like you're on the other side, you get to enjoy the ride and reclaim and embrace how powerful you are. With the right team and people around you, you get to feel amazing, sexy, and vibrant while dealing with challenges that seemingly took away days you can't get back. It's about embracing the present and the future to educate and advocate for a brighter, healthier future."</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><b>The Prescription for Transformation</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The first prescription to write is a grocery list and meal plan with your wellness team that money-hungry marketing doesn't influence but is curated specifically to YOUR body and wellness goals. Chef Tzarina's message is not just about gourmet dining; it's about the art of living well, and her life's work exemplifies this philosophy.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><b>The Next Chapter</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After spending most of her career behind the veils of NDA after NDA, Tzarina took a leap of faith to film with a reality television show that has just aired in the United States with viewership that broke records for the series, excited a large fan base and dealt with some of the toughest issues seen on modern day reality tv. Follow along on her journey as she brings her years of knowledge and expertise to the public, and she herself continues to seek out new information for health, wellness, and anti-aging via her Instagram @cheftzarina and website www.cheftzarina.com.</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/171-Website.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wellness/health-nutrition/from-private-chef-to-health-crusader-chef-tzarinas-journey-of-transformation-through-food/</url> </article> <article> <ID>16343</ID> <title>Exploring the Ethics of Regenerative Medicine with Dr. Rathna Nuti</title> <publishDate>2022-03-19 15:41:32</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_13 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_17"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_19 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <ul class="et_pb_module et_pb_social_media_follow et_pb_social_media_follow_1 clearfix et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_3 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-facebook'><a href='https://www.facebook.com/topdoctormagazine/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Facebook' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_4 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-youtube'><a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgxWTuq7ki1y7bw22kYlwg' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Youtube' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_5 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-instagram'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/topdoctormag/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Instagram' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li> </ul><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_39 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Regenerative medicine is a rapidly growing, innovative practice that applies regenerative medical techniques to treat or cure diseases. Most regenerative treatments are still under development, but regenerative medicine has already begun to change how we approach health care. Regenerative treatments can be utilized in nearly every field of medicine and for any medical condition. Because these treatments represent cutting-edge research, they require ethical considerations for both researchers and patients alike.</span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">At its core, </span><a href="https://www.nature.com/subjects/regenerative-medicine#:~:text=Regenerative%20medicine%20is%20the%20branch,the%20production%20of%20artificial%20organs." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">regenerative medicine</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> seeks to understand health on a cellular level and bring newly regenerated cells into the body to help maintain healthy cell growth.</span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">There are many ethical considerations surrounding regenerative medicine, but it is a promising solution for conditions once considered untreatable or fatal. </span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rathna-nuti" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Rathna Nuti</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is here to let us in on her latest practice on regenerative medicine, with its underlying ethics, procedures and treatments.</span> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Regenerative Medicine: From Sports to Aesthetics</span></h2> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Nuti is a member of several sports medicine organizations, including the </span><a href="https://www.amssm.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">American Medical Society of Sports Medicine (AMSSM)</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and the NHL Team Physician Society (NHLTPS). She uses both family medicine and psychology to complement her approach to sports medicine. She also specializes in the aesthetics portion of </span><a href="https://topdoctormagazine.com/research/news/theres-always-a-team-to-support-you-a-sports-medicine-overview-with-dr-rathna-nuti/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">regenerative medicine</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">Aesthetic regenerative medicine is a growing field that uses regenerative techniques to improve the appearance of skin, hair, and nails. While regenerative therapies have been used for many years to treat sports injuries and joint pain, regenerative therapies for aesthetic purposes are a relatively new development.</span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">Many different regenerative therapies can be used for aesthetic purposes, including </span><a href="https://www.hss.edu/condition-list_prp-injections.asp" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and stem cell therapy. Dr. Nuti has started helping patients to use these techniques.</span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">"Treating fine lines, wrinkles, or the 'turkey' neck nowadays does not only just involve BOTOX or fillers; there are chemical peels to help in skin rejuvenation and other treatments such as PRP for both facial rejuvenation and hair growth and microneedling for the improvement of the texture of the skin that I offer as well to help people achieve their aesthetic goals," Dr. Nuti said. </span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">She said she is exploring more into the body aspect of contouring, where tightening skin, trimming fat, and toning muscle can sculpt the body. Things are constantly evolving in the practice as doctors like Dr. Nuti try to help with whatever the patient's needs are.</span>  </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_18"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_20 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_11"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/botox4.jpg" alt="" title="botox4" class="wp-image-16346" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_40 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Knowing an Ethical vs. an Unethical Practice</span></h2> <span style="font-weight: 400;">As with any medical field, ethical considerations are crucial to the well-being of both doctors and patients, and regenerative medicine is no different. For doctors, aside from the importance of abiding by ethics guidelines set forth by regenerative medicine associations such as the </span><a href="https://www.isctglobal.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy (ISCT)</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, it is vital that what they offer is science-backed, evidenced-based and is marketed with integrity to avoid "false hopes" for the patients. On the other hand, patients must completely understand regenerative medicine's risks and benefits before signing up for it.</span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">"One of the biggest ethical considerations in regenerative medicine is to make sure the patient understands that we're not reversing what happened now to what you were 20 years ago," Dr. Nuti explained. </span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">Patients mustn't undergo regenerative treatments with unrealistic expectations. </span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">"Patients must understand that regenerative treatments are not a quick fix," Dr. Nuti emphasized. </span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">She also debunked the biggest myths in regenerative medicine at this time. </span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">"It does not regrow tissue at this point. And it is not 100% guaranteed either. Unethical use of regenerative medicine would be to give that false sense of hope when there's no research that backs it up," Dr. Nuti said. </span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">With the </span><a href="https://news.bloomberglaw.com/pharma-and-life-sciences/fda-to-crack-down-on-stem-cell-clinics-with-unproven-therapies" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) recent crackdown</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> on clinics that offer stem cell treatments from amniotic fluids due to unethical use and patient fraud, it has become difficult for the doctors like Dr. Nuti to provide similar treatments as they are removed from the market. </span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">"A lot of the </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7174465/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">amniotic products</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> got pulled off the market. So companies and other clinics are now looking at how to utilize it appropriately. And of course, it's good that we have the FDA to govern it, but it does put the people who use it ethically like myself and other clinics in a tough position because now we can't offer that type of treatment," Dr. Nuti said.</span> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Challenging Part: Awareness and Education</span></h2> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Patients must understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to </span><a href="https://topdoctormagazine.com/frontline-heroes/doctor/the-art-of-medicine-a-look-into-regenerative-medicine-with-dr-ripu-arora/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">regenerative medicine</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and that each patient's treatment plan will be tailored specifically to their needs. However, not many individuals who want to have regenerative treatments realize this, especially if they only learned about it from other people who had gone through the same treatments.</span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">"We do have patients coming in asking us, 'Hey, can you please do this? Can you please do that? We want this; we want that.' I've had patients walk into my office, tell me that they want PRP. They don't want to try anything else, so I have to take a step back and tell them that getting this or that treatment is not like a pharmacy or grocery store where you can go and get what you want and walk out. That's not how medicine works," Dr. Nuti explained.</span> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Future of Regenerative Medicine</span></h2> <span style="font-weight: 400;">The regenerative medicine field is constantly evolving as researchers explore new ways to improve the practice. </span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">"</span><a href="https://www.aabb.org/news-resources/resources/cellular-therapies/facts-about-cellular-therapies/regenerative-medicine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Regenerative medicine</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is here to stay. We have new evolving, exciting data to help out and show us of its potential and capabilities," Dr. Nuti enthusiastically shared. </span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">One of the exciting future possibilities of regenerative medicine is having a long-term effect on treatments compared to the current ones. For example, PRP can have the possibility of longer outcomes in terms of pain control compared to what is offered by steroid injections.</span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">"Regenerative medicine is definitely an innovative treatment plan that is constantly evolving for the better of the future of medicine. It is here to stay. It's just a matter of getting more information and robust data to help guide us into the future in terms of what treatment plans we can offer for our patients," Dr. Nuti said.</span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">Regenerative medicine is still in its infancy, but regenerative treatments will become more effective with continued research and development. If you are interested in regenerative medicine, it is essential to understand the ethical practices that should be followed. In this article, we have outlined some of these ethics and why they're so crucial for regenerative medicine practitioners like Dr. Nuti.</span> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">A Parting Reminder</span></h2> <span style="font-weight: 400;">We thank Dr. Nuti for joining us in this interview with </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top Doctor Magazine</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">. We appreciate her informative insights on the ethics of regenerative medicine. You may reach out to her and check her </span><a href="https://www.dfwsportsmed.com/rathna-nuti-md-sports-medicine-specialist-mckinney-lewisville-tx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">website</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to know more about regenerative medicine.</span></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Dr.-Rathna-Nuti.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/research/news/exploring-the-ethics-of-regenerative-medicine-with-dr-rathna-nuti/</url> </article> <article> <ID>15987</ID> <title>Engineering Medicine: Building Solutions with Dr. Derek Sakata, MD</title> <publishDate>2022-02-27 18:32:01</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_14 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_19"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_pb_column_21 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_12"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/DSC09687-2.jpg" alt="" title="DSC09687-2" class="wp-image-15988" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_pb_column_22 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_41 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p>If you have the rare privilege of mastering two disciplines, you are in a unique position to use one field to benefit the other. With a capable, creative team, Dr. Derek J. Sakata, M.D., made use of his dual knowledge bases to develop medical devices that improve patient care.</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Sakata is the </span><a href="https://healthcare.utah.edu/fad/mddetail.php?physicianID=u0221752"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vice-Chair of Ambulatory Surgery and Perioperative Innovation</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Utah Health. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">He is responsible for more than 25 specialties, to include an emergency department and three primary care clinics.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> He wasn’t always in the medical field though. "I studied engineering and wanted to build guidance systems. But the Cold War had just ended, and there were no more jobs," he said.</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_20"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_23 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <ul class="et_pb_module et_pb_social_media_follow et_pb_social_media_follow_2 clearfix et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_6 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-facebook'><a href='https://www.facebook.com/topdoctormagazine/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Facebook' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_7 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-youtube'><a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgxWTuq7ki1y7bw22kYlwg' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Youtube' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_8 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-instagram'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/topdoctormag/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Instagram' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li> </ul><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_42 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> So he switched gears and, with a nagging uncertainty, turned to medicine. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"I was fascinated by the medical sciences but still wasn't sure I wanted to practice medicine. But I liked the science of anesthesiology," Dr. Sakata shared.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What finally resolved that uncertainty was combining his engineering and medical expertise to find new ways to improve medical practices in anesthesiology. </span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_21"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_24 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_13"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/QED-100_on_Blue_Background_final_mh.jpg" alt="" title="QED-100_on_Blue_Background_final_mh" class="wp-image-15990" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_43 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h3><b>Vapor-Clean</b></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Based on the ANEclear, Vapor-Clean is designed to help patients with malignant hyperthermia, a disease which can be triggered by inhaled anesthetics. It affects the body to the point where it starts breaking your cells down.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Anesthesia machines release anesthetic vapor after vapor is used in them. To make them safe, they have to be flushed with a fresh gas flow for quite a while. The </span><a href="https://www.dynasthetics.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vapor-Clean</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> performs this function in less than 90 seconds. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"We know from the literature that you have to get the anesthetic level to below five parts per million. There has to be nothing in a circuit. So we decided to build filters," Dr. Sakata said. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sales of this device are growing and benefiting patients around the world. Nearly 2,000 facilities in about 20 countries now benefit from this excellent device. </span></p> <h2> </h2> <h3> </h3> <h3><b>VitalsBridge</b></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"The VitalsBridge provides simulations of patient issues so that we can train better clinicians and healthcare providers," Dr. Sakata explained.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><a href="http://www.vitalsbridge.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">VitalsBridge's</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> realistically simulated vital signs for manikins and standardized patients are produced and updated on a commercially available patient monitor. Trainees learn to interpret vital signs on the same monitors used in actual practice. It displays nine types of data, including oxygen saturation, blood pressure and carbon dioxide. An app controls the simulation.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"Usually, you have to go to an expensive simulator center to do these things. It can cost about $80,000. So the team came up with this little box that basically can take anybody and hook them up to any monitor and simulate changes in the monitor, like having a heart attack or other scenarios for health providers to react to. And it's much less expensive," Dr. Sakata said.</span></p> <h3> </h3> <h3> </h3> <h3><b>The Next Device</b></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another device in development is an oxygen delivery device. Dr. Sakata said that he regretted not having it out before COVID-19 hit. It could have made a huge difference in the treatment of COVID patients since the device was better than a standard nasal cannula and monitors patients better than most other devices. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This product has exciting implications for the future. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"It could change the face of anything from how well we sedate patients to possibly home care in the future. Maybe not all patients have to be in a hospital. As hospital beds become more scarce because of the pandemic, this would have been an exciting device to have," Dr. Sakata explained.</span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><b>Conclusion</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Sakata has found a productive and beneficial way to alleviate his uncertainties upon entering the medical field. He applies his engineering expertise to build new, better ways to practice medicine. The devices he and his partners create save time and money, bring doctors closer to their patients, and help achieve better outcomes.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Looking toward the future, Dr. Sakata sees improvements and more focus on medical prevention, teamwork among medical staff and patient education. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"We need to understand who our audience is and who we are communicating with," Dr. Sakata concluded.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Sakata took a career shift necessitated by a crumbling job market and turned it into a career dedicated to creating new, innovative ways to serve patients better.</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Dr_SAKATA_PORTRAITS_2018-4.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/research/news/engineering-medicine-building-solutions-with-dr-derek-sakata-md/</url> </article> <article> <ID>15976</ID> <title>Personalized Medicine: An Interview with Dr. Judi Goldstone</title> <publishDate>2022-02-24 18:11:20</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_15 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_22"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_25 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_14"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Dr._Goldstone_1.jpg" alt="" title="Dr._Goldstone_1" class="wp-image-15977" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_44 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As the medical world expands and develops, a fresh approach to patient care is becoming increasingly popular. Alternative medicine develops a personalized outlook on each patient and approaches each person as a unique individual.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Judi Goldstone, a hormone replacement therapy doctor, weight loss specialist and alternative medicine physician at the Southern California Center for Anti-Aging,</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">uses her expertise to aid patients through this method. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She describes this approach as "functional" because it gives a flexible and holistic perspective to medicine. </span></p> <p><a href="https://topdoctormagazine.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top Doctor Magazine</span></i></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> had the honor and pleasure of talking with Dr. Goldstone and looking at her fascinating journey to alternative medicine. She shared her perspective on the effectiveness of this approach and her personal story of how alternative medicine benefited her life. </span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Alternative Medicine </span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Goldstone puts herself in the category of an alternative, functional medicine practitioner. Although she started in conventional medicine, Dr. Goldstone saw the need for a more personalized</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">approach to patient health. This need was especially apparent when dealing with aging and weight loss.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"I started as a general internist, and I did that for several years. And then I went into weight loss because I was always interested in that field," she said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As she was working in conventional medicine, she noticed that some people, especially the older patients, were becoming increasingly frustrated with not seeing results or not being able to keep the weight off.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"But then, I realized that people weren't really maintaining their weight loss, and a lot of them were struggling," Dr. Goldstone added.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As a result, she opened </span><a href="https://socalbhrt.com/hormone-replacement-therapy-doctor-torrance-california/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">her practice</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to help her patients with the same symptoms she dealt with herself.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On her journey towards better health, she was discouraged by the medical field's approach to aging and its effects as inescapable and irreversible. Through extensive research, training with the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and experimenting on herself, Dr. Goldstone found that she could live a healthy, productive and happy lifestyle through alternative medicine. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Alternative medicine evaluates and treats the body as a whole rather than the conventional disease management approach to medicine. "It's looking at the patient as a whole"</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">and being able to take care of every person's individualized concerns. The current healthcare system is reactive and manages diseases with very little focus on prevention. Therefore, our current system of healthcare should be called disease care. Another important aspect of alternative medicine is that it attempts to prevent chronic illnesses and diseases. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"It's preventive medicine. We're trying to catch the disease before it catches you," Dr. Goldstone concluded.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Goldstone explains that "as we age, we're susceptible to chronic inflammation and degeneration which can lead to illnesses such as cancer and diabetes, heart disease and worse." At her practice, Dr. Goldstone and her team use the latest medical technology to evaluate, treat patients and perform regular checkups as preventative healthcare.</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_23"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_26 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <ul class="et_pb_module et_pb_social_media_follow et_pb_social_media_follow_3 clearfix et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_9 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-facebook'><a href='https://www.facebook.com/topdoctormagazine/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Facebook' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_10 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-youtube'><a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgxWTuq7ki1y7bw22kYlwg' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Youtube' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_11 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-instagram'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/topdoctormag/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Instagram' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li> </ul><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_15"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/goldstone2.jpg" alt="" title="goldstone2" class="wp-image-15979" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_45 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Importance of Paying Attention to Hormones</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Replacing and balancing hormones was a game-changer in her journey towards health as well as her patients'. While working in conventional medicine focused on weight loss, she noted that many patients weren't able to keep the weight off. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Goldstone noticed these people were typically menopausal women and men over 40. This discovery sparked her curiosity, and she began looking into possible links between hormones and health concerns such as maintaining a healthy weight. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"So then I started getting really interested in it [hormone replacement therapy], and I began going to the meetings [of American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine] and reading everything I could," Dr. Goldstone explained.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Making this connection was a significant breakthrough for Dr. Goldstone in opening her own business. With the help of the </span><a href="https://www.a4m.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, she found balancing hormones, eating an appropriate diet, proper exercise, supplements and stress control helped with reversing some of the effects of early aging, healing from burnout and getting rid of chronic fatigue in herself and her patients. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"My job is to get everybody's body into balance so they can age in top mental and physical health," Dr. Goldstone said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These patients have expressed how thankful they are for a doctor who "thinks outside of the box" regarding hormone balancing and considering metabolic influences. </span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Personalizing Medicine </span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After Dr. Goldstone's realization of a more holistic approach to patient care, she began medical training. With this medical training and expertise, she could help patients with more than just her specialization. She committed to continuing education by attending conferences and keeping up-to-date on the latest medical techniques, research and technology. These factors combined allowed Dr. Goldstone to focus on alternative, functional medicine and significantly impact her patients' lives. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The goal of anti-aging, holistic medicine is to help patients avoid degenerative diseases and extend their healthy life span. While traditional physicians focus on treating disease and managing chronic conditions with pharmaceuticals and surgical procedures, anti-aging doctors like Dr. Goldstone practice preventive health care that is truly multidisciplinary. They blend advanced technologies for detecting degenerative diseases with wellness and prevention therapies, including nutrition, supplementation, mind/body medicine, detoxification and exercise.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One of the critical aspects of alternative medicine is the focus on the whole patient. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"It's personalized medicine; it's treating the person as an individual," Dr. Goldstone shared. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Goldstone takes the time to truly listen to her patients and learn what they need and what they're looking for. This attention to the individual enables her to provide personalized and effective care. Her training and expertise as an M.D. also give her the advantage of knowing when patients need to be referred to a specialist.</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_24"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_27 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_16"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/goldstone3.jpg" alt="" title="goldstone3" class="wp-image-15980" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_46 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Advances in the Alternative Medicine Field </span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are advances in various medical fields every day, including alternative medicine (the fastest-growing field of medicine today). Some of these advances include biomedical engineering, cloning, nanotechnology, the use of stem cells, peptides, anti-aging drugs, 3D printing and more, enabling doctors to conduct better testing and treatment with the goal of helping people live healthier, more productive lives as they age. Dr. Goldstone utilizes various modalities that help her provide the best possible care to her patients. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When asked if functional medicine was advancing in technology, Dr. Goldstone responded, </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"It's constantly changing. There's always something new; there are many amazing new ways to evaluate and prevent degeneration of the body.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The new technological advances help doctors such as Dr. Goldstone measure patients' cognitive function, cardiac function and mental status, among many other things. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The field is also becoming more popular among medical professionals as an approach to patients' health. Dr. Goldstone states she believes more and more doctors are moving towards alternative, functional medicine. It has become the fastest-growing field of medicine.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"The field is going to expand. It's expanding right now. And it's going to keep expanding. More people are going to jump into it," Dr. Goldstone concluded. </span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">A Parting Reminder</span></h2> <p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top Doctor Magazine </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">would like to thank Dr. Goldstone for taking the time to share her story with us. We hope her perspective on the expanding field of alternative medicine has been beneficial and intriguing to our readers. If you would like to learn more about alternative medicine or Dr. Goldstone and her practice, please check out her profile and website </span><a href="https://socalbhrt.com/hormone-replacement-therapy-doctor-torrance-california/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">here</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">!</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Dr._Goldstone_1.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/research/news/psychological-reasons-why-people-are-either-extremely-joyful-or-extremely-hateful-around-the-holidays-2-2/</url> </article> <article> <ID>15829</ID> <title>A Heart and Passion for Patient Care: An Interview with Dr. Shaghayegh Tavassoli</title> <publishDate>2022-02-14 19:16:21</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_16 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_25"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_pb_column_28 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_17"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/IMG_4937_2.JPG.jpg" alt="" title="IMG_4937_2.JPG" class="wp-image-15833" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_pb_column_29 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_47 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></i></p> <p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">A heart and passion for patient care </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">— these are often repeated, trite words bound to be a part of every doctor's creed. But when backed by a staunch belief in one's mission, they become an endless reservoir of determination, resilience and dedication. Mix all of these ingredients and not just a superhero, but a </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">supermom </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">will rise, ready to achieve excellence on all fronts. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"I'm one of those people who, if you tell me something's not possible, I'm very motivated to make it possible," shared Dr. Shaghayegh Tavassoli, a Family Medicine Specialist in Los Angeles, California.</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></i></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_26"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_30 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_48 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And she meant it. Between her current work at the <a href="https://www.ummaclinic.org/">UMMA Community Clinic</a> and raising five children, Dr. Tavassoli could make even Hercules and his 12 labors seem small. And, to make it more challenging, she's excited to welcome the New Year by starting her own private practice!</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Tavassoli works in the patient care field, with an emphasis in family medicine and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). Her job has painted a troubling portrait of the relationship between medicine and uninsured or underinsured patients, which emphasizes the irony of how the former are more likely to receive medical care than the latter. </span></p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">An Air Traffic Controller, but in Medicine</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Tavassoli turned her passion for medicine into a career path in the blink of an eye. From playing nurse with dolls, she exchanged a lively interest for a journey into family medicine. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"I realized that in family medicine, you can do a little bit of everything. You can see pediatrics and geriatrics, you can even deliver babies," she explained.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But the key factor behind Dr. Tavassoli's choice resides in her usage of family medicine as a holistic approach towards patient care.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"I practice preventative medicine which helps me to keep my patients healthy so that we avoid any long-term diseases for as long as possible. I'm there to coordinate everything and reach out to the specialists to piece together the entire patient’s profile like a puzzle. I am the patient’s medical home," Dr. Tavassoli said.</span></p> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Caring for Our Cars More Than Our Bodies</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Although medical issues take their time creeping up on our bodies, only a handful of people understand the value of preventative care. And it's enough to look at the timing of our visits to the doctor to notice this concerning behavior. More often than not, patients skip annual visits, only to show up at the doctor's office when the damage has already been done.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"You take a car in for oil changes to make sure everything's running and working smoothly, but we don't do that for our own bodies," she said. “Instead of taking our bodies to the doctor for an annual tune-up, we allow factors such as stress, poor sleeping habits, and anxiety to wreak havoc and cause medical issues in our bodies without our knowledge. High-stress levels in our early years can turn into chronic health conditions as adults.” </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Unfortunately, as Dr. Tavassoli remarked, being insured is no longer enough to keep an eye on your health. Often, underinsured or uninsured patients, who don't qualify for specific treatments, steer clear of medical bills, thus hindering preventative care right off the bat. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So, is there a solution for such patients? Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) utilize outstanding efforts and resources to serve the underserved. </span></p></div> </div><ul class="et_pb_module et_pb_social_media_follow et_pb_social_media_follow_4 clearfix et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_12 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-facebook'><a href='https://www.facebook.com/topdoctormagazine/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Facebook' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_13 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-youtube'><a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgxWTuq7ki1y7bw22kYlwg' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Youtube' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_14 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-instagram'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/topdoctormag/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Instagram' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_27"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_31 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_18"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/patient1.jpg" alt="" title="patient1" class="wp-image-15838" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_49 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Working in a Federally Qualified Health Center</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><a href="https://www.hrsa.gov/opa/eligibility-and-registration/health-centers/fqhc/index.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Health Resources &amp; Services Administration</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> defines FQHCs as "community-based health care providers that receive funds from the HRSA Health Center Program to provide primary care services in underserved areas." Such centers allow Dr. Tavassoli and her peers to treat patients from low-income areas (who frequently cannot afford comprehensive insurance plans) and receive equal treatment without discrimination.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"Regardless of what their insurance is, or even if they don't have insurance, all patients get the same treatment from me. I give them the same attention and try to give them the same care that I would for any other patient," Dr. Tavassoli said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Going to an FQHC becomes vital for people who cannot afford insurance. Dr. Tavassoli shared a story of a patient who could not seek treatment for his cardiac issues after having lost his insurance. Entering her office for a physical turned out to be a lifesaver for this patient.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"I noticed that his heart rate was very low. I asked, 'Have you had any heart issues?' And he answered, 'Yes, I had a cardiopulmonary arrest,'" she explained.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Luckily, Dr. Tavassoli was quick to listen to her instincts and conduct a thorough investigation on his cardiac health.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"We did an immediate EKG on him; he was in complete heart block. I sent him to the emergency room, and they took him to the OR that same day and put a pacemaker in. This was all within a matter of hours. When he came back, he said, 'You literally saved my life,'" Dr. Tavassoli joyfully recalled.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Even as she's busy starting her own practice, Dr. Tavassoli finds enough time to dedicate to her FQHC patients. Such are the bonds between her and these underserved patients, whose honest gratitude is Dr. Tavassoli's only reward, that she cannot let go of them.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"I'm still keeping two half-days at the clinic because I can't walk away from those patients," Dr. Tavassoli confessed.</span></p> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">"Not in It for the Money"</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Patient care does not only focus on the present but also tends towards the future. For that reason, Dr. Tavassoli's new practice will serve both as a center for excellence in family medicine and as a starting point for her children who are already showing interest in their supermom's mission.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"It's getting harder and harder to start your own practice and have someone to guide you along the way. If any of my children want to go into the medical field, I can be there for them with the office up and running," she said. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Such selfless work, both inside and outside the office, expects only a grateful "thank you" in return, which is a testimony to Dr. Tavassoli's compassion and humility.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"People randomly show up to my house or call me with medical issues, and I'm okay with that. I encourage my friends to come, and if I can help, then I will do it. I'm definitely not in it for the money," she said. </span></p> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">A Parting Reminder</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sacrificial stories from doctors of commitment, selflessness and humility are the ones that encourage others the most. Thankfully there are doctors like Dr. Tavassoli, who teach us how everyone deserves the same patient care, regardless of circumstances! For more information about Dr. Tavassoli and her mission, please visit the following </span><a href="https://bevhillsmed.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">website</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/IMG_4937_2.JPG.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/research/news/a-heart-and-passion-for-patient-care-an-interview-with-dr-shaghayegh-tavassoli/</url> </article> <article> <ID>15483</ID> <title>The Safest Hands Are Our Own: Importance of Independent Health Professionals</title> <publishDate>2022-01-27 06:20:29</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_17 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_28"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_pb_column_32 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_19"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CulpepperPic.webp" alt="" title="CulpepperPic" class="wp-image-15485" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_pb_column_33 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_50 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">About Dr. Guy L. Culpepper</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Culpepper is the founder of </span><a href="https://www.benttreemd.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bent Tree Family Physicians</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and shares deep enthusiasm for independent healthcare. He has been recognized as one of the best family physicians in the U.S. His expertise also extends to osteoporosis, cholesterol management, and diabetes.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Academically, the good doctor graduated from the University of Texas Medical School. </span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_29"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_34 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_51 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Throughout his career, Dr. Culpepper has had different types of leadership roles. He has served as a Chief Resident and a President of the Medical and Surgical Staff at St. Paul Medical Center. However, from the start, Dr. Culpepper's focus of interest was primary care. He continues to demonstrate the leadership role at Jefferson Physician Group that houses more than 230 pediatricians, internists and family physicians.</span></p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Journey and Motiv</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">ation to Serve</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Culpepper has always been a curious individual and understood the dynamics of different fields. But he also notes that being an overachiever allowed him to focus on things that matter the most to him. "I've always had a servant's heart," </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Culpepper said. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the end, he </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">realized that he wanted to focus on family medicine. "It's been a long journey for me in primary healthcare, and it is easy to realize and recognize now that independent healthcare offers better value," Dr. Culpepper added.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The doctor remembers that hospital prices drove contracting in the old days, and primary care fees became an afterthought. "My idea was to help protect primary care and that set in motion the foundation of Jefferson Physician Group," he continued. Dr. Culpepper feels proud that his first independent venture continues to be non-profit. </span></p></div> </div><ul class="et_pb_module et_pb_social_media_follow et_pb_social_media_follow_5 clearfix et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_15 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-facebook'><a href='https://www.facebook.com/topdoctormagazine/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Facebook' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_16 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-youtube'><a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgxWTuq7ki1y7bw22kYlwg' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Youtube' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_17 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-instagram'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/topdoctormag/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Instagram' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_30"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_35 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_20"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/frame-with-stethoscope-copy-space.jpg" alt="" title="frame-with-stethoscope-copy-space" class="wp-image-15484" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_52 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Benefits of Independent Physicians</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Culpepper views the independent</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> physicians as a great value and applau</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">ds the cost-effectiveness of independent</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> physicians. He demonstrates through examples that if a patient requires surgery, an independent physician can act like an in</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">side</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">r. Independent health professionals have the freedom to refer the patient to any hospital or specialist that is best for the patient. It is the primary reason why the Samaritan doctor finds independent health professionals more practical for patients.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"Employed physicians are tied to a silo that involves a hospital group and an insurance company," Dr. Culpepper said. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With this model, the more referrals employed physicians make to their silos, the more bonuses and income they can earn. It also cuts out the need to compare prices and focus on the quality of care. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"Sometimes the value is not the price – but sometimes it is the freedom to get better healthcare," Dr. Culpepper added.</span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Independent Healthcare Structu</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">re and Insurance Companies</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Culpepper noted that there is a lack of transparency and value without an independent approach, affirming that patients shouldn't have to shop for basic quality of healthcare endlessly. Unlike the traditional approach, independent healthcare is more sustainable. In the past few years, independent healthcare has started to gain momentum because it comes across as a more reasonable structure.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a conventional structure, there's less empowerment and disproportionate collaboration between healthcare facilities. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Culpepper mentions that insurance companies in the U.S. are at the center of the healthcare sector right now. There are usually one or two insurance companies that dominate every metropolitan city in the U.S. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"It's a monopolistic approach that makes healthcare more expensive," Dr. Culpepper said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The hospitals </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">in the U.S. have convoluted price transparency that confounds most consumers. The solution is to raise the concern about fees and how they step outside of the system. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"The fee structure system doesn't just hurt patients – it hurts employers and independent doctors," Dr. Culpepper added.</span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">C</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">OVID-19 and the Future of Independent Healthcare</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Amidst the peak COVID-19 crisis, Dr. Culpepper had to manage a practice of over 40,000 patients. The financial challenges were devastating during months with no revenue and the practice almost closed.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, he pinpoints that there's always a glimmer of hope, even in dire circumstances. On the bright side, he remembers when patients started a GoFundMe campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"Within eight days, more than a thousand patients were willing to donate a hundred thousand dollars to keep the office open," Dr. Culpepper said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the near future, Dr. Culpepper believes that small healthcare facilities will have more affordable, efficient, and reliable healthcare solutions. But he notes that </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">direct-to-employer contracting will be essential to make independent health professionals successful.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He emphasizes that primary care should be separate from insurance. Dr. Culpepper points out that the future of healthcare should have more transparency. An independent and simplified model that could work in favor of patients and doctors.</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CulpepperPic.webp</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/research/news/the-safest-hands-are-our-own-importance-of-independent-health-professionals/</url> </article> <article> <ID>15520</ID> <title>Quarterbacking Your Best Chronic Pain Treatment: An Interview with Dr. Praveen Mambalam</title> <publishDate>2022-01-13 07:00:14</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_18 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_31"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_pb_column_36 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_21"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mambalam_Magazine_Profile_Pic.JPG.jpg" alt="" title="Mambalam_Magazine_Profile_Pic.JPG" class="wp-image-15521" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_pb_column_37 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_53 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Battling chronic and sometimes inexplicable pain is something we all want to avoid. In the event of dealing with this challenge, however, we would all prefer to be in the care of a doctor passionate about helping patients navigate and heal from chronic pain. Thankfully, there are many exemplary members of the medical community who are seeking to do just that. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Chronic pain management is a specialization that requires dedication, compassion and adaptability to perfect, which explains Dr. Praveen Mambalam best.</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_32"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_38 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_54 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pursuing Passion</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Mambalam grew up in an environment with many physicians and knew from an early age he wanted to help people as a doctor as well. He initially specialized in anesthesiology, which later gave him a better understanding of the effects of opioid use in chronic pain management. Throughout his medical school years</span><b>, </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">he made several specialization changes before realizing that working in pain management was what he wanted to do. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"Ten times over, I would choose the same route to get to the same ending because chronic pain is my passion," Dr. Mambalam said. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">His passion for communicating and working with patients to formulate the best care plans led Dr. Mambalam to become fundamental to the shift in pain management towards open communication with patients and holistic health plans. Dr. Mambalam likens his approach to medicine to a quarterback working with his team to develop the best game plan. </span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Quarterback with a Plan </span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Approaching a patient's pain history and prior treatments like a jigsaw puzzle has helped Dr. Mambalam creatively determine the best course of action. He says each patient's unique care plan is "like a thousand-piece</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">jigsaw puzzle: it's going to start differently every time putting together fragments, but ends with a big picture." This analogy</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">has fed into his view of his job as "quarterback for pain" management. He analyzes each patient's distinctive problem and past treatments and therapies, and develops a game plan to tackle it. Dr. Mambalam notes he typically needs about three to six months to formulate and develop an optimal game plan for his patients to follow. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Part of being the quarterback is requiring and facilitating communication between each member of the patient's care team. This goal</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">has revealed the unique need for a multidisciplinary approach to pain management.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"Multidisciplinary pain management is the name of the game</span><b>,</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">" according to Dr. Mambalam. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This approach includes a more holistic view of healing patients and even considers their mental fortitude, as well as their physical health. Dr. Mambalam observed that employing psychiatrists to help patients communicate and cope has been a useful development in the field.</span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Multidisciplinary Approach </span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Discovering new ways to tackle the problem of pain in different patients has led pain management specialists to move away from the need to prescribing opioids with advancements in interventional therapies. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"There's a lot more regulation on opioid prescribing even for pain management physicians in the setting of long term pain management," Dr. Mambalam noted. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The advancements in interventions and increased regulation on opioids has led to a paradigm shift in the field of pain management.</span></p></div> </div><ul class="et_pb_module et_pb_social_media_follow et_pb_social_media_follow_6 clearfix et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_18 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-facebook'><a href='https://www.facebook.com/topdoctormagazine/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Facebook' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_19 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-youtube'><a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgxWTuq7ki1y7bw22kYlwg' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Youtube' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_20 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-instagram'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/topdoctormag/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Instagram' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_33"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_39 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_22"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/cropped-photo-young-shirtless-afro-american-man-with-shoulder-pain.jpg" alt="" title="cropped-photo-young-shirtless-afro-american-man-with-shoulder-pain" class="wp-image-15526" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_55 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Shift in Pain Management</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Mambalam said he has been working in chronic pain management while going through this fundamental shift. Developing new ways of examining pain conditions is a big part of the multidisciplinary advancement in the field. He involves himself in this advancement process by constantly participating in ongoing research that involves new procedures and investigating new and safer medications. Staying up-to-date on current therapies and how and why they work is another important part of the multidisciplinary approach. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Chronic pain management is also shifting its methodology on how to measure pain. Traditionally pain is measured by asking the patient to score their experience of pain. However, this can often be subjective and inconsistent. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"Pain specialists are now focusing on more functional measures such to study pain and pain treatments," Dr. Mambalam said. "We're restructuring their whole thought process for doctors and patients." </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Advances are focusing less on medications and more on patient-controlled devices that can measure function. Neuromodulation is a developing field within pain management that focuses on therapies that modulate the nervous system's perception of pain. This, alongside multidisciplinary approaches, help patients neurologically restructure how they think, react and function with pain.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"If the patient has the opportunity to control their pain at home in a safe manner, that is actually quite powerful and useful and effective at managing pain," he said. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Being autonomous with chronic pain management allows doctors to tackle the problem of chronic pain through a variety of different disciplines. This way, doctors can step away from the conventional pain management route of prescribing opioids and consider alternatives that work for each unique patient; additionally, the continuing shift in the pain management discipline aids doctors by providing flexible options for care. </span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">"I Believe You, and I Want to Help"</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Relating to and communicating with patients is a big part of Dr. Mambalam's practice. He encourages his peers to be "patient with our patients" because he knows a good rapport with patients goes a long way in formulating and executing the best care plan. Having good relationships with patients gives doctors the ability to understand each unique case better. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This approach requires compassion and communication, which are fundamental and admirable aspects of the medical community that doctors like Dr. Mambalam live out daily. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Being understanding and open to communication is a two-way street. It's vital to convince patients to work with their doctors and follow their "quarterback's" game plan. The multidisciplinary approach to pain medication gives specialists new ways to tackle chronic pain and develop new and improved treatments, exercises, and medications. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The shift in chronic pain management</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">to being more balanced and considering alternatives to opioid prescriptions is made possible through dedicated and passionate doctors like Dr. Mambalam. He firmly believes the future is bright for patients living with difficult chronic painful conditions! </span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mambalam_Magazine_Profile_Pic.JPG.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/research/news/quarterbacking-your-best-chronic-pain-treatment-an-interview-with-dr-praveen-mambalam/</url> </article> <article> <ID>15180</ID> <title>There is a Treatment for the #1 Reason People Go Blind in the United States: An Interview with Dr. Randal Pham</title> <publishDate>2021-12-28 19:35:16</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_19 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_34"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_pb_column_40 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_23"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/thumbnail_Alumni_Pham.jpeg.jpg" alt="" title="thumbnail_Alumni_Pham.jpeg" class="wp-image-15181" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_pb_column_41 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_56 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p>In April of 1975, a young Dr. Randal Pham was one of the thousands of refugees who boarded a military plane heading for the United States to flee Vietnam. Dr. Pham described the event to be "just like what you see in Afghanistan." However, as terrifying as that event was for Dr. Pham, it also became the defining moment that led him to a career in medicine.</p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_35"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_42 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_57 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"I wanted to alleviate the suffering of humans," Dr. Pham stated.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When he landed in America, Dr. Pham barely spoke any English. Still, he worked relentlessly towards his goal and eventually graduated from UC Berkeley, then moved on to apply for medical school in UCSF Parnassus. Excited about being one step closer to his dream of being a doctor, Dr. Pham wrote a letter to his grandfather, who was also a western-trained physician back in their hometown. He shared his hopes of becoming a surgeon one day, but his grandfather persuaded him to be an ophthalmologist instead. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Pham wasn't too keen on the idea of becoming an ophthalmologist, but he agreed to his grandfather's wishes, especially since his grandfather was himself blind due to cataracts. Unfortunately, his granddad passed away before Dr. Pham got accepted into UCSF, but Dr. Pham made a vow from then on to do his best to make sure that his patients could see again.</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></i></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Today, Dr. Pham is a pioneer in eye laser treatments and has been honored with countless awards, including the UCSF Innovators Award and the Best Clinical Science Award from the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery for his work on curing blindness.</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_36"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_43 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <ul class="et_pb_module et_pb_social_media_follow et_pb_social_media_follow_7 clearfix et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_21 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-facebook'><a href='https://www.facebook.com/topdoctormagazine/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Facebook' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_22 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-youtube'><a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgxWTuq7ki1y7bw22kYlwg' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Youtube' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_23 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-instagram'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/topdoctormag/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Instagram' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li> </ul><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_24"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/woman-eye-with-corneal-dystrophy-keratoconus-thinning-cornea.jpg" alt="" title="woman-eye-with-corneal-dystrophy-keratoconus-thinning-cornea" class="wp-image-15382" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_58 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Number One Reason Why People Go Blind in the U.S. and How to Fix It</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In his interview with </span><a href="https://topdoctormagazine.com/"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top Doctor Magazine</span></i></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, Dr. Pham shared the number one cause of blindness in the United States: macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is when your fovea, located in the center of your retina, no longer functions properly. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Pham explained, "There are two types of macular degeneration. There's a wet type that can be treated with medications, which are very effective. But some patients have an entity called dry macular degeneration - and there's no treatment for it. These people simply go blind towards the end of their life, which is terrible."</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Or so they thought.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dry macular degeneration may have been incurable in the past, but that's no longer the case today, thanks to Dr. Pham's latest discovery. He found that the brain can create a new fovea out of photoreceptors that were left undamaged. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"They're not as good as the original one, but they're good enough that they can be improved to a point where you can recognize faces again,"</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">he added. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This discovery pushed him to work with different companies to create a new intraocular technology that combines the use of lasers for treating eye problems and implantable miniature telescopes. The combined efforts of these two advanced technologies allow Dr. Pham to find the new fovea at the back of the eye and enhance its function so a person can see again. </span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Don't Have Your Cataracts Removed Just Yet</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Now that Dr. Pham's life-changing technique has already been successfully performed on four patients (also reported in the </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5722141/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">American Journal of Ophthalmology</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">), he urges everyone diagnosed with dry macular degeneration to postpone getting their cataracts removed. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"People who have dry macular degeneration shouldn't have cataract surgery done. They should wait until they meet the criteria for the implantable miniature telescope," he says. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Although the procedure is quite costly, Dr. Pham believes that gaining your sight back and getting to live a normal life again is worth every penny.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Furthermore, Dr. Pham excitingly shares that the second generation of laser technology is well on its way, leading to far better results. The new laser technology will allow smaller incisions to be made, reducing complications and speeding up the recovery time for the patient. </span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">We Can See the Future Clearly</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"I think that we are at the beginning of a new era,"</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Pham says as he goes on to boast about more exciting advancements in ophthalmology.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">"There's gene therapy now that can cure an entity called Leber's, which is causing teenagers to go blind."</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></i></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With just one shot of medication injected into the eye, the gene can help photoreceptors survive and preserve your vision for the rest of your life.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hearing news like this in the medical community builds Dr. Pham's confidence about what the future holds. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"My prediction is that within my lifespan, all blindness will be cured," he says. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And we at </span><a href="https://topdoctormagazine.com/"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top Doctor Magazine</span></i></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> can't help but agree with him. With all the awe-inspiring work he's done in helping people regain their eyesight, Dr. Pham has now become a glimmer of light at the end of a dark tunnel for many of those who can't see.</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/thumbnail_Alumni_Pham.jpeg.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/research/news/there-is-a-treatment-for-the-1-reason-people-go-blind-in-the-united-states-an-interview-with-dr-randal-pham/</url> </article> <article> <ID>15168</ID> <title>Personalized Medicine: An Interview with Dr. Judi Goldstone</title> <publishDate>2021-12-26 18:53:37</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_20 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_37"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_pb_column_44 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_25"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/168218_gHKqPyPa.jpg" alt="" title="168218_gHKqPyPa" class="wp-image-15158" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_pb_column_45 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_59 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As the medical world expands and develops, a fresh approach to patient care is becoming increasingly popular. Alternative medicine develops a personalized outlook on each patient and approaches each person as a unique individual.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Judi Goldstone, a hormone replacement therapy doctor, weight loss specialist and alternative medicine physician at the Southern California Center for Anti-Aging,</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">uses her expertise to aid patients through this method.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_38"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_46 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_60 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> She describes this approach as "functional" because it gives a flexible and holistic perspective to medicine. </span></p> <p><a href="https://topdoctormagazine.com/"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top Doctor Magazine</span></i></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> had the honor and pleasure of talking with Dr. Goldstone and looking at her fascinating journey to alternative medicine. She shared her perspective on the effectiveness of this approach and her personal story of how alternative medicine benefited her life. </span></p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Alternative Medicine </span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Goldstone puts herself in the category of an alternative, functional medicine practitioner. Although she started in conventional medicine, Dr. Goldstone saw the need for a more personalized</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">approach to patient health. This need was especially apparent when dealing with aging and weight loss.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"I started as a general internist, and I did that for several years. And then I went into weight loss because I was always interested in that field," she said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As she was working in conventional medicine, she noticed that some people, especially the older patients, were becoming increasingly frustrated with not seeing results or not being able to keep the weight off.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"But then, I realized that people weren't really maintaining their weight loss, and a lot of them were struggling," Dr. Goldstone added.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As a result, she opened </span><a href="https://socalbhrt.com/hormone-replacement-therapy-doctor-torrance-california/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">her practice</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to help her patients with the same symptoms she dealt with herself.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On her journey towards better health, she was discouraged by the medical field's approach to aging and its effects as inescapable and irreversible. Through extensive research, training with the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and experimenting on herself, Dr. Goldstone found that she could live a healthy, productive and happy lifestyle through alternative medicine. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Alternative medicine evaluates and treats the body as a whole rather than the conventional disease management approach to medicine. "It's looking at the patient as a whole"</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">and being able to take care of every person's individualized concerns. The current healthcare system is reactive and manages diseases with very little focus on prevention. Therefore, our current system of healthcare should be called disease care. Another important aspect of alternative medicine is that it attempts to prevent chronic illnesses and diseases. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"It's preventive medicine. We're trying to catch the disease before it catches you," Dr. Goldstone concluded.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Goldstone explains that "as we age, we're susceptible to chronic inflammation and degeneration which can lead to illnesses such as cancer and diabetes, heart disease and worse." At her practice, Dr. Goldstone and her team use the latest medical technology to evaluate, treat patients and perform regular checkups as preventative healthcare.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Importance of Paying Attention to Hormones</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Paying particular attention to balancing one's body biochemically, including hormones. Replacing and balancing hormones was a game-changer in her journey towards health as well as her patients'. While working in conventional medicine focused on weight loss, she noted that many patients weren't able to keep the weight off. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Goldstone noticed these people were typically menopausal women and men over 40. This discovery sparked her curiosity, and she began looking into possible links between hormones and health concerns such as maintaining a healthy weight. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"So then I started getting really interested in it [hormone replacement therapy], and I began going to the meetings [of American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine] and reading everything I could," Dr. Goldstone explained.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Making this connection was a significant breakthrough for Dr. Goldstone in opening her own business. With the help of the </span><a href="https://www.a4m.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, she found balancing hormones, eating an appropriate diet, proper exercise, supplements and stress control helped with reversing some of the effects of early aging, healing from burnout and getting rid of chronic fatigue in herself and her patients. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"My job is to get everybody's body into balance so they can age in top mental and physical health," Dr. Goldstone said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These patients have expressed how thankful they are for a doctor who "thinks outside of the box" regarding hormone balancing and considering metabolic influences. </span></p></div> </div><ul class="et_pb_module et_pb_social_media_follow et_pb_social_media_follow_8 clearfix et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_24 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-facebook'><a href='https://www.facebook.com/topdoctormagazine/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Facebook' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_25 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-youtube'><a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgxWTuq7ki1y7bw22kYlwg' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Youtube' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_26 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-instagram'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/topdoctormag/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Instagram' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_39"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_47 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_26"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/aging-concept-young-old-comparision-e1639508974151.jpg" alt="" title="aging-concept-young-old-comparision" class="wp-image-15170" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_61 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Personalizing Medicine </span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After Dr. Goldstone's realization of a more holistic approach to patient care, she began medical training. With this medical training and expertise, she could help patients with more than just her specialization. She committed to continuing education by attending conferences and keeping up-to-date on the latest medical techniques, research and technology. These factors combined allowed Dr. Goldstone to focus on alternative, functional medicine and significantly impact her patients' lives. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The goal of anti-aging, holistic medicine is to help patients avoid degenerative diseases and extend their healthy life span. While traditional physicians focus on treating disease and managing chronic conditions with pharmaceuticals and surgical procedures, anti-aging doctors like Dr. Goldstone practice preventive health care that is truly multidisciplinary. They blend advanced technologies for detecting degenerative diseases with wellness and prevention therapies, including nutrition, supplementation, mind/body medicine, detoxification and exercise.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One of the critical aspects of alternative medicine is the focus on the whole patient. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"It's personalized medicine; it's treating the person as an individual," Dr. Goldstone shared. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Goldstone takes the time to truly listen to her patients and learn what they need and what they're looking for. This attention to the individual enables her to provide personalized and effective care. Her training and expertise as an M.D. also give her the advantage of knowing when patients need to be referred to a specialist.</span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Advances in the Alternative Medicine Field </span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are advances in various medical fields every day, including alternative medicine (the fastest-growing field of medicine today). Some of these advances include biomedical engineering, cloning, nanotechnology, the use of stem cells, peptides, anti-aging drugs, 3D printing and more, enabling doctors to conduct better testing and treatment with the goal of helping people live healthier, more productive lives as they age. Dr. Goldstone utilizes various modalities that help her provide the best possible care to her patients. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When asked if functional medicine was advancing in technology, Dr. Goldstone responded, </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"It's constantly changing. There's always something new; there are many amazing new ways to evaluate and prevent degeneration of the body.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The new technological advances help doctors such as Dr. Goldstone measure patients' cognitive function, cardiac function and mental status, among many other things. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The field is also becoming more popular among medical professionals as an approach to patients' health. Dr. Goldstone states she believes more and more doctors are moving towards alternative, functional medicine. It has become the fastest-growing field of medicine.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"The field is going to expand. It's expanding right now. And it's going to keep expanding. More people are going to jump into it," Dr. Goldstone concluded. </span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">A Parting Reminder</span></h2> <p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top Doctor Magazine </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">would like to thank Dr. Goldstone for taking the time to share her story with us. We hope her perspective on the expanding field of alternative medicine has been beneficial and intriguing to our readers. If you would like to learn more about alternative medicine or Dr. Goldstone and her practice, please check out her profile and website </span><a href="https://socalbhrt.com/hormone-replacement-therapy-doctor-torrance-california/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">here</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">!</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/168218_gHKqPyPa.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/research/news/psychological-reasons-why-people-are-either-extremely-joyful-or-extremely-hateful-around-the-holidays-2/</url> </article> <article> <ID>15148</ID> <title>Women's Health in Humanitarian Aid: An Interview with Dr. Ty Erickson</title> <publishDate>2021-12-24 17:41:32</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_21 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_40"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_48 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_27"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2020_Nepal_2.jpg" alt="" title="2020_Nepal_(2)" class="wp-image-15149" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_62 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Ty Erickson is an OB/GYN at Rosemark Women Care Specialists in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Specifically, he is a urogynecologist </span><a href="https://rosemark.net/contact-rosemark-ob-gyn-idaho-falls/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">specializing in treating women's pelvic disorders and surgical pelvic reconstruction</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While he maintains a thriving practice, his true passion is traveling the world providing medical care for women with little or no access to regular healthcare.</span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><b>Working for Women's Health</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Erickson's interest in medicine emerged when he was only eight-years-old. While hunting with his family, he was more interested in examining the animals' internal organs than hunting. Years later, as a medical student, he decided to focus his career on women's health. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"During rotations in medical school, I realized that I had a strong desire to help women and to be a part of that experience of delivery. I also enjoyed the technical aspects of the variety of surgeries we could do to help women. So it was that combination of assisting women in childbirth and helping in the surgical areas that made me decide that's what I wanted to do," Dr. Erickson explained.</span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><b>A Medical Humanitarian</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Erickson's true passion is humanitarianism, bringing his medical expertise to developing countries. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"I only work to generate enough income so that I can spend it on humanitarian work. Everything that we do is not compensated. So our whole goal is to have the freedom to be able to do that. Some people, some doctors, work to play. I work to work," Dr. Erickson said. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What sparks this passion? The tremendous need. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"If you take a look at how dismal it is for women who don't have access to good healthcare, there are high death rates for both the mom and the baby. In addition, there are complications, including fistulas," Dr. Erickson continued.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In developing countries where basic health care is scarce, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2492587/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">many women are vulnerable to serious health issues</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Maternal and infant mortality, HIV/AIDS and cervical cancer are prevalent, and the majority of pregnancy-related deaths happen in these countries. Moreover, as many as 20 million women each year suffer complications such as infertility, fistulas, postpartum hemorrhage, eclampsia and sepsis. Clearly, there is a desperate need for medical help. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"It is an eye-opening experience because we don't have to think, well, is this how it was 150 years ago in the United States or any other first-world country? We just need to go and look at how dismal things are still for millions of women throughout the world," Dr. Erickson said. </span></p></div> </div><ul class="et_pb_module et_pb_social_media_follow et_pb_social_media_follow_9 clearfix et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_27 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-facebook'><a href='https://www.facebook.com/topdoctormagazine/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Facebook' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_28 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-youtube'><a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgxWTuq7ki1y7bw22kYlwg' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Youtube' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_29 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-instagram'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/topdoctormag/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Instagram' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_41"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_49 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_28"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2019_Peru_4.JPG.jpg" alt="" title="2019_Peru_(4).JPG" class="wp-image-15152" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_63 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><b>A Network of Humanitarians</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Erickson works with a network of other doctors who have also taken up the humanitarian cause. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"I've met other physicians through medical meetings who have donated their whole lives to Africa. So I go there and work with them. There's an organization in Texas called Faith and Practice. I go to Guatemala once a year and do surgery with that group of obstetricians," Dr. Erickson shared.</span></p> <p><a href="https://www.faithinpractice.org/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Faith and Practice</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, a non-profit, ecumenical Christian organization, provides medical, surgical and dental services and health education programs to poor communities in Guatemala. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"And then there's another group that I go to in Peru. Every year, we go down there to train midwives on how to reduce the complication rate because they do all the deliveries. There is no access to a hospital. The death rate is still high there. Over the years, I started doing mentoring work. It's about working with all of the people I've met and crossed paths with over time and developed strong relationships with. We help each other," Dr. Erickson explained.</span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><b>The Effects of COVID-19</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected both Dr. Erickson's practice and his humanitarian work, the latter much more than the former. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"We're still having trouble in the United States. But we're doing okay, let's be honest. Most people are still getting obstetrics care. They're going to have a baby, and they're going to get care," Dr. Erickson acknowledged.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But the situation in developing countries is dire. Travel restrictions have hindered Dr. Erickson's ability to continue his humanitarian work. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"In early Mar. 2020, I was in Guatemala, where we were scheduled to do surgery. But then the pandemic was recognized. Guatemala shut their borders, so we had to leave. Women who had traveled hours and hours were expecting to have their surgery, but we couldn't help them. I have not been able to go abroad ever since," Dr. Erickson shared.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This worries him. The services they provide often make the difference between life and death or at least make a difference in the quality of life.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"Oh my goodness, there are people out there that need everybody's help. There's been an impact for me, for all the humanitarian work. In places where they don't have the same medical infrastructure that we do, they're still suffering, and they're not getting care. And that breaks my heart," he said. </span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><b>A Call for Compassion</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">COVID-19 has taken a personal toll on Dr. Erickson. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"I have lost both of my parents to COVID-19. I had very healthy parents, and they passed away," Dr. Erickson shared. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">His response to this tragedy was nothing but understanding and selfless. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"I try to be more compassionate. When death is a part of your life, you can either become bitter, or you can look and say, what can I do? Being affected by this within our own families allows us to be more compassionate. I'm always a hopeful person. With hope, we work with each other, and we're more kind, caring and understanding," he said. </span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><b>A Parting Reminder</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Erickson predicts that advancements in medical technology in the next 10 years will significantly benefit women's health. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"I believe that there will be a remarkable improvement in how fast we can get vital products. In addition, we're learning a tremendous amount from the research in monoclonal antibodies and vaccinations. All of this will sprout a whole new way of moving forward," Dr. Erickson concluded.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Erickson is a physician by profession but a humanitarian at heart. He has brought hope and health to women around the world. And when countries reopen their doors, he will continue his mission. </span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2020_Nepal_2.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/research/news/womens-health-in-humanitarian-aid-an-interview-with-dr-ty-erickson/</url> </article> <article> <ID>14910</ID> <title>Looking Beyond the Science: Caring for Underserved Communities with Dr. Imani McElroy</title> <publishDate>2021-11-21 18:29:34</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_22 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_42"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_pb_column_50 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_29"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/hallway_shot.jpeg-1.jpg" alt="" title="hallway_shot.jpeg (1)" class="wp-image-14913" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_pb_column_51 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_64 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">People's health and well-being are heavily influenced by the communities in which they live. Ideally, people have ample access to medical services and the resources to pay for them. However, this is not always the case for underserved communities. According to the </span><a href="https://data.hrsa.gov/tools/shortage-area/mua-find#:~:text=Medically%20Underserved%20Areas%2FPopulations%20are%20areas%20or%20populations%20designated,high%20poverty%20or%20a%20high%20elderly%20population.%20"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Health Resources &amp; Services Administration</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, numerous communities have a shortage of doctors, a high rate of poverty and infant mortality, and a high population of older adults. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Therefore, when doctors bring their expertise and passion to these areas, they heal not only individual patients but also entire communities.</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_43"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_52 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_65 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><b>Dr. Imani McElroy, MD, MPH</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One doctor with a passion for serving these communities is Dr. Imani McElroy, MD, MPH, a surgical resident at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Her passion began in childhood. "My mom ran a temporary placement shelter for foster youth. I wanted to continue that tradition."</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After earning an undergraduate degree from the University of California at Irvine, she earned her MD from the Charles R. Drew/UCLA Medical Education Program, which she calls "life-changing. Its mission is to serve and uplift underserved communities. That was directly aligned with my life mission. She received her MPH from the</span><a href="https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, which also focused on public policy and communities' access to healthcare. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">At </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Massachusetts General Hospital, "They found ways to create opportunities that support me and my career goals," Dr. McElroy shares.</span></p> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2><b></b></h2> <h2><b>Inequalities and Discrimination in Medicine</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the United States, minority groups often suffer </span><a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/racism-discrimination-health-care-providers-patients-2017011611015"><span style="font-weight: 400;">higher rates of illness, poor outcomes, and death</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Studies show differences in treatment and availability of services for minority and low socioeconomic status populations. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. McElroy understands the need for change and is dedicated to finding solutions. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"We need to be truthful about history—how this country, and medicine as a whole, has not always been the beacon of pride that it should be. We need to rectify that. We have to acknowledge and own our past and truly move forward," she says. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To that end, the </span><a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/health-equity/ama-guidelines-offer-path-prevent-discrimination-medicine"><span style="font-weight: 400;">American Medical Association</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> has created guidelines to address discrimination and systemic racism in the medical field. Also, the federally funded </span><a href="https://www.aamc.org/news-insights/these-physicians-work-underserved-communities-national-health-service-corps-helps-make-financially"><span style="font-weight: 400;">National Health Service Corp</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> gives scholarships to students in exchange for providing medical care in underserved communities. This program has provided 63,000 healthcare professionals to communities across the United States. These are two examples of essential steps, but there is much more to be done. </span></p></div> </div><ul class="et_pb_module et_pb_social_media_follow et_pb_social_media_follow_10 clearfix et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_30 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-facebook'><a href='https://www.facebook.com/topdoctormagazine/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Facebook' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_31 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-youtube'><a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgxWTuq7ki1y7bw22kYlwg' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Youtube' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_32 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-instagram'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/topdoctormag/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Instagram' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_44"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_pb_column_53 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_30"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_20181020_120953_7-1024x768-1-e1637349507852.jpg" alt="" title="IMG_20181020_120953_7-1024x768" class="wp-image-14927" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_pb_column_54 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_31"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Health-Fair-Screening.jpg" alt="" title="Health-Fair-Screening" class="wp-image-14922" /></span> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_45"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_55 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_66 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><b>Research and Insight</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. McElroy has gained enough experience through her education and residency to reach her goals. "I did a study that looked at readmission work across the board. I assessed readmissions as a possible way to look at whether or not surgical populations were being well served. It was a great way to get a better understanding of how to do really directed research towards underserved communities,"she says. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another important experience is her role as the Massachusetts General Physicians Organization Administrative Fellow. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"Massachusetts General clearly had looked beyond my application and looked to see what I was interested in. I sit in with the hospital administration, and I really get an understanding of how hospitals are, how our institution is run, and how we come to the policy decisions that we make. We’re figuring out how to not only be a leading institution in healthcare, but also to really push the paradigm and look at how we practice. And so this has been an invaluable experience to me and getting to work with different types of doctors," she explained. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. McElroy believes that the work cannot stop there. The next step is to use that research to speak out, act, and effect change.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She says, "I've been able to not only do research that pushes practice paradigms but I've also been supported in my efforts to speak up about inequalities in discrimination within medicine." </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Participating in local events and being visible in the community is a great way to connect doctors and underserved populations. Events such as toy drives and fundraisers bring much-needed help and build relationships. When Dr. McElroy was class president at her university, she organized multiple events for local communities. She did food drives for children at a homeless shelter, held numerous health fairs, and conducted community awareness events every year. </span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><b>Five Years from Now</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Inasmuch as we know that there is unfair treatment when it comes to race, what do the next five years have in store for doctors seeking to address medical inequality? Dr. McElroy optimistically states, "I think there's definitely a new understanding of the importance of looking beyond the science of our patients—understanding why they present with disparities and creating interventions. A more diverse workforce will understand that our system right now is not equal and that we have a lot of work to do. They will be willing to do that work."</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. McElroy recognizes her good fortune in having a platform that empowers her to follow her passion for resolving medical inequality."It’s about being a part of and working for the community, really pushing for equity in health disparities, and creating change. I am forever grateful to be able to be at a place where the faculty, staff, and administrators are all supportive of those goals. They want to be a part of that change," she says. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We are confident that Dr. McElroy will continue to be a clear voice in the journey toward equity in currently underserved communities. For those who may be following a similar career path, Dr. McElroy offers this valuable advice- e. "Be kind to yourself. This journey is hard but worth it. Give yourself grace; you are human. Build a support network and reach out for help. This journey is not meant to be done alone." </span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_20180113_190645_906-1-scaled.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/research/news/choose-to-age-looking-great-and-feeling-great-the-advances-in-cosmetic-dermatology-with-dr-patrick-bitter-jr-choose-to-age-looking-great-and-feeling-great-the-advances-in-cosmetic-dermato-2/</url> </article> <article> <ID>13972</ID> <title>"There's always a team to support you" - A sports medicine overview with Dr. Rathna Nuti</title> <publishDate>2021-09-20 10:13:33</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_23 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_46"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_56 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_32"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/thumbnail_Full_size_-_D_s_Best_Dr_s_2018_-_Dr._Nuti_-_TMI_-_Bret_Redman-9409.jpg" alt="" title="thumbnail_Full_size_-_D_s_Best_Dr_s_2018_-_Dr._Nuti_-_TMI_-_Bret_Redman-9409" class="wp-image-13973" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_67 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p>The way we perceive and experience sports in these infelicitous times is changing. From tens of thousands of delighted supporters cheering for their favorite teams, we had to become accustomed to cardboard fans, empty stadiums, and athletes bombarded with COVID-19 tests and constant virus talks. Instead of competition for medals and trophies, athletes compete to stay healthy and avoid contracting the diseases; one only needs to look at the ongoing Olympic Games to understand the prevailing climate of fear that engulfs today's sports.</p> <p>Despite such discouraging conditions, some physicians carry the sports medicine standard towards a brighter tomorrow, where patients can enjoy treatment versatility and disease prevention in a safe and secure environment. Here at Top Doctor Magazine, we are delighted to have interviewed such a sports medicine hero, one who sees and understands the challenges faced by athletes of all genders, without discrimination -- Dr. Rathna Nuti. A member of numerous sports medicine associations, such as the American Medical Society of Sports Medicine (AMSSM) and the NHL Team Physician Society (NHLTPS), Dr. Nuti calls upon the forces of both family medicine and psychology to enhance her approach to sports medicine and to understand her patients, to care for the athlete and the human simultaneously.</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Through Dr. Nuti’s words, we will learn today why athletes are, as she calls them, “unique individuals.” We will approach the challenges of today’s sports medicine, the newest improvements to regenerative medicine, and the hurdles thrown into the athlete’s way, all in a COVID-19 setting.</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_47"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_57 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_33"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/thumbnail_Ful_lsize_V2_-_Dr._Rathna_Nuti_-__D_s_Best_2020_-_09_2020_-_Bret_Redman-5476.jpg" alt="" title="thumbnail_Ful_lsize_V2_-_Dr._Rathna_Nuti_-__D_s_Best_2020_-_09_2020_-_Bret_Redman-5476" class="wp-image-13979" /></span> </div><ul class="et_pb_module et_pb_social_media_follow et_pb_social_media_follow_11 clearfix et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_33 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-facebook'><a href='https://www.facebook.com/topdoctormagazine/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Facebook' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_34 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-youtube'><a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgxWTuq7ki1y7bw22kYlwg' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Youtube' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_35 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-instagram'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/topdoctormag/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Instagram' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li> </ul><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_68 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2>Struggling between Playing and Not Playing</h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"Athletes are unique individuals – they need to have a routine, a schedule; it does affect their psyche." Constant training is the holy chalice from which every athlete has to drink consistently. However, some athletes lost that precious consistency between several months of complete lockdown (not to mention countries where lockdown measures were reinstituted) and alternating approval-interdiction patterns on sports similar to ping pong matches. As a result, they became more prone to both outdoor and home-based injuries.</span></p> <p>Although an injury might not sound like the end of the world, a sine qua non factor for this equation is the fear factor; a contradictory feeling of avoiding physicians due to COVID-19 and willingness to see a physician face-to-face. The result: delayed visits to the doctor and a higher risk of complications. "We were seeing, even in kids, fractures that were delayed for more than two, three, even four weeks because people were so scared to go to the doctor."</p> <p>After analyzing these concerns, Dr. Nuti was ready to employ her knowledge of psychology and try to overcome the fear factor crippling her patients. "They (i.e., the patients) don't want to do things like telemedicine. They want to actually see a physician in the office." Understanding the patient's human interaction needs encouraged Dr. Nuti to receive all the patients who cross her practice's doorstep and listen to their struggles. "Sometimes patients have difficulties expressing what they truly feel, and taking that extra minute or step of saying, 'Hey, I understand what's going on' plays a big role."</p> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Avoiding Scam Clinics</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The past few years have seen the accelerated emergence of regenerative medicine alternatives, such as amniotic injection therapy, stem cells, and PRP (platelet-rich plasma). As a result, the opportunity to treat injuries in a versatile, more straightforward approach proved tempting for numerous patients. "It's kind of cool to see how you have different options to provide for patients after a proper exam and history and consultation, that you can offer them a different treatment plan."</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, as regenerative medicine showed more promising signs, malevolent individuals saw the chance to defraud trusting patients of their hopes and dreams with false promises. "And they get scammed into paying thousands of dollars for these types of treatment plans." Therefore, treatments that fed such frauds, like </span><a href="https://great-practices.com/fda-requiring-many-amnion-fluid-products-to-be-withdrawn-by-may-31-2021/#:~:text=keep%20your%20patients.-,FDA%20Requiring%20many%20Amnion%20Fluid%20Injectables,Withdrawn%20by%20May%2031%2C%202021.&amp;text=Regulatory%20Background%3A,innovation%20of%20regenerative%20medicine%20therapies."><span style="font-weight: 400;">amniotic injection therapy</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, were pulled off the market, and </span><a href="https://www.statnews.com/2020/08/18/separate-scientific-scam-stem-cell/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">scam clinics</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> were closed down by the authorities to prevent the encouragement of such practices.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The prevention of more fraud victims lies in our perception of regenerative medicine. However, instead of looking at regenerative medicine as the Holy Grail of medicine, we must understand its limitations. For Dr. Nuti, regenerative medicine is on the right path but far from the finish line. "I think that, when utilized appropriately and ethically, it could be a potential game-changer, especially in the way patients experience pain. […] Not to say it's going to cure everything, because that's definitely not my intention on saying that."</span></p> <h2></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Preventing Sudden Cardiac Death in Athletes</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 in 40,000 to 1 in 80,000 athletes per year fall prey to sudden cardiac death (SCD), and although the past few decades saw </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC155532/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">a surge in SCD research and awareness</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, no single strategy is potent enough </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4969030/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">to prevent this condition</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"There are no preventative tests for it to be perfect," Dr. Nuti admits, although some signs could act as red flags. "'Hey, I'm exercising, I'm getting shortness of breath, dizziness, and I feel like my heart is racing' or, 'Hey, I felt like I was going to pass out when that happened.' Those are some of the red flags where it will prompt me to think, is there something else going on?"</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Once specific red flags are raised, an </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4969030/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">electrocardiogram</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and/or echocardiography could shed some light on the mystery. From then onwards, sports cardiologists are brought in to "see if a patient needs any further workup based on their consultation and findings." However, regardless of care coordination and preventative care, the SCD danger looms over athletes. "[SCD] is not an easy diagnosis to make."</span></p> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">"There's always a team to support you"</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Not with standing the dangers lurking in sports, such as SCD, scam clinics, and the COVID-19 virus, Dr. Nuti encourages each athlete to look past their misfortunes, keep working with medical professionals, and always, always stick to their goals. "Definitely know that you have options and keep on with your goals because there's always a team to support you."</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Our </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top Doctor Magazine </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">team shares Dr. Nuti's optimistic life vision and wishes her nothing but success in her future endeavors. Aside from opening up her practice last May, Dr. Nuti intends to expand into the aesthetic realm of medicine as well. For more information on Dr. Nuti's work, make sure that you </span><a href="https://www.dfwsportsmed.com/rathna-nuti-md-sports-medicine-specialist-mckinney-lewisville-tx/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">check out her website</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></i></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/thumbnail_Full_size_-_D_s_Best_Dr_s_2018_-_Dr._Nuti_-_TMI_-_Bret_Redman-9409.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/research/news/theres-always-a-team-to-support-you-a-sports-medicine-overview-with-dr-rathna-nuti/</url> </article> <article> <ID>13632</ID> <title>TopDocLabs Article</title> <publishDate>2021-09-03 13:42:43</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_24 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_48"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_58 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_34"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/1.jpeg.jpg" alt="" title="1.jpeg" class="wp-image-13633" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_69 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h1><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-weight: 400;">TopDocLabs</span></h1> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The difficulties of taking a COVID-19 test are not a news flash for any of us. Ever since the global pandemic took hold, supply shortages, lack of human resources, and restless patients have caused staggering delays in crucial test results, up to several days. Furthermore, with </span><a href="https://www.deseret.com/coronavirus/2021/8/9/22616619/covid-spike-where-delta-hits-next"><span style="font-weight: 400;">today’s surge in the COVID-19 Delta variant</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/Is-it-hard-to-find-a-COVID-19-test-right-now-in-16381041.php"><span style="font-weight: 400;">tests and appointments will only become harder to come by</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Instead of coming to an end, the pandemic stays put, which leaves us thinking: “When will we deliver the virus its final blow?”</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The vaccine rollout was not enough to keep the virus in check and rekindle the general population’s trust. On the contrary, the rise of new COVID-19 variants left many of us thinking about </span><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/leahrosenbaum/2021/07/27/how-good-are-covid-19-vaccines-at-protecting-against-the-delta-variant/?sh=a3f6dac1a6fa"><span style="font-weight: 400;">how effective the vaccines will prove against these “enhanced enemies.”</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Therefore, the answer did not entirely lie in a one-size-fits-all solution; a more comprehensive solution was waiting to be discovered.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Are Vaccines Enough to Eradicate the COVID-19 Virus?</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">All this time, a simpler, already tried-and-true answer was demanding attention, as Renee Pruzansky, CEO, explained to our </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top Doctor Magazine </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">team: “I think that with the variants and with people who are resisting immunization, I think that testing, unfortunately, is going to be the only consistent weapon we have in our arsenal to fully eradicate COVID-19.” </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As such, instead of leaving COVID-19 testing unattended, Brian Waymire and John Highland spearheaded the rise of a new competitor on the market, one that could successfully challenge the giant laboratory networks in the U.S. and provide results, as Brian proudly presents them, “a lot faster, more efficient, and with ease of use.” So say hello to the best and most reliable laboratory care service in the country – </span><a href="https://topdoclabs.com/home"><span style="font-weight: 400;">TopDocLabs</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">! </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Where Do the Giant Laboratory Networks Fail the Patients?</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><a href="https://smallbusiness.chron.com/monopoly-affect-business-consumers-70033.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Customer service has to suffer wherever a small number of competitors hold the monopoly</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">For example, both </span><a href="https://www.labcorp.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">LabCorp</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><a href="https://www.questdiagnostics.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Quest Diagnostics</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, the most prominent players on the laboratory network market, assumed more testing (both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19-related) than their laboratories could handle, with troubling results. As Brian better puts it, “The problem always was the Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp always took a really long time. It was cumbersome.” </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Unfortunately, working with these two companies has been nothing short of a deal with the devil for both patients and physicians </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">for several decades now</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Due to the absence of superior alternatives, physicians were stuck with unending waits for test results and strained relationships with laboratory networks. “If you ask any doctor, nobody likes to work with those (</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">i.e., </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics). They (</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">i.e., </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">the doctors) just think that they have no choice.” </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">TopDocLabs – Revitalizing the Lab Industry</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The whole industry was left prey to two giant corporations with incredibly impersonal approaches. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Therefore, Brian Waymire and John Highland sought to propose a solid competitor to the lab industry’s big names, one whose philosophy is to provide physicians with a more rapid, accurate, and cost-effective testing solution. As Brian puts it into words, “We want to give the doctors that choice. And when we give them that choice, we want to really show them that we’re better.” Therefore, instead of allowing it to continue without hope of improvement in sight, TopDocLabs decided to revolutionize and revitalize the field in three primary areas:</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>#1: Faster turnaround time - </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">TopDocLabs achieved an extraordinary feat right off the bat – to cut the turnaround time for COVID-19 tests to a minimum </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">with state-of-the-art technology, high-end transportation services, and multiple lab locations</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Previously, the shortest patients could expect results from the big laboratory networks was about 56 hours; obviously, not a solution when human lives are at stake. However, TopDocLabs brought the waiting time closer to less-stressing levels – under 24 hours – and pushed towards even faster turnaround times. Today, with the novel Coronavirus-19 Environmental Test™ (harnessing the state-of-the-art RT-qPCR technology), </span><a href="https://topdoclabs.com/home"><span style="font-weight: 400;">patients can receive the results and regain their peace of mind after just 90 minutes</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">!</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>#2: Reliable customer service and proactive communication with the physician - </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">the TopDocLabs team makes the process as easy as possible on the physician, from onboarding all the way to billing. Our Top Doctor Representatives will create the physician’s client profile, work out the test supply pickup schedule, send the results to the physician through the Patient Lab Results Reporting form, and bill the patient’s insurance with no headache to the physician! All the while, our Support team will constantly contact the physician and provide updates or clarifications when needed.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>#3: Ease of use - </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">TopDocLabs’ streamlined process only asks for little participation from physicians themselves. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Say goodbye to confusing forms and overcomplicated designs; with just a couple of clicks, TopDocLabs will be on their way with the requested test. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">For COVID-19 tests, as an example, doing the swab is as far as the physician’s implication goes! The less they have to worry about the testing process, the more physicians can focus on helping additional patients!</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Regardless of the system’s ease of use, an entire team of people will be ready to assist you personally or with helpful materials (</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">e.g., </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">videos and instructions) day and night to keep the flow going.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To sum it up, the difference between TopDocLabs and its competitors lies in its professionalism, enhanced customer care, and unshakeable dedication. Therefore, the physicians will finally be able to choose and not replace one evil with another but create “perfect synergy” with our testing facilities.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Harnessing the Gold Standard of Testing</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">TopDocLabs keeps a clear purpose in mind at all times – to provide physicians and patients with the most accurate and reliable results for a wide variety of tests. Therefore, those who work with TopDocLabs will have access to the types of tests that the big laboratory networks provide, but with faster turnaround times. “We're going to provide CBCs (</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">i.e., </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">complete blood count), we're going to provide urinalysis; everything that we possibly can, we're going to provide. And we have the ability to do that and do it tomorrow,” Brian joyfully shares with </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top Doctor Magazine.</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> So instead of waiting for up to two weeks, patients who are anxious to cure their UTIs or other urinary diseases will receive their results in no more than 48 hours!</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, how does TopDocLabs deliver such fast results? The secret lies in its technological approach. TopDocLabs utilizes the same RT- qPCR (</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">i.e., </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Reverse Transcriptase Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction) method that is currently equivalent to the golden standard in COVID-19 testing. By widening the reach of this approach to various other tests, TopDocLabs is ready to present the most accurate and reliable results to patients while cutting down on result waiting times to an all-time minimum!</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">How Does TopDocLabs Benefit Physicians?</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We have seen how TopDocLabs provides patients with a rapid, accurate, and cost-effective testing solution. But what about you, the physician? Why should you outsource to TopDocLabs? The reason is straightforward – we understand and acknowledge your role in the community. After all, physicians always keep their fingers on the community’s pulse and understand its medical needs better than anyone. What they need is the power to care for the community in a quick and simple manner.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With TopDocLabs’ assistance, you, the physician, will be prepared to keep your patients safe from COVID-19 and other diseases with the least amount of effort. As Renee perfectly articulates it, “We really leave nothing to the doctor other than doing an actual swab.” Nothing more than a minute’s work in exchange for less anxiety and happier patients! And what do less work and shorter waiting times translate into? More revenue, business growth, and, most important, a deeper personal relationship with your patients! That is what TopDocLabs allows physicians to do, to perform their jobs better and grow their businesses in exchange.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The time has come for physicians to put big laboratory networks behind them and outsource to a company that favors professionalism and patient care over profit gain. Once they join TopDocLabs, both physicians and patients can rest assured that their tests are in safe hands and that results will be delivered in the blink of an eye! That is why Renee Pruzansky, CEO, and Brian Waymire, co-owner of TopDocLabs, invite you to </span><a href="https://topdoclabs.com/contact-us"><span style="font-weight: 400;">contact us</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and learn more about our services.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/1.jpeg.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/?p=13632</url> </article> <article> <ID>11310</ID> <title>TopDocDX: Diagnosing Chronic Disease in Asymptomatic Patients</title> <publishDate>2021-08-31 14:17:00</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_25 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_49"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_59 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_70 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Today's society is quickly shifting its focus towards a proactive medical approach. More and more people, especially </span><a href="https://www.harvardpilgrim.org/hapiguide/millennials-health-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Millennials</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, are less keen on taking shots in the dark with their health and pursue the promising direction of preventive medicine. Not to mention the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which had us second-guessing our overall health and well-being. For patients, the time for sitting with their arms crossed is over.</span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">Over the past two years, one of the most resonating words we daily heard was </span><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002217.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">asymptomatic</span></a><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">mainly restricted to the COVID-19-pandemic field. The fear of carrying a virus without any notice was both overwhelming and scary for many of us. "What if I have the virus?" "What if I unwillingly infect someone else?" Such questions definitely are not any novelty. However, what if we take the word </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">asymptomatic </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">and apply it to our overall health? Could there be any latent diseases ready to strike us without notice?</span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">Disease prevention is a </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">sine qua non </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">prerequisite for a healthy, well-balanced life. Here at </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top Doctor Magazine, </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">we envisage a world where early health screenings can detect future diseases in asymptomatic patients. Therefore, we are striving to equip physicians with all the technology necessary for early detection medicine (EDM) – </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">e.g., </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">preventive screenings – to identify disease indicators in asymptomatic patients proactively while, at the same time, increasing their revenue and patient number. </span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">Look no further; the answer lies in our newest testing system designed to help both physicians and patients collaborate towards disease prevention in a non-invasive and all-encompassing way – the </span><a href="https://topdocrx.com/topdocdx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">TopDocDX Microvascular Testing System</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">! Join us today and learn how TopDocDX will become the future of early detection technology with improved efficiency and no additional costs to physicians!</span>  &nbsp; <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Presenting the TopDocDX Microvascular Testing System</span></h2> &nbsp;  <span style="font-weight: 400;">This clinically powerful and non-invasive testing system for hidden diseases in asymptomatic patients provides the patient with an inside-out look on their health. Compared with other preventive tests, such as the electrocardiogram (EKG), which only tests the patient in a calm, peaceful environment, TopDocDX presents a real-life picture to the patient, with all its positive and negative influences. Therefore, physicians will have an enhanced understanding of the patient's overall health.</span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">The TopDocDX Active Scan Machine (</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">i.e., </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">the TopDocDX device) consists of three tried-and-true FDA-approved tests that have received recognition in the cardiology field: </span> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>The </b><a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/ankle-brachial-index-test" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b>Ankle Brachial Index</b></a><b> (ABI) </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">– this test observes the blood pressure ratio in opposite body parts (</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">e.g., </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">left and right arm, left and right ankle, etc.) and submits data for analysis. As long as the ratio is balanced, the patient will experience no issues at a microvascular level; with a healthy microvascular system, the macrovascular system can thrive as well. Ideal for tobacco consumers, diabetic patients, and people suffering from hypertension and high cholesterol levels.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4463960/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b>Sudomotor Test</b></a><b> – </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">testing the sweat gland function. Patients place their hands and feet on stainless-steel electrodes, exposing themselves to an incremental low direct voltage that causes sweating. This approach provides evidence of any sweat dysfunction and gives the physician information on the patient's health years ahead on any visible disease symptoms.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23931777/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b>Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Function Test</b></a><b> – </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">The TopDocDX Active Scan Machine checks the health of the ANS and its main components, the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. Together, they control and regulate numerous internal organs and physiologic processes, including blood pressure, heart rate, digestion, metabolism, sweating, etc.</span></li> </ul> &nbsp; <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">The TopDocDX Clinical Applications</span></h2> &nbsp;  <span style="font-weight: 400;">The TopDocDX Microvascular Testing System successfully uncovers and analyzes propensities towards a myriad of medical conditions, such as:</span> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Cardiovascular Autonomic Neuropathy (CAN) </b></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy (DAN) </b></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Cardiac Arrhythmia</b></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Congestive Heart Failure </b></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Asthma </b></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Peripheral Vascular Diseases </b></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Circulation Problems </b></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Pain Management </b></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Neurological Conditions </b></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome </b></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Anxiety/Stress </b></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Parkinson's Disease </b></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Psychological Conditions</b></li> </ul> &nbsp;  <span style="font-weight: 400;">Once the patient performs the 20-minute test, the physician receives and analyzes the results together with the patient's medical history by using our TopDocDX algorithm. This approach provides a predictive model for the patient's future cardiovascular and neurological health! Furthermore, the results come in the shape of a 35-page color-coded report, where:</span> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>GREEN</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> stands for “OPTIMAL HEALTH”</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>YELLOW </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">advises patients to implement specific lifestyle choices, and</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>RED </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">calls for urgent medical care </span></li> </ul> &nbsp;  <span style="font-weight: 400;">Instead of assailing the patient with a mountain of information, TopDocDX shrinks the report into a two-page summary, more appropriate for physician-patient discussions!</span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">By analyzing the results, physicians and patients can discuss ways to enhance the latter's overall health and schedule follow-up tests for performance tracking. Although this might sound like additional costs for the patient, we are here to affirm quite the opposite; both the FDA and the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) approve of the TopDocDX Testing System. Therefore, insurance companies will cover all the costs, another fantastic reason for patients to undergo preventive screenings!</span>  &nbsp; <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Continuing the Patient Care Mission with TopDocRX Remote Patient Monitoring</span></h2> &nbsp;  <span style="font-weight: 400;">Drawing the necessary conclusions from the results is only half the battle; for you, the physician, the road to patient care is just beginning. Now is the time for you to carefully monitor your patients' health and prevent future aggravation of existing conditions, and the easiest way towards that is through Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)! </span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">However, implementing an RPM system is no walk in the park, neither for you nor for your wallet. The costs (staff training, RPM kit, initial office setup, software costs, etc.) for a 300-patient system could go as high as $260,000.00! With such daunting costs on sight, RPM might seem like a futuristic dream.</span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">However, TopDocRX is here to change the game! By understanding the physicians' need for a reliable and streamlined approach to remote patient care, TopDocRX has put together its own RPM system that saves time and removes additional costs for physicians! Instead of breaking the bank to keep your patients safe, you will make use of our specialized monitoring equipment and personnel, that's right, free of charge! Our job is to arm your patients with all the data collection devices, wearables, and health kits while providing you with essential information (heart rate, glucose, step count, etc.) on a user-friendly interface. With our TopDocRX RPM systems, you can be sure that the testing work will not have been in vain; on the contrary, you will get to see your patients improve their health and, consequently, their future lives!</span>  &nbsp; <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">No Up-Front Costs, Positive Cash Flow, and No Financial Risk</span></h2> &nbsp;  <span style="font-weight: 400;">So, how do you, the physician, benefit from employing the TopDocDX Active Scan Machine in your office(s)? And, most important, what are the initial costs? "Do I have to break the bank for this screening system?" Quite the contrary; instead of spending about $60,000 on equipment, you will receive the TopDocDX testing supplies free of charge! </span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">However, would not new technology call for additional practitioners and, subsequently, more people on a payroll to get the job done? Not if we assign an on-site medical assistant from our team to perform the tests, together with technical staff and a billing service. Instead of becoming a nuisance, the TopDocDX Active Scan Machine will work for you without any intrusion. All you need to provide is a 5x5 foot area and patients, and you are good to go!</span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">In return, you and your practice will benefit from:</span> <ul> <li aria-level="1"><b>$160-170 net revenue per screening (after taxes)</b></li> </ul> <ul> <li aria-level="1"><b>Increase office visits by 15-20%</b></li> </ul> <ul> <li aria-level="1"><b>No capital expenditure</b></li> </ul> <ul> <li aria-level="1"><b>No clinical staff training</b></li> </ul> <ul> <li aria-level="1"><b>No burden on the billing staff</b></li> </ul> &nbsp;  <span style="font-weight: 400;">We believe that this opportunity is the physicians' golden ticket into a world where patients learn about their potential diseases timely enough for a remedy to be implemented. Both patients and physicians now have all the tools necessary to ensure a healthy future for the patient without expensive investments or burdensome medical bills. If you are ready to join the future of preventive medicine with TopDocDX, more details await you </span><a href="https://topdocrx.com/topdocdx/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">here</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">!</span></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/pexels-alex-green-5699431-scaled.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wellness/health-nutrition/topdocdx-diagnosing-chronic-disease-in-asymptomatic-patients/</url> </article> <article> <ID>12886</ID> <title>Revenge Bedtime Procrastination</title> <publishDate>2021-08-30 14:30:14</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_26 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_50"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_60 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_35"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/3664931.jpg" alt="" title="3664931" class="wp-image-12887" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_71 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h1><span style="font-weight: 400;">Revenge Bedtime Procrastination</span></h1> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The current business climate created a new trend that has drawn attention from the public and the press. People in high-stress jobs sacrifice a bulk of their day for efficiency and try to make up for the loss of entertainment in a rather detrimental way. Between work, cooking, running errands, walking the dogs, raising children, and other essential daily life activities, many people have little time to do things for fun and pleasure. Consequently, they tend to procrastinate during bedtime to do the things they love.</span></p> <h1></h1> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The refusal to go to bed when you should is a psychological phenomenon known as “revenge bedtime procrastination,” which describes the decision to sacrifice sleep for more pleasurable activities such as bingeing and scrolling through social media. Bedtime procrastination is a relatively new concept that came up in a </span><a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00611/full"><span style="font-weight: 400;">study paper</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> by Dr. Floor Kroese and colleagues from the Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Utrecht University in the Netherlands, published in 2014.</span></p> <h1></h1> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Kroese and her colleagues describe this procrastination as “going to bed later than intended while no external circumstances are accountable for doing so,” meaning that a person who chooses to delay bedtime without genuine reason engages in bedtime procrastination. The word “revenge” was added to the phrase, and it started appearing in China in late 2016. It was further introduced to English speakers by Daphne K. Lee. Revenge Bedtime Procrastination is a deliberate decision to stay awake past bedtime to create a “me time.” People naturally revenge on sleep almost as an act of rebellion to take back some precious time they lost to recoup on the ever-increasing demands at work and home.</span></p> <h1></h1> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Even though it is evident that sleep deprivation takes a toll on mental health, people who engage in this infamous practice want to get enough rest, but they fail to do so. This behavioral pattern is known as the </span><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29739503/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">intention-behavior gap</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. With that in mind, experts warned that insufficient sleep is a </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6473877/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">global public health epidemic</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. According to a </span><a href="https://www.philips.com/a-w/about/news/archive/standard/news/press/2019/20190307-in-recognition-of-world-sleep-day-philips-presents-its-annual-global-sleep-survey-results.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">global sleep survey</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> across 12 countries with over 11,000 responses revealed that 62% of adults feel they get fewer hours of sleep than needed, averaging 6.8 hours than the 8 hours recommended by sleep experts.</span></p> <h1></h1> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">People procrastinate on sleep for so many reasons, but some factors will be considered for sleep deprivation to be deemed bedtime procrastination:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Delaying going to sleep and reducing total sleep time.</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Staying awake later than necessary for no serious reasons.</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Knowing that the delay will have a negative consequence on mental health.</span></li> </ul> <h1></h1> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Even though a study in </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7460337/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">the international journal of environmental research and public health</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> showed that adolescents are the most apparent bedtime procrastinators, another </span><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31619947/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">study</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> also showed that women and students are more likely to engage in bedtime procrastination. However, research on the sleep phenomenon is still in the early stages, and further research will reveal those most affected by it.</span></p> <h1></h1> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Reducing sleep hours as a form of revenge and retaliation is dangerous to health, and it can lead to a plethora of harmful mental and physical health issues that can affect the quality of life. Getting eight or more sleep hours refreshes the mind, and lack of it negatively affects reasoning, alertness, reaction times, and working memory. Another effect of sleep deprivation includes diabetes, obesity, heart disease, hormone-related problems, and a weaker immune system. When you deprive yourself of adequate sleep for a long time, your odds of dying early from any cause increase.</span></p> <h1></h1> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Overcoming bedtime procrastination requires healthy sleep hygiene, which involves creating a conducive sleeping environment and good sleep habits. Creating a set nighttime routine to facilitate sleep can help reduce the impulse to stay awake longer than necessary. Listed below are some examples of sleep habits you can incorporate into your daily schedule:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Find your proper sleep and wake-up time.</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Keep electronic devices away from your reach.</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Shut down your social media and other notifications.</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Avoid taking caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol in the afternoon and evening.</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Do some yoga or meditation to help ease you into sleep.</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Skip big night meals.</span></li> </ul> <h1></h1> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sticking to these healthy sleep habits can improve your life significantly and also improve your quality of life. Thankfully, the awareness of the inherent danger associated with bedtime procrastination is an excellent step in the right direction. If your negative sleep patterns persist, talk with a doctor who can provide a professional evaluation of your health and determine if you have a sleep disorder.</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/3664931.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wellness/health-nutrition/revenge-bedtime-procrastination/</url> </article> <article> <ID>12873</ID> <title>Taking the Proactive Approach to Healthcare with Tim Spooner</title> <publishDate>2021-08-27 15:10:09</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_27 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_51"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_61 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_36"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/tim-spooner-portrait-400x461-1.jpg" alt="" title="tim-spooner-portrait-400x461" class="wp-image-12875" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_72 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h1><span style="font-weight: 400;">Taking the Proactive Approach to Healthcare with Tim Spooner</span></h1> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <h1></h1> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After over 35 years of experience as a physical therapist, Tim Spooner was happy just to continue helping his patients. On any given day, he could treat a tennis champion, a 71-year-old downhill skier, or a grandmother looking for help to play with her grandchildren.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Recently he could not ignore an alarming trend: his patients (and their employers) were seeing skyrocketing healthcare costs. The leading cost in a health plan is Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). Health care premiums for his patients have steadily increased while payouts from healthcare insurance companies have simultaneously decreased. This discrepancy results in wasteful overspending by employers and many aspects of insurance plans effectively limit people from promptly receiving care for their pain. Almost as bad, it was significantly reducing the financial health of millions of Americans. In his interview with </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top Doctor Magazine, </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tim Spooner discusses his solutions to this problem and how he is disrupting the current healthcare model with his company, Proactive MSD.</span></p> <h1></h1> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Employees are Your Number One Asset</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Spooner starts by saying</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, “I have never met a single CEO that didn’t tell me, ‘Our people are our greatest asset.’” </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Despite this, every year, thousands of employers in the United States are losing employees and money to the number one cause of disability, Musculoskeletal Disorders. “</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Everyone twists their back, strains a muscle, or tweaks a joint during work or recreational activities.” </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Spooner says that 85% of these pain issues can be solved with conservative care, but because of insurance barriers, these patients are either not seeking care or not receiving the correct intervention. Taking it even further, he says that left untreated, these problems will worsen and individuals may choose to seek self-medication with an extremely high risk of opioid addiction.</span></p> <h1></h1> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Only One Out of Ten Patients Gets Referred for MSDs</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tim Spooner describes the current healthcare model as “dangerously wasteful.” The overspending affects both his patients’ health and their employers’ bottom line. Health insurance companies have steadily increased their deductibles and patients may spend several visits to a primary care doctor or a specialist before they even get to the physical therapist’s office. This delay in receiving care means the patient suffers longer and also tends to lead to more costly interventions.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">It’s a Biomechanical Problem</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Spooner’s company, Proactive MSD (a joint venture with Solveglobal), takes a disruptive approach to the current system. By offering a complete population health strategy for MSD’s at a fixed cost, they help employers decrease wasteful overspending on healthcare. This pricing model targets self insured employers looking for a transparent price and reduced run-around time due to multiple appointments from medical doctors. “</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Most MSD’s start as a biomechanical problem, not a medical one.”</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Proactive MSD’s goal: Right Care, Right Time, Right Provider, Right Value. When employers fix their healthcare costs and eliminate barriers to services, their employees are more likely to receive prompt medical attention. This proactive approach decreases expensive interventions which drive up health insurance premiums. </span></p> <h1></h1> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">No One Industry Is Good at Everything</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The late Clayton Christensen studied hospitals and found that only 1 out of every 10 dollars in a large system actually goes towards patient care. Hospitals are trying to be good at everything, and end up being a large driver of waste and inefficiency. Proactive MSD focuses its efforts on creating a Data-Centric, Risk and Opportunity Analysis for company leadership to determine the specific health risks a business faces, and to reduce wasteful costs found in expensive testing, limited accessibility, rigid appointments, and other traditional “reactive” approaches. Proactive MSD also uses confidential, monthly workforce engagement surveys, and the data reveals the opportunities for MSD intervention.</span></p> <h1></h1> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Not All Therapies are Created Equal</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After over three decades of patient care, Tim Spooner has noticed many individuals and large organizations assume that all physical therapists deliver equal results . It is not unusual for patients to stop attending physical therapy after only two or three visits. He attributes this to several reasons. As healthcare providers, there is a need to connect with patients and their goals. There is a need to educate patients on the recovery process and the timetables involved. As therapists, there is a need to be flexible to changing symptoms and adjust the movement prescription to obtain the desired results.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Spooner got into physical therapy through a background in sports, experience with exercise, and a love of teaching. Although the work can be demanding both physically and mentally, seeing patients achieve their goals is very satisfying. Today’s disruptive healthcare environment will create many new and financially rewarding opportunities for those entering the physical therapy profession. </span></p> <h1></h1> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Physical Therapy of the Future</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Many innovations are moving the industry forward. Telehealth has allowed Spooner to treat patients during the COVID-19 pandemic safely. “Telehealth has been very useful in reaching patients who could not access facilities and those that travel for work. I expect this trend to continue as patients expect greater convenience and value from their healthcare providers.</span></p> <h1></h1> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Proactive MSD’s disruptive business model is enticing business owners to recalibrate their healthcare spend. “We reallocate what employers are currently spending and help their employees move and feel better.” In return, the employer saves on wasteful overspending and can deliver higher wages and additional benefits to employees. These direct contracts between healthcare providers, such as Proactive MSD, and employers are helping to reshape how healthcare is both delivered and received.</span></p> <h1> </h1></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/tim-spooner-portrait-400x461-1.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/frontline-heroes/doctor/taking-the-proactive-approach-to-healthcare-with-tim-spooner/</url> </article> <article> <ID>12864</ID> <title>Tara Rajendran: Could An Ancient Instrument in Combination with Modern Medicine Hold the Secrets to Healing?</title> <publishDate>2021-08-13 12:44:43</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_28 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_52"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_62 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_37"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/IMG_8123-scaled.jpg" alt="" title="IMG_8123" class="wp-image-12869" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_73 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h1><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-weight: 400;">Could An Ancient Instrument in Combination with Modern Medicine Hold the Secrets to Healing?</span></h1> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At the age of four, it was undeniable to young Tara Rajendran that her 60-year-old grandmother’s battle with lymphoblastic leukemia was tragically ending. Although too young to fully understand, she could sense the impending separation and dread during the moment. Tara could see and empathically feel that her beloved maternal grandmother’s body was ravaged with anxiety and pain from cancer. At this time, the only comfort to her grandmother was the beautiful, soothing Indian classical music compositions that played bedside through a simple red tape recorder. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When her grandmother passed away in 1998, Tara never forgot the healing power of music as medicine and has since devoted her life to reshaping India’s healthcare infrastructure to include India’s rich musical heritage as a science-based therapy. In her interview with </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top Doctor Magazine</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, Dr. Tara Rajendran discusses her fascinating journey as both an accomplished musician and doctor and her international lecture-concert series, </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Oncology and Strings.</span></i></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Musical Child Prodigy </span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After her grandmother’s death, Dr. Rajendran’s connection to the power of music immediately intensified. At the age of 7, she was already making a name for herself in the Indian classical music world with her solo vocal recitals, which were lauded by erudite classical music audiences and critics. But her incendiary talent in the 7-stringed Saraswati Veena, India’s national instrument, catapulted her to generational talent status at the age of 11. She would go on to have legendary performances of Indian classical music virtuosity on the notoriously difficult Saraswati Veena, including a national broadcast on All India Radio.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><a href="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2-IMG_8205-scaled.jpg"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2-IMG_8205-scaled.jpg" width="487" height="730" alt="" class="wp-image-12868 alignnone size-full" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Intersection of Music and Medicine</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Rajendran displayed academic brilliance even while pursuing a demanding dual academic schedule of Medicine and Music. However, when her medical training began, she decided to pause music and devote complete focus on medicine -- not an easy choice for any talented med student but especially difficult for Dr. Rajendran, an acclaimed performer of Indian classical music. On her 9-month clinical hands-on clerkships in Oncology from Ivy League institutions like Weill Cornell, Harvard Medical School, and Stanford Medicine, she met her mentor, Dr. Anthony D’Amico, the advisory dean of Harvard Medical School. Dr. D’Amico is a radiation oncologist who pushed Dr. Rajendran towards reconnecting to her Indian classical music roots and exploring the intersection of music and medicine.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Oncology and Strings</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In 2019, Dr. Rajendran started an ongoing international lecture-concert series, </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Oncology and Strings</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">. The series aims to reshape the international healthcare infrastructure to include instrumental music therapy, like the music she performs on her Saraswati Veena. The unique stringed instrument itself is a member of the lute family but has several unique acoustic tonal properties. The playing technique on the instrument requires the most gifted and trained musical hands to perform Indian classical music, which has origins dating back to at least 1700 B.C. The twenty-four frets of the seven-stringed instrument represent the 24 pre-sacral vertebrae of the human spine and have long been associated with religious and mythical connections. The unique curvatures in the construction of the Veena allow for a high degree of </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">glissando</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, something that in the hands of the right performer can evoke gorgeous, transcendent emotional phrases and melodies. The Veena can produce music with ethereal qualities like the sounds of the inimitable Chitti Babu, the masterful performer whose healing music played on the Panasonic tape recorder next to Dr. Rajendran’s ailing grandmother in 1998.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Repeatability and Reproducibility</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Oncology and Strings</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is also meant to educate the international medical community on the scientifically studied randomized control tests of music therapy for specific diseases. “For example, Mozart’s K448 [Sonata for Two Pianos] has been studied for over two decades and has been shown to help pediatric patients with epilepsy.” Music therapy began after World War II, but Aristotle and Plato mentioned music as therapy thousands of years ago. Today, one problem is that music therapy studies are often culturally based. For India, it may be true that Indian classical music on the Veena could be more impactful in many cases. One of the goals of </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Oncology and Strings </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">is to get international medical students, researchers, and cancer centers to start several randomized control studies so that more advances can happen in medically defined music therapy.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Future of Palliative Oncology Infrastructure</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Rajendran tells </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top Doctor Magazine</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> that her ambitious international project, </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Oncology and Strings, </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">advocates for more than just the patients and the doctors. She intends to push India to have NMC accredited music therapy academic training programs for creating health care professional pathways for India’s near future. She also lends free musical clips to play classical Indian music passively in hospitals, palliative care centers, waiting rooms, and operating rooms. She reminds us that suicide rates in physicians were at a critical level before the COVID-19 pandemic, and in lower-middle-income countries like India, physician burnout leading to suicide or severe depression is an underserved epidemic on its own. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Rajendran thinks that medical students should think twice before totally abandoning their artistic gifts and that reimagining the need for music in the international healthcare infrastructure is a movement that is gaining traction by the day. She tells </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top Doctor Magazine, </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Maybe somebody like me, as a young medical student, a young Tara, reads this and says… I want to be like her.” Watch for more from this compassionate trailblazer’s blossoming career: she is also an accomplished and published writer for a New York-based international human rights organization. Currently, she is pursuing a Ph.D. with a dissertation focusing on the “Evolution of the use of Indian classical music in medicine.”</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2-IMG_8205-scaled.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/frontline-heroes/doctor/tara-rajendran-could-an-ancient-instrument-in-combination-with-modern-medicine-hold-the-secrets-to-healing/</url> </article> <article> <ID>13657</ID> <title>How To Begin Exercising According to Health Professionals</title> <publishDate>2021-08-10 15:25:40</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_29 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_53"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_63 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_38"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/young-man-sportswear-exercise-class-gym.jpg" alt="" title="young-man-sportswear-exercise-class-gym" class="wp-image-13658" /></span> </div><ul class="et_pb_module et_pb_social_media_follow et_pb_social_media_follow_12 clearfix et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_36 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-facebook'><a href='https://www.facebook.com/topdoctormagazine/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Facebook' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_37 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-youtube'><a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgxWTuq7ki1y7bw22kYlwg' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Youtube' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_38 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-instagram'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/topdoctormag/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Instagram' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li> </ul><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_74 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h1><span style="font-weight: 400;">How To Begin Exercising According to Health Professionals</span></h1> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Let's face it, exercising can get boring and monotonous, and unless you have some intrinsic motivation or determination, you may fall off your fitness goal even before you hit the gym. Nevertheless, medical doctors highlight the benefits of adopting a gym-patterned lifestyle, which is undoubtedly for your good. </span><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/index.htm"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Center for Disease Control</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> reports that every 40 seconds, a person in the U.S. will suffer a heart attack. One of the leading causes of death in the US is </span><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/statistics_maps.htm#:~:text=Stroke%20Statistics%20and%20Maps&amp;text=Stroke%20is%20a%20leading%20cause,than%20147%2C000%20Americans%20in%202018."><span style="font-weight: 400;">strokes</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, which killed 147,000 Americans in 2018. </span><a href="https://www.diabetes.org/resources/statistics/statistics-about-diabetes#:~:text=Diabetes%20was%20the%20seventh%20leading,as%20a%20cause%20of%20death."><span style="font-weight: 400;">Diabetes</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> killed 83,000 Americans in 2018 making it the seventh leading cause of death in the US. Statistics show that 12% of people who suffer a heart attack will most likely die from it.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Metabolic syndrome, </span><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/obesity.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">obesity</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, osteoporosis, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure are other serious aftermaths of living a sedentary and unhealthy life for a long period of time.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">How to Live an Exercise-Patterned Life and Remain Committed</span></h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Besides just building some impressive biceps, going to the gym can boost your immunity and protect you from aging-related diseases such as sarcopenia (muscle loss) and osteoporosis. </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Unfortunately, the odds that you will stay consistent in the gym once you begin the gym lifestyle are against you. But all hope isn't lost. Let's take a look at factors that will enhance the gym lifestyle and make it more enjoyable for you.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Find the Intrinsic Motivation</span></h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You must have a natural affinity or tendency towards getting fit and in good shape, and this affinity can only be enhanced by intrinsic motivation (for the long term). For example, if you go to the gym because of a wedding reception you want to attend in a few months, what happens after the wedding? What do you do when you no longer have a reason to go to the gym?</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Extrinsic motivation is an external stimulus that pushes you to do the things you would not naturally entertain; however, the extrinsic is often momentarily, and once it's gone, you may not foster the strength to go back to the gym. Intrinsic motivation includes a determined understanding of the benefits of physical exercise to your body.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Find a Sport</span></h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Going to the gym or even doing 200 pushups in your sitting room every night can become a chore. Find a sport you like and join a local team. With sports, you get to meet people, have fun, compete, and move your body rather than just lifting weights and doing exercises you hate.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stay Around People Who Motivate the Gym Lifestyle</span></h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The best motivation comes from having people who have a disciplined attitude towards going to the gym. Instead of working out alone, surround yourself with people who will go with you to the gym. Exercising with friends and family members, especially when sports form part of the routine, can be a lot of fun.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Work with a Personal Trainer</span></h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A personal trainer keeps you motivated and pushes you to keep going after fatigue accumulates. If your gym has a professional instructor or trainer, reach out to see if that would be a good fit for you. Your instructor can look into your health history, help you reach your goals, and observe how your body reacts to different techniques in order to select the best workout for you. don't attempt to lose all your excess fat at once. Pushing your body beyond the limit, especially when you are just starting will discourage you and could cause moderate to life-threatening diseases. If you have a history of heart attack, diabetes, or stroke, or you suffer a nagging pain in any part of your body after a gym session, see a doctor immediately. </span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/young-man-sportswear-exercise-class-gym.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wellness/health-nutrition/how-to-begin-exercising-according-to-health-professionals/</url> </article> <article> <ID>8859</ID> <title>Meet the Godfather of Aesthetic Lasers</title> <publishDate>2021-06-26 09:05:17</publishDate> <description>CEO Jim Hobart co-founded Sciton, Inc. over twenty years ago. The company’s reputation for pushing the envelope in modern medicine with its innovative laser technology systems is well known to countless forward-thinking physicians, including the country’s leading Ophthalmologists, Dermatologists, Gynecologists, Medi-Spas, and Cosmetic Surgeons. This success is a consequence of the Sciton company culture perfectly summed up in the following motto: “Because Results Matter.” Still, he is adamant about not taking full credit for his Sciton’s success: “We ALWAYS work as a team - this is not a one-man show.”  In his interview with <em>Top Doctor Magazine</em>, Jim Hobart describes being at the literal bleeding edge of medical laser technology since he graduated from the University of Michigan with a Ph.D. in Physics in 1963. His obsession with constantly pushing medicine forward with laser-based technology has always been paired with delivering satisfying results to clinicians and patients. The company’s groundbreaking laser-based technology and innovatively verifiable return on investment for clinics that use their systems have won Sciton, Inc. long-term business with the leading clinicians in the most competitive markets in the country.  <a href="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/James_Hobart_ByControlPanel.jpg"><img class="wp-image-8867 aligncenter" src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/James_Hobart_ByControlPanel.jpg" alt="" width="232" height="325" /></a> <h2>The Blue Ocean</h2> Sciton is always looking for The Blue Ocean or the newest and latest opportunities in medicine that are ripe for breakthroughs for laser technology, quite a theme in Jim Hobart’s life. During the late 1960s, Mr. Hobart took part in the earliest applications of Ruby Lasers with the Office of Naval Research. Shortly afterward, he would help develop the Ion Laser, which proved to be one of the first highly profitable laser ventures for his part in a previous organization, Coherent Radiation, Inc. That success prompted two Ophthalmology professors from Stanford to inquire if the Ion laser technology could treat eye diseases. In collaboration with others, the revolutionary minimally-invasive laser photocoagulation treatment was born thanks to this application, which according to Hobart, has saved tens of millions of people from blindness.  In the dermatology field, his team’s inventions have even helped treat tragic burn victim Kim Phuc from the famous “Napalm Girl” photo, an unforgettable symbol of the horrors of the Vietnam War. Her still-painful scar tissue was treated at Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute with technology developed by Hobart’s team at Sciton.  Hobart's collaboration with visionaries from the field of gynecology helped breakthrough treatment in vulvar lichen sclerosus, an itchy and painful issue for women that completely devastates vaginal health and intimate relationships. The doctors that approach Sciton for new solutions range from dermatologists, sports medicine experts, or in one case, even the spouse of a doctor that was an aerospace engineer with some ideas for laser application. “We have close relationships with a number of doctors, and in many cases, have discussions with them weekly. We’ll talk to anyone looking for new devices or with conditions that we could treat.” <h2>Growth During a Pandemic and BroadBand Light (BBL)</h2> Surprisingly, the pandemic has done nothing to slow down the rollout of Sciton’s latest upgrades to its leading Intense pulsed light, the BBL system. On the contrary, the latest offerings have been in such demand that it’s been one of the company’s most profitable years ever. Hobart tells <em>Top Doctor Magazine </em>that BroadBand Light (BBL) is the world’s most powerful IPL device on the market. He follows by saying that medispas were still very keen to invest in the latest iteration of BBL, BBL HERO (High Energy Rapid Output), despite the downturn in the economy clinics. Clinicians could treat sun damage, acne, pigmented lesions, rosacea, and countless other applications using the BBL’s increased power, faster cooling rate, and higher speed. It functions like a high-powered swiss army knife for aesthetic clinicians.<em> </em>“Treatments that used to take over an hour on large areas like the back and legs can now be done in three to five minutes with even better results,” Hobart boasts.  <a href="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/1.png"><img class="wp-image-8865 aligncenter" src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/1.png" alt="" width="974" height="479" /></a> <h2>Dual Effect: Saving Clinicians Time and Money With Data Analytics based Return on Investment</h2> Hobart recognizes that these laser systems are a significant investment for the working clinician. His BBL and BBL HERO systems were designed to be upgradeable so that practitioners could always stay ahead and profitable in highly competitive markets. Remarkably, 95% of all Sciton systems ever sold in the past decade remain in service today, thanks to its built-in-the-USA design and manufacturing quality.  The BBL system is part of a JOULE X all-in-one customizable platform. What excites many doctors using the platform is the treatment data (<em>not</em> patient data) tracking system, SCITON IQ, which is a more verifiable and honest assessment of what your contemporaries are doing, and how much money it’s making. The SCITON IQ innovative intelligence is as legally transparent data as a savvy clinic could ask for real-time data trend reports from over 45 countries. The system can produce the number and type of treatments being used in a wide variety of data sets. This rare level of transparency has led to several clinicians buying multiple boxes, more than doubling their return on investment. “We can show you how much money you’re making and put that money in your pocket.” Critical real-time data, increased productivity, and profitability are the reasons why clinics around the country are investing in their future with a long-term relationship with Sciton.  <a href="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/thumbnail_image002.png"><img class="wp-image-8863 aligncenter" src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/thumbnail_image002.png" alt="" width="940" height="341" /></a> <h2>Women’s Health</h2> Sciton also has an innovative laser option designed specifically for women’s health called Diva. Diva uses ablative and non-ablative wavelengths, which are considered ideal for gynecological and urological medicine during excision, incision, ablation, vaporization, and soft tissue coagulation. Also a part of the JOULE platform, it is the only device that includes High Precision Automation (HPA) to ensure optimal outcomes for patients. It gives the device operator unseen levels of predictability. Many markets noticing these services are very on-trend in the aesthetic and medical application of lasers. Hobart even mentions that his lasers have the power to save marriages. How? Gynecological health issues like <em>genital lichen sclerosus </em>are usually mistreated until the issue becomes irreparably scarred due to medical and technological ignorance, but not when you’re using Sciton’s Diva. Uro-gynecologists have started looking to Hobart and his team’s lasers as the only solution for this devastating disease. <h2>What’s Next? The Future of Lasers and Medicine</h2> Ever the tinkerer, when asked if he has any game-changing technological projects underway, Hobart laughingly shared with <em>Top Doctor Magazine, </em>“Only about 17 of them…some of them are really far out. You gotta try a bunch of things.” It’s apparent that even if Sciton weren’t at the forefront of medical laser technology, this type of technological problem solving would be his passion and hobby anyways. The spirit of innovation with results that matter defines the culture at Sciton. Even beyond that, Jim Hobart’s collaborative spirit with his valued employees and the curious minds from the medical field have changed how modern medicine and aesthetic clinics treat the face and body forever.</description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/James_Hobart_ByControlPanel.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wellness/health-nutrition/meet-the-godfather-of-aesthetic-lasers/</url> </article> </articles> <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <articles> <article> <ID>12873</ID> <title>Taking the Proactive Approach to Healthcare with Tim Spooner</title> <publishDate>2021-08-27 15:10:09</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_30 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_54"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_64 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_39"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/tim-spooner-portrait-400x461-1.jpg" alt="" title="tim-spooner-portrait-400x461" class="wp-image-12875" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_75 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h1><span style="font-weight: 400;">Taking the Proactive Approach to Healthcare with Tim Spooner</span></h1> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <h1></h1> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After over 35 years of experience as a physical therapist, Tim Spooner was happy just to continue helping his patients. On any given day, he could treat a tennis champion, a 71-year-old downhill skier, or a grandmother looking for help to play with her grandchildren.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Recently he could not ignore an alarming trend: his patients (and their employers) were seeing skyrocketing healthcare costs. The leading cost in a health plan is Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). Health care premiums for his patients have steadily increased while payouts from healthcare insurance companies have simultaneously decreased. This discrepancy results in wasteful overspending by employers and many aspects of insurance plans effectively limit people from promptly receiving care for their pain. Almost as bad, it was significantly reducing the financial health of millions of Americans. In his interview with </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top Doctor Magazine, </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tim Spooner discusses his solutions to this problem and how he is disrupting the current healthcare model with his company, Proactive MSD.</span></p> <h1></h1> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Employees are Your Number One Asset</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Spooner starts by saying</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, “I have never met a single CEO that didn’t tell me, ‘Our people are our greatest asset.’” </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Despite this, every year, thousands of employers in the United States are losing employees and money to the number one cause of disability, Musculoskeletal Disorders. “</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Everyone twists their back, strains a muscle, or tweaks a joint during work or recreational activities.” </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Spooner says that 85% of these pain issues can be solved with conservative care, but because of insurance barriers, these patients are either not seeking care or not receiving the correct intervention. Taking it even further, he says that left untreated, these problems will worsen and individuals may choose to seek self-medication with an extremely high risk of opioid addiction.</span></p> <h1></h1> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Only One Out of Ten Patients Gets Referred for MSDs</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tim Spooner describes the current healthcare model as “dangerously wasteful.” The overspending affects both his patients’ health and their employers’ bottom line. Health insurance companies have steadily increased their deductibles and patients may spend several visits to a primary care doctor or a specialist before they even get to the physical therapist’s office. This delay in receiving care means the patient suffers longer and also tends to lead to more costly interventions.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">It’s a Biomechanical Problem</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Spooner’s company, Proactive MSD (a joint venture with Solveglobal), takes a disruptive approach to the current system. By offering a complete population health strategy for MSD’s at a fixed cost, they help employers decrease wasteful overspending on healthcare. This pricing model targets self insured employers looking for a transparent price and reduced run-around time due to multiple appointments from medical doctors. “</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Most MSD’s start as a biomechanical problem, not a medical one.”</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Proactive MSD’s goal: Right Care, Right Time, Right Provider, Right Value. When employers fix their healthcare costs and eliminate barriers to services, their employees are more likely to receive prompt medical attention. This proactive approach decreases expensive interventions which drive up health insurance premiums. </span></p> <h1></h1> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">No One Industry Is Good at Everything</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The late Clayton Christensen studied hospitals and found that only 1 out of every 10 dollars in a large system actually goes towards patient care. Hospitals are trying to be good at everything, and end up being a large driver of waste and inefficiency. Proactive MSD focuses its efforts on creating a Data-Centric, Risk and Opportunity Analysis for company leadership to determine the specific health risks a business faces, and to reduce wasteful costs found in expensive testing, limited accessibility, rigid appointments, and other traditional “reactive” approaches. Proactive MSD also uses confidential, monthly workforce engagement surveys, and the data reveals the opportunities for MSD intervention.</span></p> <h1></h1> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Not All Therapies are Created Equal</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After over three decades of patient care, Tim Spooner has noticed many individuals and large organizations assume that all physical therapists deliver equal results . It is not unusual for patients to stop attending physical therapy after only two or three visits. He attributes this to several reasons. As healthcare providers, there is a need to connect with patients and their goals. There is a need to educate patients on the recovery process and the timetables involved. As therapists, there is a need to be flexible to changing symptoms and adjust the movement prescription to obtain the desired results.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Spooner got into physical therapy through a background in sports, experience with exercise, and a love of teaching. Although the work can be demanding both physically and mentally, seeing patients achieve their goals is very satisfying. Today’s disruptive healthcare environment will create many new and financially rewarding opportunities for those entering the physical therapy profession. </span></p> <h1></h1> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Physical Therapy of the Future</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Many innovations are moving the industry forward. Telehealth has allowed Spooner to treat patients during the COVID-19 pandemic safely. “Telehealth has been very useful in reaching patients who could not access facilities and those that travel for work. I expect this trend to continue as patients expect greater convenience and value from their healthcare providers.</span></p> <h1></h1> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Proactive MSD’s disruptive business model is enticing business owners to recalibrate their healthcare spend. “We reallocate what employers are currently spending and help their employees move and feel better.” In return, the employer saves on wasteful overspending and can deliver higher wages and additional benefits to employees. These direct contracts between healthcare providers, such as Proactive MSD, and employers are helping to reshape how healthcare is both delivered and received.</span></p> <h1> </h1></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/tim-spooner-portrait-400x461-1.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/frontline-heroes/doctor/taking-the-proactive-approach-to-healthcare-with-tim-spooner/</url> </article> <article> <ID>11705</ID> <title>Leading with Excellent Service: An Interview with Dr. Harry Pan</title> <publishDate>2021-08-22 11:53:23</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_31 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_55"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_65 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_40"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2016-10-0711.16.24.jpg" alt="" title="2016-10-07+11.16.24" class="wp-image-11706" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_76 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Harry Pan is the lead primary care doctor at his practice, Sagebrush Medical Center in Henderson, NV. He balances the work of a businessman, a doctor, a husband, and a father of two. </span>  &nbsp;  <span style="font-weight: 400;">As for many physicians, COVID-19 was a determinant of their business survival under intense pressure. Dr. Pan and his team were no different as they faced difficulties within their community as a fairly young practice.</span>  &nbsp; <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Managing the COVID-19 Crisis</span></h2> &nbsp;  &nbsp;  <span style="font-weight: 400;">As the pandemic's spread and seriousness increased, Dr. Pan and his team had to determine how to treat their patients. Consequently, adapting telemedicine was a must. With some schedule reworking, Dr. Pan could retain all of his staff on reduced hours, which have begun to increase back to normal hours as more patients have gotten vaccinated. </span>  &nbsp;  <span style="font-weight: 400;">"We can never really predict what the future brings. Our core mission is to be there for our patients, to be the primary care clinic that adapts to their needs," Dr. Pan said. </span>  &nbsp;  <span style="font-weight: 400;">He explained that the crucial aspect of primary care was an intentional relationship between patient and doctor. Those honest relations led to Dr. Pan and his team improving the quality of care their patients receive. </span>  &nbsp; <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Intentional Care</span></h2> &nbsp;  <span style="font-weight: 400;">A direct and involved relationship with the patients drew Dr. Pan to opening his private practice in 2017. In addition, his work at hospitals made him realize how transactional visits were and how important having a detailed understanding of the patients' prior medical history could benefit their overall care and future diagnosis. </span>  &nbsp;  <span style="font-weight: 400;">"Over the last four years, I've had patients from the day our clinic opened. Being able to serve them and see them grow with me is, I think, the most fascinating and fulfilling part of the job," Dr. Pan said. </span>  &nbsp;  <span style="font-weight: 400;">Part of Dr. Pan's intentional care involves screening for mental health issues. He cannot stress enough the value of making sure the whole of the patient is healthy.</span>  &nbsp;  <span style="font-weight: 400;">"I think if we take an extra five minutes to just sit down with them and address these [mental health] issues, we can actually help our patients better. Sometimes I just pause in addressing their external issues and ask, 'Hey, how are you really doing?', and I occasionally get people who just cry."</span>  &nbsp;  <span style="font-weight: 400;">Caring and addressing the internal state of his patients in hand with solving the external physical problems has led Dr. Pan to be a highly recommended doctor in his region. Patients have consistently written how much they appreciate his service. </span>  &nbsp;  <span style="font-weight: 400;">In the future, Dr. Pan hopes to increase the quality of care he offers and expand his practice. If you would like to learn more about him and his team, you can </span><a href="https://www.sagebrushmedicalcenter.com/meet-our-clinicians" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">visit them here</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span>  &nbsp;</div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2016-10-0711.16.24.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/research/news/leading-with-excellent-service-an-interview-with-dr-harry-pan/</url> </article> <article> <ID>12864</ID> <title>Tara Rajendran: Could An Ancient Instrument in Combination with Modern Medicine Hold the Secrets to Healing?</title> <publishDate>2021-08-13 12:44:43</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_32 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_56"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_66 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_41"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/IMG_8123-scaled.jpg" alt="" title="IMG_8123" class="wp-image-12869" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_77 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h1><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-weight: 400;">Could An Ancient Instrument in Combination with Modern Medicine Hold the Secrets to Healing?</span></h1> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At the age of four, it was undeniable to young Tara Rajendran that her 60-year-old grandmother’s battle with lymphoblastic leukemia was tragically ending. Although too young to fully understand, she could sense the impending separation and dread during the moment. Tara could see and empathically feel that her beloved maternal grandmother’s body was ravaged with anxiety and pain from cancer. At this time, the only comfort to her grandmother was the beautiful, soothing Indian classical music compositions that played bedside through a simple red tape recorder. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When her grandmother passed away in 1998, Tara never forgot the healing power of music as medicine and has since devoted her life to reshaping India’s healthcare infrastructure to include India’s rich musical heritage as a science-based therapy. In her interview with </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top Doctor Magazine</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, Dr. Tara Rajendran discusses her fascinating journey as both an accomplished musician and doctor and her international lecture-concert series, </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Oncology and Strings.</span></i></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Musical Child Prodigy </span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After her grandmother’s death, Dr. Rajendran’s connection to the power of music immediately intensified. At the age of 7, she was already making a name for herself in the Indian classical music world with her solo vocal recitals, which were lauded by erudite classical music audiences and critics. But her incendiary talent in the 7-stringed Saraswati Veena, India’s national instrument, catapulted her to generational talent status at the age of 11. She would go on to have legendary performances of Indian classical music virtuosity on the notoriously difficult Saraswati Veena, including a national broadcast on All India Radio.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><a href="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2-IMG_8205-scaled.jpg"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2-IMG_8205-scaled.jpg" width="487" height="730" alt="" class="wp-image-12868 alignnone size-full" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Intersection of Music and Medicine</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Rajendran displayed academic brilliance even while pursuing a demanding dual academic schedule of Medicine and Music. However, when her medical training began, she decided to pause music and devote complete focus on medicine -- not an easy choice for any talented med student but especially difficult for Dr. Rajendran, an acclaimed performer of Indian classical music. On her 9-month clinical hands-on clerkships in Oncology from Ivy League institutions like Weill Cornell, Harvard Medical School, and Stanford Medicine, she met her mentor, Dr. Anthony D’Amico, the advisory dean of Harvard Medical School. Dr. D’Amico is a radiation oncologist who pushed Dr. Rajendran towards reconnecting to her Indian classical music roots and exploring the intersection of music and medicine.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Oncology and Strings</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In 2019, Dr. Rajendran started an ongoing international lecture-concert series, </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Oncology and Strings</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">. The series aims to reshape the international healthcare infrastructure to include instrumental music therapy, like the music she performs on her Saraswati Veena. The unique stringed instrument itself is a member of the lute family but has several unique acoustic tonal properties. The playing technique on the instrument requires the most gifted and trained musical hands to perform Indian classical music, which has origins dating back to at least 1700 B.C. The twenty-four frets of the seven-stringed instrument represent the 24 pre-sacral vertebrae of the human spine and have long been associated with religious and mythical connections. The unique curvatures in the construction of the Veena allow for a high degree of </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">glissando</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, something that in the hands of the right performer can evoke gorgeous, transcendent emotional phrases and melodies. The Veena can produce music with ethereal qualities like the sounds of the inimitable Chitti Babu, the masterful performer whose healing music played on the Panasonic tape recorder next to Dr. Rajendran’s ailing grandmother in 1998.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Repeatability and Reproducibility</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Oncology and Strings</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is also meant to educate the international medical community on the scientifically studied randomized control tests of music therapy for specific diseases. “For example, Mozart’s K448 [Sonata for Two Pianos] has been studied for over two decades and has been shown to help pediatric patients with epilepsy.” Music therapy began after World War II, but Aristotle and Plato mentioned music as therapy thousands of years ago. Today, one problem is that music therapy studies are often culturally based. For India, it may be true that Indian classical music on the Veena could be more impactful in many cases. One of the goals of </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Oncology and Strings </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">is to get international medical students, researchers, and cancer centers to start several randomized control studies so that more advances can happen in medically defined music therapy.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Future of Palliative Oncology Infrastructure</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Rajendran tells </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top Doctor Magazine</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> that her ambitious international project, </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Oncology and Strings, </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">advocates for more than just the patients and the doctors. She intends to push India to have NMC accredited music therapy academic training programs for creating health care professional pathways for India’s near future. She also lends free musical clips to play classical Indian music passively in hospitals, palliative care centers, waiting rooms, and operating rooms. She reminds us that suicide rates in physicians were at a critical level before the COVID-19 pandemic, and in lower-middle-income countries like India, physician burnout leading to suicide or severe depression is an underserved epidemic on its own. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Rajendran thinks that medical students should think twice before totally abandoning their artistic gifts and that reimagining the need for music in the international healthcare infrastructure is a movement that is gaining traction by the day. She tells </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top Doctor Magazine, </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Maybe somebody like me, as a young medical student, a young Tara, reads this and says… I want to be like her.” Watch for more from this compassionate trailblazer’s blossoming career: she is also an accomplished and published writer for a New York-based international human rights organization. Currently, she is pursuing a Ph.D. with a dissertation focusing on the “Evolution of the use of Indian classical music in medicine.”</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2-IMG_8205-scaled.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/frontline-heroes/doctor/tara-rajendran-could-an-ancient-instrument-in-combination-with-modern-medicine-hold-the-secrets-to-healing/</url> </article> <article> <ID>8010</ID> <title>Dr. Vladimir "Zev" Zelenko</title> <publishDate>2021-06-21 18:51:53</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_33 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_57"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_67 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_code et_pb_code_0 et_pb_text_align_center"> <div class="et_pb_code_inner"><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/top-doctor-magazine/embed/episodes/Dr--Vladimir-Zev-Zelenko-e136r6i" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_78 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Vladimir “Zev” Zelenko was born in Ukraine and raised in New York, where he would eventually graduate from Medical School in 2000. His entire time as a Doctor has been practicing in New York and he was most recently a family medicine physician in Monroe. A true family man, “Zev” is married and has eight wonderful children. Additionally, he has written several books and just recently released his own supplement called “Z-Stack” which can be found on his website </span><a href="https://vladimirzelenkomd.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">https://vladimirzelenkomd.com/</span></a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Zelenko has become very well-known globally during the fight against Covid-19. His work has been so well-renowned globally that he was recently nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. Please click on the podcast below to hear his amazing story in his own words. <a href="https://anchor.fm/top-doctor-magazine/episodes/Dr--Vladimir-Zev-Zelenko-e136r6i">In this podcast</a> you will hear him go through the entire timeline of events that led to him being in the public spotlight very early-on during the pandemic and all of the controversy that came with it. In addition, he details just how quickly and aggressively the Coronavirus hit his densely-populated community and began to spread… forcing him to find any solution possible to keep people out of hospital and to save lives. You will learn about the particular combination of drugs that he used and continues to use for early treatment of Covid-19 with amazing, peer-reviewed results and why he chose these particular drugs and dosages. He also opens up about all of the different ways that other people and organizations tried to silence his voice, cast doubt on his work and suppress life-saving information. </span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/merlin_171193020_bb421464-5144-4268-8671-ffea61c381b4-superJumbo.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/research/news/dr-vladimir-zelenko/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7851</ID> <title>Tales From the Frontlines: Dr. Mohammed Megri</title> <publishDate>2021-06-06 14:01:31</publishDate> <description> <h2>About Dr. Mohammed Megri</h2>   <p>Dr. Mohammed Megri is a Board-Certified physician in Pulmonary Disease and Internal Medicine currently based in Lexington, KY. Having completed his studies and residency training at the University of Tripoli in 2014, Dr. Megri returned to the United States and graduated from the Internal Medicine program at Marshall University, WV, in 2018. He expanded his field of practice by completing two additional fellowships, namely in Pulmonary and Critical Care, in 2021. Dr. Megri was also awarded&nbsp;the Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) chapter and alpha omega alpha chapter.</p>   <p>A member of several professional memberships, such as the American College of Chest Physicians, the American Thoracic Society, the American Medical Association, and the American College of Physicians, Dr. Megri has been on the frontline against the COVID-19 pandemic even since its inception, helping patients and their families recover from this disease.</p>   <p>Dr. Megri is an avid basketball fan outside the hospital, playing and watching whenever he gets the chance. Furthermore, he enjoys spending time with his wife and his eight-year-old and four-year-old children.</p>   <p>Now and then, it’s good to be reminded of the frontline heroes who push themselves to the limit every day, either working insanely long shifts at the hospital or being forced to stay away from their loved ones to keep their positions against the COVID-19 virus. Amongst all those capeless heroes, we found one particular physician who agreed to speak with one of our Top Doctor Magazine interviewers, Justin, and share his thoughts and wonders, happiness and sadness, and hopes and doubts with our readers: Dr. Mohammed Megri. Currently residing in Lexington, KY, Dr. Megri has numerous stories to share with our readers, stories that will bring back the COVID-19 pandemic hardships to mind and strengthen our belief in a better tomorrow. Let’s tune in to the article and learn more from Dr. Megri himself!</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Screenshot_18.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7840"/></figure>   <h2>Helping Both The Patient and Their Family</h2>   <p>Ever since he was a toddler, Dr. Megri was destined to become a well-reputed physician. Bringing back beautiful childhood memories, Dr. Megri shares with Top Doctor Magazine how his mother would always surround him with toys related to medicine to guide him towards this noblest of sciences.</p>   <p>And these efforts weren't fruitless. Dr. Megri has braved through innumerable challenges and years of study to practice his true passion, his destined career path, which brings him unimaginable joy and happiness. When asked about his favorite part of being a physician, Dr. Megri mentioned the opportunity to care for both the patient and their family. "Seeing the success of helping someone who's suffering from any medical illness and their successes in both ways, like feeding them and making them feel better or help their family or support their family to accept that there's nothing else that we can do." He disclosed for Top Doctor Magazine, reminding us of the physician's difficult task of conveying even more difficult news to the patient's family.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Screenshot_19.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7841"/></figure>   <h2>Acting Fast While Keeping Your Calm</h2>   <p>In their times of utmost need, patients look towards physicians with hope, hope for a better tomorrow, free from any medical issues or illnesses. In order to keep them peaceful and hopeful, physicians experience the constant stress of making split-second decisions while exhibiting a calm persona towards patients.</p>   <p>But what happens when the novelty of the situation shakes your very core, and remaining calm seems impossible? Such is the story of Dr. Megri's first encounter with a COVID-19 patient, who, surrounded by so much technology and equipment, looked&nbsp;<em>straight out of a Sci-Fi movie.</em>&nbsp;"We didn't have any interaction with any COVID-19 patients before this. To be honest with you, I was really scared. I'm like looking at the patient; he's in very high oxygen requirements and still hypoxic. And I can see in his eyes that he's scared and struggling for oxygen."</p>   <p>This first interaction with a COVID-19 patient left no small impact on Dr. Megri's memories, which reminds us that physicians are humans first and foremost. However, he still remembers one of his attendees' words that encouraged him to brave this unheard-of challenge: "We're going to go inside together in the room. We'll do all the procedures; we'll save this patient and make sure that we protect ourselves. And, if you need any help, just let me know."</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Screenshot_20.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7842"/></figure>   <h2>Loneliness and the COVID-19 Pandemic</h2>   <p>Sometimes, it's hard to imagine how an invisible enemy could keep us away from each other, from a much-needed company, conversations, or even something as ordinary as a hug. However, if this pandemic taught us anything, it is that feeling of closeness that we long for when things look grim. "And the other thing, which I didn't notice that's very important before COVID-19 came, which is the family support to the patients and the family support to the physician." Dr. Megri shares with Top Doctor Magazine.</p>   <p>Physicians faced the harsh reality of living separated from their loved ones for weeks on end, which came as extremely difficult to bear for Dr. Megri, whose children were more than eager to spend time with their father. "I have eight-year-old and four-year-old kids, and they love hugging. But at that time, I was afraid that I might be an asymptomatic carrier. I might have, might have the virus, but I don't have symptoms from it, and I might give it to my loved ones."</p>   <p>The same story applies to patients who had no one but physicians and nurses for company throughout their time in the hospital. For them, a combination of loneliness, noises, darkness, and powerful drugs led to something called ICU delirium, showing the importance of having someone dear by your side when in pain. "With COVID-19 and trying to decrease the exposure to the patient family, it was really challenging. The patient himself was having a lot of delirium because he doesn't know where he or she is, and with all the machines and the noises in the room. And no one in his family came to see him or was even able to talk to him, and that was very difficult to deal with."</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Screenshot_21.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7843"/></figure>   <h2>Looking Beyond Our Own Backyards</h2>   <p>Running towards the end of the interview, Dr. Megri touched the subject of the ongoing vaccination campaign: "I usually convince them with the vaccine, and I know that we don't have a lot of trials and we don't have a lot of evidence, but I least we have evidence that this vaccine will help around 90% protection against COVID." Although vaccines have proven their efficiency against the virus, Dr. Megri keeps a cautious tone and advises us to respect social distancing furthermore and protect ourselves until we have the pandemic in check.</p>   <p>Although the United States have made incredible progress in their vaccination campaign, Dr. Megri draws our attention towards other countries whose vaccination campaigns are still in their infancy: "I think we need to pay attention to other countries as well, because if we are vaccinated, that will be good, but if other countries are not, then that will be, they will come inside the United States. And that will increase the risk of other people because being vaccinated doesn't mean that you will never have to have the COVID disease, but it's a low risk."</p>   <p>Here at Top Doctor Magazine, we believe in Dr. Mohammed Megri's advice to care for our fellow beings as much as we care for our close friends and family, which is why we wish him all the best of luck in fighting the COVID-19 virus. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Megri, make sure that you check out the following&nbsp;<a href="https://doctor.webmd.com/doctor/mohammed-megri-acb05821-cbb8-44e7-b133-9b72c61839ac-overview"><u>website</u></a>.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Screenshot_17.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/frontline-heroes/doctor/tales-from-the-frontlines-dr-mohammed-megri/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7783</ID> <title>Dr. Christopher Lee - First-Hand Tales of the COVID-19 Pandemic from an UrgentCare Physician</title> <publishDate>2021-05-30 20:49:48</publishDate> <description> <h2><strong>About Dr. Christopher Lee</strong></h2>   <p>Dr. Christopher Lee, M.D., who grew up in Texas, knew he wanted to pursue medicine since high school. Initially, he wanted to become a surgeon, then an anesthesiologist, but later on transitioned out of anesthesia because he wanted to get into hospital/corporate medicine leadership. Dr. Lee is now the Medical Director at Baycare Urgent Care for four years running. To get to where he is today, he acquired his medical degree from the Miller School of Medicine in Miami and completed his residency at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Lee then proceeded to get his advanced subspecialty residency at the University of South Florida, where he is also an affiliate professor for Internal Medicine.</p>   <p>Dr. Lee enjoys the variety of people he gets to interact with daily, from medical students to patients and colleagues. He is proud to be part of Tampa’s leading health care system and takes pride in providing outstanding medical care for his community.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-56.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7785"/></figure>   <h2><strong>What is Urgent Care?</strong></h2>   <p>The main difference between working as an urgent care physician and a primary care physician is the amount of time the doctor gets to spend with the patient. In primary care, doctors get to see their patients on more than one occasion and develop relationships over time. However, in urgent care, doctors usually meet a patient only once and for a limited amount of time.</p>   <p>Dr. Lee said it is essential to build a bond with the patient quickly while giving them the proper care and assistance they need. Luckily, Dr. Lee has excellent people skills, and he can put them to good use when he sees 30-40 different patients daily.</p>   <h2><strong>How Has COVID-19 Affected Urgent Care?</strong></h2>   <p>During the initial pandemic blow, the hospital was turned upside down due to many protocol changes. Dr. Lee said that they had to scramble around looking for sufficient COVID-19 testing and PPE. The significant lack of proper protective equipment was the main struggle for them during the first months of the pandemic. On top of that, they also had to deal with hospital staff contracting COVID-19, leading to a high volume of staff turnover. Fortunately, BayCare has been fluid with its response to the unprecedented changes, and they were able to think fast and plug holes at the last minute.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-57.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7787"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Telemedicine Is Here To Stay</strong></h2>   <p>It’s no surprise to hear that Dr. Lee has also seen a substantial decline in the number of patients he sees. With COVID-19 hovering over everyone’s mind, patients now think twice about visiting the hospital. But that’s where telemedicine comes in. Now, patients can get a medical evaluation instantaneously through a click or an app.</p>   <p>Dr. Lee ultimately sees telemedicine as a benefit, especially during these unprecedented times. However, he still notes the concerns that it brings about, especially from a financial standpoint. Because reimbursement rates for telemedicine visits are significantly lower, doctors’ revenue will also decrease. Additionally, people who don’t have access to smartphones and Wi-Fi are unable to use this platform. Dr. Lee also points out that telemedicine is still limited in what it can do because it cannot replace the ability to do physical examinations. Nevertheless, telemedicine is still a great supplementary tool for doctors and is a great way to expand healthcare access, especially to areas with a shortage of physicians.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-55.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7784"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Get Vaccinated Now</strong></h2>   <p>Having received the vaccine last December, which was earlier than he anticipated, Dr. Lee is excited to have things go back to normal this year. He is delighted in the thought of traveling around again and being able to take some time off work -- especially since he worked for 97 straight days last year.</p>   <p>Dr. Lee urges the public to read the correct information regarding vaccinations. He is also trying his best to explain to the general public the science behind how the vaccine works. Dr. Lee connotes getting the vaccine as the light at the end of the tunnel, and the sooner that everyone can realize that the sooner we can all go back to living a COVID-19-free life.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-56.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/research/news/dr-christopher-lee-first-hand-tales-of-the-covid-19-pandemic-from-an-urgentcare-physician/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7667</ID> <title>*Stories from the ER: An Interview with Dr. Mark Bernardi</title> <publishDate>2021-05-16 12:35:32</publishDate> <description> <h2><strong>About Dr. Mark Bernardi</strong></h2>   <p>Dr. Mark Bernardi is an Emergency Room physician practicing in the Greater Seattle Area, WA. He began his studies at Cornell University with a degree in Human Biology, graduated from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, and completed his residency at the University of Arizona in 2018.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/1614129615113.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-7672" width="287" height="287"/></figure>   <p>Aside from his work in the emergency room, Dr. Bernardi, after completing research at the Harvard Institute of Medicine, took part in numerous other research programs as a coordinator. Furthermore, he took his expertise outside the American soil and in less-developed areas of the world, such as Sub-Saharan Africa.</p>   <h2><strong>The Harsh Reality of the COVID-19 Pandemic</strong></h2>   <p>From a young age, Dr. Bernardi developed an interest in health care systems. He had a particular interest in the Canadian model, which offers universal health care to all its citizens. However, after deciding to undergo his studies and training in the U.S., Dr. Bernardi, who dreamed about joining Doctors Without Borders first, saw himself forced to jump right into the fray. From the start, he showed eagerness to learn more about COVID-19 and the different pathways that each state chose to tackle the pandemic.</p>   <p>During his interview, Dr. Bernardi shared stories more appropriate for a dystopian novel rather than for the 21st-century U.S. healthcare system. From every single state where he worked, he reported what seemed to be chaos: hospitals in IL where nurses questioned the virus’s existence entirely, others who saw the mask more like a discardable accessory rather than a helpful tool, and hospitals in AZ that refused to front the resources for rapid testing willing to put the staff at risk, etc. “I don’t know exactly how other countries handled this, but I know that we didn’t handle it very well,” Dr. Bernardi admits.</p>   <p>In a search for the culprit, Dr. Bernardi points towards the U.S. health care system. The system turned the COVID-19 pandemic into a “survival of the fittest” type battleground, where everything from logistics to patient care hit constant bumps on the road. “Logistically, we couldn’t test in AZ for COVID, or the testing was so slow that we couldn’t transfer patients. “We were stuck managing patients in our emergency rooms for days when new patients should have been transferred out within a few hours.” Such shortcomings placed everyone in danger, especially those who pulled extra shifts due to staff shortage: “I, personally, had COVID twice.”</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-27.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7673"/></figure>   <p><strong>“It wasn’t about people. It was about dollars.”</strong></p>   <p>The COVID-19 pandemic exposed more cracks in the fault line. With no centralized health care system, big pharmaceutical corporations monopolized and divided the COVID-19 battleground, putting dollar signs above patient care: “In America, the health care is all about money.” However, precisely when health care needed a sense of concord the most, these big corporations turned against one another, putting the vaccination campaign in jeopardy: “Some hospitals who weren’t able to rapidly test for COVID didn’t because they lacked proper lab equipment. Because of a disconnected healthcare system, this was especially burdensome for small towns with limited resources. In these towns, if one hospital had the proper equipment (lab or proper freezers to store COVID vaccines) and the other didn’t, unfortunately, I did not see them sharing.”</p>   <p>With business driving COVID-19-relief efforts, this harsh reality led to corporate entities trying to supplement the dwindling patient numbers with job cuts. The result? Numerous doctors, some with 30-40 years of experience, were forced into retirement or lost their jobs or even their pensions. “Business is ruining U.S. health care, and I don’t know why no one’s talking about it,” Dr. Bernardi shares with Top Doctor Magazine.</p>   <p>With such division and only personal goals in mind, it’s hard to believe in future change. For Dr. Bernardi, nothing but a universal health care system could prepare the country for the next pandemic. However, this highly politicized subject is not expected to become a palpable reality in the near future, Dr. Bernardi admits.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-26.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7671"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Turning Telemedicine into a Business</strong></h2>   <p>As the COVID-19 pandemic kept patients indoors, numerous doctors turned towards telemedicine. Dr. Bernardi himself saw the advantages of a remote approach to patient care and decided to join two telemedicine companies when (quite ironic in a pandemic!) he knew his hours would be cut. “It’s providing access to care, which is good for patients who don’t have their physicians.” However, not all doctors shared in his enthusiasm. With no legislation that protects physicians from liability, telemedicine provided an ineffective backup plan to a struggling health care system.</p>   <p>Furthermore, it wasn’t long before telemedicine companies saw the opportunity for extra revenue: “Overreaching with telemedicine to make a buck, which some of the telemedicine companies are doing, is inappropriate.” Dr. Bernardi disclosed to us several appalling examples of such inappropriate conduct: telemedicine companies who targeted people with anxiety issues to sell more antidepressants or doctors who prescribed Viagra to young adults who were in no need of such stimulants, etc. However, by far, the most shocking example is the following: “Another telemedicine company I was working for was selling COVID-19 tests. The COVID-19 tests are free!” For Dr. Bernardi, only strong legislation can make the difference between frauds and true telemedicine.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-25.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7668"/></figure>   <h2><strong>What Does 2021 Have in Store for Dr. Bernardi?</strong></h2>   <p>The perspective of a COVID-19-free year truly excites Dr. Bernardi. However, as he admits, two main concerns are troubling him: the difficulty of finding a stable job as an E.R. physician and the health care system's state after the pandemic. "I don't know if we've learned as much as we should have from this." We can only hope that Dr. Bernardi's vision for a stronger health care system will come to life before the next pandemic.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/1614129615113.jpeg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/technology/telehealth/stories-from-the-er-an-interview-with-dr-mark-bernardi/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7016</ID> <title>Addressing the Lack of Support for Frontline Medical Heroes: An Interview with Ankush Bansal</title> <publishDate>2021-04-18 20:48:11</publishDate> <description> <p>As a young boy who loved science, Dr. Ankush Bansal, M.D., already knew that he wanted to become a doctor one day. Today, he is trained and certified in both Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine and has taught medicine in many universities across Florida.</p>   <p>Dr. Bansal is also an advocate for Organized Medicine, where he is vocal in areas concerning both the patient’s and physician’s rights to healthcare. In this interview with Top Doctor Magazine, Dr. Bansal talks to us a bit about what it means to be a Lifestyle Medicine doctor and shares some insights into what’s going on behind the scenes of hospital doors during this pandemic.</p>   <h2><strong>What is a Lifestyle Medicine Doctor?</strong></h2>   <p>When you look up clinical guidelines about preventing diabetes, heart disease, obesity, cancer, and many other similar diseases, a common denominator is always lifestyle change. Dr. Ankush Bansal, a vegan himself, is all for promoting a healthy lifestyle that combines a plant-based diet, regular exercise, and stress-reduction practices altogether.</p>   <p>Dr. Bansal has had many patients with any of the above-mentioned diseases reduce their medication dosage and even come out of it entirely by implementing a lifestyle change. He has even helped a man struggling with obesity lose over 30 pounds in just a few months. By reducing medication, patients can save money and cut costs on hospital visits.</p>   <h2><strong>The Challenge in Switching to a Plant-Based Lifestyle</strong></h2>   <p>Who knew that something as basic as changing your diet and adding more exercise to your routine could have such tremendous positive effects on your health? But is it that simple to do? Dr. Bansal tells Top Doctor Magazine otherwise.</p>   <p>Changing someone’s lifestyle is much easier said than done. Dr. Bansal often struggles with convincing his patients to switch to a plant-based diet. When people have been eating meat their whole lives, it isn’t easy to persuade them into eating a vegetarian diet. It’s almost like trying to convince them to switch religions. But when a patient comes to the hospital with a life-altering dilemma, such as a stroke, they become more accepting of trying out alternatives. What Dr. Bansal does is that he puts his patients on a plant-based diet during the duration of their stay at the hospital, and 95% of the time, his patients end up liking the diet and continuing it at home.</p>   <p>However, the challenge doesn’t end there. “What I found out is that my biggest obstacle is not the patient. Unfortunately, it’s other doctors,” Dr. Bansal admits. Primary care doctors always throw oppositions at him like “He’s going to have a protein deficiency,” and “You need meat to survive!” And Dr. Bansal believes this is due to a lack of proper education on nutrition.</p>   <p>Back then, doctors did not have much opportunity to learn about nutrition compared to medical students today. They had an hour at most of the Nutrition class, and that was it. And with most doctors in America today being 40-70 years old, you can see why Dr. Bansal experiences that kind of resistance when he pushes for the plant-based lifestyle.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/image-18.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7018"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Say Goodbye to Bacon</strong></h2>   <p>Another major factor influencing his patients’ opinion on living a clean and healthy lifestyle is all the media’s misinformation. Dr. Bansal recalls a cover on TIME magazine from 2005 that said, ‘Butter and Bacon are Good!’ We all know that this is downright far from the truth, but this example illustrates how easy it is for the public to be misguided if they are not actively educating themselves on proper nutrition.</p>   <p>However, Dr. Bansal is now seeing a growing number of young medical trainees getting into the plant-based diet or eating healthier and more natural food. He believes that the next generation of doctors will be keener to promote healthy living and veganism. Dr. Bansal shares a joke he hears from Europeans that goes something like, “You try to take away bacon from an American, and there will be a fight.” Well, Dr. Bansal hopes that one day, there will be no more fights.</p>   <h2><strong>Addressing the Lack of Support for Frontline Medical Heroes</strong></h2>   <p>Moving on to the next and more pressing issue, Dr. Ankush Bansal drops the truth bomb on what it’s like to be a medical frontliner during the COVID-19 pandemic. We see the media praising our medical heroes for all they do but are they getting the genuine praise and treatment they deserve when the camera stops rolling? Dr. Bansal divulges the three significant ways the healthcare industry is lacking support.</p>   <p>First, the evident lack of PPE is a giant cause for concern. Last year, medical workers had to reuse masks twice, which puts them at significant risk. Second, the healthcare industry suffered from a shortage of available staff. The number of patients increased while the number of medical staff decreased because hospitals had to cut costs; this was incredibly high-risk because medical staff would be exposed to more sick patients, therefore spreading disease much faster. And third, because hospitals had to save money, they were forced to cut on doctors’ and nurses’ wages by 50%. So, in addition to being overworked and exposed to more danger, medical workers were also being ripped off.</p>   <p>Dr. Bansal is saddened to see little to no progress on addressing the issue, and he worries it will only worsen. He overheard a chat among hospital administrators that said, “Hospitalists will come and go. Those guys are a dime a dozen.” In a world where health administrations only care about specialists who can make lucrative sums of money for them, he believes that more doctors will become disheartened and will stop practicing clinical medicine altogether.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/image-17.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7017"/></figure>   <h2><strong>The Rise of Telemedicine: A Silver Lining in this Pandemic</strong></h2>   <p>Nonetheless, every cloud always has a silver lining. And in this thick ugly cloud of COVID-19, the rise of telemedicine has been a wonderful gamechanger to the healthcare industry. With telemedicine, physicians can now increase the reach of their practice, and patients no longer have to deal with dreadfully long waiting times.</p>   <p>Dr. Bansal is looking forward to incorporating remote patient monitoring into his practice and is hoping to get FDA-approved technology to help operate it. Additionally, he hopes that insurance companies will reimburse physicians fairly as they move towards telemedicine.</p>   <h2><strong>Speak Up and Never Stop Learning</strong></h2>   <p>While medical workers continue to tackle this pandemic, Dr. Bansal urges them not to forget other underlying issues, such as fighting to provide proper and accessible healthcare to everyone. He also hopes that there will be continuous education on prevention for chronic diseases - for this will continue to go on once the pandemic settles.</p>   <p>A change in the system will not happen if no one speaks up, and so Dr. Bansal encourages everyone to advocate for fair healthcare rights alongside him.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/image-18.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wellness/health-nutrition/addressing-the-lack-of-support-for-frontline-medical-heroes-an-interview-with-ankush-bansal/</url> </article> <article> <ID>5429</ID> <title>Doctor Spotlight: Dr. Leon Varjabedian</title> <publishDate>2021-03-21 11:49:41</publishDate> <description> <p>Dr. Leon Varjabedian is an experienced interventional cardiologist with multiple years of experience in the medical field. He takes an interest in cutting-edge minimally invasive cardiac procedures, including coronary arterial disease, peripheral vascular disease, and Structural heart disease (i.e. Valvular heart disease). Dr. Leon Varjabedian is a board-certified member of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, National Board of Echocardiography, and ABIM-Cardiovascular disease.</p>   <p>Aside from being a career choice, Dr. Varjabedian has several publications to his name, including CardioMEMS in a Busy Cardiology: Less than Optimal Implementation of a Valuable Tool to Reduce Heart Failures Readmissions, Cardioprotection by Metformin: Beneficial Effects Beyond Glucose Reduction, and several other related publications in the medical journal.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_47.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5430"/></figure>   <h2><strong>COVID-19 Pandemic and Reality</strong></h2>   <p>“We saw three different waves of the virus. People were markedly confused and frightened during the first wave in spring of 2020 because no one understood clearly what we were dealing with, this led to patients unnecessarily avoiding hospital visits. During the second wave mid summer of 2020, the misinformation subsided immediately after the CDC guidelines were shared, however public deception was prevalent mostly via social media, but in the third wave starting November 2020, we had a lot of patients that are occupying the ICU beds. We had difficulty finding a bed for critically sick cardiac patients because COVID-19 patients have occupied all the beds, this led to cardiac procedures being postponed for an extended period of time resulting in non COVID related morbidity.,” said Dr. Varjabedian in an interview with Top Doctor Magazine.</p>   <h2><strong>Pandemic and Telemedicine: How to mitigate the challenge through Telehealth</strong></h2>   <p>Telemedicine is an effective alternative to in-patient service, especially during the pandemic, when patients were scared to visit the hospitals. Patients are generally relieved with telemedicine. Still, it falls short regarding the physical exam part of the service. “With telemedicine, the element of touching patients and physically examining them is lost. We depend so much on history and subtle signs we see during the video session, which is not enough for physicians to make an accurate clinical judgment,” explained Dr. Varjabedian.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_48.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5432"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Overcoming the pandemic through Vaccination, Social-distancing, and Specific Antiviral medication</strong></h2>   <p>Vaccination is the most vital tool to help create a population that is immune from the virus. In this regard, Pfizer and Moderna have done a great job by developing a vaccine in a very short time. Social distancing guidelines are crucial as well. People need to change the way they socialize until there is a drastic improvement to the status quo. Ultimately, specific antiviral medication towards treatment can also help. “Unfortunately, this virus will not completely disappear by itself. There are a lot of proactive things that we have to do,” Dr. Varjabedian informed.</p>   <h2><strong>Coronavirus and its Mutating Variants</strong></h2>   <p>Dr. Varjabedian warned that the reports of the virus mutation are disturbing. There is a feeling of uncertainty whether the vaccines developed so far will be efficacious against this new mutation. For Dr. Varjabedian, a mutation that is so fast and that superseded the vaccine efficacy would be a big problem. “If the population is not vaccinated before the virus takes a chance to mutate and become more dangerous, that is worrisome for me,” Dr. Varjabedian complained.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_49.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5433"/></figure>   <h2><strong>COVID-19 Devastating Effect and The Future of Medicine</strong></h2>   <p>2020 was a very gloomy year for many physicians. Many patients suffered and died alone in miserable conditions, which affected everyone, including the health care providers. The situation was so much for physicians to handle. Dr. Varjabedian hopes that things will improve in the New Year.</p>   <p>Ultimately, the vaccine was developed at a record speed, and it will be a game-changer for new ways of approving treatments in the future. Traditionally, medications go through phases of trials for years before getting approved. Dr. Varjabedian hopes that we can take advantage of this to cut back on the bureaucracy and the slow process necessary to approve new medications.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_47.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/research/news/doctor-spotlight-dr-leon-vajabedian/</url> </article> <article> <ID>5421</ID> <title>Doctor Spotlight: Dr. Arvind Mahadevan</title> <publishDate>2021-03-21 11:36:05</publishDate> <description> <p>Dr. Arvind Mahadevan is a Family Medicine Specialist with over 16 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Mahadevan is a diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine and the American Board of Obesity Medicine. Since he began practicing in 2008, Dr. Mahadevan has provided full-spectrum medical care to hundreds of patients.</p>   <p>Dr. Mahadevan enjoys providing care to multiple members of the same family to establish long-term optimal health across generations. Even though he provides full-spectrum care, Dr. Mahadevan takes a particular interest in sports medicine, geriatrics, clotting disorders, high cholesterol, and hypertension.</p>   <h2><strong>Providing Optimal Care And Patient Satisfaction</strong></h2>   <p>"We try very hard to work with our patients and make ourselves accessible to them. We also use technology to facilitate communication, and we try as much as we can to be innovative in providing care. All these make it easier to provide care to our patients. As a result, we create a very positive ecosystem for healthcare," said Dr. Mahadevan in an interview with Top Doctor Magazine. Dr. Mahadevan dedicates his time and energy to improving patient's experience in the context of primary care because of the capacity to be more proactive rather than reactive to problems.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_46.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5425"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Obesity And Its Impact On Optimal Health</strong></h2>   <p>Dr. Mahadevan explained that obesity is not just a cosmetic concern but a condition that involves excessive fat and increases the risk of other diseases and health problems. "We know pretty much every problem you have is made worse by being too heavy, and I think that prevention is key, but we are struggling as a society because we do not emphasize the dangerous effect of obesity. We don't reward a patient's efforts to overcome it, so every progress on it doesn't count for anything," said Dr. Mahadevan.</p>   <p>He further discloses that if people valued a healthy lifestyle, burning fats, and achieving health milestones more, we would have more success than we do.</p>   <h2><strong>COVID-19 Impact on Family Medicine</strong></h2>   <p>When the pandemic was at its peak, patient volume dropped, and it became clear that family medicine and major healthcare practices will transition to telemedicine. "Thankfully, our practice had set up telemedicine before COVID-19. So, we hit the ground running when it became necessary."</p>   <p>Even though healthcare professionals responded swiftly to the pandemic, Dr. Mahadevan explained that the whole dynamic became very much politicized. As a result, many people put their regular care to the side. "We told our patients that COVID-19 doesn't care who you vote for. The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to take care of everything else," said Dr. Mahadevan.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_45.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5424"/></figure>   <h2><strong>COVID-19 And The Vaccine</strong></h2>   <p>The vaccine development process created serious concern across the medical community regarding its safety, efficacy, and reliability to provide permanent immunity. Although Pfizer and AstraZeneca have done a great job, there are many answers healthcare providers can't give with confidence.</p>   <p>"I try to tell my patients that there is a lot that we don't know. If the COVID-19 vaccine can create a sense of normality, whether we eradicate it will take years, but we can try to put it under control by taking the right steps which will help us get closer to normal," said Dr. Mahadevan.</p>   <h2><strong>The Pandemic And Its Effects On Medicine</strong></h2>   <p>The COVID-19 pandemic created emotional and mental stress for healthcare providers as they were forced to stay away from their families for fear of exposing them to the virus. This disturbing reality addresses the notion that medicine is immune to recession and depression because everyone goes to the doctor. "This is true except during a pandemic when nobody wants to go to a doctor. That was a big stressor for us," said Dr. Mahadevan.</p>   <p>wants to go to a doctor. That was a big stressor for us," said Dr. Mahadevan.</p>   <p>Dr. Mahadevan warned that we're looking at a long period of abnormal before we'll eventually ease our way back to normal as it was pre-COVID. "Since it's not a flip of a switch to go abnormal, it won't be a flip of a switch to go back to normal, but it is going to be a slow and methodical return back to normal," he concluded.</p>   <p>If you would like to learn more about Dr. Mahadevan and his practice visit his website: <a href="http://www.tridenthealthcenter.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">http://www.tridenthealthcenter.com/</a></p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_46.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/research/news/doctor-spotlight-dr-arvind-mahadevan/</url> </article> <article> <ID>5401</ID> <title>Serving the Underserved: An Interview with Dr. Lipi Roy</title> <publishDate>2021-03-21 10:49:20</publishDate> <description> <p>Dr. Lipi Roy is a woman of many talents, interests, and facets. In her interview with Top Doctor Magazine, she shared that not only is she currently on the journey to publishing a book, but she is also an avid sports fan and enthusiast of the arts. Recently, she had the pleasure of being one of the COVID-19 Consultants for a special performance of The Nutcracker in Upstate New York.</p>   <p>I come from a big extended family… Many of whom are physicians, but I never received pressure to become a doctor," said Dr. Roy. That being said, her mom and dad always emphasized education. "They wanted me to do well in school, and they wanted me to be well-rounded. The first thing they enrolled me in was actually ballet, so there are pictures of me at 2 or 3 years old in a little tutu. Then they got me into swimming lessons, playing chess, tennis, you name it! But at the age of 7, I fell in love with piano."</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Dr-Lipy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6981"/></figure>   <p>Even though buying a piano is a significant investment for parents with a young child, after much begging on Dr. Roy's part and seeing her dedication, she would receive her first piano at 8. For the next twenty years, she took lessons, performed in recitals, and competed across her hometown of Toronto, Canada. She would even become a student at the Royal Conservatory of Music. Her love for music and piano would continue to be a balm as she transitioned into medical school. "Fast forward to when I was doing my residency in North Carolina at Duke Medical Center. I would work 12-14 hour days. I would be exhausted when I got home, but when I got home, I would look at my piano and go 'alright Lip, just 15 minutes'," said Dr. Roy. "Then I would play classical, I would play Simon and Garfunkel, whatever I wanted to, and I would just feel calm. Soon, I'd look up at the clock, and two hours would have passed."</p>   <div class="wp-block-columns"> <div class="wp-block-column" style="flex-basis:100%"> <figure class="wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped"><ul class="blocks-gallery-grid"><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/PianoJavits1-768x1024.jpg" alt="" data-id="5454" class="wp-image-5454"/></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/PianoJavits2-768x1024.jpg" alt="" data-id="5457" data-full-url="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/PianoJavits2-scaled.jpg" data-link="https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/serving-the-underserved-an-interview-with-dr-lipi-roy/attachment/pianojavits2/" class="wp-image-5457"/></figure></li></ul></figure> </div> </div>   <h2><strong>Journey into Medicine</strong></h2>   <p>There was no single "defining moment" for Dr. Roy on her journey to become a physician. Instead, a series of events captured her attention, fascinated her, and grew her desire to learn. From getting malaria as a child to doing a project in Biology class on leprosy, Dr. Roy always had an interest in the disease. Her interest would eventually lead her to India, where she would learn about international health and tropical diseases.</p>   <p>"I started volunteering in hospitals and talking to other people who were in the health profession. Later, I worked for Pharma as a scientist and biomedical researcher and came to realize that I didn't enjoy being in a lab all the time," said Dr. Roy. This realization eventually led her to complete a dual degree at Tulane University in New Orleans, earning both a medical degree and her Master's in Public Health. Following, Dr. Roy's self-proclaimed first academic and public swaray into public health was actually during Medical School when Hurricane Katrina struck.</p>   <p>Due to the immense flooding, the medical school closed, and Dr. Roy's class was moved to Houston for nine months to continue training. Upon returning, she remembers coming back to a very different New Orleans. As a result, Dr. Roy and several of her fellow classmates began volunteering at grassroots clinics in the area where they were confronted with patients who had lost everything in the natural disaster. "We took care of the residents of the city, especially the Ninth Ward, who just lost everything. They lost medications, their clothing, everything they needed that related to health," explained Dr. Roy, "And when you lose such vital necessities, things start to break down. We took care of patients with florid heart failure, diabetic complications, and vision problems, all because they were disconnected from the healthcare system and their own medications. That was my first real touch with what public health means."</p>   <p>Throughout her career, Dr. Roy has been able to serve underserved populations in a wide variety of ways. Early on, it became evident that she would be drawn to the dedication in caring for the vulnerable homeless and addiction medicine populations. "They teach you on the first day of medical school that your best teacher will be your patients, and I sure learned that first and foremost," Dr. Roy told Top Doctor Magazine.</p>   <p>As Dr. Roy immersed herself even deeper into working with the vulnerable homeless, she quickly discovered the link between living on the streets and drug overdose.</p>   <p>This realization completely reshaped Dr. Roy's approach, opening up a certain path towards the subject of addiction and addiction medicine: "We discovered that the leading cause of death among my homeless population of patients was drug overdose. That completely transformed the way we provided our care. I learned a lot more about addiction; we hired a lot of substance use counselors, just learned a lot. I became board-certified in addiction medicine. All of this in an effort to learn more about addiction as a chronic medical disease, a disease of the brain. We learned that most people with addiction, once connected to the appropriate treatment and care, get better."</p>   <p>Eventually, her dedication and expertise landed her the position of the first chief of addiction medicine for New York City jails, where the gravity of the situation unfolded before her eyes even more dramatically: a population riddled with criminal activity, high poverty, and substance use disorders, who distrusted the authorities, and who was treated as just another statistic. "Because men and women who are experiencing homelessness, or in and out of emergency departments and hospitals, are also often in and out or in touch with the criminal justice system in large part because they all have such a large mistrust of authority and for good reason," Dr. Roy shared with Top Doctor Magazine.</p>   <h2><strong>An Empathic Approach to Serving the Underserved</strong></h2>   <p>Only in a moment of crisis do true heroes emerge, and Dr. Roy was ready to put on her cape and bring change to how we care for patients with substance use disorders. While health professionals receive some degree of training concerning addiction, it is not always put to good use: "Most of us never got trained in treating people with substance use disorders or drug addictions, alcohol addictions, not in a way that was evidence-based or empathic. It was more, I'm the doctor, you're the patient, this is what you need to do." Instead, Dr. Roy followed a path sprinkled with empathy, trying to understand her patients' history, their traumas, all to forge real connections and build trust with those in need of help, one baby step at a time: "I discovered that a vast majority of my patients are men and women that are in and out of the housing systems, the criminal justice systems, a vast majority of them have some type of trauma history, neglect, verbal, physical, sexual assault, you name it. Some form of abuse, trauma, and suffering. So when you come at it from that angle, just listen without judgment. It goes a long way to building trust."</p>   <p>With the pandemic sweeping the nation and exposing the cracks within our society at a deeper level, the misfortunes of the vulnerable grew exponentially. When asked about liquor stores being allowed to stay open during the quarantine, Dr. Roy saluted this decision, although begrudgingly, since there was no better alternative to manage cravings for people with alcohol addiction: "Many people, they resort to alcohol and other drugs to deal with loneliness, isolation, anxiety, depression, that's not necessarily the safest or healthiest thing to do, but unless you present an alternative like a society that fills in those gaps of isolation, that manages and treats and prevents anxiety and depression then we need to find other tools that are from a harm reduction standpoint."</p>   <p>However, with COVID-19's notorious fame taking over TV, social media, and day-to-day interactions, addiction issues became of lesser interest. One example that perfectly illustrates how every major health issue fell second to COVID-19 is opioid addiction, which, from Dr. Roy's stand, is alive and thriving on the streets: "It didn't magically disappear just because COVID is here; we're just not talking about it. It's just not making headlines the way COVID is because COVID for what it is, it has taken over every headline."</p>   <p>A strong feeling of isolation exacerbated inadequate care, leaving the vulnerable praying for a miracle. That's when Dr. Roy stepped up and proposed a more proactive approach by keeping in touch with the ones in need in an empathic and compassionate setting: "We need to work even harder and find creative ways to connect to people. So what you are doing right now by via phone, via zoom, using technology, picking up the phones, how are they paying visits, but in a safe way, say dropping off food, dropping up reading materials, clothing, you know, doing things, but from a distance, mask, you know, they're safe ways to do these things. We just need to really be outside the box and approach it from an empathic and compassionate point of view."</p>   <p>Such an empathic approach to vulnerable populations does not have to be the exception, but the rule, coming from each member of our society as a whole, especially from those who interact with alcohol&nbsp;&nbsp;or substance use disorders or mental illnesses daily. "We need to provide it (i.e., mental health training) to police officers, fire department folks, again, not to make them mental health experts, but to give them this important training, to make their jobs easier, to make their interactions with clients and patients easier and government and policymakers, you know, we need significant funding towards these areas that have been grossly underfunded health in general, typically mental illness and substance use, but you got to educate folks in government that are in decision-making areas, policymakers so that they're all aware that mental illness needs to be addressed," Dr. Roy explained to Top Doctor Magazine. After all, when dealing with another human being, we often distance ourselves from their issues, forgetting that we are all dealing with personal issues, such as job insecurity or eviction. And it's not just adults – young students, who, in extreme cases, end up resorting to suicide, are suffering from isolation and lack of human interaction. For them, going back to school is the best, most straightforward solution: We have to keep making it so schools are safe to open them up, so students can go back."</p>   <h2><strong>The Long-Term Effects of COVID-19</strong></h2>   <p>Turning towards a more COVID-19-oriented discussion, Dr. Roy spoke about the unpredictability of the virus and its long-term effects. From cardiac issues and hypercoagulability to pulmonary embolism and strokes, the COVID-19 virus can leave terrible scars on those who suffer from it, enough of a reason for society to pay closer attention to preventive measures and the ongoing vaccination campaign. "We need to really continue practicing preventative measures, so we can reduce the number of cases, and then, of course, encourage as many people as possible to get the vaccine because, without 70, 80% of the population vaccinated, we just won't achieve herd immunity, and we just won't be able to contain this pandemic," Dr. Roy shared with us.</p>   <p>Another long-term effect, or, to put it in a better way, an exacerbated effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the social and racial inequality which are plaguing our society: "We need to dismantle racial injustice in every sector, medicine, government, education, criminal justice, you name it. And&nbsp;&nbsp;last, but certainly not least, we need to really educate and empower and compensate girls and women, because we've seen that this pandemic has again disproportionately affected women, in terms of unemployment, it's affected women far more than it has men. And we need to compensate for childcare. We need to because without that 50% of the population is being&nbsp;&nbsp;handcuffed. And, without that, society will just never succeed."</p>   <p>"Will the vaccination campaign be enough to bring the COVID-19 virus down?" "Not at all," Dr. Roy shared with Top Doctor Magazine, giving the example of countries with fewer resources who kept the pandemic in check through hard work and humility: "Other countries have handled this pandemic far better than the US even though we have far more resources and wealth, so we need to learn from other countries, and you have to be humble."</p>   <p>Furthermore, a strong administration, committed to bringing the pandemic to a halt, will bring the much-needed support to the frontline medical heroes engaged in all-out warfare with the virus: "I'm hopeful of the leadership; we now have an administration, at least in the United States that is committed to addressing the first problem right now, which is the COVID-19 pandemic."</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/LRoyMD-Family2_Credit-Vlad-Cupsa-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5459"/></figure>   <h2><strong>The Importance of Self-Care</strong></h2>   <p>However, the strongest sign of resilience must come not from the medical community but from every one of us, translated into self-care. As long as we put general health first and follow official guidelines to the letter, our triumphs against the virus will overcome our past defeats. "Let me tell you. You do not have to have an MD or an RN, or have a Ph.D. behind your name to be able to practice self-care and to have the tools to take care of yourself."</p>   <p>To help people understand what self-care is and how they can achieve it, Dr. Roy will be leading seminars designed for her colleagues. Although people might expect some sort of deus ex machina stories, Dr. Roy is here to disappoint, in an unexpected way: "I'll just share with what I do every morning. I meditate for 20 minutes. I try to eat healthy meals throughout the day, plenty of fruits and vegetables and lean proteins and whole grains, and drink plenty of water. And I also treat myself to things that I enjoy, like say cookies or ice cream. And then, I even get a little bit of a workout, a little bit of exercise." As she tells us, this exercise time doesn't have to be marathon-style since it's all about enjoying oneself.</p>   <p>It would be more helpful to socialize regularly with the people we love and care for, whether through a Skype or Zoom call, and, at the top of the list, enjoy eight hours of sleep every night: "I know it's hard, but getting seven to eight hours of sleep because poor sleep hygiene has been associated with every chronic illness from heart disease and diabetes to cancer and Alzheimer's, so getting that good sleep also reduces your rates of anxiety and depression, so good sleep and mindful practice."</p>   <p>Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the general population has been lamenting the loss of day-to-day activities that brought joy and community amongst each other, such as seeing a musical or watching a game at the Madison Square Garden. However, this is not a reason to despair, as Dr. Roy tells us, but, on the contrary, to rejoice: "There's plenty of other things you can do. And I'll share with you what I do. I now have a piano, so I can play that, but&nbsp;&nbsp;in other cases, find things that you enjoy. Coloring, drawing, dancing, writing, listening to music, watching TV and movies. I watch comedy every night because it relaxes me. I like laughing."</p>   <p>Such an approach teaches us that staying mentally sane during a pandemic is not so hard, as long as we embrace novelty with an open heart and try our best to let go of our anxiety constructively. By following this road, we will keep our heads up until we bring the COVID-19 virus down, staying away from anxiety, depression, and addiction. As a parting reminder, Dr. Roy reminds us that, in the end, laughter and enjoying oneself genuinely are the best medicine: "Laughter is in many ways the best medicine because it relie anxiety. So I really want to emphasize to people, do what you enjoy, what makes that fun, but that's also safe." We wish Dr. Roy the best of luck in her future endeavors and all the strength and resilience she needs to bring her patients back on the right track.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Dr-Lipy.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/research/news/serving-the-underserved-an-interview-with-dr-lipi-roy/</url> </article> <article> <ID>5119</ID> <title>Profile Spotlight: Dr. Michael Greiwe</title> <publishDate>2021-03-20 17:24:14</publishDate> <description> <p>Dr. Michael Greiwe is an orthopedic surgeon with more than ten years of experience. As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, He specializes in shoulder replacement, rotator cuff pathology, instability, and labral tears. Dr. Greiwe created a telemedicine platform dedicated to orthopedic providers to optimize care and increase practice revenue. He is determined to facilitate cutting-edge healthcare delivery for clinics in a way that offers patients incredibly convenient treatment options.</p>    <p>Furthermore, Dr. Greiwe also specializes in advanced arthroscopic surgical techniques for sports-related injuries of the shoulder, knee, and elbow.</p>    <h2><strong>Telemedicine amid Pandemic: An alternative medium for healthcare providers</strong></h2>    <p>"When the pandemic hit the U.S, physicians needed an alternative way to provide care. Since we had the structure pre-COVID, we grew ten times in two months. It was really tough; obviously, there were so many bad things happening at the time, but our practice grew in a way that helped establish telemedicine as something that was very helpful for patients and providers," said Dr. Michael Greiwe in an interview with Top Doctor Magazine. It is essential to understand that Dr. Greiwe and his staff have provided care for over 50,000 patients.</p>    <h2><strong>Insights on Orthopaedics and Telemedicine</strong></h2>    <p>There are a lot of ways you can use telemedicine inside orthopedics, with a focus on three basic ways. Dr. Greiwe stated that the first one is a post-operative recheck appointment, where patients answer questions. The second stage is the imaging follow-up, designed to review a patient's X-ray and MRI scan through screen sharing while the physicians explain everything in detail. The last stage is the injection follow-up, designed to see how a patient is doing after receiving injections.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img class="wp-image-5121" src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_29.png" alt="" /></figure>    <h2><strong>COVID-19 effects on Orthopaedics</strong></h2>    <p>"It has been tough. We have had to adjust significantly. We were unable to perform surgeries for six weeks in April; we were only doing urgent surgeries. That slowed us down. It allowed us to reset and make sure that we are doing the small things right. We transitioned to telemedicine, and it was what helped keep our lights on, to be honest, because, during that time, we couldn't see so many patients.," said Dr. Greiwe. He stated that orthopedic surgeons made some adjustments to survive through the challenges. Dr. Greiwe was grateful for the PPE money that was distributed because it helped tremendously.</p>    <h2><strong>Orthopedic Practice and the New Normal</strong></h2>    <p>Dr. Greiwe disclosed that the COVID-19 pandemic is forcing a couple of changes, eventually becoming the new normal. Physicians will perform many outpatient surgeries because patients don't want to spend a night in the hospital due to COVID-19.</p>    <p>"Also, we will see more computer-guided and robotic surgery and patient-specific guides and 3D printing, which will allow us to create implants and things that are specific to patients' anatomy. New approaches are happening particularly in the shoulder where we are developing rotator cuff sparing approach for total shoulder replacement," continued Dr. Greiwe.</p>    <h2><strong>COVID-19: Potential change in PPE usage and Social Distancing</strong></h2>    <p>Dr. Greiwe predicts that governments will enforce PPE use in 2021 and beyond. He also added that social distancing would continue as well. For Dr. Greiwe, it's likely that people will still maintain social distancing and the use of PPE for the next 24 to 36 months.</p>    <h2><strong>Telemedicine and the Future of Healthcare Services</strong></h2>    <p>"I think we are going to continue to see telemedicine as a primary way of seeing patients. One of the things that have been holding telemedicine back in the past was rules around licensure for particular states, and that was taken away by pandemic," said Dr. Greiwe. Ultimately, the new administration needs to support telemedicine to provide healthcare access across the country and provide reimbursement for telemedicine, which will be useful for patients and physicians.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_29.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/research/news/profile-spotlight-dr-michael-greiwe/</url> </article> <article> <ID>5187</ID> <title>SURVIVING THROUGH THE PANDEMIC: BEN KENUK, HIS RPM APP, AND ULTIMATELY THE MARK OF A HERO</title> <publishDate>2021-03-20 09:02:11</publishDate> <description> <p>The COVID-19 pandemic made an enduring mark on our healthcare system and affected the lives of billions worldwide. The virus spread across the globe at an unprecedented rate creating disturbing morbidity and mortality statistics that put everybody on high alert. As many of us grapple with the new reality by staying away from people to avoid illness, healthcare workers put their lives on the line by gearing up and running into the fire. Healthcare workers have emerged as the new soldiers in countries across the world. But, as F. Scott Fitzgerald said: "show me a hero, and I'll write you a tragedy." During the pandemic, the risks to frontline heroes are considerably more significant than those encountered in standard practice. In addition to the risk of contracting the virus, health care workers suffer mental and physical exhaustion and emotional pain. Even though some personal dangers are inherent in working in the medical field, these risks have been amplified in a way that justifies associating the word 'heroism' with the medical profession.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img class="wp-image-6961" src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dr.-Ben-1-731x1024.jpg" alt="" width="626" height="877" /></figure>    <p>During a discussion with Top Doctor Magazine, Ben Kenuk, a physical therapist at the University of Pennsylvania hospital, told us, "Adjusting to the new reality is pretty overwhelming and exhausting. I have been on the COVID-19 therapy team since May. We had to adjust all of our schedules to make sure there weren't too many therapists in the department at one time." Ben worked in heart failure and on cardiac surgery patients pre-pandemic, but his role changed to accommodate the new reality. Even when the pandemic was at its worst, the hospital only minimizes the number of therapists working on COVID-19 patients just in case of exposure so that other available therapists will proceed with the treatment.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img class="wp-image-5188" src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_31.png" alt="" width="755" height="359" /></figure>    <p>As everyone tries to practice social and physical distancing, healthcare workers rose to action and worked round the clock to provide care to patients with the virus despite the risk of being infected. While discussing the impact of the pandemic on his practice, Ben explained that "patients who require different levels of care couldn't proceed with their treatment because a lot of the facilities were closing their doors off because they were a lot more selective with who they will accept. Most of our patients stayed a little longer than they should have, which doubled our effort and affected the time we could have spent providing care to other patients."</p>    <p>Unfortunately, as the frontline heroes strived to keep us safe, the lockdown and the pandemic's effect became too much for people to handle. Consequently, they were complacent and less careful with the virus. As a result, over 400,000 people have died from COVID-19 related complications since the pandemic began.</p>    <p>Ben Kenuk studied physiotherapy at the University of Southern California and graduated in 2017. His dedication to the practice led to the creation of Mobile Measures, an app for physical therapists to help optimize the use of functional outcome measures. When the hospital was getting crowded during the pandemic outbreak, physiotherapists were doing a lot less than other physicians. Still, Ben wanted to help people get access to care through a unique approach. The Mobile Measure app provides access to patient assessment tools proven to measure critical aspects of a patient's health and functional status, including hospitalization, risk of falling, frailty, and much more.</p>    <p>This app guides users to the best test, calculates scores, interprets the results and uploads them into a patient's documentation. Physicians can track progress, visualize their patient's current condition, and determine the impact of treatment immediately at the point of care.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img class="wp-image-5189" src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_32.png" alt="" /></figure>    <p>When asked why he created the app, Ben shared that he wanted to help people access care and improve healthcare providers' efficiency. "I use it, and a lot of my coworkers use it. However, I don't feel comfortable pushing people to use it. I have been telling people about it because I believe it will help our practice and help our hospital, but I am now in the process of partnering with other health organizations and software companies to get widespread use of the app and help everyone's practice."</p>    <p>As Ben put in the hard work to help people by creating the Mobile Measure app, he faced a really tough challenge to convince people to use the app. He thought that the app would be utilized more during the pandemic. Still, many organizations were reluctant to incorporate a new app into their system. "Theoretically, you think it should be used more, but some health organizations that I told about it put it on hold because their therapists were overwhelmed with the COVID, and they didn't want to add something new to their practice. Even though it would help them to identify which patients actually needed therapy and improve their efficiency allocating resources a little bit better and minimize the time going to patient's house, it was just from an administrative standpoint that it is not the right time to implement something new in their practice."</p>    <p>To overcome the challenge, Ben hired a marketing company to help create awareness so that more people could get to know about the Mobile Measure app. "I was initially doing it myself, just trying to write all these articles on social media, but it is stressful. So I hired a marketing company for a short period of time." When his savings depleted, Ben struggled to continue with the marketing campaign because it was not really sustainable for him. "It is kind of a balance between time and money. Pay someone to do it or lose another hour of sleep. It is a balance I am struggling with."</p>    <p>Ben was actively connecting with people hoping that he could build relationships to spread the message about the Mobile Measure app. Still, he immediately surrendered his pursuit for a greater cause when the pandemic ramped up. "It has been a lot harder to develop the kind of relationship with a potential client because I can't meet them in person." He hoped that he could start all over again when the pandemic is over. Talking about his experience at the hospital at the time, "We had to shuffle things around a lot, I was brought onto the COVID-19 therapy team, and I saw COVID-19 patients. When the cases started going back down, I went back to usual business. A few weeks later, the number went up again, and I went back to seeing COVID-19 patients again."</p>    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img class="wp-image-5190" src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_33.png" alt="" /></figure>    <p>The COVID-19 vaccine was developed rapidly to help combat the raging virus, but the FDA EUA approval triggered mixed feelings across the medical community. In this regard, Ben said, "I am cautiously optimistic. We have heard a lot about the vaccine.</p>    <p>We have been told that healthcare workers will be the first to have access to it, and it would be optional for us to get it or not. Many people are afraid because of how quickly they came out because they don't want to be the first to take it. But I guess someone has to. I am optimistic that FDA did it after making sure it is safe. I plan to take it when it is available. I definitely have my reservation about it. I am not totally confident, but I think it is necessary."</p>    <p>He told us that widespread use of the vaccine would take a while because many people will hold off at least a year to see what happens. In his opinion, Ben believes that the vaccine might help with the virus but ultimately, we need to have an extended lockdown again. However, this time it needs to be consistent across states because when the restrictions were enforced in Pennsylvania, people went to New Jersey for social engagements. If there is consistency across the border, we will have fewer cases, and more lives will be saved.</p>    <p>As the whole world struggles with the virus, Ben hopes that the rest of 2021 will be different. Although healthcare providers will likely honor their oath in a time of great need, Ben cautioned that we have to respect the virus because it will not go away. We have to work as a team and do our part to control the spread.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dr.-Ben-1-731x1024.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/research/news/surviving-through-the-pandemic-ben-kenuk-his-rpm-app-and-ultimately-the-mark-of-a-hero/</url> </article> <article> <ID>5111</ID> <title>Profile Spotlight: Dr. Shivesh Kumar</title> <publishDate>2021-03-14 17:15:50</publishDate> <description> <p>Dr. Shivesh Kumar is a Family Medicine Specialist with over ten years of experience. He is a member of the American Board of Family Medicine, focusing on partnering with large insurance companies and hospital systems. Standing in the middle of the two prominent health care forces, Dr. Kumar also focuses on providing population help, systemic help, alleviating disparities, and helping systems overcome inefficiencies.</p>    <p>Dr. Kumar combines a wide range of expertise, experience with clinical and transition care work, and post-hospital care.</p>    <h2><strong>Family Medicine Amid the Pandemic</strong></h2>    <p>"When the pandemic started, there was panic across the country because nobody knew what was going to happen. We had over mobilized, so we had to cancel vacations, cancel breaks. We needed everyone on the frontline to see as many patients as we could," said Dr. Shivesh Kumar in an interview with Top Doctors Magazine. He explained that hospitals were clogged with COVID-19 patients while patients with chronic illnesses avoided hospitals.</p>    <h2><strong>COVID-19 Pandemic: The Overall Impact On The Healthcare System</strong></h2>    <p>The current market situation has affected businesses so that certain groups have been falling off since last year. Even worse was the news about two of the largest insurance groups, operating for over 18 years, both simultaneously filed for bankruptcy. As we advanced, Dr. Kumar explained that there would be a lot of uncertainty because people are losing their insurance, especially in Las Vegas.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img class="wp-image-5112" src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_26.png" alt="" /></figure>    <h2><strong>Creating Awareness To Help Overcome The Challenge</strong></h2>    <p>Dr. Kumar believes that there needs to be a national movement towards a universal health care insurance type of safety net coverage. It does not have to be expensive, but it could be Medicaid level care where costs are being covered, and providers and hospitals are being paid.</p>    <p>"I think that is the most important thing for the next administration. That kind of funding is crucial to keep the health system intact. Provider groups are going to have huge revenue shortfalls," said Dr. Kumar</p>    <h2><strong>Family Medicine And Technology: Remote Patient Monitoring</strong></h2>    <p>Dr. Kumar explained that technology would help healthcare workers optimize their service in the future. He raises the point that wearable technology will aid remote monitoring so that healthcare providers can monitor and spot worsening diseases.</p>    <p>"Although it may happen slowly, we will be there in five years. Patients will be able to use their iPad or other biometric equipment to receive care from their doctor. Also, we will see the use of holograms of a doctor providing care to patients through 3D or Virtual Reality where doctors will put on a headset and appear in front of a patient," said Dr. Kumar.</p>    <h2><strong>Overcoming The Pandemic Through Vaccination</strong></h2>    <p>The virus hit the U.S hard and working together to fight it is crucial. Evidence has shown that if everyone gets vaccinated and we achieve herd immunity, COVID-19 will become a common cold, and it will be treated as such. It won't be a devastating illness anymore.</p>    <p>"If we understand and trust science and get vaccinated, we will be talking about the common cold in the next year and not a devastating illness. We all need to work together to get each other vaccinated so that all of us as a society can get past coronavirus."</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_26.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/research/news/profile-spotlight-dr-shivesh-kumar/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4870</ID> <title>Profile Spotlight: Dr. Javaid Khan</title> <publishDate>2021-02-27 17:13:12</publishDate> <description> <h2><strong>About Dr. Javaid Khan</strong></h2>    <p>Dr. Javaid Khan, DO, is board-certified in two different specialties: Internal Medicine and Allergy and Clinical Immunology. He went on to medical school at Touro University in Henderson, Nevada, and then completed his 4-year residency at the Johns Hopkins University-Sinai Hospital Program in Baltimore, Maryland. He then completed his fellowship at Nova Southeastern University, located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img class="wp-image-4872" src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/image-25.png" alt="" width="223" height="277" /></figure>    <p>Currently, Dr. Khan is working with the Kaiser Permanente Group, specifically the Permanente Medical Group (TPMG), covering California’s Northern Bay area, particularly Marin and Sonoma County. He has been heading the office for the Allergy Department for five years now.</p>    <h2><strong>The Health Effects of California Wildfires</strong></h2>    <p>With Dr. Javaid Khan growing up in Claremont, California, he is not a stranger to the area’s notorious wildfires. Dr. Khan shares that his childhood home almost got burned down due to a wildfire that got a little too close.</p>    <p>When asked about the effects of the recent forest fires on people’s health, Dr. Khan reports that there has been a notable increase in patients with sinus problems and respiratory conditions related to low air quality.</p>    <h2><strong>Immune Targeted Treatments</strong></h2>    <p>Dr. Khan boasts that most medical advancements are coming from the field of Allergy and Immunology. “A lot of Ph.D. lab researchers are developing novel cancer treatments that use different immune responses to treat different types of cancers in a very targeted way,” he tells Top Doctor Magazine.</p>    <p>In his field, Dr. Khan and his colleagues use a similar immune-targeted therapy to treat patients with chronic hives (which people didn’t have treatments for in the past) and develop new medications to treat severe sinus disease, severe eczema, and severe asthma.</p>    <h2><strong>Kaiser’s Response to Covid-19 and Thinking Forward</strong></h2>    <p>Kaiser Permanente shows commendable action not only with the crazy wildfires but also with the onset of COVID-19. Dr. Khan happily shares that Kaiser has been very proactive during the whole COVID crisis. He mentions that they were one of the first to provide drive-thru COVID testing, as well as participate in the clinical trials of the Pfizer vaccine. And, aside from rigorously practicing all the safety and health protocols, Kaiser also quadrupled their bed capacity in their hospitals.</p>    <p>Furthermore, Dr. Khan mentions that Kaiser has already been doing telemedicine for a fairly long time and is quite familiar with the whole process of telephone and video appointments - so much so that they developed their unique platform for these appointments. They also created an app called ‘My Doctor Online’ where people can access all their medical history, tests, notes, etc., and order prescriptions and have them delivered right to their doorstep. And, as if that wasn’t enough, Kaiser also developed an app called ‘Cortext’ wherein people can text doctors for any medical-related questions. The future is digital, and so Dr. Khan believes all of these are here to stay.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img class="wp-image-4873" src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/image-26.png" alt="" /></figure>    <h2><strong>The Financial Effects of Covid-19 to Kaiser</strong></h2>    <p>Because of Kaiser Permanente’s well-thought-of implementation of their membership and health plan, it comes as no surprise that they are doing well financially compared to other hospitals that might have suffered some financial losses. Another bonus is that Medicare and other medical insurance companies are willing to reimburse for video appointments, Dr. Khan states.</p>    <h2><strong>Get the Correct Information</strong></h2>    <p>With the vaccine coming out, tons of misinformation is being circled online. “I’ve been getting a lot of emails about the COVID vaccine: Is there a microchip in it? Or is it going to alter my DNA and become a permanent part of my DNA?” shares Dr. Khan. These are all false, and a lot of them stem from conspiracy theories. That is why Dr. Khan says, “With regards to vaccines and health care, one of the things that I think needs to be emphasized is communicating directly with your doctor and looking at validated sources.” Some examples of where to find credible sources are articles published by the New England Journal of Medicine, CBC, and FDA, as suggested by Dr. Khan.</p>    <p>Getting the correct information and looking up at proper vaccination guidelines could also stop people from being afraid of the vaccine. Dr. Khan explains that people are scared of the mRNA vaccine because it’s relatively new. However, mRNA technology has already been used before. To explain, this type of vaccine uses our cellular machinery to produce a protein to which our immune system can then form antibodies. With the 94% effectiveness shown in data, he believes that there is no contraindication for people to receive the vaccine unless stated otherwise by their physician.</p>    <h2><strong>Don’t Forget Your Yearly Check-ups</strong></h2>    <p>A parting reminder from Dr. Javaid Khan is to seek medical and preventive care when appropriate. “We are seeing a decrease in hospital admissions for heart attacks and strokes because people are scared to go to the hospital because of the pandemic. That can result in permanent heart and neurological damage,” he says. He adds that they have also been seeing a dip in colonoscopies, mammograms, and other routine cancer screenings. That is concerning for Dr. Khan, and he worries that there may be a considerable rise in metastatic cancer and late-stage cancer in the near future. That is why he encourages everyone not to be afraid to go to medical centers and get their check-ups as the centers have a reliable system in place to lower the risk of exposure to COVID-19.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/image-25.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/research/news/profile-spotlight-dr-javaid-khan/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4829</ID> <title>Vaccines, the Future of Medical Education, and the Reality of Reimbursements: An Interview with Dr. Thomas d'Amato</title> <publishDate>2021-02-21 15:36:37</publishDate> <description> <p>Armed with an impressive scientific education, cardiovascular &amp; thoracic specialty, and experience as Ship's Surgeon on the USS Enterprise, Dr. Thomas d'Amato of Las Vegas has seen plenty of ups and downs in the medical community. However, no amount of training, experience, and notable repute could have prepared him and his colleagues for the COVID-19 pandemic. The year 2020 has been full of reflection on the past, present, and future – and Dr. d'Amato has valuable insight on how COVID-19 has affected his field, the current state of elective cases and vaccines, the future of medical education, and the reality of reimbursements.</p>   <p>Regarding the pandemic, coronavirus hit close to home. "I got COVID," Dr. d'Amato shared in an interview. "It was very mild symptoms. I had monoclonal antibodies, so things continued to be mild… My symptoms were a little bit of fatigue and anosmia – inability to smell." Dr. d'Amato explained how he had caught COVID right before Thanksgiving, a time where cases were spiking in the U.S. But even now, months later, he is still feeling the effects of the sickness. "It's getting a little bit better,"</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/image-15.png" alt="" class="wp-image-4855"/></figure>   <p>He said about his anosmia. "But we [in healthcare] are not immune to getting [COVID]."</p>   <p>However, for Dr. d'Amato, his own experience with the novel virus is the least of his worries. Amongst his concerns, he finds that current conditions make it increasingly challenging for doctors to establish a meaningful relationship with their patients during a time when patients need their doctors more than ever. Dr. d'Amato explained the strategy used to determine between essential and non-essential procedures: "You define cases…as elective, meaning someone can recover at home, whereas urgent is…where it's probably unsafe to let them go home. Emergent is taking them to the operating room as soon as you can. And salvage is someone you're not going to take to the emergency room and isn't going to make it." Because of COVID, many states are urging that people who would qualify as "elective cases" stay away from hospitals and doctors so as not to overwhelm hospital beds and to help slow the spread. However, with private practices such as Dr. d'Amato's, this has become a challenge. "We are way behind with what you would call an elective case. [For example] we usually do a fair amount of aortic dissections, and we're just not seeing that amount now."</p>   <p>Additionally, Dr. d'Amato explained that many of his patients fall into the 3rd category of "emergent," where "patients suffer life or limb loss if you don't operate on them within the cardiovascular specialty."</p>   <p>But even getting those patients into the hospital has proven to be complicated. He explains, "The challenge that all of us have is getting these patients into the hospital. There's some supposition… that patients are dying at home where they're ignoring symptoms because they're afraid to come to the hospital." He shared. "I think that's challenging from both a fiscal and being-able-to-provide-good-patient-care standpoint." However, the solution isn't as easy as simply resuming practice as usual: "There's different issues that occur, it can be hospital staffing, it can be hospital beds, it can be O.R. staffing, nursing staffing, any one of those things depends on where we are on the curve for this pandemic. It changes."</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/image-16.png" alt="" class="wp-image-4856"/></figure>   <p>Nonetheless, Dr. d'Amato is cautiously optimistic that the vaccine is a promise for better days ahead. "We want to start knocking out those elective cases as soon as possible, as soon as we have light at the end of the tunnel, and so far, it's getting a little better." He says, stressing the importance of treating elective cases before they worsen. "I think, since the vaccine's coming, people are hoping it'll make a big difference."</p>   <p>Having received his Bachelors of Science in Microbiology &amp; Cell Biology plus a Ph.D. in Biological Science, Dr. d'Amato is personally very interested in the mechanisms behind the COVID vaccines. "I keep up with some of this, I speak the language, and I'm not very concerned." He said. When asked about people's hesitations about the vaccines, he replied, "I'm a big proponent of the two vaccines which are out now [Moderna and Pfizer], but I can't comment on all of them." He went on to explain more about how the vaccine works: "I think it's a very amazing, novel thing that they d regarding these RNA vaccines regarding Moderna and Pfizer. Our RNA's are very fragile macromolecules that get chewed up very easily by enzymes that we have, and they're ubiquitous all over…the lipid nanoparticles are just a way to get it into our muscle cells that translate into our mRNA and turn it into a protein, a spike protein. And we excrete the spike protein, which is foreign to our bodies, and we make antibodies against it."</p>   <p>From his personal experience, the only people he knows who've had adverse reactions are people who've had COVID and have gotten sick for a few days, plus arm soreness. Other than that, though, he says, "I think enough people have had this to show it's safe…what they're putting in your arm will eventually go away. I'm encouraging people to get it." However, Dr. d'Amato warns against an early victory and quickly returning to normal. Even with the vaccine, he asks, "Who knows how long immunity will last?... It will be interesting. Is it going to be the 'be all that end all'? Probably not, but it's going to slow it down."</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/image-17.png" alt="" class="wp-image-4857"/></figure>   <p>Will a COVID world of social distancing, quarantining, shutdowns, and online everything be the "new normal"? Dr. d'Amato doesn't quite think so. "My opinion on that is very simplistic. I think that when I was a kid growing up, my mom used to tell me to wash my hands, don't touch your face, stay away from people who are sick, wash your hands a lot. And I think we've lost those things. That's what we need to teach our kids from the time they're toddlers. That ought to be the new normal, to keep your environment, hands, face, food, drink – all that clean, and try to stay away from sick people." He credits the low rate of influenza to people being more conscious about hygiene and cleanliness. "And I think that's despite this year's flu shot…why? I can speculate. People are washing their hands, staying away from sick people, not touching their faces, basic things. It's amazing how those simple things might make a difference."</p>   <p>As for technology, the online world, and virtual networking, Dr. d'Amato thinks those changes are here to stay, evolve, and revolutionize learning, particularly for the medical industry. Today, medical students are using technology, simulations, and the virtual world as a significant part of their education – even more than before with the rise of distance learning. For some, simulations and virtual experiments are entirely replacing the classroom. While this offers promising technological gain, it also has its downsides: "What worries me is some of the technology that we are using ends up being a crutch, and we end up not knowing how to do things... I hate to say this... the old fashioned way." Dr. d'Amato warns. "When I was in academia, we had residents and students learning from us. And I would tell them I was going to 'hit them with a secret weapon' and they would ask me 'what's the secret weapon?'…It was the physical. [But now] we're losing the hands-on part, and I'm not sure a lot of that is going to come back."</p>   <p>"Learning will change." Dr. d'Amato promises. "[Technology] is going to improve, it's going to keep getting better…Management of people with stents has improved, medications have improved, you can't deny the ethical value of some of the cholesterol-lowering drugs and those things." He points to the COVID vaccine as yet another example of how incredibly beneficial technology has been and shares his hope that this is only the beginning. But on the other hand, he still wholeheartedly believes in the importance of real, hands-on work: "You're not going to be able to do [everything] virtually. You can do simulations, but it's not the same. Yes, some of the simulations are really good, and they do help. Sometimes I'm like, 'Oh wow, I wish I had that,' but you don't come out of medical school knowing how to operate. And you're certainly not going to have the judgment for that." His biggest worry is that virtual will gradually chip away at the patient-doctor relationship, which has already been strained. "Nothing beats going to the patient bedside and learning from the patient. But that's kind of gone away."</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/image-8.png" alt="" class="wp-image-4837"/></figure>   <p>Additionally, medical reimbursements have been a particular difficulty for doctors this year, adding to the already-challenging private practice field. Dr. d'Amato compares the medical business to an airline business – they're both highly-reliable organizations held to high-quality standards. However, Dr. d'Amato notices a big difference: "We have biological entities in it." He states. And in order to fulfill the high-quality standards and maintain the best patient-doctor relationship -- "well, what's disheartening is that all costs money."</p>   <p>Dr. d'Amato explains that doctors cannot write off what they don't collect, and overall reimbursements have gone down. "The reimbursements are incredibly much much lower than when I started and definitely lower than when my specialty started. And your big concern is that there's going to be a massive collapse of private industry in medicine, and it'll be completely controlled… for good or bad reasons."</p>   <p>Dr. d'Amato foresees that if things don't change soon, the private medical industry may indeed collapse: "It gets to a point where you won't even be able to turn your lights on. It's going to be almost impossible to do that in the future. [Private collapse] may not be the worst thing in the world if it's done properly…but the whole quality issue, that's hard." Dr. d'Amato explains that physical location, loyalty to one's practice, and doctors being stretched thin due to finances has been difficult for some private practices. "Higher tax burdens, lower reimbursements, these are negatively going to affect most of us."</p>   <p>The fancy dream of the medical field being a life of luxury is no longer the case. "The billionaire doctor doesn't exist anymore." Dr. d'Amato says. The fact that medical school is so expensive and the real world is becoming increasingly costly adds up. And Dr. d'Amato is especially worried about how this too will affect patient-doctor relationships. "[Some doctors] have to see 35 patients a day to make ends meet, and they're not bringing home a lot of money…but nonetheless, they can't turn on the lights if they don't see 35 patients a day. But how can you spend quality time with 35 patients a day? You can't, and that's worrisome."</p>   <p>Like the entire world, the medical community is facing a significant change in the traditional status quo. New challenges, hopes, dreams, problems, and solutions are popping up left and right. From COVID to vaccines to technology to finances, doctors have had to juggle handfuls in 2020. Still, Dr. d'Amato believes that the transition from the usual to the new doesn't have to be one of the challenges. "We need to have mentors, lifelong mentors, and colleagues that can mentor you," He advises young people going into the medical community. "Mentorship programs, mentorship philosophy…everyone has something they can bring to the table." He once again emphasizes the importance of the patient-doctor relationship, saying that it is a priority above all: "Nothing substitutes number of patients that you see and what you observe. That's kind of my old-fashioned take on this. But it's important... Haha! I hate to say it. I never thought I'd call myself old fashioned."</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/image-15.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/research/news/vaccines-the-future-of-medical-education-and-the-reality-of-reimbursements-an-interview-with-dr-thomas-damato/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4586</ID> <title>Frontline Heroes: How Healthcare Providers are giving their all to keep us safe - an Interview with Dr. Alena Butkevica</title> <publishDate>2021-02-14 13:11:50</publishDate> <description> <p>In this challenging time, every small action can have significant meaning, helping us reconnect and progress in times of crisis. The coronavirus pandemic is changing our world; rather than breaking us apart, it helps people unite. As every country around the world grappled to contain the pandemic, lockdown and other restrictions were put in place, which affected every aspect of our lives.</p>   <p>Even though restrictions were put in place to contain the virus, the pandemic still ravaged. As a result, over 400,000 people have died from COVID-19 related complications. As many people gladly embrace the work-from-home option and adhere to the social distance rules to avoid exposure to the virus, healthcare providers are bravely leading the charge. Even with the looming exposure threat, they have been providing care to patients to the best of their ability. Even though some of their colleagues are becoming infected and dying from COVID-19 related complications, these amazing heroes decided to put their lives on the line honoring their oaths in a time of great need.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/7-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4587"/></figure>   <p>"[During the lockdown] many businesses closed, but we didn't because we do emergency care for people who have trauma, and we attended to other things that need to be addressed. Since the hospitals were busy at the time, we got the approval to work. We focused on emergency cases during the time. " Dr. Alena disclosed while recounting her experience during the lockdown.</p>   <p>Dr. Alena Butkevica, a Dental Surgeon, CEO, and leading researcher at AB BioInnovations in Huntington Station, New York, started practicing over 30 years ago. The Latvian relocated to the United States in 1998 to learn dental implants hoping to provide care to people experiencing different dental complications. Dr. Alena ended up in Boston University for her postgraduate training in Prosthodontics and Implantology, and she has performed over fifteen thousand surgical procedures.</p>   <p>While discussing the COVID-19 impact on her practice with TopDoctor Magazine, the award-winning physician said, "Absolutely, we have always been making changes to make sure that patients are safe. As we were trained, every patient presents a threat of infection like hepatitis, HIV, and AIDS. We are always very cautious to protect ourselves and the patients from cross-contamination. Therefore, we were always prepared even before COVID-19. There are rules and regulations like measuring temperature and all. Also, everything is tested and sterilized, and we have a system where people only go one way, meaning patients will come in one way and exit the other way to avoid contact."</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/8-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4588"/></figure>   <p>Even though they have a 15-minute timeframe to disinfect everything in the room before attending to the next patient, Dr. Alena told us that her staff's stress has been immense. "We never had such long breaks in-between patients, now my doctors and I have a lot of free time between patients. But we still have to keep ourselves safe by wearing a mask. To avoid exposure to COVID-19, now, we wear masks, face shields, and magnifying globes. Actually, working the whole day with the mask, face shield, and magnifying globes is now difficult because protective gear makes it difficult to breathe. At the end of the day, everyone has circles under their eyes as a result of the stress. I made a decision that every doctor should work one day less so that they can recover from the stress."</p>   <p>While still facing uncertainties, Dr. Alena was continually brainstorming ways to help people and provide the best care to her patients during her free time.</p>   <p>"[During the lockdown] practice slowed down tremendously because people don't go out for treatment as long as they are not desperately in need of surgery or treatment, which is good for me because I could concentrate my energy and time towards research. You know, apart from the social distancing and not being able to do surgical work, this pandemic time, for me, has been very productive because I was laser-focused on what I was doing pre-pandemic. In this kind of time when I can't go out and do so much, I can use the time to do research and development, intellectual properties, product development. All these take time, and this is the best time to do it. I didn't rest at all. All the time I had was spent on creative work."</p>   <p>While expressing optimism regarding the monumental effort on the successful work on vaccine development, Andrew Cuomo, the New York governor, said, "This is the weapon that is going to win the war." Although the vaccine is an outstanding achievement, it is only the first step in a global mass immunization process that will not instantly end the pandemic. Even though the vaccine will help control the infection's harmful effects and limit its spread, bringing the virus under control will likely take a few years.</p>   <p>Vaccination is a part of a multi-faceted public response to the emergence of pandemic illness. Pandemic diseases have swept through the human population since the beginning of time. For example, the bubonic plague, also known as Black Death, killed about 75 million people in Europe in the 1300s, while the 1918-1919 influenza killed 50-70 million people globally. Researchers are known to develop influenza vaccines to mitigate the spread of a circulating virus but never before in the history of pandemics have researchers been caught off-guard, as we saw during COVID-19.</p>   <p>"I agree that a vaccine is one great way to avoid COVID-19. What if there is COVID-20, for example? We don't have a new vaccine. We might have COVID today, but we don't know what will happen in January or what the next virus will be. Is it going to be a mutation of COVID or a new virus? We have flu shots every year because we do have flu every year. Every year we do have a different virus. It is very good if we could predict the next virus that will be out in the air," she said.</p>   <p>Dr. Alena further explained: "Apart from having a vaccine, we know that every year we have a new virus. There are many different viruses; every winter comes with a different virus. People have predicted COVID, but we don't know exactly what will happen."</p>   <p>Even though the vaccine will be a great help, Dr. Alena said that everybody's primary duty is to stay healthy: "The body's natural defense mechanism, which is typically strong, can fight. Statistically, most people who died of COVID had some other additional existing health problems. What I am seeing from a general medical standpoint is the need to eat good food, stay warm, and have a lot of sleep. The less stress there is, the higher the body's self-defense level. If you are completely exhausted, and you run yourself down with stress, you are much likely to get infected rather than if you are healthy, sleep well, and eat healthy and proper nourishing food. These are general basic health rules which apply to everybody at any circumstances. People who maintain this kind of balance in their life are healthier, and others who don't subject their bodies to disharmony, which makes them susceptible to health challenges. The major message right now for everybody is that you should keep yourself healthy."</p>   <p>Before responding to the question regarding her plans for the New Year, Dr. Alena sighed and told us that she had so much to do that she couldn't remember when she last had a vacation.&nbsp;</p>   <p>"Right now, I am working on a broad spectrum of antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory products. For example, we are doing final testing for psoriasis cream before it will be made available for public use once it is ready. " Dr. Alena's dedication and selfless effort to provide care throughout the lockdown period is a testament to how we should admire our physicians for their sacrifices. "Knowing that I can help people avoid suffering is a huge motivation for me to keep going." Dr. Alena concluded.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/7-2.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/research/news/frontline-heroes-how-healthcare-providers-are-giving-their-all-to-keep-us-safe-an-interview-with-dr-alena-butkevica/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4593</ID> <title>Frontline heroes: sacrifice and dedication across the medical community - an interview with Dr. Kendrick Johnson</title> <publishDate>2021-02-13 13:17:47</publishDate> <description> <p>The COVID-19 pandemic is upending life on a global level. The highly infectious disease, which was first seen in Wuhan, China, has spread across multiple countries globally, causing a devastating health crisis in its wake. In less than a year, the virus has killed over 2 million people, with over 450,000 succumbing to pandemic-related complications in the United States. As the virus-related death toll continues to mount, health care providers are courageously taking on the risk by helping patients recover amid medical equipment shortages.</p>   <p>Apparently, the pandemic has taken a toll on every person's mental health across the world. Thousands have taken to the internet to provide coping strategies to deal with the unpredictable global outbreak's challenges. However, frontline workers are more at risk of getting infected and exposed to the raging virus's emotional horrors.</p>   <p>As everyone struggles with the pandemic's consequences in their own ways, healthcare providers are considering whether to write their will as they submit to fate in what might be their last act of courage. According to a study published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 300,000 healthcare providers have been infected across thirty-seven countries, and over 3000 fatalities have been recorded.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/10.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4594"/></figure>   <p>"I don't think there is any doubt that we have missed much of the opportunity to use this pandemic as a wakeup call to live healthier lives and that this virus, as well as most of the other problems that plague our country and its health, are likely directly connected with our lifestyle, nutrition, and exercise." Dr. Kendrick lamented while responding to questions from TopDoctor magazine.</p>   <p>Dr. Kendrick Johnson is a family health physician and lifestyle medicine doctor at Ark Family Health in Peoria, Arizona. Graduating from Touro University in Nevada, Dr. Kendrick started Ark Family Health, the first Direct Primary Care clinic in Phoenix, helping hundreds of people and employers improve their quality of life while saving money.</p>   <p>Dr. Kendrick is the seventh child of a dedicated pediatrician who inspired his children through his selfless service towards humanity. "From an early experience, I have always wanted to be a physician. I remember being in a grocery store with my dad, and a lady came up to us and looked down at me and said, 'do you know that your dad saved my son's life?' I remember thinking, wow, my dad is a hero because he had this incredible impact on this family, and I thought about becoming a physician as a way of preventing suffering, alleviating people's pain, and improving their quality of life."</p>   <p>As a result, Dr. Kendrick has devoted his time to providing care, which underscores his remarkable effort to help people during the pandemic. As an optimistic student who was determined to provide a solution to people's health challenges, Dr. Kendrick was a bit surprised when he didn't hear much of anything about preventing and curing disease in medical school.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/12.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4595"/></figure>   <p>"There wasn't a lesson where we talked about how nutrition could prevent 90% of heart attacks, we didn't talk about how powerful exercise is in preventing disease, we looked at how poor diet and sedentary lifestyle are risk factors for some of the major killers, but we didn't do justice or help us understand that if these people were living different lifestyle probably wouldn't have heart attacks, strokes, or diabetes. I was surprised that we weren't learning how to prevent these diseases, so I wondered if the disease is preventable. So I started looking at research and statistics and data published in medical journals and high-quality medical articles and found that most of the diseases in the US are preventable, most with lifestyle changes. As a young physician, after medical school, I was determined that I was going to help people to prevent this disease even if no one else thinks about helping people to prevent this disease. On my appointments, I spend more time talking to people about nutrition and about exercise and depression and mental health because these seem to be the heart of so many people's problems."</p>   <p>Talking about the impact of the pandemic on his practice, Dr. Kendrick told us, "It's been a not-so-welcomed but helpful test of the Direct Primary Care model because we are many in my traditional models with real problems. Many of the independent primary care offices shut down because they only have one way of taking care of patients, and that was based on the old model of bringing patients to the office. In Direct Primary Care, we were already doing virtual visits as part of the way we take care of patients even before the pandemic. As patients became more comfortable with the technology, we found that this is a model that was better prepared for the future. Though many of our patients lost jobs and experienced all other challenges that came with the pandemic, we have continued to grow and provide service to people through the pandemic, which is a blessing."</p>   <p>Dr. Kendrick's direct care practice was perfectly suited to the pandemic virtually because the primary care was not connected with employer-based insurance, so people could keep their doctors when they lost their jobs. His virtual health care service also gave people the ability to get care when they aren't supposed to leave their homes or visit the clinic to avoid spreading disease. Consequently, Dr. Kendrick was able to spend more time with people, check-in on their mental health, and meet their needs while going through tough times.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/11.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4596"/></figure>   <p>While responding to questions regarding the most significant issues that occurred during the pandemic, Dr. Kendrick said, "the biggest issue was confusion. Many people suffered in fear because of an inaccurate understanding of how the virus works and what the risks are. Our practice serves people across political lines, and we were able to talk and meet with patients with differing political viewpoints. I think so many issues were clouded by political discussions and so few people ended up really understanding the pandemic very accurately because both of the polarizing views were inaccurate. I think that providing unbiased education that people on both sides of the spectrum can understand and listen to was a challenge."</p>   <p>Recently, the Food and Drug Administration authorized the use of vaccines to fight the virus. The first two vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna were authorized despite growing concerns regarding their efficacy as they were developed at record speed. The FDA granted an Emergency Use Authorization for Pfizer's on Dec. 12, 2020, and Moderna's on Dec. 18, 2020.</p>   <p>"I am encouraged by the news about the vaccine, and they look more effective than I was expecting them to be. It sounds like they are going to be able to get enough doses to really make a difference. However, there is a lot of buzz about people being concerned about the vaccines' safety and efficacy, but I am not very concerned about that. Although I don't necessarily trust pharmaceutical companies to do anything besides that which is in their financial interest, and I don't think anybody has enough power to push out a vaccine that is going to be dangerous or ineffective."</p>   <p>Even though he was optimistic about the efficacy of the vaccine, Dr. Kendrick quickly added that our country's most important thing is to live a healthy lifestyle. He said that the vaccine will be critical in helping us get back to normal life. The pandemic would probably have been much less effective if we as a culture were embracing more healthy nutrition and exercise in our daily lives. "I believe that we can protect ourselves and our family by being self-responsible."</p>   <p>"Also, I continue to emphasize to my patients that eating the whole plant is probably the most important part of nutrition and getting out and moving to anywhere you enjoy is probably the most important part of exercise. We talk to patients about eating fruits and vegetables and getting more exercise."</p>   <p>Looking ahead to the New Year, Dr. Kendrick was excited about the potential opportunity to increase his healthcare coverage. He told us, "One of the most exciting things about this New Year is the growing trend of employers recognizing that they have the power to improve their bottom line and help their employees by contracting directly with primary care. We are getting more and more interest all the time. The experience we are having with our employers is proving to be really valuable both for business, and individual employees are patients. That's an exciting thing that is happening. Employers are starting to understand that they have a real stake in their employees' health, and there is something they can do about it."</p>   <p>Although 2020 was full of challenges, Dr. Kendrick hopes that the New Year will present us with more opportunities to look inward, take better care of ourselves, and improve the status quo.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/10.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/research/news/frontline-heroes-sacrifice-and-dedication-across-the-medical-community-an-interview-with-dr-kendrick-johnson/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4384</ID> <title>A Power Couple in the Pandemic: An Interview with Dr. Divya Shokeen and Dr. Raj Khalsa</title> <publishDate>2021-02-05 13:17:40</publishDate> <description> <p>In the continuous struggle against COVID-19, doctors and medical personnel are working around the clock, often to exhaustion. These are our frontline heroes, who deserve nothing less than our utmost respect and gratitude. However, we often get a chance to gaze only at their mountainous amount of work and forget about their difficulties, their fears, and their struggles.</p>   <p>In the hectic world we live in, some doctors find the necessary strength to rise to the challenge by looking out for the community and by giving something back as well – they truly are our modern-day heroes! That is the case of Dr. Divya Shokeen, a Board-Certified Dermatologist, and her husband, Dr. Raj Shokeen, a Vascular and Interventional Radiologist, who more than joyfully agreed to talk to us about their uphill battles during the COVID-19 pandemic, which, from time to time, brought them little drops of true blessings. Let us tune in to Dr. Divya and Dr. Raj and learn more about how they made their contribution to the battle against COVID-19 while Dr. Divya opened up a second practice, launched her own skin care product company, and brought a small angel into this world!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>   <h2>The Challenges of COVID-19</h2>   <p>Although the year 2020 seemed to begin under good auspices – Dr. Divya had founded the Ocean Skin and Vein Institute in May 2019 - initially, the arrival of COVID-19 has put a great strain on her practice. A complete shutdown was in effect between early March and the beginning of June. <strong>“I continued to do telemedicine so that I could be there for my patients who wanted to be seen but who unfortunately couldn’t be.” </strong>Aside from telemedicine, Dr. Divya made sure that she took care of emergency patients by keeping her practice open one day/week.</p>   <h2>Resuming On-premises Work and Keeping Patients Safe</h2>   <p>As private practices gradually opened up at the beginning of June, Dr. Divya took every single step to protect both her patients and her employees. Constant temperature check, constant COVID-19 tests for employees, restricting the number of admitted patients to one at a time, moving the offices into larger rooms, decontaminating surfaces, hyper filters – those were the measures put in place to effectively keep the practice virus-free. <strong>“We are trying to make sure that we are as safe as possible for our patients,” </strong>Dr. Divya tells us.<strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p>   <p>Even though the waves of fatigue and uncertainty brought by COVID-19 affected every individual, Dr. Divya is proud of her patients, who respected every single rule put in place. <strong>“Everyone’s been very receptive and understanding, so I think our patients have been pretty good about it.”</strong></p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/A-Power-Couple-in-the-Pandemic_-An-Interview-with-Dr.-Divya-Shokeen-and-Dr.-Raj-Khalsa-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4387"/></figure>   <h2>COVID-19 and “Zoom Time”</h2>   <p>Although the pandemic has hit numerous medical practices, in her opinion, Dr. Divya believes that people have become more receptive to cosmetic procedures, mainly because of “Zoom time.”&nbsp;<strong>“When people are sitting on Zoom, and they’re sitting all day, and at home, they kind of start to notice the things that they’ve been forgetting, and a lot of that has to do with self-care.”&nbsp;</strong>Because of “Zoom time,” patients are more attentive to their appearance, which led to an uptick in hair loss and acne scarring treatment requests.<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>   <p>Furthermore, she believes that, at least in LA, people are starting to let go of previous misconceptions about her work and begin to embrace cosmetic procedures as means of self-care. <strong>“Everyone’s coming in asking: I’ve kind of forgotten myself. I used to spend a lot of time on myself. Now, I realized I spend a lot of time on my job or my kids or on my environment, where I’m not really focusing on myself.” </strong>&nbsp;</p>   <h2>The Challenges of Protecting Your Community during COVID-19</h2>   <p>Although her Ocean Skin and Vein Institute experienced a comeback since June, the first few months of the pandemic put her resolve to the test. Unlike other employers, Dr. Divya saw her employees as members of the community, who also had to pay rent and take care of their families. For that reason, she decided to avoid layoffs and stick out for them, which put a strain on her family’s finances. In the end, they managed to survive the worst of the pandemic and emerge as a stronger community together.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>   <p>Dr. Divya admits that she often found herself in need of guidance in this hostile business environment.&nbsp;<strong>“There’s no guidebook to running or operating your business, and, unfortunately, they don’t teach that in medical school.”&nbsp;</strong>However, she tells us that the key to a successful business is not going to business school but understanding people. Whether patients, suppliers, or employees, it is people who are the foundation of a thriving business.<strong>&nbsp;“We’re trying to build something that is going to be a long-standing brand.”&nbsp;</strong>In this mission, letting people know that they can count on her is Dr. Divya’s secret weapon.</p>   <h2>Skin Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4392"/></figure>   <p>Apart from caring for their patients on-premises, Dr. Divya found a way to help people take better care of their skin while also giving back to the community. In September 2020, six months later than originally planned and after 1 ½ year of testing, she launched her first line of skin care products to bring a comprehensive skin treatment to the market.&nbsp;</p>   <p>By launching this product, Dr. Divya is trying to bring something new to the skin rejuvenation field while also helping those in need. <strong>“We want to give back, especially during this time, I think, we’re trying to keep it very cost-conscious, and we’re giving percentages to two different charities every year, and the best part is that the person purchasing can choose, so it also makes you feel like you’re part of it.” </strong>She intends to improve her line of skin care with four additional products by the end of January.</p>   <p>When asked about the product’s progress in terms of sales, Dr. Divya was happy to tell us that she has built a loyal community of patients who repurchase her product regularly. In her opinion, this has to do with women looking towards a mask-free future. <strong>“Women are really saying, You know what, I’m not spending the money to go to the hair salon as much, I’m not going to get my nails done, I’m not going on vacations, so I want to spend it on myself, I want to make sure that I feel and look better for when I do get to take the mask off.”</strong></p>   <h2>The Blessing of Having a Baby during the COVID-19 Pandemic</h2>   <p>Putting their careers and work aside, Dr. Divya and Dr. Raj saved their biggest blessing of the year for last – their first son, Arien, was born just a few months ago!&nbsp;</p>   <p>They admitted that starting a family, as a power couple in medicine during a pandemic, was not easy. Dr. Raj was always reluctant about coming home from the hospital or bringing stuff from work. <strong>“I know this has been especially hard on my husband because every time he comes home, he has to go and decontaminate for half an hour before he can even hug his child, and that’s tough on any parent.” </strong>However, after becoming a parent, he is more sensitive about newborn children or mothers as patients - <strong>“When it’s about newborn children or mothers delivering, he doesn’t even question it, he just goes to the hospital,” </strong>Dr. Divya tells us.</p>   <p>Besides becoming a parent during a pandemic, Dr. Divya was forced to face another stringent issue for any new parent, maternity leave. When asked about how many days of maternity leave she enjoyed, Dr. Divya confessed that she was happy to receive 4-and-a-half weeks of maternity leave while complaining about a colleague dermatologist in FL who spent only nine days with her newborn before returning to the field. <strong>“This is what happens for all physicians,” </strong>she tells us. The short maternity leave left Dr. Divya with no choice but to find a nanny who takes COVID-19 tests regularly.&nbsp;</p>   <p>However, for Dr. Divya, the joy of bringing a baby into the world surpasses all difficulties.<strong>&nbsp;“It tests you in a different way, for sure, but I’m incredibly blessed and graceful, and I think we both can say that because we have a wonderful, healthy, baby boy, who we couldn’t imagine our lives without, so it’s been a tough year, but this has actually been the one silver lining that we’ve had through everything, and it’s a reason to get up in the morning because we want to make sure that he is taken care of.”</strong></p>   <h2>Hope is in Sight</h2>   <p>With their practices coming back strong, a skin care line of products, and a healthy newborn baby, Dr. Divya and Dr. Raj are confident that the future has more sunshine in store for all of us. Their hope mainly resides in the vaccination program – Dr. Raj already receive the vaccine while Dr. Divya is on a waiting list. <strong>“I think that the vaccination is the light at the end of the tunnel,” </strong>Dr. Raj tells us, confident enough in the vaccine’s ability to neutralize the new COVID-19 strains that sprung up in Europe.</p>   <p>As for the medical field, both of them see a future with more technologically enabled care and more light-type hospitals for COVID-19 patients in a trend towards outpatient care and procedures.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/3-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4393"/></figure>   <h2>What Keeps Dr. Divya and Dr. Raj Going?</h2>   <p><strong>“I just look at her,”&nbsp;</strong>Dr. Raj tells us, always impressed by his wife’s hard work and dedication.&nbsp;<strong>“I don’t feel like it’s work because I love what I do. I think the day that it becomes work, I’m probably going to stop doing it,”&nbsp;</strong>Dr. Divya tells us, with a smile on her face. They hope to keep cultivating their energy, their excitement, and their thirst for knowledge for years to come.</p>   <p>However, spending more time with their newborn son is their true resolution for 2021. We wish them the best of luck in all of their endeavors, not only as a power couple in medicine but also as a strong, beautiful family!&nbsp;</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/A-Power-Couple-in-the-Pandemic_-An-Interview-with-Dr.-Divya-Shokeen-and-Dr.-Raj-Khalsa-1024x1024.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/technology/medical-influencers/a-power-couple-in-the-pandemic-an-interview-with-dr-divya-shokeen-and-dr-raj-khalsa/</url> </article> <article> <ID>3954</ID> <title>Edna Hudson: A Frontline Hero</title> <publishDate>2020-12-07 15:44:21</publishDate> <description> <p>Edna Hudson grew up in the small town of Orange Bend near Leesburg, Florida, where she now lives and works. Graduating in 1982 from nursing school, Edna has thirty-eight years of experience and is currently a charge nurse at the Ambulatory Surgery Unit of Leesburg Regional Medical Center.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Becoming a single mother at the age of 24 when her husband passed away, Edna’s two sons are now in their forties and following in her shoes. Willie Hudson is a nurse practitioner and works for a neurologist, and Tremaine Hudson, a registered nurse, is working at a rehabilitation facility.</p>   <p>“I never said, get into nursing. I never encouraged one way or another. I just let them do what they wanted to do, and it’s amazing how they have centered their life around the medical field because never did I say go into the medical field, but for some reason, they decided to go that way,” said Edna.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Edna shared with Top Doctor Magazine that her five-year goal is to open a private clinic together in the Leesburg area with her sons, daughter-in-law Sonia, a medical staff credentialing specialist, and soon to be daughter-in-law Lajuana, a doctorate nurse practitioner. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3956"/></figure>   <p>Speaking about her school experience, Edna shared that she was going through earning her two-year degree right after the loss of her husband. Even though it was tough being a single parent and going to school at the time, she recognized the blessing of not having to work, parent, and study all at once because her husband left her financially prepared to go to school.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Through school, Edna admits that it was a lot of touch and go, of wondering if she passed and could move on to the next class. Where one student might spend four hours studying, she would need closer to eight. But thanks to teachers who were attuned to her needs and her desire to succeed, Edna graduated with a two-year degree and returned several years later to earn her Bachelors of Nursing.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>   <p>“It took a lot for me, but once I got it, I got it. I had an anatomy and physiology teacher who told me that basically, some people get it easy, but for some people, it comes more difficult. You just have to stick with it. And, of course, I was able to.”&nbsp;</p>   <p>When asked what drew her to becoming a nurse, Edna explained that it is a lifelong goal. At the age of eight or nine, she remembers watching nurses running around in their white hats and uniforms, thinking, “I want to be that when I grow up.” And, 38 years later, nursing is still a passion and joy in Edna’s life.&nbsp;</p>   <p>“[Nursing] is a career that I have grown to really love and is one of the things I most value and treasure. Never in my 38 years of working have I ever said I hate going into work today, and that’s how I know it’s my passion. There is nothing bad I could say about what I do because I love it so much.”&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3957"/></figure>   <p>In the past year, Edna has seen drastic changes in the healthcare industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While these changes have been quickly adapted to by the professionals on the medical frontlines, there are potential impacts that could affect healthcare for the foreseeable future if not adequately addressed. A survivor of the Coronavirus herself, Edna believes that one of the biggest concerns facing the medical community is an impending shortage of nurses.&nbsp;</p>   <p>“I think there will be a severe shortage of nurses because a lot of the hospital personnel I see are getting out of the field. It’s the fatigue that nurses are facing. They’re thinking if I could do anything besides this, I’m going to get out of it.”&nbsp;</p>   <p>In her management role at the Leesburg Regional Medical Center, Edna has talked to nurses all over the hospital and found a common complaint. They talk about the shortage of personnel, the extreme fatigue they’re working under, and the unknowns that COVID-19 presents. For many, it’s a juggling act of monitoring patients to provide the best possible care, trying to figure out how to keep themselves and their loved ones safe, or being the sole financial provider for their families.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Working on the frontlines, Edna advises that the best way for nurses and other medical personnel to protect themselves and stave off a shortage of staff is to take care of themselves - this applies to physical, mental, and emotional health.&nbsp;</p>   <p>“I think we have to take care of ourselves physically; mentally, we have to give ourselves a check-up and make sure we stay strong. We comfort others all day every day, but no one takes the time to console themselves.”</p>   <p>Amid this year’s pandemic, one of the significant changes seen in the healthcare industry is the advancement of Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) services. For many, these digital platforms were the only way to check in with their patients or were a much-needed means of protecting vulnerable populations against the spread of COVID-19.&nbsp;</p>   <p>A supporter of RPM and Telehealth services, Edna believes that it will be a saving grace for patients, families, and the country as a whole.&nbsp;</p>   <p>“It’s state of the art technology to make sure we keep everyone safe, including medical professionals.”</p>   <p>Through Telehealth, it is possible to protect the patient and their family as well. Unnecessary exposure to the Coronavirus or other illnesses is limited, while those in need of medical attention are still getting an actual assessment complete with visualization, questions and answers, and education, all from the comfort of one’s home. This is especially important for the older demographics of patients who might be in a higher risk category.&nbsp;</p>   <p>In her own mother's case, Edna has found that RPM's monitoring capabilities make physical doctor visits easier and help avoid unnecessary medication. Suffering from severe white coat syndrome, Edna’s mother can experience extremely high blood pressure when in her doctor’s office. However, because Edna monitors her blood pressure at home throughout the week and establishes a baseline, she can inform the doctor of the actual blood pressure readings. This is just one of the many helpful monitoring tools RPM gives to patients and doctors.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Because of these benefits and more, Edna is an investor for TopDocRX, an RPM company headquartered in Las Vegas, and will be utilizing Telehealth in the private practice she intends to open with her sons.&nbsp;</p>   <p>“It [TopDocRX] is very innovative and very state of the art. I’m so glad to be part of a leading company with Telehealth and RPM. I know that all my patients that come in contact with it are benefiting.”&nbsp;</p>   <p>It was a privilege to speak with Edna Hudson about her life and what she sees on the medical community's frontlines. Having spoken with many of those who have dedicated their lives to helping others, it is apparent that she has a real heart for her patients and the nursing profession. In closing, she asked me to include one of the mantras by which she lives her life and career.</p>   <p>“Duty is a matter of the mind. Commitment is a matter of the heart.”&nbsp;</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/2.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/research/news/edna-hudson-a-frontline-hero/</url> </article> <article> <ID>3365</ID> <title>Meet Dr. Randall Whitaker Maxey, a Civil Rights Activist and Doctor</title> <publishDate>2020-09-26 16:03:37</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_34 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_58"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_68 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_79 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"> <p><strong>A Voice of Reason and Hope on Both Racial Disparity and Medicine</strong></p>   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img alt=""/></figure>   <p>Dr. Randall Whitaker Maxey is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio with over 48 years of experience as a top Nephrologist. In this time, Dr. Maxey has also been a dedicated civil rights activist and lawyer. Dr. Maxey goes on to explain where his dedication to further his education stems from his current views on today’s health issues among minorities, as well as his thoughts on the current Covid pandemic.</p>   <p>Dr. Maxey was raised in a Mid-west family setting with his mother, father, and his three siblings. His mother was a schoolteacher, his father a local mortician. Dr. Maxey’s childhood was filled with fond memories consisting of weekends spent fishing with his father.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Following in his father’s footsteps, Dr. Maxey became a licensed mortician and embalmer, with a degree from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. He continued his education with a pharmacy degree from the University of Cincinnati. Torn between a career in medicine or law, he applied for graduate school in both fields of study. After trying his hand in both programs, he ultimately chose law school.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Copy-of-Dr.-Harvey-Risch-of-Yale-on-Hydroxychloroquine-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3369"/></figure>   <p>Dr. Maxey was the first black assistant Dean of Men at the University of Cincinnati, an honor which helped him pay his tuition.&nbsp; By the age of 30, Dr. Maxey had already acquired a Bachelor of Science, an M.D and a PH.</p>   <p>Dr. Maxey’s interest in practicing law diminished over time, and with that realization, he went on to attend the Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, DC. He was the first student to enter and complete their dual M.D/PhD in cardiovascular pharmacology. Dr. Maxey describes his time at Howard University as being “a special experience”. It was the first time in his already accomplished, young career that black professors and instructors surrounded him.&nbsp;</p>   <p>He moved to New York to complete his internship and fellowship at Harlem Hospital Medical Center in conjunction with Columbia University and Kings County Hospital of Brooklyn.</p>   <p>Dr. Maxey moved to Inglewood, California in 1978, pursuing his work as an attending physician in numerous hospitals, including Sinai Medical Center, Robert F. Kennedy Medical Center, and Daniel Freeman Marina Hospital.&nbsp;</p>   <p>During the 1980s he would serve 8 years at Los Angeles’ Charles R Drew University as their Clinical Assistant Professor in Medicine, as well as the Director of Nephrology at Daniel Freeman Memorial Hospital and Robert F. Kennedy Medical Center.&nbsp;</p>   <p>The early 90s-pointed Dr. Maxey’s interests towards the field of Renal failure where he followed his desire to become a licensed attending Physician in Guam. During this time, he published several notable medical papers on renal failure.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Copy-of-Dr.-Harvey-Risch-of-Yale-on-Hydroxychloroquine-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3367"/></figure>   <p>&nbsp;Dr. Maxey’s dedication over the years was not limited to the struggle between medicine and law. After joining the NMA in 1972, it was only a few years before he was elected to their Board of Trustees. His goals with the NMA have been aimed at “eliminating health disparities&nbsp; between underserved Americans and the general population”. He has remained driven and determined to push for quality, accessible healthcare for the underserved Black and Latino minority communities.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Dr. Maxey’s years of awareness in this critical area inspired him to found the Church Health Network in 1990. The Church Health Network’s goal was to help connect the health needs of the disadvantaged to local community churches to provide the most necessary medical resources.&nbsp;</p>   <p>It is Dr. Maxey’s firm belief that African American and Latino populations suffer the greatest from inadequate access to healthcare. He explains that due to allostatic experiences, medically known as the allostatic load, that poor communities suffer an excessive medical burden from traumatizing experiences, often beginning at childhood. The underserved become more susceptible to diseases like diabetes and hypertension, and thus, vulnerability to illness and high-stress levels compromise their immune system. In today’s climate, his message is incredibly helpful in building constructive solutions to systemic problems.</p>   <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With 2020 bringing the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Maxey has founded a nonprofit organization called TheBlackhealthtrust.org, focused on stopping the spread of misinformation on COVID-19 and other health crises.</p>   <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TheBlackhealthtrust.org is an educational tool to give communities information from physicians of color, who present academic topics about protecting oneself from COVID-19, providing accurate statistics, up-to-date facts on the pandemic, and lifestyle tips to protect one’s mind and body.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Untitled-design.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3366"/></figure>   <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The legacy of Dr. Randall Whitaker Maxey has spanned decades, touching the lives of communities across so many sectors, not only as a doctor, but as a lawyer, activist, and a concerned citizen who seeks out solutions everywhere he turns. He’s proven the example of a life that is never limited, pursuing every degree and honorable position in excellence, while using his remarkable gifts to help others overcome their challenges.<br></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Dr_Randall_Maxey_Full_Photo.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/?p=3365</url> </article> </articles> <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <articles> <article> <ID>14765</ID> <title>Telehealth, It’s Come A Long Way!</title> <publishDate>2021-11-02 17:21:27</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_35 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_59"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_69 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_80 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2>Telehealth has been around a lot longer than you may think</h2></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_42"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/young-woman-writing-respiratory-sickness-treatment-notebook-discussing-pills-treatment-during-online-healthcare-videocall-e1635872618472.jpg" alt="" title="young-woman-writing-respiratory-sickness-treatment-notebook-discussing-pills-treatment-during-online-healthcare-videocall" class="wp-image-14772" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_81 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Telehealth has been around a lot longer than you may think. The pandemic has made telehealth and telemedicine more of a household word as physicians limited patient’s in-person visits out of concern of spreading Covid-19. Since 2020, virtual visits have become the norm and adding a blood pressure kit, oximeter and improved electric thermometer to your Amazon cart has happened for almost all of us. But did you know that </span><a href="https://evisit.com/resources/history-of-telemedicine/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">telehealth first appeared in the 1940’s </span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">through telephone lines? And with the advancement of the motion picture industry came the technology that influenced today’s video medicine.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In addition to platforms like Skype, and Zoom for health, there are many new HIPAA compliant technologies that enable you to speak with your provider via computer, phone or tablet almost anytime, day or night. This round the clock availability provides you with access to a healthcare provider at those times of day previously regulated to an “urgent care” or emergency room visit. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Janice Johnston, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder of Redirect Health tells us that telehealth allowed her to diagnose and treat conditions virtually that range from pink eye to managing someone’s glucose levels. “Telehealth has benefited the person with open access but also meaningful follow up.” says, Dr. Johnston. A patient that met with her at 2p.m. could follow up that evening if the symptoms got worse. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This ease of connection offers great relief to both patient and caregiver, as no one has to be untethered from the care they need. If things get worse, a Redirect Health provider can schedule a virtual follow-up visit to determine the best next steps, coordinate care at the local hospital or urgent care clinic and then alert the facility when the patient is on their way.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">The new approach to managing medical needs</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Redirect Health makes healthcare work with a people-first approach to care, offering access to streamlined, affordable healthcare. Redirect Health combines physician expertise via the company’s own employed staff, easy-to-use technology and pro-active population health to bring transparency to care and cost. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><b>It works like this: </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">if you wake up with a sore throat, instead of calling your primary care doctor or heading over to the urgent care, a patient uses the Redirect Health app or care number. A concierge team speaks with you as a person, not an ID or group number. They ask what your symptoms are and help guide you to the best care. You may have a virtual visit with a provider or perhaps it will be to order your lab work. If that is the case, you’ll head directly to the lab and then have a follow up visit to go over results. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is all included in the monthly fee. You are not limited to the number of times you can speak with a provider and don’t have to worry about co-pays, deductibles and excessive time spent with a provider. It’s all part of the standard plan.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The big difference is that, instead of stepping into a doctors office, you are in the comfort of your own home. Your providers are dressed just like you, so no white coat syndrome. They want you to feel as comfortable as possible and not rush you out the door. If your telehealth plan is like one from Redirect Health, your provider is equipped with your medical history, current and past medications and has any on hand notes from past appointments, all to help you get the best care possible. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you were seeing a traditional doctor or lab, the time spent traveling to different offices alone would have taken significantly longer and could have amounted to weeks of lost time. Telehealth makes it possible to have a virtual visit and start treatment almost immediately without needing to go to the ER or urgent care. This basic difference saves time, money, offers faster relief and more complete answers to you.</span></p></div> </div><ul class="et_pb_module et_pb_social_media_follow et_pb_social_media_follow_13 clearfix et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_39 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-facebook'><a href='https://www.facebook.com/topdoctormagazine/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Facebook' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_40 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-youtube'><a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgxWTuq7ki1y7bw22kYlwg' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Youtube' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_41 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-instagram'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/topdoctormag/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Instagram' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_60"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_70 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_43"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/doctor-advising-patient-online-with-laptop.jpg" alt="" title="doctor-advising-patient-online-with-laptop" class="wp-image-14768" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_82 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Benefits of managing a chronic condition</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What about chronic conditions like diabetes or thyroid conditions? A telehealth provider can help monitor your health with lab orders to stay on top of your levels and have a direct contact to check in with you 24/7. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Covid-19 is a perfect example of how telehealth can be a lifeline when you are battling an unknown virus. Each case is so different, one minute you are breathing fine and the next minute gasping for air. A telehealth provider can assess your symptoms virtually by watching how you speak, cough and your appearance to make quick decisions about the care you need. They are also there throughout the night to contact if any new symptoms may arise and can prescribe the medications that may be necessary to get you feeling better again.</span></p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Healthcare can have many barriers and cost shouldn't be one of them.</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Far too many people get concerned when they see their provider and the visit calls for additional procedures and tests. If you don’t have a comprehensive insurance plan and/or if you are self-pay, the unknown costs can cause you to hesitate. What will the tests cost? How many will there be? What other unknown procedures are lurking around the corner? If you have ever been in this situation, you know it can feel scary staring at an open bill. Unfortunately, some people stop their treatment at this stage for this very reason, resulting in prolonging your symptoms and extending the time to start the healing process.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It’s important to note not all physicians are aware of the cost of medication or tests. On a telehealth plan, your provider can often begin with just one or two items on a bigger list to see if the first tests/procedures bring relief. The ease of frequent check-ins allows for easier connection between patient and provider and eases the stress of waiting for appointments and additional cost associated with it. </span></p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Telehealth, an option to explore</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Inquire with your insurance if they offer a virtual service. If they do not, you can find plans out there that offer telemedicine services and have regular open enrollment so you can sign on as a member and have access to their providers. Consider your lifestyle if you think this may work for you. Services like Redirect Health are a great option if you have children because no one wants to get out of their comfy bed at 2a.m. to go to the ER for their 5 years old’s rash or upset tummy.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Remember as you look at plans to be sure and include the following items:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ability to see the same provider multiple times</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Available 24/7/365</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Easy access to health history once you have provided it</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The pandemic may have propelled virtual medicine into our lives, but the quality and access to care will launch this service into the mainstream soon. The good news is that this shift will improve the healthcare experience for everyone, not just people who are on specialized plans.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Melissa Blatt is the founder of indipop, simple and affordable healthcare for the self employed. To learn more about health plans that offer 24/7 virtual care, visit. www.indipop.co</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/young-woman-writing-respiratory-sickness-treatment-notebook-discussing-pills-treatment-during-online-healthcare-videocall-e1635872618472.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/guest-blogs/telehealth-its-come-a-long-way/</url> </article> </articles> <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <articles> <article> <ID>27166</ID> <title>3 Vegan Recipes for Christmas</title> <publishDate>2022-12-18 21:30:36</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_36 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_61"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_71 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <ul class="et_pb_module et_pb_social_media_follow et_pb_social_media_follow_14 clearfix et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_42 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-facebook'><a href='https://www.facebook.com/topdoctormagazine/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Facebook' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_43 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-youtube'><a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgxWTuq7ki1y7bw22kYlwg' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Youtube' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_44 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-instagram'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/topdoctormag/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Instagram' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li> </ul><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_83 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><span style="font-weight: 400;">For many Americans, every Christmas abounds with mealtime memories of glazed ham, gravy and turkey or prime rib. Such meals can be conflicting for those who have since adopted a vegan diet. Thankfully, the rise in the acceptance and popularity of veganism means they can maintain festivity and flavor with vegan Christmas meals.</span>  <a href="https://sentientmedia.org/how-many-vegans-are-there-in-the-u-s/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">6.5 million Americans</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> self-identify as vegans, and the number is ever-growing. In 2021, Google searches for the phrase "vegan food near me" </span><a href="https://vegnews.com/2021/12/google-searches-for-vegan-food" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">increased by over 5,000%</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">As a result, the market for both animal-based food and products has also grown tremendously. </span><a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2022/05/30/2452673/0/en/Vegan-Food-Market-Size-to-Worth-Around-USD-65-4-Bn-by-2030.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">As per Precedence Research</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, the global vegan food market is projected to be $65.4 billion in 2030, growing at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.4% between 2022-2030. </span><a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/vegan-leather-market-research-report-111800171.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Other research indicates</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> that the global vegan leather market is set to reach $66.92 billion by 2026, growing a CAGR of 9.93% between 2020-2026.</span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">To celebrate the proliferation of the vegan lifestyle at home and abroad, below are three vegan recipes for meat-free Christmas.</span>  &nbsp; <h2><strong>Vegan Recipes for Christmas</strong></h2> <span style="font-weight: 400;">The three vegan Christmas recipes below will make your home legendary amongst your loved ones. Even with vegan meals as the centerpiece, it is possible to create lifelong memories of amazing food that complements spending time with those you love and care about.</span>  &nbsp; <h3><strong>An Easy Whole Roasted Cauliflower</strong></h3> <a href="https://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/vegetables-recipes/whole-roasted-cauliflower/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">This show-stopping recipe</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is the perfect first Christmas meal for the first year of your vegan lifestyle. Substantial, packed with flavor and ready to serve in under two hours, this whole roasted cauliflower is a must-try.</span> <h4><strong>Ingredients</strong></h4> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 large cauliflower with outer leaves (2 pounds)</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 lemon</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">4 cloves of garlic</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">4 tablespoons of dry sherry</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 teaspoon of smoked paprika</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/2 bunch of fresh thyme</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/2 bunch of fresh parsley</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 handful of flaked almonds</span></li> </ul> <h4><strong>How To Prepare</strong></h4> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Preheat the oven to 350 F.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Peel the garlic, then mix it with the paprika and half of the thyme leaves in a pestle and mortar. Beat well until you have a rough paste. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season to taste.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Using a grater of your choice, zest the lemon and place the zest in a separate bowl.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cut off the outer leaves and stalk of the cauliflower and discard the trimmings. The cauliflower can now rest flatly. Cut a cross into the bottom side of the cauliflower.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Put the cauliflower in a medium casserole pan and lather it with paprika paste. Drizzle the cauliflower with the sherry and squeeze out the lemon juice over it.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cover and put in a hot oven for about 1 hour 20 minutes or until soft. Take the lid off for the last 20 minutes.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Take the pan out of the oven. Tear or cut the tomatoes into chunks and add them. Sprinkle the lemon zest and the rest of the thyme leaves over the top.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Put the pan back in the oven for 1- more minutes or until the cauliflower has a deep golden brown color.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the meantime, toast the almonds in a dry pan or pot over low to medium heat until fragrant and golden. Allow the almonds to cool completely before using them further.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Once the cauliflower achieves the desired color and has been removed from the oven, break the almonds over it and garnish with parsley leaves.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Drizzle over the extra virgin olive oil before serving.</span></li> </ol> <span style="font-weight: 400;">For new vegans, this recipe is a no-brainer in terms of preparation, ease and taste.</span>  &nbsp; <h3><strong>Juicy, Tender Tofu Turkey Roast</strong></h3> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Replicating turkey's texture and wow factor for those on a vegan diet takes skill and precision. </span><a href="https://itdoesnttastelikechicken.com/best-vegan-turkey-roast-perfect-for-thanksgiving/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">This recipe</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> will put your culinary skills to the test.</span> <h4><strong>Ingredients</strong></h4> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">17 ounces of firm tofu</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">5 ounces of rice paper</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">6 ounces of gluten flour</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Enough powdered vegetable broth to create 24-32 ounces of liquid broth</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/2 teaspoon of onion powder</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/2 teaspoon of thyme</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/2 teaspoon of sage</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 ounce of soy sauce</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">2 ounces of vegan butter</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">2 ounces of nutritional yeast</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 ounce of white miso paste</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Salt (to taste)</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Black pepper (to taste)</span></li> </ul> <h4><strong>How To Prepare</strong></h4> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Add the firm tofu, white miso paste, nutritional yeast, salt, thyme, gluten flour, powdered vegetable broth, garlic powder, sage and onion powder to a food processor. Blend until a ball is formed. Add water as necessary to achieve a smooth consistency. Refrain from mixing by hand to avoid creating a rubbery texture.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Using your hands, shape the tofu mixture into a desired, turkey-like shape.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Wrap the oval-shaped tofu mixture in foil, but not too tightly, to avoid altering the shape and smooth texture.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Add a steaming basket to a pot and boil some water, either in the pot or with a kettle. Once the water is steaming, add the foil-wrapped roast and let it steam for one hour.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Place the tofu mixture in a fridge for up to three days (the longer, the better).</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Once the desired cooling period has elapsed, remove the tofu mixture from the fridge and remove the foil covering it.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Preheat your oven to 400 F and gently grease a suitably sized baking tray before placing the tofu mixture on the tray. Do not put it in the oven yet.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Combine salt, black pepper, thyme, garlic powder, soy sauce and melted vegan butter in a mixing bowl.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lather the tofu mixture with vegan butter mix. Ensure that all sides are covered.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Add moisture to the rice paper for 30 seconds and allow it to soften.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cover the tofu mixture with the rice paper. Brush the vegan butter mix over the rice paper to soften it further and ensure it sticks to the roast.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Put the roast in the oven for 15 minutes at 400 F, then brush the remainder of the vegan butter mix before returning it to the oven for up to 25 minutes. Remove it once the rice paper skin is deep golden brown and crispy.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Allow the roast to cool for 10 minutes before serving.</span></li> </ol> <span style="font-weight: 400;">This vegan turkey roast will imbue any dinner with the Christmas spirit and wow all participants. Don't hesitate to embark on a culinary labor of love for your friends and family this holiday season.</span>  &nbsp; <h3><strong>Complex Fig and Vegan Custard Tart</strong></h3> <a href="https://www.taste.com.au/recipes/vegan-fig-custard-tart/sFmqokRJ?r=recipes/veganchristmasrecipes&amp;c=xn0MWNDI/Vegan%20christmas%20recipes" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">This recipe</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> creates an unforgettable dessert for those who want to satisfy their sweet tooth.</span> <h4><strong>Ingredients</strong></h4> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">10 fresh figs</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">3 strips of orange rind</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 unseeded and split vanilla bean (keep the seeds)</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">5 ounces of pistachios</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">2 ounces of cornflour</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">14 ounces of vegan milk of your choosing (we recommend coconut or almond)</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1.7 ounces of candied ginger</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">16 ounces of rolled oats</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">4 ounces of desiccated coconut flesh</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">2 ounces of hardened coconut oil</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sea salt (to taste)</span></li> </ul> <h4><strong>How To Prepare</strong></h4> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Preheat the oven to 350 F.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Grease a removable base-fluted tart mold (roughly 1.4 inches deep and 9.4 inches in diameter) with coconut oil.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">To create the tart base, use a food processor to combine the pistachios, ginger and oats (8 ounces) until finely cut up.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Add the desiccated coconut, maple syrup, salt, coconut oil and remaining oats into the processed mixture to create a sticky substance. Press the final mixture into the base of the mold until smooth and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let it cool once done.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a mixing bowl, add the cornflour and slowly whisk in 8 ounces of vegan milk until smoothly combined, then add in the rest of the milk.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pour the mixture into a saucepan. Add the vanilla pod and seeds, orange rind and maple syrup. Cook on low to medium heat for six minutes or until it thickens.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Once it thickens, transfer the mixture to a heat-tolerant bowl for 30 minutes, stirring it periodically. Discard the vanilla pod and orange rinds.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cover the mixture and place it into the fridge to cool for an hour.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Once the mixture has cooled, whisk it until it reaches a smooth, custard-like consistency, then add the coconut yogurt before whisking until everything is combined.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Spread the custard over the base and let it sit for three hours or until firm.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Remove from the fridge and slice the figs. Place the figs and the remaining pistachios over the tart as desired, and drizzle over the maple syrup before serving.</span></li> </ol> <span style="font-weight: 400;">This vegan fig and custard tart is the best way to end a fabulous Christmas dinner.</span>  &nbsp; <h2><strong>A Merry Vegan Christmas to You, All!</strong></h2> <span style="font-weight: 400;">A festive holiday season is entirely possible on a vegan diet. You can preserve your beliefs, morals and values while sharing delicious food with your loved ones. Thanks to these three recipes, vegan Christmases have never been easier.</span></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/vegan.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/holiday-special/3-vegan-recipes-for-christmas/</url> </article> <article> <ID>26930</ID> <title>Five Tips for Intuitive Eating Over the Holiday Season</title> <publishDate>2022-11-17 11:10:55</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_37 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_62"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_72 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <ul class="et_pb_module et_pb_social_media_follow et_pb_social_media_follow_15 clearfix et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_45 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-facebook'><a href='https://www.facebook.com/topdoctormagazine/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Facebook' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_46 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-youtube'><a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgxWTuq7ki1y7bw22kYlwg' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Youtube' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_47 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-instagram'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/topdoctormag/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Instagram' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li> </ul><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_84 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">People who have implemented and benefited from dietary changes know how conflicting the approach of the holiday season can be. Our minds abound with questions such as: </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">is it okay to indulge for just a couple of weeks?</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> or </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">will my friends and family be willing to cater to my dietary requirements?</span></i></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You are not alone. Surveys show that </span><a href="https://swnsdigital.com/us/2021/11/over-60-of-americans-agree-they-deserve-to-indulge-in-holiday-treats/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">over half of Americans</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> go into the festive season intending to put their diets on hold. Whether or not this is justified according to health, social or lifestyle perspectives, the conundrum posed by dieting during the holidays reveals a downside of rigid and uncompromising dietary regimens.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">An excellent alternative is gaining in popularity — </span><a href="https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-is-intuitive-eating" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">intuitive eating</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Intuitive eating is a practice whereby you forego the austerity required by traditional diets and instead try to get in tune with your body's needs. By listening to their bodies, people who practice intuitive eating can achieve the benefits of traditional diets — weight loss, appetite control and improved mental and physical well-being — without hassle!</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><strong>Does Intuitive Eating Work?</strong></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As with any new or resurfacing idea, most people approach the concept of intuitive eating with a healthy dose of skepticism. Thankfully, the scientific literature supports the efficacy and merits of intuitive eating.</span></p> <p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6360478/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">A qualitative study of middle-aged women</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> published in the Health Psychology Open journal found that intuitive eating helped participants avoid the negative feelings associated with setbacks in following a strict diet. These negative feelings include frustration, depression and demoralization.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Critics of intuitive eating claim that it can lead to uncontrollable eating habits. However, </span><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1740144521000887" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">a study of over 700 Hungarian university students</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> found little to no connection between intuitive eating and uncontrolled eating.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3><strong>Can Intuitive Eating Help You Lose Weight?</strong></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The desire to lose weight, improve one's physique or boost overall self-image is one of the primary reasons individuals alter their diets. </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8535513/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">A mixed methods study</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that self-image, alongside overall health, was the main impetus behind participants changing their diets.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Intuitive eating is effective at helping individuals lose weight healthily. </span><a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/256073762_Review_Article_Relationships_between_intuitive_eating_and_health_indicators_Literature_review" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">An Australian literature review of 26 studies</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> found that individuals who follow intuitive eating principles had, on average, a lower body mass index (BMI) than those not following intuitive eating. It also found many other benefits associated with intuitive eating outside weight loss, including improved cholesterol readings and better diastolic blood pressure markers.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><strong>Intuitive Eating Principles</strong></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As a modern dietary concept, </span><a href="https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-intuitive-eating/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">intuitive eating was created</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> by a dietician, Evelyn Tribole, and a nutritionist, Elyse Resch, in 1995. Tribole and Resch centered their concept around </span><a href="http://www.intuitiveeating.org/10-principles-of-intuitive-eating/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">10 principles</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">:</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Reject the diet mentality</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Letting go of the diet culture of restriction and shame frees individuals to live freely and fully.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Honor your hunger</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Eating when your body signals to you, through hunger, that it needs nutrition averts overeating further down the line.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Make peace with food</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Insatiable cravings and bouts of guilt are mitigated by not creating a list of forbidden foods.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Challenge the food police</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Avoid labeling certain food groups as "good" or "bad" to free yourself from the cycle of negativity associated with diets.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Discover the satisfaction factor</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Enjoy food instead of associating meals with weight gain and guilt — this approach will help you discover when you have truly eaten your fill.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Feel your fullness</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Be mindful of the signals your body sends about your level of satiety.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Cope with Your emotions and kindness</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Recognize that emotional eating won't solve your problems, and try to recognize your emotional triggers.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Respect your body</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Accepting your body and genetic traits is a critical step in intuitive eating.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Movement — Feel the difference</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Move your body without giving yourself the pressure of following stringent exercise routines.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Honor your health — Gentle nutrition</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Provide your body with adequate nutrition, and it will reward you. Don't beat yourself up over one unhealthy meal. True progress is made gradually over time — one slip-up won't set you back.</span></li> </ol> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><strong>Intuitive Eating Tips</strong></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The principles of intuitive eating can be a lot to take in all at once. Moreover, taking abstract concepts and implementing them simultaneously can take time and effort. Hence, deriving five actionable tips for this holiday season can help you successfully implement intuitive eating.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3><strong>Afford Yourself the Pleasure of Enjoying the Holidays</strong></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The festive season only comes around once per year — a time of joy, celebration and happiness. You deserve to indulge in the cheerful spirit of the holidays without being shackled down by guilt and shame. Give yourself permission to eat your favorite foods, relish holiday drinks and savor the generational homemade recipes that only come out during the holidays.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3><strong>Don't View Healthy Eating as Black and White</strong></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Refrain from believing that there is no point in eating healthily or practicing moderation during the holiday season. Just because you are having dessert after dinner doesn't mean your healthy lifestyle is irreversibly damaged. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Many people make the mistake of exhibiting extremes during the festive period. Individuals either punish themselves by practicing total austerity (and missing out on fantastic meals), or they abandon any semblance of healthy eating and believe that because they are not following their diet to the tee, they now have to overeat at every opportunity. A healthy compromise and balance are always within reach.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3><strong>Trust Your Body</strong></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Listening to your body will let you know when it has had enough food and if it can endure the third helping of turkey and cranberry sauce. Your body is designed to regulate your appetite and eating habits as per its needs. You don't have to police your every thought and want associated with food during the holiday season.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3><strong>Be Kind to Yourself and Those Around You</strong></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Well-intended jokes and comments about overeating and the need for a period of dieting following the holidays might seem harmless, but they can fuel a toxic cycle. You are not the only one at risk of falling victim to this. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Be mindful of the jokes you make and the conversations you engage with regarding other people's appetites, appearances or health. By channeling this positive change outward, you will naturally afford yourself the same kindness. Don't perpetuate the notion that enjoying yourself during this period is unhealthy and worthy of punitive measures.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3><strong>Don't Punish Yourself After the Holidays</strong></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Once the new year arrives, don't subject yourself to arbitrary, oppressive, unfair food rules. Instead, acknowledge that there is a time and place for enjoyment and indulgence and that you deserve to treat yourself. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Punishing yourself is counterproductive and likely to worsen future eating habits.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><strong>Harness the Power of Intuitive Eating</strong></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A true commitment to intuitive eating requires being kinder to yourself and fostering a healthier relationship with food. There is no need to punish yourself during or after the holidays. You deserve to focus your thoughts, time and energy on resting, enjoying the company of your loved ones and reflecting on the past year. By trusting your body to do what it was designed to do — regulate your hunger and eating habits — you can enjoy guilt-free participation in all of the holiday festivities!</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/eating.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wellness/health-nutrition/five-tips-for-intuitive-eating-over-the-holiday-season/</url> </article> <article> <ID>26920</ID> <title>How To Make Holiday Cookies for Every Dietary Need!</title> <publishDate>2022-11-16 10:44:16</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_38 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_63"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_73 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <ul class="et_pb_module et_pb_social_media_follow et_pb_social_media_follow_16 clearfix et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_48 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-facebook'><a href='https://www.facebook.com/topdoctormagazine/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Facebook' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_49 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-youtube'><a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgxWTuq7ki1y7bw22kYlwg' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Youtube' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_50 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-instagram'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/topdoctormag/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Instagram' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li> </ul><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_85 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Society has been serving the holidays with a side of </span><a href="https://www.history.com/news/dont-forget-santas-cookies-and-milk-the-history-of-a-popular-christmas-tradition" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">cookies and milk since the 1930s</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Baking these staple holiday treats has become a tradition in many families' homes. But with more people opting to follow specific diets, relying on those old-timey recipes can become difficult. Maybe you've recently chosen to reduce your gluten intake, or your cousins coming over are strictly </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ketogenic-diet-101" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Keto</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Whatever the case, these holiday cookie recipe ideas will cover all your bases. Who knows, maybe even Santa has changed his diet recently!</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These six recipes for holiday cookies will suit a variety of dietary requirements without compromising the flavor and baking fun!</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><strong>Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cookies</strong></h2> <p><a href="https://www.foodfaithfitness.com/sugar-free-peanut-butter-cookies/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">This recipe</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is low-carb and gluten and dairy-free.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Peanut butter cookies pair perfectly with a cool glass of dairy or </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-milk-substitutes" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">non-dairy milk</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, including these sugar-free cookies. The recipe calls for minimal ingredients and is protein-packed — a perfect guilt-free holiday cookie!</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ingredients</span></h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 cup of peanut butter</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">3/4 cups of Truvia or a plant-based sweetener of your choice</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/2 teaspoon of salt</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 egg</span></li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">How To Prepare</span></h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Place the peanut butter, salt and Truvia into a bowl. Beat together using an electric mixer.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Add the egg to the peanut butter mixture and mix until the mixture forms a dough.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Scoop the dough onto the baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Press the dough balls out with a fork.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Place the baking tray into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These holiday cookies are simple yet delicious, and for added utility, they can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><strong>Bowl Snickerdoodle Cookies</strong></h2> <p><a href="https://minimalistbaker.com/1-bowl-snickerdoodle-cookies-vegan-gf/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">This recipe</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is gluten-free, </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vegan-diet-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">vegan</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and naturally sweetened. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It is no wonder that snickerdoodle cookies are such a fan favorite — cinnamon-infused puffy pillow cookies sound like the perfect Christmas cookie! Even better, this recipe comes together in no time at all! </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ingredients for Coating</span></h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">2 tablespoons of coconut sugar or cane sugar</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon</span></li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ingredients for Cookies</span></h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/2 of vegan or dairy butter</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 1/3 cups of gluten-free flour blend</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 1/4 cups of almond flour</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/2 cup of coconut sugar or cane sugar</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">3 tablespoons of </span><a href="https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/what-is-aquafaba" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Aquafaba</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> or 1 egg</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 teaspoon of vanilla extract</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">3/4 teaspoon of baking powder</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar (optional)</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 1/4 teaspoons of ground cinnamon</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/4 teaspoon of sea salt</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">2 tablespoons of cornstarch or arrowroot starch</span></li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">How To Prepare</span></h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Preheat the oven to 350 F and line two baking trays with parchment paper. Set aside for later.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Start by preparing the coating. Add the sugar and cinnamon to a bowl and combine and set aside.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Add softened butter to a large mixing bowl and mix until creamy and smooth.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Add sugar to the butter and mix on medium speed. The mixture should be fluffy and light.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Add the Aquafaba, egg and vanilla and mix again, scraping down the sides of the bowl.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Add the baking powder, cream of tartar, ground cinnamon and sea salt to this mixture. Mix lightly until combined. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Add the gluten-free flour, almond flour and starch powder and gently mix until combined.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Once the dough is thick and moldable, cover the bowl and transfer it to the fridge. Chill the dough for 30 minutes.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Using a tablespoon or cookie scooper, measure out equal-sized amounts. Roll the dough into balls in the cinnamon and sugar mixture until coated evenly.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Arrange the balls on the parchment-lined baking tray and gently press down with the palm of your hand.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Snickerdoodle cookies are quintessentially festive, so giving these a try this season is a must!</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><strong>Keto Thumbprint Cookies</strong></h2> <p><a href="https://www.sweetashoney.co/keto-thumbprint-cookies/#recipe-card" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">This recipe</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is low-carb, gluten-free, Keto and vegetarian.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Keto desserts are often hard to come by, but this cookie recipe has you covered. They are filled with a raspberry </span><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/291334" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">chia seed jam</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to add cheer to your dessert table!</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ingredients</span></h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/4 cup of unsalted butter</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">3 tablespoons of cream cheese</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/3 cup of erythritol</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 3/4 cups of almond flour</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/4 teaspoon of sea salt</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">12 teaspoons of Keto raspberry jam</span></li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">How To Prepare</span></h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Line a baking tray with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350 F.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Add the softened butter, cream cheese and erythritol to a bowl and mix with an electric mixer on high speed.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Add the almond flour, egg, salt and vanilla extract to this mixture. Mix again on medium speed until a fluffy, sticky cookie dough forms.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Place the cookie dough in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Remove the dough and roll it out into balls, placing each on the tray.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">To create the print, place your thumbprint into the center of the dough ball.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Add the sugar-free jam to fill 3/4 of the thumbprint.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bake for 15-18 minutes or until lightly browned. Once out, let them cool completely.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Perfect for anyone who has </span><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/diabetes.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">diabetes</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> or for anyone looking for a low-carb, low-sugar festive cookie alternative!</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><strong>Paleo Chocolate Crinkles</strong></h2> <p><a href="https://www.simplyjillicious.com/paleo-christmas-cookies-chocolate-crinkles-gluten-free-dairy-free/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">This recipe</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is refined sugar, dairy and gluten-free.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Crinkle cookies are often the star of the show, with the lovely contrast between the chocolatey brown cookie and the white powdered sugar!</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ingredients for the Cookie</span></h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 1/4 cups of almond flour</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/4 cup of raw cacao powder</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/4 cup of coconut sugar</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/4 teaspoon of baking soda</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/2 teaspoon of baking powder</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/4 teaspoon of sea salt</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/4 cup of pure maple syrup</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">2 tablespoons of avocado oil</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 egg</span></li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ingredients for the Maple Powdered Sugar Coating</span></h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">2 tablespoons of maple sugar</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 1/2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder</span></li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">How To Prepare</span></h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Preheat the oven to 350 F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mix the coconut sugar, almond flour, cacao powder, salt, baking soda and baking powder in a bowl.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Add the eggs, vanilla, maple syrup and oil and mix to form a dough. Let the dough sit for at least 10 minutes at room temperature.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Prepare the powdered sugar by placing 2 tablespoons of maple sugar into your food processor or grinder and pulsing until the sugar forms a coarse powder.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Place the roughly powdered maple sugar into a medium-sized bowl along with the arrowroot powder, and stir until well combined.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop the dough directly into the powdered sugar bowl. Shake the bowl to coat the cookie dough evenly with the powdered sugar mixture.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Remove the dough and place it on the baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes and let them cool to room temperature.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You would never guess these cookies are gluten, dairy and refined sugar-free!</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><strong>Millet, Almond and Pistachio Cookies</strong></h2> <p><a href="https://nirvanacakery.com/millet-almond-and-pistachio-cookies/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">This recipe</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is gluten-free and vegan.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Millet is </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-millet" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">high in fiber</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and gluten-free, which adds excellent health benefits to these cookies. This recipe is a perfect rework of a top holiday cookie recipe!</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ingredients</span></h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/2 cup of millet</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 cup of almond flour</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/3 cup of pistachios, chopped</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 pinch of bicarbonate of soda</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 pinch of sea salt</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/2 of lemon zest</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">3 tablespoons of coconut oil, melted</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">3 tablespoons of maple syrup</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 teaspoon of vanilla extract</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 teaspoon of lemon juice</span></li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">How To Prepare</span></h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Preheat the oven to 350 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Place the millet into a food processor and blend until it forms a flour-like consistency.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Combine millet flour, almond flour, cardamom, baking soda and salt in a large bowl and whisk together. Mix in chopped pistachios and lemon zest. Set aside.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Whisk melted coconut oil with lemon juice, vanilla and maple syrup in a small bowl. Pour this mixture into the dry mixture bowl.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Combine all the ingredients to form a dough. Leave to stand for 10 minutes.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Roll cookie dough balls in the palms of your hands and place them onto the lined tray.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bake for about 15 minutes until light golden brown.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Similar to biscotti, these cookies have an elegant flavor profile and are the perfect addition to any festive dinner party!</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><strong>Spritz Cookies Made With Homemade Food Coloring</strong></h2> <p><a href="https://draxe.com/recipes/spritz-cookies/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">This recipe</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is dairy, gluten, artificial colorant and refined sugar-free.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Originating in </span><a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/spritz-cookies_l_61a8e1b3e4b0f398af1dc0fd" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Scandinavia and Germany</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, spritz cookies are fun to bake and even better to eat! This recipe is guilt-free and will keep you and your guests reaching for more.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ingredients</span></h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">2 cups of paleo flour (a combination of almond arrowroot, coconut and tapioca flour)</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 teaspoon of baking powder</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/2 cup of maple syrup</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">2 tablespoons of coconut oil</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">2 teaspoons of vanilla extract</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">4 teaspoons of almond extract</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">4 tablespoons of flaxseed meal</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/2 cup of water</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/2 teaspoon of powdered </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-spirulina" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">spirulina</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> for green coloring</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 tablespoon of red beetroot juice for red coloring</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 spritz cookie press</span></li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">How To Prepare</span></h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Preheat the oven to 350 F.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Combine half the flour, baking powder, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla, almond extract, flaxseed meal, the total quantity of beetroot juice and 1/4 cup water in a medium-sized bowl.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Repeat this step with the remaining ingredients and replace the beetroot juice with spirulina powder.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mix thoroughly until well-combined.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Spoon mixtures into the cookie press, one after the other, after choosing the cookie shape.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Use the cookie press to spritz cookies onto a lined baking sheet.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bake for 8-10 minutes and cool before serving.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Spritz cookies come in all shapes and sizes, so this is a precious opportunity to get creative with shapes and colors!</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">There's Always an Option!</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Your cookie traditions do not have to sit on the back burner this Christmas. So many alternatives and different options are available today to suit a wide array of dietary requirements if you want to try something new this year. Using the recipes provided above will fit just about any palate and lifestyle!</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/holiday-cookies.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wellness/health-nutrition/how-to-make-holiday-cookies-for-every-dietary-need/</url> </article> <article> <ID>15347</ID> <title>Do You Have Plants in Your Home? You Should. Here Are 5 Health Benefits</title> <publishDate>2022-01-15 19:10:52</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_39 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_64"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_74 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_44"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/garden-home-concept.jpg" alt="" title="garden-home-concept" class="wp-image-15348" /></span> </div><ul class="et_pb_module et_pb_social_media_follow et_pb_social_media_follow_17 clearfix et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_51 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-facebook'><a href='https://www.facebook.com/topdoctormagazine/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Facebook' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_52 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-youtube'><a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgxWTuq7ki1y7bw22kYlwg' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Youtube' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_53 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-instagram'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/topdoctormag/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Instagram' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li> </ul><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_86 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It seems that more of us than ever are either spending more time in our homes or working from them. For some, this has meant newfound flexibility, but for others, it has created more loneliness and isolation. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The solution to this problem might be simpler than you think. Research has shown that adding plants to your home, known as biophilic design, can have significant health benefits. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"The benefits of biophilic design have been linked to an extraordinary number of positive health improvements, physically, psychologically and socially both short and long-term," </span><a href="https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/there-s-a-reason-why-you-want-more-plants-in-your-home-20210915-p58rxr.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Suzie Barnett</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, general manager of Sydney-based 'living infrastructure' company Junglefy, and Chair of the Biophilic Design Initiative, shared.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So what are these benefits of incorporating plants into your home? </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">#1: Reduce Stress</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Adding a green friend to your house can help you regulate your stress. Many plants, such as lavender, are often consumed in tea to help relieve stress and anxiety. But it turns out that plants can do more to help us relieve stress than just being boiled for tea. Having potted plants around your house can be invaluable for battling the stress and anxiety which can weigh us down. According to a </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-home-guide/benefits-of-indoor-plants#7-benefits"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Journal of Physiological Anthropology study</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, plants in your home or office can make you feel more comfortable, soothed and natural. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Furthermore, the study also found that the gardening needed to help these plants thrive in your home also helped to reduce physiological and psychological stress. This could be especially helpful for those who handle demanding tasks or mental stress. For example, being around plants can </span><a href="https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ss/slideshow-health-benefits-houseplants"><span style="font-weight: 400;">help reduce</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> your blood pressure, heart rate and your levels of the stress hormone cortisol, while some plants like lavender can reduce anxiety. </span></p> <p><a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-home-guide/benefits-of-indoor-plants#7-benefits"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Researchers</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> also have found that plants can help those suffering from mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety by increasing "feelings of well-being." So if you find yourself suffering from routine or occasional depression, anxiety or stress, make sure to consider growing some green friends! </span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">#2: Create a Better Work Environment</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Creating a better working environment for you is another benefit of keeping house plants. </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-home-guide/benefits-of-indoor-plants#7-benefits"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Research</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> has found that by working near plants, you can increase your creativity and job satisfaction. Adding an indoor plant can </span><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/indoor-plants-can-instantly-boost-your-health-happiness-ncna781806"><span style="font-weight: 400;">improve</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> concentration and productivity by up to 15%. Thus, adding a potted plant to your home office can help you work faster and be more creative, making plants a must-have for those that work at home. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, plants can have substantial health benefits even if you don't work from home.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"Students in classrooms with three potted plants performed better on math, spelling, reading, and science tests than kids in classrooms without any greens," </span><a href="https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ss/slideshow-health-benefits-houseplants"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Serkissian</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, a member of the American College of Emergency Physicians, shared. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This principle holds true even if you're not a student. Science routinely shows that working near plants will increase your focus to accomplish any task. </span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">#3: Boost Your Mood</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In addition to helping you be productive and reduce stress, plants can raise your mood. As we have all experienced at one point or another, a bouquet can often help brighten one's day. But this holds for more than just flowers. </span></p> <p> <span style="font-weight: 400;">As explained by </span><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/nomanazish/2018/02/10/think-you-dont-need-houseplants-science-says-different/?sh=1d934e6f3595"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Joey Doherty</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, a Certified Wellness Counselor, having plants in your home boosts your mood by releasing cytokines, leading your brain to produce more serotonin. This release of serotonin causes your brain to feel happier and more relaxed, which improves mood. As a result, adding plants to your home is like adding a natural antidepressant that can raise your mood even on the darkest day. </span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">#4: Improve Your Air Quality</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Plants can also work as natural air filters to purify your air. According to a study conducted by </span><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/indoor-plants-can-instantly-boost-your-health-happiness-ncna781806"><span style="font-weight: 400;">NASA</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, houseplants can remove up to 87% of air toxins in 24 hours. Removing these toxins allows you to breathe easier and, consequently, to feel better. This is especially true for people who suffer from allergies, as plants also purify the air by </span><a href="https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ss/slideshow-health-benefits-houseplants"><span style="font-weight: 400;">removing dust and mold</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Adding a plant to your home can make your air healthier. If it's healthy enough for NASA, then it's probably healthy for you too! </span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">#5: Keep You Healthier</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Plants go beyond your air and mental health; they also improve your physical health and help you combat illness. According to several studies, plants and greenery can help surgery patients </span><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/nomanazish/2018/02/10/think-you-dont-need-houseplants-science-says-different/?sh=1d934e6f3595"><span style="font-weight: 400;">heal faster</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><a href="https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ss/slideshow-health-benefits-houseplants"><span style="font-weight: 400;">tolerate pain</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> better. By adding a plant to your home, you can contribute to the strength of your body to heal faster and need less pain medication. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Plants are so much more than pleasant house decorations. They can tangibly improve your lifestyle by reducing your stress, improving your work environment, boosting your mood and air quality, all while helping you stay healthier for longer. All these benefits can only mean one thing: adding plants to your home is a must-have for everyone, from students to home office workers! </span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/garden-home-concept.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wellness/lifestyle/do-you-have-plants-in-your-home-you-should-here-are-5-health-benefits/</url> </article> <article> <ID>15329</ID> <title>Don't Forget to Include Your Mental Health in Your New Year's Resolutions</title> <publishDate>2022-01-14 18:20:35</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_40 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_65"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_75 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_45"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/happy-woman-enjoying-idyllic-nature-celebrating-freedom-rising-her-arms.jpg" alt="" title="happy-woman-enjoying-idyllic-nature-celebrating-freedom-rising-her-arms" class="wp-image-15332" /></span> </div><ul class="et_pb_module et_pb_social_media_follow et_pb_social_media_follow_18 clearfix et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_54 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-facebook'><a href='https://www.facebook.com/topdoctormagazine/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Facebook' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_55 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-youtube'><a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgxWTuq7ki1y7bw22kYlwg' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Youtube' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_56 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-instagram'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/topdoctormag/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Instagram' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li> </ul><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_87 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Approximately</span><a href="https://today.yougov.com/topics/lifestyle/articles-reports/2020/12/23/2021-new-years-resolutions-poll"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> 27% of the U.S. population</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> makes New Year's resolutions. Unfortunately, while resolutions represent applaudable intentions, they are often steeped in shame, guilt, and self-blame. This year, put your mental health at the forefront by setting goals that fulfill you rather than induce shame.</span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">How New Year's Resolutions Impact Your Mental Health</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The "new year, new you" rhetoric pushes you to focus on what you didn't accomplish this year. As these unchecked tick boxes pile up in your mind, you resolve to turn them around. In the new year, you're going to make up for lost time and change harmful habits once and for all.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Unfortunately, this mindset perpetuates a feeling of inadequacy. It makes you feel you can't measure up to what other people are doing or your personal goals. And because most New Year's resolutions are centered on achievements and productivity, they neglect to make room for positive mental health. So when February finds you going back on your resolutions, the cycle of dissatisfaction with yourself continues.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">That doesn't mean that you should avoid setting goals. Laying out objectives has numerous benefits, including:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Helping you prioritize and organize even when you're overwhelmed</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Allowing you to connect with your intuition</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Relaxing your central nervous system by giving you a plan to face the unknown</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Providing a framework for learning what works and what doesn't</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Increasing your </span><a href="https://thebestbrainpossible.com/goals-mental-health-brain-habits/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">satisfaction with life</span></a></li> </ul> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tips for Setting Supportive Resolutions</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Making New Year's resolutions can be helpful, but many people go about this task the wrong way. They may set unrealistic goals, contributing to tension, anxiety, and stress. In addition, many resolutions are rooted in insecurity, negativity, and restriction instead of affirmation, positivity, and abundance. Even if your resolutions aren't specifically directed at your mental health, they can support your psychological wellness.</span></p> <h3> </h3> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Focus on Being Instead of Doing</span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a society that applauds productivity and efficiency over rest and rejuvenation, most people feel like they should do more. But adding obligations to a loaded schedule is a recipe for failure. Instead, eliminate some pressure by setting objectives for who you want to be instead of what you want to do. Doing this also helps you set authentic goals. When your resolutions are aligned with your more profound aspirations, you're more likely to enjoy accomplishing and sticking with them.</span></p> <h3> </h3> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Take Baby Steps</span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One of the reasons why </span><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0899328988800166?via%3Dihub"><span style="font-weight: 400;">80% of people</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> don't keep up their New Year's resolutions is that their goals are unattainable. Challenges can be motivating, but they're discouraging if they're unfeasible.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Constantly falling short of your resolutions can make you beat yourself up. Furthermore, failure to advance toward your goals may exacerbate depression and anxiety.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Making achievable resolutions keeps you in a motivated, positive mindset. You activate your brain's reward centers every time you reach an objective. That subconscious pat on the back gives you confidence that you can perpetuate positive habits. In addition, your self-assurance will help you tackle tasks with ease, relieving stress</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">and supporting a healthy emotional state.</span></p> <h3> </h3> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Make It Fun</span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Many adults fall out of the habit of playing as they get older. We have different priorities and more responsibilities than we did as children. As a result, many adults have trouble accessing a child-like level of delight. Moreover, losing interest in pleasurable activities is also a symptom of depression.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Don't let your New Year's resolutions propel you into a negative spiral. You're much more likely to stay optimistic about meeting your goals when they're enjoyable.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Look at previous resolutions that have fallen to the wayside. Identify what took the joy out of them. If you couldn't bring yourself to hit the gym regularly, maybe you should try a dance class. If you couldn't complete the initial purge to keep your garage organized throughout the year, invite friends over to help.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Finding a bit of joy in everyday activities sustains a positive mood. Your resolutions should encourage you to live your best life.</span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mental Health Resolutions to Make This Year</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The top New Year's resolutions have to do with exercising, losing weight, saving money, eating more healthfully, and working toward a career aspiration. Most people don't make mental health resolutions. At the same time, </span><a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/mental-health-disorder-statistics"><span style="font-weight: 400;">more than 25% of Americans</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">struggle with diagnosable psychological disorders in a given year. Focusing on your mental health helps you take steps toward mental wellness and allows room for personal growth.</span></p> <h3> </h3> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Carve Out Time for Self-Care</span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Adults often give themselves time to relax only when they've finished all of their daily obligations. For many, this means that they never get a moment to de-stress. As their to-do list piles up, they prioritize productivity over rest. You may actually achieve less by doing this. Although you feel productive, you're distracted. Your performance suffers because you're trying to do too much. Moreover, you probably take plenty of breaks, but they're not revitalizing because they make you feel guilty.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When you set an intention to relax, you can enjoy that time purposefully. Make a resolution to do something comforting and pleasurable every day.</span></p> <h3> </h3> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Treat Yourself with Kindness</span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Are you aware of your negative self-talk? We often say things like, "I didn't get anything done today," or "I should be better at this by now." These statements become our beliefs. They can even develop into ruminating thoughts that keep us trapped in anxiety, irritability, or depression.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Set a resolution to reframe your negative self-talk. You could write down three positive things about yourself at the end of each day to spark some affirmative momentum.</span></p> <h3> </h3> <h3> </h3> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Look at the Lessons</span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Get in the habit of approaching obstacles and letdowns with a curious mind. Rather than shaming yourself for something you didn't accomplish, praise yourself for what you did well. Then, ask yourself what the situation has to teach you. When you look at life as a series of lessons, you stop categorizing every event as a failure or accomplishment. Instead, you view your journey as a spectrum of occurrences. Each one offers you something valuable.</span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Making New Year's Resolutions Work for Your Mental Health</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When you don't prioritize your mental health, you struggle with motivation, satisfaction, and resilience. It's no wonder, then, that so many people struggle to stick with their New Year's resolutions. Mental health goals aren't typically at the top of the list. Establishing resolutions that support your emotional and psychological health can make life more enjoyable and help you achieve your other goals.</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/hands-holding-brain-with-puzzle-paper-cutout-world-mental-health-day.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wellness/lifestyle/dont-forget-to-include-your-mental-health-in-your-new-years-resolutions/</url> </article> <article> <ID>15338</ID> <title>Strategies to Make your New Year’s Health Resolutions Attainable</title> <publishDate>2022-01-14 16:01:42</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_41 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_66"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_76 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_46"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/healthy-menu-recipe-food-diet.jpg" alt="" title="healthy-menu-recipe-food-diet" class="wp-image-15339" /></span> </div><ul class="et_pb_module et_pb_social_media_follow et_pb_social_media_follow_19 clearfix et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_57 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-facebook'><a href='https://www.facebook.com/topdoctormagazine/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Facebook' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_58 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-youtube'><a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgxWTuq7ki1y7bw22kYlwg' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Youtube' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_59 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-instagram'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/topdoctormag/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Instagram' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li> </ul><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_88 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Picture this. It’s the last workday before the new year, and your co-workers begin to discuss their resolutions. Panicked, you find yourself inventing a resolution of your own. Of course, you hope this resolution will be the one that finally results in change, but part of you knows you probably won't keep it. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At the end of the year, we often feel a need to change, which might be why health-related resolutions are so popular on New Year's Eve.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">But do resolutions actually result in a change of behavior? </span><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2020/01/08/top-10-common-but-really-bad-new-years-resolutions/?sh=17782cd22b7a"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Journal of Clinical Psychology</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> found</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> that two weeks into the new year, 29% of people had failed their New Year's Resolution, a month later, 36% had failed, and by midway through the year, a staggering 54% of participants had abandoned their new year's resolution.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What can be done to curb this unfortunate trend? </span><a href="https://www.eatthis.com/worst-new-years-resolutions-2021/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Experts say that a lack of clear definition </span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">(for example, resolving to "exercise more" without elaborating on what healthful exercise looks like for you) is a leading reason why health resolutions fail. This article will be your guide to effectively defining your New Year's health resolution and steering you away from unwise health resolutions. </span></p> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">The All-or-Nothing Approach</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When New Year's Day finally comes around, it can be tempting to go all-in on a drastic plan, perhaps to make up for the previous year's disappointments. Dietician Sharon Palmer recommends </span><a href="https://sharonpalmer.com/19-healthy-new-years-resolutions-from-dietitians/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">ditching this all-or-nothing approach and focusing on personal improvement instead</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This "all-or-nothing" approach may take many forms, including fad diets. </span><a href="https://sharonpalmer.com/19-healthy-new-years-resolutions-from-dietitians/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Palmer warns against fad weight-loss diets</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2020/01/08/top-10-common-but-really-bad-new-years-resolutions/?sh=17782cd22b7a"><span style="font-weight: 400;">many of which can damage your body</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> because they focus too much on one food group. In fact, Palmer argues that </span><a href="https://sharonpalmer.com/19-healthy-new-years-resolutions-from-dietitians/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">weight loss shouldn't be your primary objective when reforming your diet for the new year</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. In addition to weight loss, a healthy diet has several other benefits, including a reduced risk of chronic disease. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Resolving to eat less food carries the same "all-or-nothing" risks as the fad diet. </span><a href="https://www.eatthis.com/worst-new-years-resolutions-2021/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Just as eating healthy isn't just about losing weight, losing weight isn't about eating less</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Don't predicate your weight loss goals </span><a href="https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/keep-those-new-years-eat-better-resolutions"><span style="font-weight: 400;">on skipping meals or going more than five hours per day without food</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, as </span><a href="https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/keep-those-new-years-eat-better-resolutions"><span style="font-weight: 400;">these habits zap your energy and often lead to wasteful snacking</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Without enough food, </span><a href="https://www.eatthis.com/worst-new-years-resolutions-2021/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">your body turns stored fats into ketones, too many of which can harm your body</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Negative/Harmful Mentality</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fueled by the hopes and anxieties of a new year, resolutions </span><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2020/01/08/top-10-common-but-really-bad-new-years-resolutions/?sh=17782cd22b7a"><span style="font-weight: 400;">often conceal a negative or even harmful mentality regarding one's health and body</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Negative mentalities give rise to unrealistic goals, such as wanting a body like your favorite</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">celebrity, revealing </span><a href="https://www.eatthis.com/worst-new-years-resolutions-2021/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">a basic, unhealthy desire to be someone other than yourself</span></a><b>.</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Banish these negative body thoughts and avoid situations in which other people are talking badly about peoples' bodies. Research shows that </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/realistic-new-years-resolutions"><span style="font-weight: 400;">talking negatively about bodies (whether your own or others') increases shame</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in both men and women.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You should also avoid grounding your New Year's efforts in a self-deprivation mentality </span><a href="https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/keep-those-new-years-eat-better-resolutions"><span style="font-weight: 400;">warns Cynthia Sass from the American Dietetic Association.</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Weight loss based on self-deprivation is depressing and creates a motive for retributive bingeing. Instead, orient your goals towards </span><a href="https://sharonpalmer.com/19-healthy-new-years-resolutions-from-dietitians/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">what you can eat, not what you can't.</span></a> <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2020/01/08/top-10-common-but-really-bad-new-years-resolutions/?sh=17782cd22b7a"><span style="font-weight: 400;">By focusing on behavior modification (rather than outcomes)</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, you'll ensure you're setting goals you can reach. </span></p> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Resolve to Do Something Attainable</span></h2> <p><a href="https://sharonpalmer.com/19-healthy-new-years-resolutions-from-dietitians/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Start by honestly taking stock of your current eating habits</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Then, make your plans based on realistic improvements. Next, maintain regular eating patterns, and disperse this eating throughout the day rather than at one large meal. By planning your meals in advance, you can reduce your stress and make it less likely to give into eating junk food. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In terms of physical exercise, resolving to join a gym/buy exercise equipment </span><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2020/01/08/top-10-common-but-really-bad-new-years-resolutions/?sh=17782cd22b7a"><span style="font-weight: 400;">is expensive and unlikely to stick</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Instead, find a physical activity you enjoy or something you can easily work into your life. Consider adding something as simple as sitting less and moving more by </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/realistic-new-years-resolutions"><span style="font-weight: 400;">taking regular five-minute walks reduces mortality rates</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">A Better Diet is a Better Life</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you continually fail dietary resolutions, it could be because you're prioritizing the short term over the long term. Instead, break the dieting cycle and establish </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/realistic-new-years-resolutions"><span style="font-weight: 400;">a sustainable, nourishing eating plan</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Your eating plan should be adaptable so that you can follow it regardless of your circumstances.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Begin by eating more whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and fish. Adding just </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/realistic-new-years-resolutions"><span style="font-weight: 400;">a few of these foods to your weekly diet can be a springboard for better health</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Focus on fruits and vegetables which are </span><a href="https://sharonpalmer.com/19-healthy-new-years-resolutions-from-dietitians/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">foods "pre-packaged" by Mother Nature to contain concentrated nutrients</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> that deliver a massive boost to the immune system. If you still feel the urge to snack try </span><a href="https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/keep-those-new-years-eat-better-resolutions"><span style="font-weight: 400;">sprinkling rolled oats or crunchy whole-grain cereal on your salad for extra fiber</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> so you'll feel full.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Finally, cut back on sweetened drinks, </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/realistic-new-years-resolutions"><span style="font-weight: 400;">which increase your risk of obesity, fatty liver, heart disease, insulin resistance, and cavities</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Cutting out soda is an excellent place to start. Focusing on gradually minimizing your consumption of drinks with sugar is </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/realistic-new-years-resolutions"><span style="font-weight: 400;">more effective in the long run than quitting cold turkey</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Make a Resolution That's Tailored to Your Health</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This holiday season, don't make resolutions based on your hopes and fears about the upcoming year. Beware of committing to </span><a href="https://www.eatthis.com/worst-new-years-resolutions-2021/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">too many resolutions or to resolutions you've previously attempted. Stick to one or two achievable resolutions so that your project remains manageable.</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Armed with this arsenal of knowledge about the best and worst new year's resolutions for your health, you can head into the new year happy and hopeful. </span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/healthy-menu-recipe-food-diet.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wellness/lifestyle/strategies-to-make-your-new-years-health-resolutions-attainable/</url> </article> <article> <ID>15319</ID> <title>5 New Year's Resolutions to Avoid This Year</title> <publishDate>2022-01-13 12:16:20</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_42 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_67"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_77 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_47"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/notebook-calendar-2022-month-schedule-make-appointment-meeting-scaled.jpg" alt="" title="notebook-calendar-2022-month-schedule-make-appointment-meeting" class="wp-image-15325" /></span> </div><ul class="et_pb_module et_pb_social_media_follow et_pb_social_media_follow_20 clearfix et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_60 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-facebook'><a href='https://www.facebook.com/topdoctormagazine/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Facebook' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_61 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-youtube'><a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgxWTuq7ki1y7bw22kYlwg' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Youtube' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_62 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-instagram'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/topdoctormag/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Instagram' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li> </ul><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_89 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With the holidays approaching, people begin creating New Year's resolutions. Some resolutions result in positive lifestyle changes, but others never come to fruition. To help you achieve your New Year's resolutions, here are some tips and tricks on the kinds of resolutions to avoid.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some studies indicate that around </span><a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-keep-your-new-years-resolutions-2795719"><span style="font-weight: 400;">12% of people believe they have achieved their New Year's resolutions</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. However, experts agree that while most resolutions go unfulfilled, they are positive in changing behavior. </span><a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-keep-your-new-years-resolutions-2795719"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Those who make resolutions are 10 times more likely to change their behavior than those who do not</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span></p> <h2></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Resolutions to Avoid</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some typical New Year’s resolutions include </span><a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-keep-your-new-years-resolutions-2795719"><span style="font-weight: 400;">dieting, exercising every day, living healthier lifestyles, and managing time better</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. While these goals seem positive, </span><a href="https://www.thehealthy.com/habits/new-years-resolutions-never-make/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">experts</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> advocate avoiding them since they can be </span><a href="https://www.eatthis.com/worst-new-years-resolutions-2021/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">detrimental to physical or mental health</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Unfortunately, these resolutions fail because they aren't specific enough, measurable, and actionable, while other times, they’re </span><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/guides/smarterliving/resolution-ideas"><span style="font-weight: 400;">made for the wrong reasons</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here are five resolutions you want to avoid making this coming year:</span></p> <h3></h3> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">1: Resolving to Lose Weight</span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This commonly made resolution should be avoided for several reasons: it can lead to unhealthy decisions including starving yourself, or </span><a href="https://www.thehealthy.com/habits/new-years-resolutions-never-make/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">eating an incorrect proportion of food for your body</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Specify the amount of weight you want to lose, and make sure it’s healthy for your body. Additionally, you can talk to your doctor or nutritionist about setting eating and exercising goals. </span></p> <h3></h3> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">2: Resolving to Manage Stress Better</span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If there are situations or people in your life causing you stress, make time for yourself, do things that relax you, and </span><a href="https://www.thehealthy.com/habits/new-years-resolutions-never-make/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">return to these situations and people later</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <h3></h3> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">3: Resolving to Reinvent Yourself </span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you reinvent yourself, whether physically or mentally, it can be negative for your mental, physical, and emotional health. Forcing yourself to be a more positive person can lead to a toxic positivity that strains your mental health, and wanting to look a certain way can lead to </span><a href="https://www.eatthis.com/worst-new-years-resolutions-2021/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">negative feelings about your body and toxic thoughts about yourself</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. If there is something you want to change, </span><a href="https://www.eatthis.com/worst-new-years-resolutions-2021/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">clarify the reasons for doing so</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <h3></h3> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">4: Resolving to Break Off a Relationship until the New Year</span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you believe that a relationship is harming your mental and physical health, it's best to break it off immediately rather than wait for the New Year. </span></p> <h3></h3> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">5: Resolving to Fall in Love or Begin a New Relationship </span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">By setting up such expectations, you might become discouraged when you do not fall in love or begin a new relationship. You can even begin to question yourself and view yourself negatively. Instead, try to focus on yourself and allow the option of love to be open, but don't force it to happen.</span></p> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">A Smarter Method for Crafting Resolutions</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While setting New Year's goals and resolutions can help change behavior, keeping them is a difficult task. One of the main reasons people don't achieve their resolutions is because they are not well developed. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Experts advise the use of the SMART method when making New Year's resolutions. This method defines and clarifies the goals of New Year's resolutions. Furthermore, it offers a framework people can use to craft their resolutions and ultimately achieve them.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/guides/smarterliving/resolution-ideas"><span style="font-weight: 400;">SMART method</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> was developed by the Journal of Management Review in 1981 for managerial purposes but has proven useful in other contexts, including setting New Year's Resolutions. The SMART method advocates setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals. </span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>S</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">pecific goals help eliminate vagueness and define exactly what is being achieved. For example, someone could resolve to lose weight in the next year, but this goal is easily redefined without specifying how much weight, causing this resolution to go unrealized.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>M</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">easurable goals are easily achieved since they quantify the goal. Measurable goals necessitate tracking progress on a goal or using other tools to ensure that these goals are being met. For example, the person desiring to get better sleep in the upcoming year should set specific times in which they intend to sleep, whether it be time frames or hours of sleep per night.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>A</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">chievable goals are essential when crafting resolutions. This is not to say that a person cannot set ambitious goals, but sometimes small goals can lead to a bigger one. If a person resolves to travel at least fifty times in the upcoming year, several factors must be considered, including destinations, costs, etc. If these factors cannot reasonably be met, then the goal should be changed. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>R</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">elevant goals determine whether or not a person is motivated to achieve these resolutions. These are some basic questions to ask when crafting a resolution: is this a goal I want to achieve? What's the motive behind setting this goal? For example, the person desiring to reinvent themselves could be doing so because they feel pressured to do so. If that's the case, they are less willing to stick to the resolution. The more important and relevant the resolution is to the person making it, the more willingly they will complete it. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>T</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">ime-bound goals are crucial to fulfilling resolutions. By creating time constraints, resolutions become more urgent and force us to complete these goals within the set timeframe. The longer these goals go for, the more easily it is to let them go unfulfilled.</span></li> </ul> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">A Parting Reminder</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you're looking to change a few things in your life this coming year with a New Year's resolution, remember to follow the SMART method. Be specific with your goals, measure your progress, make achievable goals, make sure these goals are relevant, and lastly, make sure they are bound by time constraints. By following these tips and tricks, you'll be able to craft achievable New Year's resolutions. Happy holidays!</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/notebook-calendar-2022-month-schedule-make-appointment-meeting-scaled.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wellness/lifestyle/5-new-years-resolutions-to-avoid-this-year/</url> </article> <article> <ID>15309</ID> <title>Take Care of Your Mental Health Once the Holiday Blues Kick In</title> <publishDate>2022-01-13 11:32:29</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_43 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_68"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_78 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_48"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/mental-health-care-sketch-diagram.jpg" alt="" title="mental-health-care-sketch-diagram" class="wp-image-15312" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_90 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Blues: a feeling of melancholy and unhappiness in response to specific circumstances. Countless singers have crooned about “feeling blue” and what (or who) made them feel that way. We have all been there at some point in our lives. </span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">Sometimes, those feelings are triggered by the holiday season. Many different holidays are tightly packed between November and January, producing a whirlwind of events, traditions, activities, and overwhelming expectations for some people. These are the holiday blues. </span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">The</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">temporary ailment eventually disappears after the holidays. Until then, you can manage your holiday blues and keep yourself from feeling like you’d rather crawl under a large, craggy rock and stay there until mid-January. Read on for some insights into holiday blues, how to reduce the feeling, and ways to get some enjoyment out of your holiday time. </span> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2><b>What Causes Holiday Blues?</b></h2> <span style="font-weight: 400;">The holiday blues are </span><a href="https://www.apa.org/research/action/speaking-of-psychology/holiday-blues"><span style="font-weight: 400;">not a diagnosed mental illness</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> but a negative response to the activity surrounding the holidays. There are as many causes as there are people with holiday blues. For some people, maybe money is tight this year, and they can’t buy the kind of gifts they want for their children. Others miss their families and can’t travel to see them. Some have to travel to see relatives they’d rather avoid. For others, the party better be perfect, or people will talk. Maybe someone else experienced a loss earlier in the year. You’re just not as joyful as the commercials say you’re supposed to be!</span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">It often boils down to </span><a href="https://blogs.webmd.com/mental-health/20171207/how-to-beat-the-holiday-blues"><span style="font-weight: 400;">expectations</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">—your own or others’ expectations of you—that are unrealistic or unfair. You want the perfect holiday, but you don’t have enough time to get everything done. You’re spending more money than you can afford, or the family dynamics make a perfect gathering impossible. </span>  <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evidence-based-living/201712/what-we-know-about-the-holiday-blues"><span style="font-weight: 400;">One study</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> showed that while people reported positive and negative feelings during the holidays, stress increased for 38% of the participants due to lack of time or money, gift-buying issues, family gatherings, and commercialism. </span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">In reality, a cause can be anything that prevents you from having an ideal holiday. A cause may also be you trying too hard to overcome those obstacles. </span> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2><b>How Do the Holiday Blues Feel?</b></h2> <span style="font-weight: 400;">They are stressful! A study by the American Psychological Association found that about </span><a href="https://www.psychology.org/resources/the-holiday-blues-how-to-cope/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">44% of women and 33% of men</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> reported feeling holiday-related stress from “forced joyfulness and expectations.” </span><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethharris/2015/12/12/money-worries-top-new-survey-of-2015-holiday-season-stresses/?sh=4616add831a0"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Financial Well-Being Index</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, conducted by the Principal Financial Group, found that 53% of survey participants felt financial stress from holiday spending. There is also the stress of obligations to attend multiple events and other demands for perfection.</span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">All that stress and all those expectations either </span><a href="https://www.apa.org/research/action/speaking-of-psychology/holiday-blues"><span style="font-weight: 400;">make you feel so tired</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> that it’s hard to get things done or push you into a dizzying fray of activity in an attempt to do it all. As a result, you might </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/feeling-blue"><span style="font-weight: 400;">feel sad and experience lower energy levels than expected</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> or you might feel anxious and wish you could be alone. </span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">Since early 2020, we have all been stressed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This adds </span><a href="https://www.apa.org/research/action/speaking-of-psychology/holiday-blues"><span style="font-weight: 400;">another set of issues</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to the holiday blues. Many people have found themselves without jobs and with very tight budgets. They have been struggling with restrictions and safety measures. The lack of travel and in-person events has either added to their stress or given them some relief. Isolation has affected many, and holidays may intensify that feeling of holiday blues.</span></div> </div><ul class="et_pb_module et_pb_social_media_follow et_pb_social_media_follow_21 clearfix et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_63 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-facebook'><a href='https://www.facebook.com/topdoctormagazine/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Facebook' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_64 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-youtube'><a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgxWTuq7ki1y7bw22kYlwg' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Youtube' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_65 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-instagram'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/topdoctormag/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Instagram' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_69"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_79 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_49"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/woman-calculating-expenses-due-date.jpg" alt="" title="woman-calculating-expenses-due-date" class="wp-image-15317" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_91 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><b>What to Do about Holiday Blues</b></h2> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Fortunately, the holiday blues are not a serious, chronic mental illness. You can do many things during the holiday season to lighten up your mood and find some enjoyment. </span> <h3></h3> <h3></h3> <h3><b>Manage Your Expectations</b></h3> <a href="https://blogs.webmd.com/mental-health/20171207/how-to-beat-the-holiday-blues"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Don’t expect perfection</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. You’re not living in a scripted movie or television show. Your friends’ social media posts don’t paint the whole picture of their lives. Relatives who don’t get along all year will not suddenly become best buddies because it’s a holiday. And other people’s expectations of your perfection are unrealistic. </span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">Instead, create new, realistic expectations. Can you react differently to Uncle Joe’s and Cousin Bob’s inevitable political argument? How many party invitations can you accept? How much should other people expect of you? What about your lists for gifts, cards, visits, and such? Pare them down if you need to. Try creating new, more realistic traditions. </span> <h3></h3> <h3></h3> <h3><b>Manage Your Time and Money</b></h3> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Set limits! </span><a href="https://blogs.webmd.com/mental-health/20171207/how-to-beat-the-holiday-blues"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Decide what things are most important</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Devote most of your time to them, and say no to other things. Most people will understand, so you don’t need to run yourself into the ground trying to please everyone. </span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">Before the season begins, </span><a href="https://blogs.webmd.com/mental-health/20171207/how-to-beat-the-holiday-blues"><span style="font-weight: 400;">set a budget</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> with as much detail as you need and stay within it. You don’t need your holiday blues to reappear when the January credit card bill arrives! </span> <h3></h3> <h3></h3> <h3><b>Manage Yourself</b></h3> <span style="font-weight: 400;">First, be kind to yourself. Don’t blame yourself if you cannot do everything necessary for a perfect holiday. No one can do that. Instead, spend time with people who support you and share your concerns. </span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">Take </span><a href="https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/November-2015/Tips-for-Managing-the-Holiday-Blues"><span style="font-weight: 400;">good care of your body</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> with sleep, exercise, and good food. It’s tempting to overdo the special holiday foods, but try to </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/holiday-blues"><span style="font-weight: 400;">keep it under control</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Do things you enjoy. </span> <h3></h3> <h3></h3> <h3><b>Managing New Activities</b></h3> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Have you tried volunteering? You can wrap gifts for children in foster care, deliver holiday meals and gifts to families in need, pack care packages for military people overseas, and much more. Helping others turns your mood around, as does surrounding yourself with other volunteers. </span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">Look for other activities in your area that take a reasonable amount of time and resources on your part and share with others you care about. It’ll make you feel happy!</span> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2><b>Conclusion</b></h2> <span style="font-weight: 400;">The holiday blues keep you from enjoying what could be a pleasant time. When society and your circumstances seem to dictate how you are supposed to feel and your true feelings don’t match, the holiday blues can set in. </span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to pull yourself out of that emotional trench. First, create realistic expectations, which allow you to de-stress. Then, you change your plans and activities to reflect those new expectations. Give yourself this gift, and enjoy the holidays on your terms!</span></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/medium-shot-anxiety-concept-scaled.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wellness/lifestyle/take-care-of-your-mental-health-once-the-holiday-blues-kick-in/</url> </article> <article> <ID>15298</ID> <title>10 Ways to Lose the Holiday Weight</title> <publishDate>2022-01-12 07:21:45</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_44 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_70"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_80 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_50"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/full-shot-woman-stretching-inside.jpg" alt="" title="full-shot-woman-stretching-inside" class="wp-image-15300" /></span> </div><ul class="et_pb_module et_pb_social_media_follow et_pb_social_media_follow_22 clearfix et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_66 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-facebook'><a href='https://www.facebook.com/topdoctormagazine/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Facebook' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_67 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-youtube'><a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgxWTuq7ki1y7bw22kYlwg' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Youtube' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_68 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-instagram'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/topdoctormag/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Instagram' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li> </ul><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_92 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While you may feel as though you grow two sizes over the holidays every year, the average American adult will </span><a href="https://bestlifeonline.com/holiday-weight-gain/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">gain only one pound over Thanksgiving and Christmas</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. This doesn't sound like much, but it adds to the weight you gained over your birthday weekend and Halloween. Over time, all the extra pounds add up. The following tips can prevent you from gaining weight or help you lose it during the holidays.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">1. Drink More Water</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Even if it's a few weeks out from the beginning of holidays, you can get a head start on your holiday weight loss by staying hydrated. Hydration is vital for just about every bodily function.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You need water in order to burn fat stored in your body and from the foods you eat. In addition, water helps your muscles and organs function optimally to facilitate your exercise and daily activities. Staying hydrated also keeps stress hormones level, supporting adequate digestion and waste elimination. In other words, if you're hydrated, your body will deal better with a bit of overindulgence. Remember to drink even more water if you're celebrating with alcoholic beverages.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">2. Dilute Your Drinks</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It's hard to wean off calorie-laden holiday beverages. If you crave sugary or alcoholic beverages, dilute them with seltzer. This will help you manage the craving without dumping empty calories into your system.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">3. Eat Abundantly</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><a href="https://www.psycom.net/post-holiday-depression"><span style="font-weight: 400;">post-holiday</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> blues are real. As the holiday adrenaline wears off, you fall into a slump. Keeping your hands away from food during this time can make you feel further deprived.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It sounds counterintuitive to eat abundantly when you're trying to lose weight. However, if you focus on consuming primarily fresh produce, you'll keep up the psychological satisfaction without increasing your calorie load dramatically. Furthermore, all of the nutrients will optimize your bodily functions, including your metabolism and digestion.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">4. Rest</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Holiday stress </span><a href="https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/stress-weight-gain#1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">contributes to weight gain</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. If you use food to cope with stress, your brain doesn't get the memo that you just ate while you're in fight-or-flight mode. Therefore, you may feel the need to snack constantly. Plus, stress hormones increase cravings for fatty and sugary foods.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For that reason, finding ways to relax during this time is essential. Sometimes, the only break from holiday exhaustion happens when you're sleeping. Encourage high-quality sleep by following a regular bedtime routine, avoiding </span><a href="https://www.sleep.com/sleep-health/sleep-disruptions"><span style="font-weight: 400;">sleep disruptors</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and prioritizing healthy rest.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">5. Stay Active</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It can be hard to find time for exercise during the holidays. But if you don't maintain your momentum, getting back to the gym in January may feel daunting. Work movement into your daily routine if you don't have extra time for a workout. Try using your computer at a standing desk or taking a walk with a coworker on your lunch break. Take guests on a walking tour of your town after a feast, or try parking a little further than usual from your gift shops to get in those extra steps. Even a </span><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/6-mental-tricks-tricks-help-make-exercise-habit-ncna914386"><span style="font-weight: 400;">5-minute workout every day</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> can help you maintain your muscle memory so that you're more confident resuming your routine after the holidays.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">6. Make Healthy Choices Your Goal</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">How many times have you abandoned your diet after making one unhealthy choice? You had a brownie after lunch so you might as well have ice cream for dinner. This mentality keeps you in the cycle of failure, and </span><a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268449831_Shame_and_motivation_to_change_the_self"><span style="font-weight: 400;">regret is not a strong motivator</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Instead of shaming yourself for poor decisions, try rewarding yourself for the good ones. Set a goal to complete a specific number of healthy activities each day. This could involve swapping a treat for a healthy snack, going to bed on time, or exercising for five minutes. Add more activities if you're consistently meeting your goal.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These small but consistent achievements will help you feel more confident and motivated throughout the day. As you make more healthy choices, you'll be inspired to keep up the excellent work.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">7. Wrap Your Food</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If sandwiches and burgers are your thing, then you’re loading your calorie count with bread. Cut out 200 to 300 calories by wrapping your food in lettuce, kale, or steamed collard greens instead of a bun. It will be just as satisfying because you could still add all the condiments and eat them with your hands.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">8. Make Yourself Convenience Foods</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lack of time and competing priorities are </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4276670/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">proven barriers to healthy eating</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Make yourself a batch of something that you can split into single portions so that you can grab it and go when you're in a hurry. Combining a carb, protein, and two cooked vegetables in a storage container before drizzling it all with a homemade dressing is an easy way to prepare a convenient meal. You can use leftovers and swap out the greens for variety. Add sprouts or a handful of nuts for texture and added nutrition.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">9. Include Strength Training in Your Routine</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Don't skimp on lifting weights and doing exercises with high resistance. Although it doesn't burn calories as quickly as cardio, strength training builds and maintains your muscle mass. This will speed up your metabolism in the long run, which means that you might not gain as much weight next holiday season.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">10. Look at the Big Picture</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You may have to transition to a larger pants size after the holidays, but that's not necessarily because we've gained fat. The bloating might come from consuming excess sugar and holding onto water weight. Don't worry; you'll be able to button your pants as you practice healthier habits.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Don't be tempted to try a crash diet just because you feel puffy after the holidays. Extreme calorie restrictions and diet trends don't often generate permanent weight loss. Instead, be patient and focus on setting up practices that allow your wellness goals to stick.</span></p> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Final Thoughts</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The extra pounds go on quickly, but it takes effort to lose them. Even if the pounds drop off, you need to maintain the right mindset to keep them off. </span><a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/expert-answers/yo-yo-dieting/faq-20348589"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Weight cycling</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> increases the likelihood of future weight gain and elevates your risk of obesity.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Therefore, the most effective steps for reducing holiday weight involve making lifestyle changes. When healthy living is a habit, you won't be derailed by weight gain every holiday season. Stay tuned to </span><a href="http://sources.plasticsurgeryvips.com"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top Doctor Magazine</span></i></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">for more!</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/female-leg-stepping-weigh-scales-healthy-lifestyle-food-sport-concept.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wellness/lifestyle/10-ways-to-lose-the-holiday-weight/</url> </article> <article> <ID>15288</ID> <title>Relaxation Tips for Post-Holiday Stress</title> <publishDate>2022-01-11 06:44:51</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_45 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_71"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_81 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_51"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/young-man-relax-bed-enjoying-mountain-view-scaled.jpg" alt="" title="Young man relax on bed and enjoying mountain view" class="wp-image-15291" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_93 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What do you think of when the holiday season approaches? Time off work and vacation with family, or additional responsibilities and stressful expectations? A survey conducted by Verywell Mind revealed that </span><a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/understanding-and-managing-holiday-stress-3145230"><span style="font-weight: 400;">80% of respondents found the holidays to be "somewhat stressful" or "very stressful.</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">" Whether it's preparing elaborate meals, picking out meaningful gifts, or attending an unusual amount of parties, the holidays bring something for everyone to stress about.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you can relate to the holiday stress, you're not alone! The high expectations that come with traditions, parties, and family gatherings are a source of stress for many people. So the question we're asking today is this: how can we best recover from the stress after the holidays are over? If you're interested in taking the best possible care of yourself in the new year, read on to find out how!</span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Where Should I Start?</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The most important part of your life to consider after the holidays is your sleep schedule. With everything that goes on—especially with Christmas and New Year's Eve so close together—it's easy for your regular sleep rhythms to get thrown off. The effects of this change will show very quickly, making you drowsier and more sensitive to stress during the day. And this only makes it more difficult to sleep the next night! It is a familiar and vicious cycle, as </span><a href="https://www.consumerreports.org/sleep/why-americans-cant-sleep/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">over 25% of all Americans struggle to fall asleep at night</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are solutions! The most obvious is setting a specific, regular time to fall asleep each night. However,</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">it's one thing to get in bed and another to fall asleep. If you're having trouble drifting off,</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">change your environment. Make your bedroom darker by removing any televisions or clocks that emit bright light, and consider taking the natural supplement </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/melatonin"><span style="font-weight: 400;">melatonin, which is renowned as a sleep aid</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">As you consider your sleep habits, remember your pre-holiday season sleep schedule. When would you get in bed? When would you wake up? How many total hours of sleep did you get each night? If your old schedule was working, then by all means, resume it! However, if your pre-holiday sleeping habits were less than ideal, don't be afraid to switch things up in the new year. Getting the right amount of sleep will work wonders for your stress levels, and the benefits of sleep will be critical in recovering from the busy holiday season.</span></p></div> </div><ul class="et_pb_module et_pb_social_media_follow et_pb_social_media_follow_23 clearfix et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_69 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-facebook'><a href='https://www.facebook.com/topdoctormagazine/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Facebook' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_70 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-youtube'><a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgxWTuq7ki1y7bw22kYlwg' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Youtube' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_71 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-instagram'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/topdoctormag/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Instagram' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_72"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_82 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_52"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/woman-meditating-lotus-position.jpg" alt="" title="woman-meditating-lotus-position" class="wp-image-15292" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_94 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Best New Year's Resolution</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Once your sleep schedule has been sorted out, the next way to de-stress is through exercise! For many of us, the holidays are a time to stay out of the gym and eat more than usual. This is why it's especially important to evaluate your routine afterward. Ask yourself the same sort of questions we just discussed for sleep. Was your pre-holiday approach to exercise working for you? If so, great! Seize the post-holiday opportunity to continue the old regimen. If it didn't work, this is your chance to design a routine that will best serve you. Whether it's cardio or strength training, </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/10-best-exercises-everyday#how-to-improve"><span style="font-weight: 400;">there is an exercise out there that's ideal for you</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Can exercise really boost your energy levels? Wouldn't the extra effort just add more stress to your routine? It might feel that way, but in fact, </span><a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389"><span style="font-weight: 400;">regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Therefore, once you see the benefits of exercise, you'll be better prepared to handle daily stress and recover from the holidays.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Diet is also a factor in dealing with stress. What you eat has an enormous effect on your mood from day to day, which is why it's essential to know how different foods affect you. For example, research has shown that </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/stressed-out-belly#prevention"><span style="font-weight: 400;">stress can be relieved with leafy vegetables, avocados, bananas, fish, and chicken</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. So while you're increasing your intake of those foods, increase the benefit further by cutting out items with trans fats, added fructose, and lots of carbs.</span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">How Can I Improve My Emotional Life?</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The last way to recover</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">is to take control of your emotional health. This is especially helpful</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">after a stressful season full of holiday celebrations and short on time to yourself. While the </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/emotional-health#improvement"><span style="font-weight: 400;">exercise and sleep habits we covered above do play a role in your emotional health</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, there are more direct ways you can take care of your emotions.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">First, prioritize your activities. This is very relevant during the holiday season but applies to the rest of the year as well. If you decide how important certain events are to you, you'll be able to say no to the events that would drain you without offering value in return. It can be uncomfortable at first, but </span><a href="https://namica.org/blog/handling-stress-during-the-holiday-season/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">turning down activities that don't fit into your schedule is ultimately for the best</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">!</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Once you've decided which items are most important, be sure to integrate self-care strategies into your daily life. One of the most widely-praised options is spending time in nature. Multiple studies concluded that "</span><a href="https://namica.org/blog/mental-health-benefits-of-nature/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">if people simply take time to notice the nature around them, it will increase their general happiness and well-being.</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">" </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When it comes to stress and your emotional health, consider taking a break from technology. </span><a href="https://www.adventisthealth.org/blog/2019/march/the-benefits-of-unplugging-from-electronics/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Technology use often contributes to feelings of loneliness and dissatisfaction</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. This is especially true of social media websites, so if your job prevents you from unplugging, take a break from social media. Studies have revealed that </span><a href="https://www.bustle.com/p/giving-up-social-media-for-a-month-can-have-these-5-benefits-according-to-psychologists-18224866"><span style="font-weight: 400;">just one month off social media can bring mental health benefits to our lives</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. If you need to recover from the stress of the holiday season, this is the step for you!</span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">A Parting Reminder</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Whether it's sleep, exercise, diet, or emotional health, many areas of our lives can be improved with a few minutes of reflection and a little determination to adopt a new habit. We hope that these ideas—whether a walk in nature, a social media fast, or a simplified schedule—help you and your loved ones as you recover from the stress of the next holiday season. Stay tuned to </span><a href="https://topdoctormagazine.com/"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top Doctor Magazine</span></i></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> for more!</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/wonderful-moments-spent-is-silence.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wellness/lifestyle/relaxation-tips-for-post-holiday-stress/</url> </article> <article> <ID>15276</ID> <title>How to Set Realistic Fitness Goals for the New Year</title> <publishDate>2022-01-10 05:52:15</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_46 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_73"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_83 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_53"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/full-shot-smiley-women-running-stairs.jpg" alt="" title="full-shot-smiley-women-running-stairs" class="wp-image-15281" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_95 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As we start a new year, people turn to New Year's resolutions for healthier and happier lives. Many of us set new fitness goals to become healthier. But what does getting fit really mean to different people? Sometimes, the most challenging part of fulfilling resolutions is due to unclear or lofty goals. If it’s difficult to understand what your goal is or if it’s simply too much for you to accomplish, then it will be hard to stay motivated and complete resolutions. This year, let's focus on doable fitness goals that you can implement in your daily life and reap the benefits of being happier and healthier. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What are the benefits of improving your fitness? There are plenty of reasons to get into better shape: better self-esteem, more mobility, and improved health are some examples. </span><a href="https://www.cmaj.ca/content/174/6/801.full"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lowering your likelihood of premature death</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is closely tied to your level of physical fitness. </span><a href="https://www.cmaj.ca/content/174/6/801.full"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Studies</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> have found that when ordinary people achieve a </span><a href="https://www.cmaj.ca/content/174/6/801.full"><span style="font-weight: 400;">certain level of fitness</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, they live longer lives and are much less likely to develop certain diseases. Simple lifestyle changes that improve your fitness have the same effect on your life expectancy.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There's more to physical fitness than just preventing disease and living longer. Fitness positively affects</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">your current quality of life as well. People who consistently exercise</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">report having </span><a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389#:~:text=1.%20Exercise%20controls%20weight.%20Exercise%20can%20help%20prevent,intense%20the%20activity%2C%20the%20more%20calories%20you%20burn."><span style="font-weight: 400;">higher levels of energy</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> throughout the day and </span><a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389#:~:text=1.%20Exercise%20controls%20weight.%20Exercise%20can%20help%20prevent,intense%20the%20activity%2C%20the%20more%20calories%20you%20burn."><span style="font-weight: 400;">better stamina</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to complete daily tasks. Others report </span><a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389#:~:text=1.%20Exercise%20controls%20weight.%20Exercise%20can%20help%20prevent,intense%20the%20activity%2C%20the%20more%20calories%20you%20burn."><span style="font-weight: 400;">better quality of sleep and improved mood</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. All of these benefits can be just a few steps away from</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">you this New Year!</span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Walking</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One of the most important things to remember as you set some goals this season is to keep them realistic and achievable. You don't have to go from a sedentary lifestyle to running a marathon in two months to see tangible improvements in your life. Your first step in determining your fitness goals is to accurately assess where you're at right now. Do you exercise a few days a week or not at all? Do you regularly eat vegetables and drink water throughout the day, or do nutrition and hydration take a backseat to eating out and drinking soda? Check out this </span><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/age-chart.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">helpful activity level guide</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that breaks down targets based on age and sex.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Once you've determined your starting point, making simple goals like walking regularly and moving your body daily</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">is the next step. Walking, especially trying to get </span><a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/10000-steps/art-20317391"><span style="font-weight: 400;">10,000 steps</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> a day in, is an excellent fitness goal. So take those stairs, volunteer to take the dog for a walk, and make sure to get up and move around a bit at work. You'll be amazed by the results of walking alone! Most people who don't have active jobs take around </span><a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/10000-steps/art-20317391"><span style="font-weight: 400;">3,000-4,000 steps a day</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. So if you're starting at this point, try to add about 1,000 steps to your regular day every week until </span><a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/10000-steps/art-20317391"><span style="font-weight: 400;">you work up to 10,000</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. This way, you won't put too much stress on your body, and it will be easier to stick with this new goal.</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_74"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_84 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <ul class="et_pb_module et_pb_social_media_follow et_pb_social_media_follow_24 clearfix et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_72 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-facebook'><a href='https://www.facebook.com/topdoctormagazine/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Facebook' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_73 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-youtube'><a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgxWTuq7ki1y7bw22kYlwg' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Youtube' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_74 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-instagram'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/topdoctormag/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Instagram' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li> </ul><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_54"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/happy-sportswoman-drinking-water-park.jpg" alt="" title="happy-sportswoman-drinking-water-park" class="wp-image-15282" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_96 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Running</span></h2> <p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1424730/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Consistent running</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is a great fitness goal to improve your cardiovascular health. Running a few miles here or there or working up towards a 10k is not only beneficial to your health, but it also gives you some pretty impressive bragging rights! To make running easier, recruit a running buddy who makes the activity more enjoyable and keeps you accountable.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Although cardio alone is beneficial, it needs to be augmented with other exercises to be most effective. One of your fitness goals should be to </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1424730/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">supplement cardio</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> with light strength training and flexibility or mobility exercises. If you have access to a gym, lifting, other resistance training, or taking a yoga class will help your body achieve holistic physical fitness. </span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Other Health Goals</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Physical fitness goals are fantastic for improving your quality of life and increasing longevity, but they are only one side of the equation. To maintain physical fitness, paying attention to other parts of your physical and mental health is essential. </span><a href="https://www.lifehack.org/823365/fitness-goals"><span style="font-weight: 400;">For example, drinking enough water</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and</span><a href="https://www.lifehack.org/823365/fitness-goals"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> fueling your body</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> for your new exercise goals are essential steps to becoming fit. Making a </span><a href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-12105-5_25"><span style="font-weight: 400;">habit</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> out of drinking around eight glasses of water a day is a worthwhile goal to get you started on your way to improved physical health. These goals are useful for your physical fitness and to maintain and improve your </span><a href="https://www.thehopeline.com/diet-for-your-brain-can-what-you-eat-or-drink-affect-your-mental-health/#:~:text=Eating%20well%2C%20getting%20enough%20rest%2C%20and%20drinking%20plenty,faith%20community%2C%20meditating%2C%20or%20talking%20with%20a%20counselor."><span style="font-weight: 400;">mental and emotional health</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">A Parting Reminder</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><a href="https://topdoctormagazine.com/"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top Doctor Magazine</span></i></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> team hopes you'll take your newfound knowledge of physical fitness</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">into this New Year. Maintaining physical fitness should be a top priority because it comes with numerous health and quality of life benefits. If you're looking for more recommendations on how to live a happy and healthy life, check out our lifestyle publication!</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/full-shot-smiley-women-running-together.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wellness/lifestyle/how-to-set-realistic-fitness-goals-for-the-new-year/</url> </article> <article> <ID>15050</ID> <title>Sad for the Season? An Explanation for Your Emotions around the Holidays</title> <publishDate>2021-12-10 11:47:18</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_47 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_75"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_pb_column_85 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_55"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/man-disappointed-with-present.jpg" alt="" title="man-disappointed-with-present" class="wp-image-15054" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_pb_column_86 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_56"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/beautiful-young-woman-with-glass-champagne-home-e1637680783650.jpg" alt="" title="beautiful-young-woman-with-glass-champagne-home" class="wp-image-15053" /></span> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_76"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_87 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <ul class="et_pb_module et_pb_social_media_follow et_pb_social_media_follow_25 clearfix et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_75 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-facebook'><a href='https://www.facebook.com/topdoctormagazine/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Facebook' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_76 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-youtube'><a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgxWTuq7ki1y7bw22kYlwg' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Youtube' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_77 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-instagram'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/topdoctormag/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Instagram' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li> </ul><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_97 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Many people look forward to the holidays as a time to relax and celebrate with family and friends. The traditions of each holiday, the time off of work, and the chance to see family are all things to get excited about. This air of excitement and nostalgia makes it surprising to find out the holidays can be a time of extreme sadness.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For many people who struggle with mental illness, the holidays aren't a welcome time of cheer. In a study conducted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, </span><a href="https://www.nami.org/Press-Media/Press-Releases/2014/Mental-health-and-the-holiday-blues"><span style="font-weight: 400;">64% of people with mental illnesses report that the holidays make their conditions worse</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Yet at the same time, others look forward to the holidays every single year. What does this mean? Researchers have identified many different psychological reasons why the holiday season helps or harms our mental health, and we're going to explore a few of them today!</span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Why Would the Holidays Be Depressing?</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The first reason why many find the holidays difficult has been termed Seasonal Affective Disorder. </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/holiday-blues#symptoms"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Approximately 14% of Americans</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> experience this condition every single year. While seasonal patterns of depression can apply to both winter and summer seasons, people in northern parts of the globe are more likely to experience the wintertime variety because of the shorter days and longer nights.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Individuals who experience stronger feelings of depression in the wintertime report </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder#symptoms"><span style="font-weight: 400;">daytime fatigue, lack of interest in social activities, and feelings of hopelessness</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Increased social expectations often bring on such feelings during the holidays because of all the events and the perception of others being unusually joyful. This is not to say that people who suffer from seasonal affective disorder want others to be unhappy. It is relevant to acknowledge the winter months can be harder for our loved ones who already suffer from depression.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Aside from seasonal affective disorder, there is another significant reason why holidays can be difficult. For people who have recently lost a family member or close friend, </span><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/lifetime-connections/201912/not-everyone-enjoys-the-holidays"><span style="font-weight: 400;">the nostalgia and traditions of holiday celebrations can be intense reminders of their loved one's absence</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Even if we aren't grieving the death of a loved one, events such as breakups, divorce, or family estrangement can make it challenging to navigate the season. </span><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/lifetime-connections/201912/not-everyone-enjoys-the-holidays"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Suzanne Degges-White writes that</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> "not everyone is lucky enough to have a family, intimate friend group, or neighbors to ensure that they feel a sense of connection and belonging."</span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">What Can I Do about It?</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If we know that the holidays can be a time of increased sadness and stress, what can we do to prepare? First, </span><a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20047544"><span style="font-weight: 400;">learn how to say no</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Everyone wants to take advantage of the time with friends and family, but committing to every party or event that comes your way is a recipe for stress. Your loved ones will understand that you can't be available for every outing or activity they'll be hosting, so choose which options are most important to you and gracefully decline the rest.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Next, be sure to maintain your healthy habits. Whether we're talking about your diet, drinking, or sleep schedule, the freedom and mood of celebration that comes with the holidays make it easier to lose control. Instead, plan and commit to staying on top of these things. For example, </span><a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20047544"><span style="font-weight: 400;">eating a healthy snack before holiday meals will make it easier to stick to healthy portions</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Moreover, fitting some exercise into your schedule each day can reduce your stress levels and help you sleep better. Such strategies may sound simple, but they can make a big difference in your holiday season experience.</span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">What Exactly Makes Holidays Joyful?</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With that in mind, we should consider</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">the psychological reasons for the benefit of the holidays. One of the biggest factors is nostalgia. </span></p> <p><a href="https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2011/12/nostalgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Krystine Batcho</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> says,</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> "People feel more nostalgic during the holidays because many memories are reawakened, and relationships renewed. During the holidays, families and friends get together to celebrate and reconnect; they get caught up on one another's lives, reminisce, and browse through old photographs." </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This end-of-year nostalgia can feel very meaningful and give a much-needed boost to our mood!</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On top of nostalgia, the holidays are a time of rituals. The sense of familiarity and routine associated with rituals can provide a strong feeling of peace and security. As </span><a href="https://theconversation.com/an-anthropologist-explains-why-we-love-holiday-rituals-and-traditions-88462"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dimitris Xygalatas, a professor of anthropology, explains</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, "Everyday life is stressful and full of uncertainty. Having a special time of the year when we know exactly what to do, the way we've always done it provides a comfortable sense of structure, control, and stability." These positive psychological effects can make the holidays a time to await with eagerness.</span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">A Parting Reminder</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Whether you look forward to the coming winter or you find that the holidays are a time of increased stress and sadness, there is hope! If you struggle with seasonal affective disorder, </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/holiday-blues#management"><span style="font-weight: 400;">plenty of resources and strategies are designed to help you</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Tips like maintaining your sleep schedule and being willing to say no can have a clear impact on our mental health during the holidays, and we owe it to our loved ones to share these ideas when they're having a difficult time. So enjoy this holiday season, and stay tuned to </span><a href="https://topdoctormagazine.com/"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top Doctor Magazine</span></i></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> for more!</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/christmas-tree-blurred-background.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wellness/lifestyle/sad-for-the-season-an-explanation-for-your-emotions-around-the-holidays/</url> </article> <article> <ID>15025</ID> <title>Exercises to Do at Home When the Gym is Closed for the Holidays</title> <publishDate>2021-12-08 10:32:20</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_48 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_77"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_88 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_98 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The holidays are a great time to catch up with old friends, reunite with family, and reminisce about the past year. As the festivities and gatherings—whether via Zoom or in-person—start filling in our social calendar, it may get challenging to fit in a quick workout in between. Also, don't forget that we're still in the middle of a pandemic - which means that, depending on your location, gyms may be closed or allow limited access during this holiday season.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Thankfully, there are many ways to stay active and minimize adding those holiday pounds. Below are 10 basic exercises you can do in the comfort of your home with minimal equipment in only about 30 minutes. Do these at least twice a week for thirty days, and you're sure to meet your holiday fitness quota!</span></p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_57"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/charming-young-caucasian-female-yoga-instructor-with-hair-knot-warming-up-legs-before-class-gym-center-smiling-cheerfully-while-doing-high-lunge-pose-cute-girl-exercising-indoors-daytime-1.jpg" alt="" title="charming-young-caucasian-female-yoga-instructor-with-hair-knot-warming-up-legs-before-class-gym-center-smiling-cheerfully-while-doing-high-lunge-pose-cute-girl-exercising-indoors-daytime (1)" class="wp-image-15028" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_99 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">1. Lunges</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lunges work on </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/exercise-fitness/lunges-benefits#overall-benefits" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">large muscle groups in your body</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> - including your thighs, core, and glutes. They help create lean muscle and reduce body fat. Aside from just being a good lower body strength exercise, they help you work on your balance.</span></p> <p style="padding-left: 40px;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <ol> <li style="list-style-type: none;"> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400; text-align: left;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and keep your arms down at your sides.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400; text-align: left;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step forward with your right leg and bend your right knee to a ninety-degree angle. Your right knee should be aligned with your right ankle as you bend down.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400; text-align: left;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lift yourself off from your right foot and return to the starting position. Repeat with your left leg. This is one rep.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400; text-align: left;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Complete 10 reps for three sets.</span></li> </ol> </li> </ol></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_58"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/smiling-fit-young-black-athlete-doing-pushups-light-wooden-floor-against-white-wall.jpg" alt="" title="smiling-fit-young-black-athlete-doing-pushups-light-wooden-floor-against-white-wall" class="wp-image-15029" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_100 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">2. Push-ups</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Push-ups are great for building the strength needed to pick up your nephews and nieces during your holiday reunions! As a basic exercise when starting strength training, push-ups help improve your posture, build muscle in your triceps, and </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/pushups-everyday"><span style="font-weight: 400;">strengthen the lower back and core</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> when done properly. Like all exercises, doing the correct form is crucial to </span><a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/rise-push-ups-classic-exercise-can-motivate-get-stronger-2019021810165"><span style="font-weight: 400;">experiencing the effects of push-ups.</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> If you find the traditional push-up form challenging at first, there are ways to modify it. Below are</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> two ways on how to do a push-up: </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">1. Traditional Push-Up</span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Get into a plank position. Tighten your core, pull your shoulders down and back, and keep your neck neutral.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bend your elbows and begin to lower your body down to the floor. Focus on keeping your elbows close to your body during the movement.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">As soon as your chest slightly grazes the floor, lift yourself with your arms (and not the momentum) and return to your plank.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Complete three sets of as many reps as possible.</span></li> </ol></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_78"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_89 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_59"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/full-shot-woman-doing-pushups.jpg" alt="" title="full-shot-woman-doing-pushups" class="wp-image-15030" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_101 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">2. Modified Push-Up</span></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kneel on your mat, and put your hands directly under your shoulders. Tighten your core as you stretch your upper body, pull your shoulders down and back, and keep your neck neutral.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bend your elbows and begin to lower your body down to the floor. Focus on keeping your elbows close to your body during the movement.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">As soon as your chest slightly grazes the floor, lift yourself with your arms (and not the momentum) and return to your plank.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Complete three sets of as many reps as possible</span></li> </ol> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For your first week, consider starting with at least five repetitions per set. Then, to avoid plateauing and to continue receiving the benefits of this exercise, gradually increase the number of repetitions in your push-ups each week.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_60"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/joyful-athletic-black-person-leggings-using-stability-ball-training-biceps-doing-curls-with-dumbbells-strong-athletic-person-doing-sports-home-using-modern-equipment.jpg" alt="" title="joyful-athletic-black-person-leggings-using-stability-ball-training-biceps-doing-curls-with-dumbbells-strong-athletic-person-doing-sports-home-using-modern-equipment" class="wp-image-15033" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_102 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">4. Bicep Curls to Push Press</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For this move, you may need a set of light dumbbells. However, if you don't have any at home, it's perfectly fine! Household items such as bottled water or canned food are equally good alternatives. This exercise is perfect for those sitting all day in front of a computer, especially in the age of working from home. Your triceps, biceps, and shoulders will thank you for giving them some TLC after a long day of work!</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stand with your feet hip-width apart and keep your back straight.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hold your weight in one hand with your palm facing forward and your arm extended down to your side.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Keep your elbow close to your body as you curl your bicep towards your chest. Do this in a slow and controlled motion - feel your bicep curl as the weight nears your arm.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Then, turn your hand outward so your palm and wrist face against you, and you see your clenched fist. Lift the object upward above your head in a controlled motion. Extend your arm to the top.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Slowly bring your item back down the same way you came until your hand is at your side in the starting position.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Complete eight reps with one arm, then switch.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Aim for three sets on both sides.</span></li> </ol> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_61"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/smiling-sporty-girl-black-workout-tight-suit-is-doing-classical-boat-exercise-back-coach-superman-pose-conducting-remote-online-fitness-class-blue-yoga-mat-home.jpg" alt="" title="smiling-sporty-girl-black-workout-tight-suit-is-doing-classical-boat-exercise-back-coach-superman-pose-conducting-remote-online-fitness-class-blue-yoga-mat-home" class="wp-image-15034" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_103 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">5. Superman</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This move, as its name suggests, is not only fun, but it's also a killer move for your upper back. While Superman looks relatively easy compared to other moves, observing the proper form can easily give more sophisticated-looking moves a run for their money. Aside from working on your upper back muscles, you get to have the opportunity to work on your overhead mobility and activate your lats, the muscles needed for when you do </span><a href="https://barbend.com/no-equipment-back-exercises/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">deadlifts, pull-ups, and even bench presses</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lie on your stomach on your mat. Make sure that you have enough space in front of and behind you.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Squeeze your glutes as you lift your arms and legs towards the ceiling at the same time.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hold the pose for one breath and go down to the original position in a controlled motion.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Complete eight reps for three sets.</span></li> </ol> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> </div><ul class="et_pb_module et_pb_social_media_follow et_pb_social_media_follow_26 clearfix et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_78 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-facebook'><a href='https://www.facebook.com/topdoctormagazine/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Facebook' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_79 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-youtube'><a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgxWTuq7ki1y7bw22kYlwg' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Youtube' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_80 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-instagram'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/topdoctormag/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Instagram' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_79"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_90 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_62"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/bosu-one-leg-extension-deadlift-girl-exercise.jpg" alt="" title="bosu-one-leg-extension-deadlift-girl-exercise" class="wp-image-15038" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_104 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">6. Single Leg Deadlifts</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here at </span><a href="https://topdoctormagazine.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top Doctor Magazine</span></i></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, we love the multipurpose effect compound exercises have. This modified version of the deadlift works on your balance once more! On top of this balancing act, you get to work on your back, core, and legs. We recommend a dumbbell for this exercise, but if it's not available, take note from the earlier exercise and make do with what you have at home!</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stand with a weight in your right hand and with your knees slightly bent.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hinging at the hips, begin to kick your left leg straight back behind you, lowering the dumbbell down toward the ground.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">When you reach a comfortable height with your left leg, slowly return to the starting position in a controlled motion, squeezing your right glute. Ensure that your pelvis stays square to the ground during the movement.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Repeat 10 to 12 reps before moving the weight to your left hand and repeating the same steps on the left leg.</span></li> </ol> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_63"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/woman-doing-burpee-exercise-young-african-american-woman-doing-fitness-active-lifestyle-morning-outdoors-near-stadium.jpg" alt="" title="woman-doing-burpee-exercise-young-african-american-woman-doing-fitness-active-lifestyle-morning-outdoors-near-stadium" class="wp-image-15039" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_105 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">7. Burpees</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Burpees are infamous for being that one exercise everyone </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">tries</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to avoid. Despite the infamy, there's a good reason why it's in many exercise lists (including this one!). Burpees are a great cardio and strength exercise! This move targets your major muscle groups, helps build your endurance, and works out your whole body. Most people can do</span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-do-a-burpee#benefits" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> 20 burpees in a minute</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, but you can do as many burpees as you can at your own pace. If you feel like burpees are such a chore, it may help you to know that this exercise is excellent at burning a lot of the holiday food you have been munching on.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stand shoulder-width apart and keep your arms down at your sides.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">With your hands out in front of you, start to squat down. When your hands reach the ground, pop your legs straight back into a push-up position.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jump your feet up to your palms while keeping your torso parallel to the ground. Get your feet as close to your hands as you can get, landing them outside your hands if necessary.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lift yourself and stand straight. Bring your arms above your head and jump.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is one rep. Complete three sets of ten reps as a beginner.</span></li> </ol> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_64"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/pretty-girl-wearing-leggings-short-top-standing-side-plank-one-hand-gym-training-body-core-balance-strengthening-abs-muscles-attractive-female-doing-planking-bodyweight-exercise.jpg" alt="" title="pretty-girl-wearing-leggings-short-top-standing-side-plank-one-hand-gym-training-body-core-balance-strengthening-abs-muscles-attractive-female-doing-planking-bodyweight-exercise" class="wp-image-15041" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_106 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">8. Side Planks</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Side planks are a great way to</span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/side-plank#benefits"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> work on your obliques, lengthen your spine, and strengthens your core without stressing your back</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. In addition, the pose may challenge your balance on the mat, as you make sure you maintain an excellent form to reap the benefits of the pose. While we love the side plank here at Top Doctor, this may not be a good exercise for you if </span><a href="https://familydoctor.org/shoulder-pain/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">you are experiencing shoulder, arm, or core pain</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Should such pain be present, avoid this exercise and proceed to the next.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lie on your right side with your left leg. Stack your left foot on top of your right leg and foot. Make sure you feel comfortable. If it is difficult, you may cross your legs and keep your right foot in front of your left foot.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Prop your upper body by placing your right forearm on the ground, elbow directly under your shoulder.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tighten your core to stiffen your spine. Lift your hips and knees off the ground, forming a straight line with your body. Make sure your torso is not pushed forward in this pose.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Return to start in a controlled manner. Repeat three sets of 10–15 reps on one side, then switch.</span></li> </ol> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_80"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_91 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_65"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/side-view-young-dark-skinned-sportsman-doing-elbow-plank-studio-wearing-stylish-sneakers-training-clothes-looking-ahead-him-with-determined-concentrated-expression-endurance-stamina.jpg" alt="" title="side-view-young-dark-skinned-sportsman-doing-elbow-plank-studio-wearing-stylish-sneakers-training-clothes-looking-ahead-him-with-determined-concentrated-expression-endurance-stamina" class="wp-image-15042" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_107 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">9. Planks</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Planks are popular for a good reason: this simple isometric exercise works wonders for your body as a whole. It helps build your strength and stability, can help get you abs, and can be done for at least a minute.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Get on your mat on your knees. Keep your hands parallel to your shoulders, and keep your toes firmly planted on the ground, your back straight, and your core tight.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Keep your chin slightly tucked and your gaze just in front of your hands.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Take deep, controlled breaths while maintaining tension throughout your entire body, so your abs, shoulders, triceps, glutes, and quads are all engaged.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ensure that your body is in a straight line from your head to your feet. See to it that your core or buttocks are not rising above your head or legs.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Complete two to three sets of 30-second holds to start.</span></li> </ol> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_66"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/fit-woman-trains-home-does-exercise-glute-bridge.jpg" alt="" title="fit-woman-trains-home-does-exercise-glute-bridge" class="wp-image-15043" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_108 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">10. Glute Bridges</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Finish strong by lying down on your mat with a glute bridge. This exercise primarily focuses on your gluteal muscles - your gluteus maximus, gluteus minimus, and gluteus medius. What sets this apart from other lower body exercises is that it doesn't strain your back.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lay on the floor with your knees bent, feet flat on the ground, and arms straight at your sides with your palms facing down.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pushing through your heels, raise your hips off the ground by squeezing your core, glutes, and hamstrings. Your upper back and shoulders should still be in contact with the ground, and your core down to your knees should form a straight line.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pause one to two seconds at the top and return to the starting position.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Complete 10–12 reps for three sets.</span></li> </ol> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you feel like having a challenge, you can add some weight through a barbell or add a resistance band through your legs.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This workout is a great basic routine that we hope you can sustain during your holiday vacation! We made this routine with as little equipment and space needed as much as possible. However, if you're looking to add more challenges or are at an intermediate level already, feel free to add the following variations:</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Add five more repetitions to this exercise.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Slowly introduce weights. You may use resistance bands, kettlebells, and dumbbells if they are available to you.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Add a jump to your squats and lunges.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></li> </ol> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Staying fit doesn't need to be complicated. By sticking to the basic exercise poses, we can see that what matters most is not how complicated an exercise move is. Instead, observing proper form and being consistent with your workout can do wonders for your body!</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We hope that this workout will keep you active—both mentally and physically—during this busy season of the year. From us here at </span><a href="https://topdoctormagazine.com"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top Doctor Magazine</span></i></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, Happy Holidays!</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/close-up-sporty-woman-with-laptop.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wellness/lifestyle/exercises-to-do-at-home-when-the-gym-is-closed-for-the-holidays/</url> </article> <article> <ID>15014</ID> <title>Discover What's in Your Holiday Foods</title> <publishDate>2021-12-06 10:12:41</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_49 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_81"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_92 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_67"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/part-livingroom-with-served-table-decorated-firtree-couch-with-cushions.jpg" alt="" title="part-livingroom-with-served-table-decorated-firtree-couch-with-cushions" class="wp-image-15016" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_109 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Everyone looks forward to the holiday season as a time to relax and celebrate with family and friends. The weather, the time off of work, and the traditions all work together to make the holidays feel like the most special time of year. Whether we’re thinking of Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, or New Year’s Eve, chances to gather together and celebrate are always something to look forward to.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But those chances to celebrate are also when many lose control of their diets. If we’re committed to eating in ways that improve our health, the holidays are a time of extra precaution when it comes to food choices. And we’re here to help! Read on to discover which holiday foods could hurt you the most - and what to eat instead. We’re going to break our list down into beverages, sides, entrees, and desserts. By the end, you’ll be prepared to navigate the entire holiday menu!</span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">To Drink or Not to Drink?</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When you think of the holiday season, what beverage do you think of first? If you answered eggnog, you’re not alone! We drink </span><a href="https://mobile-cuisine.com/did-you-know/eggnog-fun-facts/#:~:text=American's%20consume%20more%20than%20135,and%2070%20mg%20of%20cholesterol." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">135 million pounds of it per year</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, so it’s no surprise that many different recipes have sprung up. Traditional eggnog, however, contains a </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-eggnog-bad-for-you#ingredients" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">high sugar content, a high saturated fat content, and a high cholesterol content</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. To indulge and take care of yourself simultaneously, try substituting the heavy cream with milk alternatives like almond milk or skim milk.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hot chocolate is another holiday beverage staple, which is why it might be a shock to hear that hot chocolate can contain as many as </span><a href="https://spoonuniversity.com/lifestyle/grapefruit-diet-plan-is-it-safe-to-complete" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">330 calories and 45 grams of sugar</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. To avoid that excess sugar–which </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/too-much-sugar" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">could contribute to weight gain, blood sugar issues, and an increased risk of heart disease</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">–drink cinnamon tea instead of hot chocolate. Cinnamon can benefit your blood sugar, and the flavor will still put you in the holiday mood!</span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sides</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Of all the sides that come with a Thanksgiving or Christmas meal, mashed potatoes might be the simplest to make and easiest to recognize. However, </span><a href="https://www.health.com/nutrition/your-ultimate-guide-to-the-64-best-and-worst-holiday-foods?slide=94fc3951-9fc5-4a71-9a1c-f9fda104b6df#94fc3951-9fc5-4a71-9a1c-f9fda104b6df" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">this crowd-pleaser often calls for butter, sour cream, and heavy cream</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. All those calories and saturated fats mean white mashed potatoes can be a serious threat to your diet. Instead, try making mashed sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes will provide the creamy consistency that we love about mashed potatoes without the extra heavy ingredients! If that wasn’t reason enough, </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sweet-potato-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">sweet potatoes also bring lots of vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and iron</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Next is the casserole! A necessary side at any holiday gathering, casseroles are easy to stick in the oven and easy to transport. What we need to watch out for here, though, is the sodium content. If you go with the standard green bean casserole, </span><a href="https://www.health.com/nutrition/your-ultimate-guide-to-the-64-best-and-worst-holiday-foods?slide=1bfa1b4e-a451-47dd-8ae1-cab18f6b6bd2#1bfa1b4e-a451-47dd-8ae1-cab18f6b6bd2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">you could be getting 550 milligrams of sodium with each scoop</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. To avoid that, make a sweet potato casserole instead. This will bring the benefits of sweet potatoes that we discussed earlier, plus the easy cooking and serving of a casserole!</span></p></div> </div><ul class="et_pb_module et_pb_social_media_follow et_pb_social_media_follow_27 clearfix et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_81 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-facebook'><a href='https://www.facebook.com/topdoctormagazine/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Facebook' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_82 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-youtube'><a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgxWTuq7ki1y7bw22kYlwg' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Youtube' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_83 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-instagram'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/topdoctormag/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Instagram' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_82"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_93 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_68"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/young-woman-holding-bowl-with-food-while-her-husband-taking-piece-meat.jpg" alt="" title="young-woman-holding-bowl-with-food-while-her-husband-taking-piece-meat" class="wp-image-15015" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_110 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Main Event</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">No Thanksgiving celebration would be complete without a turkey, and there’s no shortage of different recipes you can follow. But how should you choose a recipe while trying to take care of your health? The biggest category to avoid is the </span><a href="https://www.health.com/nutrition/your-ultimate-guide-to-the-64-best-and-worst-holiday-foods?slide=1c0f9260-455a-451f-af4f-b770258f311a#1c0f9260-455a-451f-af4f-b770258f311a"><span style="font-weight: 400;">deep-fried turkey, which adds a lot of unnecessary fat</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. The healthier (and safer) method is oven-roasting, which takes a little bit longer but will be worth it in the end. The calories you save–especially if you don’t butter the turkey–will definitely make up for it.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you and your loved ones will be following the tradition of holiday turkey, you should also know which part of the turkey is healthiest to eat. The easiest way to remember the answer is that white meat contains less fat and fewer calories than dark meat. While it may not look huge, the dark-meat heavy leg of the turkey </span><a href="https://www.health.com/nutrition/your-ultimate-guide-to-the-64-best-and-worst-holiday-foods?slide=a9ab2f92-b742-40e9-b8e8-6afaa9d6e0c3#a9ab2f92-b742-40e9-b8e8-6afaa9d6e0c3"><span style="font-weight: 400;">contains about the amount of fat you’re supposed to eat in an entire day</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (54 grams). Eating the white meat instead will </span><a href="https://www.eatingwell.com/article/32652/dark-meat-vs-white-meat-which-turkey-is-healthier/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">save you 45 calories and 6 grams of saturated fat for every three ounces</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of turkey.</span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dessert</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">No matter which holiday we’re talking about, there will be plenty of pies on the table. But which are the healthiest? The clear winner is pumpkin pie, with its </span><a href="https://www.health.com/nutrition/your-ultimate-guide-to-the-64-best-and-worst-holiday-foods?slide=78d1237f-9048-4170-979f-caa217c868a2#78d1237f-9048-4170-979f-caa217c868a2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">vitamin A and fiber</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. On average, a slice of pumpkin pie will come with </span><a href="https://www.health.com/nutrition/your-ultimate-guide-to-the-64-best-and-worst-holiday-foods?slide=78d1237f-9048-4170-979f-caa217c868a2#78d1237f-9048-4170-979f-caa217c868a2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">276 calories</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Compare that to pecan pie, where </span><a href="https://www.health.com/nutrition/your-ultimate-guide-to-the-64-best-and-worst-holiday-foods?slide=bd527608-15aa-4007-bfe8-6c807f9946ac#bd527608-15aa-4007-bfe8-6c807f9946ac"><span style="font-weight: 400;">just one slice contains 500 calories</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">! Once we compare the calorie, fat, and sugar content of these two options, the choice is easy.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Speaking of pies, there’s an excellent substitute for apple pie as well. While an </span><a href="https://www.eatthis.com/healthy-food-swaps-holidays/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">apple pie will bring you an unnecessary amount of fat and sugar</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, baked apples will cut down on the fat and sugar while still providing a comforting, seasonal flavor. On top of that, baked apples are much easier to make!</span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">A Parting Reminder</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">During the festive parties and meals of the holiday season, it might not be easy to make health-conscious decisions. But you can do it! With these food comparisons in mind, all it takes to get out of the holidays feeling great is a little willpower. With recipes like almond milk eggnog, cinnamon tea, sweet potato casserole, oven-roasted turkey, pumpkin pie, and baked apples, your holiday menu can be delicious and help you start the next year off right. Stay tuned to </span><a href="https://topdoctormagazine.com/"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top Doctor Magazine</span></i></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">for more!</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/baked-turkey-christmas-dinner-christmas-table-is-served-with-turkey-decorated-with-bright-tinsel-candles-fried-chicken-table-family-dinner-top-view-flat-lay-overhead-copy-space.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wellness/lifestyle/healthy-and-unhealthy-benefits-of-holiday-foods/</url> </article> <article> <ID>15002</ID> <title>A Living Tree in Your Living Room: Health Benefits of a Real Christmas Tree</title> <publishDate>2021-12-04 09:40:59</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_50 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_83"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_94 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_69"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/natural-christmas-trees-farm-market-closeup.jpg" alt="" title="natural-christmas-trees-farm-market-closeup" class="wp-image-15005" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_111 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are stockings over the fireplace, Grandma's recipes, gatherings of relatives and friends, shopping, wrapping paper, and so much more when the Christmas season is in full swing. Of course, you want a Christmas tree you can decorate to perfection. What tree do you choose? Each year you have a choice between a real tree or an artificial one holding your ornaments and memories.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Depending on your preferences and circumstances, either can be justified. Of course, with an artificial tree, you get convenience. However, a real tree can provide additional benefits—physical and emotional—beyond being just a decoration. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Americans annually buy </span><a href="https://today.tamu.edu/2020/12/10/the-benefits-of-a-real-christmas-tree/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">20 to 25 million real Christmas trees</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Is yours one of them? Let's see what you're getting and compare it to an artificial tree.</span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><b>Artificial Trees</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">People choose artificial trees for several reasons. First, they are convenient. A quick trip to a local store or an online order, a little assembly time, and you have your tree. As long as you have storage space, you can use them for years. Second, they won't aggravate specific allergies that make having a real tree difficult. Third, the wide variety in size, shape, and quality means you can find one for</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">any space and budget. You can even get one in pink!</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to the </span><a href="https://today.tamu.edu/2020/12/10/the-benefits-of-a-real-christmas-tree/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">U.S. Department of Commerce</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, 85%of artificial trees are made in China. Most of them consist of metal or plastic, usually PVC, which may contain </span><a href="https://realchristmastrees.org/education/fake-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">hazardous lead.</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Still, artificial trees remain a popular choice for many, even though other than avoiding allergies, they do not offer any health benefits. </span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><b>Advantages of a Live Christmas Tree</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A live Christmas tree brought into your home is much more than just a pretty base for your ornaments. It is a bit of nature, a representation of life from the outside world. Being surrounded by a natural environment has been shown to positively affect a greater sense of well-being, reduced stress and fatigue, and increased creativity. Even having a house plant or two in your home can trigger these positive effects.</span></p> <h3> </h3> <h3> </h3> <h3><b>The Well-Known Benefits of Houseplants </b></h3> <p><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/indoor-plants-can-instantly-boost-your-health-happiness-ncna781806" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Studies show</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> that houseplants offer many health benefits. </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-home-guide/benefits-of-indoor-plants" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here are some of the findings</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">: </span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">People with plants in the room may have better attention and focus than those without. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Horticulture therapy can ease symptoms of depression, anxiety, dementia, and other mental illnesses.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Plants may help speed recovery from illness. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">They also </span><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/indoor-plants-can-instantly-boost-your-health-happiness-ncna781806" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">produce oxygen and take in carbon dioxide</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">They can contribute to improved mental health, happiness, and a </span><a href="https://today.tamu.edu/2020/12/10/the-benefits-of-a-real-christmas-tree/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">stronger immune system</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And what about your real Christmas tree? Think of it as a giant house plant! It may be temporary, but it shares some of those benefits.</span></p></div> </div><ul class="et_pb_module et_pb_social_media_follow et_pb_social_media_follow_28 clearfix et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_84 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-facebook'><a href='https://www.facebook.com/topdoctormagazine/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Facebook' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_85 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-youtube'><a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgxWTuq7ki1y7bw22kYlwg' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Youtube' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_86 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-instagram'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/topdoctormag/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Instagram' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_84"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_95 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_70"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/winter-holidays-decor-rich-decorated-new-year-tree-stands-with-present-boxes.jpg" alt="" title="winter-holidays-decor-rich-decorated-new-year-tree-stands-with-present-boxes" class="wp-image-15006" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_112 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><b>Something Special about Pine Trees</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A study in Japan drew similar conclusions specifically about coniferous trees (they have needles instead of leaves), including pine trees. They </span><a href="https://www.hobbyfarms.com/pine-aroma-therapy-pines-conifers-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">clean the air and support our immune systems</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. They can also encourage a sense of peace. Another study at </span><a href="https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/local/2-wants-to-know/health-benefits-of-a-real-christmas-tree/83-496780037" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kansas State University</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> found that the appealing pine scent can help defend against sinus infections, colds, and flu. </span></p> <h3> </h3> <h3> </h3> <h3><b>Essential Oil</b></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Japan study produced evidence of even greater benefits of coniferous trees. Using essential oils diffused from trees, study participants benefited from an </span><a href="https://www.hobbyfarms.com/pine-aroma-therapy-pines-conifers-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">increased number of anti-cancer proteins and white blood cells</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> that destroy viruses and tumors.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While many medicinal claims are associated with pine essential oil, there is not enough data to be certain of the effects. However,</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">inhaling the strong scent of your Christmas tree can undoubtedly improve your mood and help clear your sinuses. </span></p> <h3> </h3> <h3> </h3> <h3><b>That Scent, Those Memories</b></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The robust scent of a Christmas tree fills the room with a sense of freshness and nature. You may say that it smells like Christmas. It does because the sense of smell is a powerful trigger for memories. The smell of apple pie can spark a memory of your grandmother who loved to bake. The scents of coffee and bacon can bring to mind relaxing Sunday mornings in your childhood home. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This association between smell and memory (stronger than sight and memory) is so strong because, in the brain, odor information </span><a href="https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2020/02/how-scent-emotion-and-memory-are-intertwined-and-exploited/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">travels directly from the olfactory bulb to areas involving emotion and memory</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. The sense of smell is powerful in younger children, who form early associations between smells and memories that last through adulthood. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So the scent of a pine tree in your living room can bring back distinct memories of yourself as a child learning the family's annual Christmas traditions and being awed by the magic of it all. Perhaps this is a connection you want your children to have. Positive memories like these can contribute to your emotional health. </span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><b>The Remains of the Day: Recycling Your Christmas Tree</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Though it will last for several years, an artificial tree will eventually need to be discarded. Unfortunately, it cannot be recycled and will sit in a landfill somewhere. A real tree, however, is a natural part of the Earth, and that is where it will ultimately return.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">A real tree can be shredded for </span><a href="https://today.tamu.edu/2020/12/10/the-benefits-of-a-real-christmas-tree/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">mulch or compost</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, nourishing other plants and trees and giving you a green thumb. Another option is to </span><a href="https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/73407/one-way-recycle-christmas-trees-feed-them-elephants" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">donate your tree to a zoo or animal sanctuary</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. As long as the tree has no pesticides, tinsel, glitter, or anything else that can harm the animals, it can provide enrichment. For example, lions and tigers at </span><a href="https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/73407/one-way-recycle-christmas-trees-feed-them-elephants" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Catty Shack Ranch in Florida</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, for example, treat the trees like giant toys. And in Tennessee, you can donate to the </span><a href="https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/73407/one-way-recycle-christmas-trees-feed-them-elephants" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Elephant Sanctuary</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, where an elephant will kindly eat your tree. The big cats get mental stimulation, and the elephants get a treat that provides nutrition and digestive aid. Unlike the fake trees, there are so many ways to recycle your real Christmas tree that can benefit the lives of other plants or animals. </span></p> <h2> </h2> <h2> </h2> <h2><b>Conclusion</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With its natural pine scent, a real Christmas tree brings a bit of nature into your home. In addition to the gifts beneath its branches, your tree shares enhanced physical health and mental well-being with everyone in the house. And when the Christmas season is over, your live tree can nourish and give back to the world it came from. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Interested in more lifestyle articles? Visit us at </span><a href="https://topdoctormagazine.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top Doctor Magazine</span></i></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/small-decorative-christmas-tree.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wellness/lifestyle/a-living-tree-in-your-living-room-health-benefits-of-a-real-christmas-tree/</url> </article> <article> <ID>14991</ID> <title>Healthier Ways to Drink Your Eggnog</title> <publishDate>2021-12-02 09:18:39</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_51 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_85"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_96 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_71"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/glass-traditional-christmas-drink-eggnog-festive-table-copy-space-text-spicy-drink-made-from-egg-milk-with-cinnamon-cardamom-high-quality-photo-e1637660050463.jpg" alt="" title="glass-traditional-christmas-drink-eggnog-festive-table-copy-space-text-spicy-drink-made-from-egg-milk-with-cinnamon-cardamom-high-quality-photo" class="wp-image-14992" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_113 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Of all holiday traditions that involve food, eggnog may be the most beloved. While the drink's origins are still being debated, </span><a href="https://time.com/3957265/history-of-eggnog/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">it is believed that what we know as eggnog is inspired by a medieval European drink called "posset."</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Since the drink migrated from Europe, multiple variations have been created, gaining popularity because of its cozy creaminess and rich flavor.</span>  <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-eggnog-bad-for-you#ingredients" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The classic eggnog today is a dairy-based punch</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Most recipes mix heavy cream, sugar, milk, egg whites, and raw egg yolks. Distilled spirits are added for the adults, and the eggnog is served chilled. Spices can also be used, and the most popular eggnog spices are nutmeg and cinnamon. So it's no surprise that this combination is delicious and has become a holiday staple for many people. </span><a href="https://www.southernliving.com/christmas/eggnog-facts"><span style="font-weight: 400;">As a result, we drink more than 135 million pounds of eggnog per year</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">! But does eggnog come with a health risk? Read on to find out!</span> <h2></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">What's Wrong with My Eggnog?</span></h2> <span style="font-weight: 400;">The biggest potential problem from standard eggnog is food poisoning from raw eggs. </span><a href="https://www.consumerreports.org/nutrition-healthy-eating/before-you-drink-eggnog-read-this-a4679659436/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the words of Dr. James Rodgers</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, "Eggnog made with raw, unpasteurized eggs can contain salmonella, a leading cause of food poisoning." Salmonella causes around </span><a href="https://cfaes.osu.edu/news/articles/chow-line-eggnog-safe-drink-if-pasteurized-or-cooked" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">one million foodborne illnesses in the United States each year</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Fortunately, there are several precautions you can take to avoid food poisoning.</span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">Before indulging, it's vital to be aware of traditional eggnog's high saturated fat and sugar content. As </span><a href="https://www.eatthis.com/eggnog-ingredients-nutrition-info/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Eudene Harry</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> says, "These are two of the things that we are most often counseled to limit in our diet, due to concerns about the increased risk of chronic illness such as diabetes and heart disease," which explains why eggnog is considered a significant contributor to holiday weight gain.</span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">The eggnog's cholesterol content is also significant. </span><a href="https://www.eatthis.com/eggnog-ingredients-nutrition-info/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Melynda Barnes</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> puts it realistically when she says, "The heavy cream, eggs, and sugar contribute to store-bought eggnog having 350 calories and 149 mg of cholesterol. To put that in perspective, that's as much cholesterol as two double cheeseburgers, two fries, and two soft drinks." Fortunately, part of the history of eggnog is altering the recipe as people see fit, making this exquisite drink healthier for those whose cholesterol levels are not too permissive.</span></div> </div><ul class="et_pb_module et_pb_social_media_follow et_pb_social_media_follow_29 clearfix et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_87 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-facebook'><a href='https://www.facebook.com/topdoctormagazine/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Facebook' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_88 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-youtube'><a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgxWTuq7ki1y7bw22kYlwg' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Youtube' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_89 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-instagram'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/topdoctormag/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Instagram' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_86"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_97 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_72"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/two-glasses-traditional-christmas-drink-eggnog-gray-background-web-banner-with-copy-space-text-spicy-drink-made-from-egg-milk-with-cinnamon-cardamom-high-quality-photo.jpg" alt="" title="two-glasses-traditional-christmas-drink-eggnog-gray-background-web-banner-with-copy-space-text-spicy-drink-made-from-egg-milk-with-cinnamon-cardamom-high-quality-photo" class="wp-image-14995" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_114 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">How Can I Make Eggnog Healthier?</span></h2> <span style="font-weight: 400;">First, be sure that you're avoiding food poisoning, something easily achievable in two ways. The first is to buy eggnog from the grocery store. Eggnog sold in stores is usually pasteurized, but check the label to be sure. Your second option is to make your own eggnog, using either liquid eggs that have already been pasteurized or raw eggs. If you use raw eggs, </span><a href="https://simplegreen.com/news-and-media/salmonella-prevention/#:~:text=Heat%20your%20meat,food%20thermometer%20to%20be%20sure." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">avoid food poisoning by heating them to 160 degrees Fahrenheit</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">For the other health consequences of eggnog—the sugar and cholesterol we talked about earlier—the best switch you can make is using milk alternatives instead of heavy cream. </span><a href="https://www.eatthis.com/eggnog-ingredients-nutrition-info/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Almond milk, skim milk, and coconut milk are all excellent options</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Try using honey or maple syrup instead to cut down on the sugar content of your eggnog. Another option is to remove sugar altogether and create flavor with eggnog spices! The most popular options are nutmeg and cinnamon, which will benefit the eggnog's flavor and your health.</span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">When we consider the two popular spices used in eggnog, there can be health benefits that will encourage making your drink healthier! </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/nutmeg-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nutmeg contains powerful antioxidants that prevent cellular damage</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. It also contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, so this addition to your eggnog could lead you to feel healthier! Studies have also suggested that the eggnog spice </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/nutmeg-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_6" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">may improve your mood, heart health, and blood sugar levels</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">But don't forget cinnamon! This popular eggnog spice also brings health advantages. Many of these benefits are from the compound </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-cinnamon#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">cinnamaldehyde, which gives cinnamon its unique flavor and scent</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Like nutmeg, cinnamon is also an eggnog spice that contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory qualities. Your body's ability to repair tissues and fight infection could be improved by adding cinnamon to your diet. In addition, </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-cinnamon#TOC_TITLE_HDR_6" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">cinnamon can decrease insulin resistance,</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> which is when the insulin hormone will be able to accomplish more in your body such as regulating your metabolism, your energy levels, and your blood sugar.</span> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">A Parting Reminder</span></h2> <span style="font-weight: 400;">We hope you feel inspired to enjoy some eggnog this holiday season in a healthier way! It can be bad for you in excessive amounts and with the wrong ingredients, but if you are aware of the risks and have the chance to make a health-conscious version of this classic drink, then there's nothing to worry about. In addition to its comforting and nostalgic eggnog flavor, eggnog spices like cinnamon and nutmeg will help you take control of your hormonal and heart health. Stay tuned to </span><a href="https://topdoctormagazine.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top Doctor Magazine</span></i></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">for more!</span></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/glass-traditional-christmas-drink-eggnog-festive-table-copy-space-text-spicy-drink-made-from-egg-milk-with-cinnamon-cardamom-high-quality-photo.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wellness/health-nutrition/healthier-ways-to-drink-your-eggnog/</url> </article> <article> <ID>14955</ID> <title>Easy Ways to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain</title> <publishDate>2021-11-27 20:09:14</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_52 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_87"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_98 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_73"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/beautiful-family-having-nice-thanksgiving-dinner-together-scaled.jpg" alt="" title="beautiful-family-having-nice-thanksgiving-dinner-together" class="wp-image-14958" /></span> </div><ul class="et_pb_module et_pb_social_media_follow et_pb_social_media_follow_30 clearfix et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_90 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-facebook'><a href='https://www.facebook.com/topdoctormagazine/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Facebook' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_91 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-youtube'><a href='https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgxWTuq7ki1y7bw22kYlwg' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Youtube' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li><li class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_92 et_pb_social_icon et_pb_social_network_link et-social-instagram'><a href='https://www.instagram.com/topdoctormag/' class='icon et_pb_with_border' title='Follow on Instagram' target="_blank"><span class='et_pb_social_media_follow_network_name' aria-hidden='true' >Follow</span></a></li> </ul><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_115 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Holidays are filled with family, friends, cheer, and good food. It is a time to gather with loved ones and enjoy fun and fellowship. However, holidays can also be stressful. As you head into the holiday season, thinking about all of the delicious foods that you will make and eat becomes a common stressor. </span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">Although this is a joyous time for most people, some of us can get a little anxious about putting on a few pounds of that classic holiday weight gain. With all the good food around, it is easy to overeat and end up regretting it later. But don't worry, holiday weight gain is totally manageable and even avoidable! Here are some simple lifestyle changes that you can make to help manage that dreaded holiday weight gain. </span> <h2></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tips for Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain</span></h2> <span style="font-weight: 400;">A big part of holiday weight gain is because we're surrounded by some of our favorite foods we usually avoid. It is easy</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">to overdo it when you restrict yourself from having certain foods, and then you are suddenly surrounded by those off-limit foods. </span><a href="https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/obesity/conditioninfo/cause"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Overeating on calories</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is the cause of holiday weight gain. </span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">One practical way to avoid this problem is to have </span><a href="https://biteoutoflifenutrition.com/blog/overcome-food-guilt-this-holiday-season/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">no off-limits food</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> all year round! This may seem counterintuitive at first, but </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2694569/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">restricting calories</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> or specific foods can lead to overindulgence later. Instead of putting special significance on foods, you'll only eat for the holidays as a "cheat day," have those foods any time of the year you want to. This will help you eat in moderation and avoid holiday weight gain when the season rolls around. </span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">If you want to maintain a healthy weight all year, don't forget to look into </span><a href="https://www.intuitiveeating.org/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">intuitive eating</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. This lifestyle choice can help you avoid holiday weight gain and maintain a healthy body and mind. Intuitive eating focuses on allowing your body to communicate its needs. Eating when you are hungry and stopping when you are full are some of the basics of intuitive eating. </span>  <span style="font-weight: 400;">There are significant </span><a href="https://www.ideafit.com/personal-training/nutrition-hacks-based-on-hard-science/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">psychological and physical benefits</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to intuitive eating, including a lower BMI (body mass index) and a healthier relationship with food. Studies have shown that intuitive eating effectively maintains </span><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23962472/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">weight</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> levels, making it an effective approach to avoiding holiday weight gain. As you navigate the stress of avoiding holiday weight gain, slow down and pay attention to what your body says. Eating what you want in moderation is a great way to maintain a healthy body and mind and stay away from holiday weight gain. </span> <h2></h2> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Food Recommendations </span></h2> <span style="font-weight: 400;">We talked above about some lifestyle changes that you can implement to help circumvent holiday weight gain. However, there are also some great options of new foods or even classic favorites that you can try out this holiday. One great way to keep holiday weight gain in check is to eat fiber-rich, satiating foods. These will not only keep you satisfied longer but will also slow down your </span><a href="https://www.eatingwell.com/article/287742/10-amazing-health-benefits-of-eating-more-fiber/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">body's absorption of calories</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span><a href="https://www.ideafit.com/personal-training/nutrition-hacks-based-on-hard-science/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fruits, veggies, and whole grains</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> are the best way to ensure you're getting enough fiber to maintain satiety and keep off holiday weight gain.</span>  <a href="https://www.marthastewart.com/275021/vegetable-side-dish-recipes" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style