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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <articles> <article> <ID>7933</ID> <title>Empowering Therapists to Greatness with Heidi Jannenga</title> <publishDate>2021-06-14 15:52:37</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_text et_pb_text_1 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"> <p>Physical therapist Heidi Jannenga was in her third year of college as a pre-med student when a sudden knee injury changed her career trajectory. Her physical therapist could treat a possibly torn ACL (diagnosis was inconclusive) and get Jannenga back to running with a brace in six weeks. &nbsp;</p>   <p>Jannenga was fascinated. She changed her major and pursued physical therapy as an undergrad, and went on to earn her Masters in Physical Therapy at the University of St. Augustine and then her doctorate from Evidence in Motion. Her career started with her work as a sports medicine specialist, and she quickly moved up the ranks to clinic director of a large, multi-clinic practice in Arizona.</p>   <p>In addition, Jannenga is the co-founder of WebPT (a prominent rehab therapy software platform), leading her company as a dedicated visionary. She desires that opportunities for patients and physical therapists alike increase and become more notable.</p>   <h2>The Beginnings of Transformation</h2>   <p>As a clinic director, Jannenga realized the most significant expenses were in transcriptions for records. User-friendly and professional electronic records for physical therapists were practically nonexistent, so Jannenga partnered with a software engineer to develop software that would help with patient records and processing.</p>   <p>Feedback from her colleagues prompted Jannenga to think about extending the software to other physical therapy practices. Aftermarket research indicated a strong need for this system; she co-launched WebPT in early 2008. WebPT serves physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists. From there, WebPT has grown to have just under 40% of the outpatient rehab therapy market share.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Screenshot_41.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7909"/></figure>   <h2>Real Community Change</h2>   <p>Jannenga continues to innovate with WebPT, helping more practices become paperless &nbsp;with web-based technology that addresses all of their business needs, and thus, help them become more eco-friendly. There have also been critical internal changes to protect the diversity and creative expression of employees.</p>   <p>WebPT has begun to expand its options for working at home to help its employees have more control over their work hours. They have also put a particular focus on diversity and inclusion within their company and seek equitable treatment opportunities for the communities they serve.</p>   <p>By creating an internally strong culture, WebPT can better serve its community of rehab therapists. "Our mission is to empower therapists to achieve greatness in practice," Jannenga said.</p>   <p>On reflection of how far WebPT has come, Jannenga is excited about the innovative work and disruptionthey have been able to have.</p>   <p>"This business has blossomed into an amazing opportunity to impact so many people—therapists and patients—for the better," Jannenga said. "It's an awesome responsibility, and the joy that it continues to bring me inspires me to work to better the lives of so many others."</p>   <p>If you would like to learn more about <a href="https://www.webpt.com/leadership/heidi-jannenga/"><u>PT Heidi Jannenga</u></a>&nbsp;and WebPT, you can find <a href="https://www.webpt.com/about/"><u>them here</u></a>.</p> </div> </div>  </div>  </div>  </div>  </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Heidi_Jannenga_Headshot-1.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/doctor/empowering-therapists-to-greatness-with-dr-heidi-jannenga/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7929</ID> <title>Footwear Arms Race: High Tech Sneakers Give Runners An Edge</title> <publishDate>2021-06-14 15:42:33</publishDate> <description> <p>Athletic companies across the world love the Olympics and other international tournaments. It is a global stage to showcase new products and thrust their brands into the spotlight. A victory for the athletes wearing them is also a victory for the brand. Over the years, professional sports have experienced multiple revolutions focusing on enhancing athlete’s performance.</p>   <p>Today, another revolution is taking the world of sport by storm – the development of <em>super shoes</em>, helping elite athletes run faster and break records. The super shoe design has produced outstanding results in international races. Consequently, the results created another controversy regarding how technological advancements create an unfair advantage in professional sports.</p>   <p>In October 2019, Eliud Kipchoge, the famous Kenyan athlete, created a<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshualaw/2019/10/13/eliud-kipchoge-has-thrust-himself-into-the-pantheon-of-all-time-greatsbut-his-sub-two-hour-marathon-is-tainted-by-association/?sh=7ea0010d1cdc"><u>&nbsp;stunning record</u></a>&nbsp;while wearing Nike’s high-tech Vaporfly shoes. According to Nike, athletes are 4 percent more efficient and <a href="https://news.nike.com/news/how-to-get-the-nike-zoom-vaporfly-4"><u>at an advantage</u></a>&nbsp;when wearing the Vaporfly shoes. Consequently, Kipchoge’s impressive marathon performance, which was destined to draw global admiration, was instantly mired in controversy.</p>   <p>Research in sports biomechanics explained that the Vaporfly sole is designed to help runners lose less energy per step. The secret is in the sole, consisting of a carbon-fiber plate and a foam layer fused together and designed to help runners get the most forward push for each stride. In addition to providing cushioned impact while striking the ground, the running shoes are designed in a way that stores and releases energy to propel athletes forward.</p>   <p>During impact, the midsole works like a spring that compresses when a runner lands and stores the energy from the foot strike and expands again to return the energy into the ground to thrust them forward. Traditional running shoes that use ethylene vinyl-acetate foam returns 65% of the energy a runner puts into it. In comparison, Nike’s Vaporfly, designed with a foam called Pebax, produces an astonishing 87% efficiency with the addition of a carbon-fiber plate, which helps the Pebax foam to compress and expand quickly.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Screenshot_39.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7907"/></figure>   <p>While Nike’s Vaporfly created the most controversy, Adidas also unveiled a new shoe designed for a similar purpose – albeit with less publicity. Adidas shoes were worn by the four men who recently set world marathon records. Experts are concerned that age-group competitions and elite races might lose their competitiveness with the latest shoe technology.</p>   <p>In a recent move to preserve the integrity of athletics, World Athletics, the running’s governing body,<a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2020/01/31/sport/nike-world-athletics-vaporfly-alphafly-ban-spt-intl/index.html"><u>&nbsp;announced a ban</u></a>&nbsp;on Nike’s advanced prototype designed with carbon fiber plates and thick soles. The<a href="https://www.worldathletics.org/news/press-releases/modified-rules-shoes"><u>&nbsp;new rules</u></a>&nbsp;set a permissible limit to the sole thickness and the maximum carbon plates to conserve a runner’s energy. All new shoe designs must also be available in the open retail market for four months before athletes can use them in competitions.</p>   <p>The rules and amendments are a balanced approach to address some of the potential unfair advantages and problems new technology can pose to professional sports. Experts applaud the move drawing a firmer line before footwear designs spiral out of control.</p>   <p>For example, the introduction of NASA-designed specially textured swimsuits to competitive swimming in 2008 facilitated record-toppling performance among competitors in the FINA World Championship in Rome. Twenty-nine world records were set in the first few days of the championship before the swimming governing body eventually outlawed the swimsuits.</p>   <p>Some experts argued that the latest technology should be seen as a new entry into sport’s list of impressive performance-enhancing innovations. However, we must consider ethical concerns to limit unfair advantages for individual athletes. Even with the ban, other versions of the shoes remain legal. While the World Athletics ban hopes to regulate running, the competition has taken on a new definition from being a foot race to an arms race.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Screenshot_37.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/lifestyle/footwear-arms-race-high-tech-sneakers-give-runners-an-edge/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7925</ID> <title>The Role and Importance of Medical Clearance in Combat Sports with Jazzmine Thompson</title> <publishDate>2021-06-14 15:32:43</publishDate> <description> <h2><strong>About Jazzmine Thompson</strong><strong></strong></h2>   <p>Jazzmine Thompson is a licensed insurance broker who specializes in athlete medical management and insurance claims. At its core, she is a healthcare consultant for combat sports. Thompson has more than 15 years of experience in medical administration.</p>   <p>Thompson has spent more than a decade working side-by-side with leading combat athletes, athletic commissions, and promoters across the U.S. For five years, Thompson served as an Athlete Medical Coordinator for UFC.</p>   <p>While assisting with the management of medical care for UFC athletes, Thompson traveled to events worldwide. Thompson has also worked in medical logistics with emergency medical services for these events. Her role was to keep an eye on the safety and health of the athletes until launching her own business, Athlete Medical Management, in 2018.</p>   <h2><strong>The Need to Transform Athlete Medical Care</strong><strong></strong></h2>   <p>Jazzmine Thompson highlights how the rapid growth of combat sports will increase in the foreseeable future. Her goal is to improve the process of medical care by making it more affordable and less stressful for athletes throughout the U.S.</p>   <p><em>"Primarily, I teach physicians how to meet the complex requirements of combat sports,"</em> said Thompson. Despite the nature of an event and promoter, it all boils down to adherence to the athletic commission's requirements. Typically, athletes can have between one and five exams to receive medical clearance for competition.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/66.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-7913"/></figure>   <h2><strong>The Unawareness of Combat Medical Care</strong><strong></strong></h2>   <p>Thompson also highlights that most athletes are baffled by the process and requirements of various medical checks.<em>&nbsp;"Of course, there are a lot of grey areas, but my focus of attention is to help athletes receive proper pre-fight and post-fight medical care in a &nbsp;timely manner,"</em>&nbsp;added Thompson.</p>   <p>When it comes to athlete medical care, the process can be complicated and time-consuming, requiring specific details and due diligence. Essentially, Thompson points out that the key is to build long-term relationships with athletes and help them evolve. <em>"One of the best aspects of my profession is to successfully assist professional athletes, especially in urgent situations,"</em>&nbsp;continued Thompson.</p>   <p>There is more than one factor to consider when it comes to clearing an athlete for competition. For starters, it depends on "where" the match takes place between the fighters. Thompson also points out that each state has its own set of requirements.</p>   <p>After each event, however, the process to ensure medical care for athletes continues. It's a systematic process that is important because it guarantees the athlete's recovery and can also work in favor of healthcare providers.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/88-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-7914"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Different State, Different Rules</strong><strong></strong></h2>   <p>In some states, the minimum requirement is basic blood work, while in others, additional exams are required. Basic blood work is also known as a combative trio that includes HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. <em>"Most states just require a combative trio, physical, and an eye exam but California, for example, requires additional exams," </em>noted Thompson. EKGs, neurological exams, and MRIs can also sometimes be required for medical clearance depending on where the event is taking place.</p>   <p>When it comes to drug testing, Thompson brings to our attention that each case is different. Drug testing may or may not be required depending on the fight promoter and athletic commission. <em>"In all cases, drug testing is not a requirement to receive medical clearance,"</em>&nbsp;said Thompson.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Screenshot_35.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7903"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Reassessment of a Medical Test</strong><strong></strong></h2>   <p>Athletes who receive immediate medical clearance are able to focus on fight preparation without interruption. <em>"Often athletes submit medical exams at the last minute. If there's something abnormal or inconsistent with the exam, It will require resources for reassessment and correction without delay. This can interrupt training and sometimes weight cutting,"</em>&nbsp;noted Thompson.</p>   <p>In some cases, instant medical clearance can even change the trajectory of an athlete's career. It is important that athletes are cleared and prepared to take fights at even given time. Over the years, Thompson has worked with more than 1000 professional athletes for combat medical management. "<em>Whether you're an amateur or professional combat fighter, I truly believe that all athletes deserve the same type of medical care across the board," </em>continued Thompson.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Screenshot_36.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7904"/></figure>   <h2><strong>The Pandemic Crisis and Helping Healthcare Providers Meet the Commission's Requirements</strong><strong></strong></h2>   <p>Thompson also works with healthcare providers to meet the combat demands. She helps &nbsp;them adhere to the commission requirements through her new Combat Sports Care program by staying up to date on changes. With promoters, &nbsp;<em>"We normally have two fights a month, so I check in with athletes in case they need any help in scheduling medical appointments," </em>added Thompson.</p>   <p>During the pandemic crisis, Thompson affirms that all events came to a halt. Initially, she states that there was a lot of confusion and uncertainty, but new commission changes were ultimately straightforward and easy to adapt. “<em>Overall, fight promoters have done an excellent job with covid testing and keeping the athletes safe as events continue</em>.” said Thompson.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/999.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/doctor/the-role-and-importance-of-medical-clearance-in-combat-sports-with-jazzmine-thompson/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7921</ID> <title>Achieving Ultimate Wellness and Patient Outcomes in Urgent Care with Dr. Scott Williams</title> <publishDate>2021-06-14 15:14:00</publishDate> <description> <h2><strong>About Dr. Scott Williams</strong><strong></strong></h2>   <p>Dr. Scott Williams specializes in primary and urgent care, working over the years to improve patient care. Dr. Williams offers a wide range of medical solutions to diverse patients. He continues to champion quality and non-bureaucratic healthcare processes. As of now, the primary clinical interest of Dr. Williams lies in adult care.</p>   <h2><strong>Modern Healthcare Facilities</strong><strong></strong></h2>   <p>Dr. Williams fervently believes in the wonder of modern healthcare facilities. <em>“We had to roll out several in-house initiatives to help patients be part of the community,”</em> he shares with Top Doctor Magazine. <em>“The first element of quality is perception.”</em> He notes that they had to build a caring culture to empathize with the people in care.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Screenshot_30.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7898"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Importance of Healthcare Culture</strong><strong></strong></h2>   <p>At an early stage of his career, Dr. Williams realized that patient care had less to do with medicine than expected. Over the years, he has interviewed several healthcare providers, and has talked about the relevance of healthcare culture. He also points out that patients come to get the best treatment and don’t think about the superior training of their provider. <em>“Since the start of the healthcare operations, our priority has been to help people get instant results,” </em>Dr. Williams notes.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Screenshot_31.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7899"/></figure>   <h2><strong>More Healthcare Opportunities</strong><strong></strong></h2>   <p><em>“We know you can’t make everybody happy, but there is a high degree of performance and growth in</em><em>&nbsp;the work,”</em>&nbsp;says Dr. Williams. He also highlights that the majority of the patients are eventually going to get well. He points out that there are multiple opportunities each day to make a difference in a patient’s day. When it comes to treating people, building positive relationships with people is crucial.</p>   <p><em>“Touch one life, and it could make a difference.”</em>&nbsp;Essentially, Dr. Williams affirms that it is about being available to touch patients’ lives rather than focus on technical parameters. In rural settings, he notes that when you form relationships with people in care, they start opening up to you. <em>“Of course, you have to follow social determinants of health and then figure out how you would forge a long-term relationship with people in your care.”</em>&nbsp;</p>   <h2><strong>Creative Urgent Healthcare Strategies Can Save Lives</strong><strong></strong></h2>   <p>Dr. Williams remembers using TV commercials for young female teenagers in urgent care. The idea was to thwart the skepticism and reluctance of the people to get the treatment. In one case, he recalls that a teenager was diagnosed with Pancreatitis because of the insistence to get the complete body examination.</p>   <p>Dr. Williams continues to encourage healthcare providers to conduct full body-exams. It is an effective way to rule out several health-related issues. <em>“The patient deserves a full-body exam no matter what healthcare providers see,” </em>he shares with Top Doctor Magazine. In the early days of the COVID-19, the doctor recalls they went from high volume clinics to non-operational clinics that led to several furloughs. Thanks to telemedicine and virtual care, people continued to seek primary and urgent care services.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Screenshot_34.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7902"/></figure>   <h2><strong>COVID-19 and the Role of Telemedicine</strong><strong></strong></h2>   <p>Dr. Williams also notes that telemedicine will continue to grow for years. <em>“People have started to understand the benefits of telemedicine and how it can cater to their specific needs without physical contact.”</em>&nbsp;He also points out that many people have had their appointment with cardiologists virtually. And why wouldn’t they? It is more convenient, more accessible, and, most importantly, much safer.</p>   <p><em>“Telemedicine is an instant and productive healthcare technology that continues to create unique opportunities.”</em> He also believes that telemedicine can reinforce and revitalize brick-and-mortar healthcare facilities. Besides, telemedicine saves you from the stress of waiting for hours and the risk of contracting the virus. <em>“Telemedicine can be a lucrative addition to the existing healthcare system, and it would help people to get the healthcare service they need right at the comfort of home,”</em> he adds.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Screenshot_33.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7901"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Combination of Primary and Urgent Care</strong></h2>   <p>Dr. Williams also highlights the urgent need for continuity of care and how it can evolve in the coming years. It’s a quantitative technology paired with AI algorithms to help you find information and make predictive analyses. <em>“Although we offer urgent care, you can adopt a hybrid approach and combine affordable primary care to render the best service possible.”</em><strong></strong></p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/scottwilliams.jpeg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/healthy-choices/achieving-ultimate-wellness-and-patient-outcomes-in-urgent-care-with-dr-scott-williams/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7893</ID> <title>Exploring the Benefits of Health shares for Physicians and Patients Alike</title> <publishDate>2021-06-14 14:59:00</publishDate> <description> <h2>About Melissa Blatt</h2>   <p>At one point, Melissa, a New York University film graduate, was on her way to become a prominent filmmaker. After spending several years in Hollywood working on various films and TV shows, she decided to step into the world of business development and marketing, changing the course of her future. For more than two decades, she has had professional and personal experience in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and New York in business development and marketing for diverse industries. She managed to execute innovative marketing campaigns throughout her career, helped companies increase their customer base, and drive unprecedented growth. Quite different from the world of filmmaking, what led Melissa to launch her first start-up in healthcare?</p>   <h2>The Emergence of an Affordable Healthcare Solution</h2>   <p>The capitalist world doesn’t treat millennials and Gen Z differently, and Melissa understands the tide is changing for self-employed professionals and independent contractors.</p>   <p>Melissa left the competitive corporate world to make a difference in people’s lives. And this is where Melissa’s<a href="https://indipop.co/"><u>&nbsp;Indipop</u></a>&nbsp;journey begins. Indipop, which stands for Independent Population, was launched from her own struggle to find affordable healthcare when she went out on her own. She was quoted extremely high deductibles in traditional healthcare and with mediocre coverage. She knew she wasn’t alone; there are <a href="https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/freelancing-in-america-2019"><u>57 million</u></a>&nbsp;just like her who are challenged with finding affordable care and either pay higher rates or go without healthcare.</p>   <p>She did find a solution; they are called healthshares, a different approach to managing medical needs with fair medical pricing, concierge care, and typically an open network to see your favorite doctor or specialist. “Our goal is to save you time, money, and frustration. Indipop provides high-value plans that are researched and vetted, carefully identifying plans we would buy ourselves and entrust with our own health and wellbeing.” Says Melissa.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Screenshot_26.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7894"/></figure>   <h2>Healthshares: A Different Approach To Managing Medical Needs</h2>   <p>Healthshares differ from traditional insurance in that instead of a premium and deductible; you become a member of a “community” or “pool” that shares the cost in a medical need. “At a low monthly rate, you can avail the services of a professional concierge team,” adds Melissa. Healthshares come with a wide range of options for individuals to cater to fit their needs within a budget. As a member, you may choose your Member Responsibility Amount (MRA) or (IUA) Initial Unshareable Amount. This MRA/IUA depending on the health plan is the amount you are responsible for if a medical need occurs; they range from $1,000-$2,500 up to 3x’s per year. People can also opt for traditional copays in one of the indipops plans offered as well.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Screenshot_28.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7896"/></figure>   <h2>COVID-19 and Rise of Telemedicine</h2>   <p>Amidst the peak COVID-19 pandemic crisis, nobody wanted to leave their house or wait in urgent care to seek medical help. “You had to find a more convenient, safe, and efficient way to communicate and interact with patients,” said Melissa – CEO and Founder of Indipop. Over the past year, we have found many of the members of indipop enjoy the ease of meeting with a doctor via telehealth. Healthshares typically work with a concierge team that leverages telehealth to help keep monthly memberships affordable and provide quality care.</p>   <h2>Healthshares: 24/7 Concierge Support</h2>   <p>Healthshares provide a “care team” to help guide you to the best route for your medical need. Your first call or action will be to use the phone or the healthshare app to discuss your medical need. The team then navigates the best care at the right cost.</p>   <p>The concierge team is one of the perks with a heathshare and can help you save mountainous medical expenses throughout the year. For instance, if you want a medical opinion, you can reach out to the concierge team for 24/7 telehealth assistance. It is perfect for individuals who want a modern, diverse, and practical way to save medical costs.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Screenshot_29.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7897"/></figure>   <h2>The Need for a Modern Healthcare Approach</h2>   <p>In a little over a year, there was a continuous spike in attraction towards healthshares. Many self-employed professionals are searching for an affordable option with access to see their doctors and have additional benefits like discounted dental and vision programs.</p>   <p>Heathshares are an alternative option to traditional insurance that many individuals, families, and small business owners are unaware of. But Melissa cautions not all heathshares are created equal, and there is not a one-size-fits-all. She advises, read the guidelines, explore the services, take time to understand how the healthshare works, what is included, and what you are responsible for when the expected and unexpected medical need occurs.</p>   <p>Melissa notes that healthshares are getting mainstream popularity because it works. “People deserve a straightforward and affordable approach to take care of their monthly healthcare needs,” it also helps that it is always open enrollment 24/7 365 continues Melissa.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Screenshot_27.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7895"/></figure>   <h2>Healthshares: Different Plans, Different Features</h2>   <p>When it comes to healthshare, it’s more than just about leveraging telemedicine. Interestingly, in all four plans offered through indipop, there are numerous unique features. For instance, a healthshare plan can serve as a health savings account and provide an electronic vault to store your medical records. There are other added benefits for mental health and dental and vision discounts as well. Melissa is focused on featuring plans that have stellar reviews and offer unique features in a healthshare.</p>   <h2>Healthshares: Consideration of Your Key Requirements</h2>   <p>What’s more, is that it provides consistent and open support to people. You are more than an ID card, but a human needing medical care. For a majority of families they save 20-50% annually, making a significant impact on their overall healthcare expenses. Each plan offers various services, which makes healthsharing so practical for families and individuals who want to save on high medical costs.</p>   <p>Melissa is tirelessly dedicated to helping self-employed people meet their healthcare needs responsibly and affordably. Whether you are a freelancer, solopreneur, gig worker, or own a small business, indipop can help you find a healthshare plan that will work for you, your family, or your team.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mel_Blatt.indipop.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/healthy-choices/exploring-the-benefits-of-health-shares-for-physicians-and-patients-alike/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7859</ID> <title>HELPING CHILDREN SEE THEIR FUTURE - EYE CARE 4 KIDS</title> <publishDate>2021-06-06 14:15:14</publishDate> <description> <p>Your eyesight plays an essential role in your health, social engagement, and overall quality of life. As a complex organ, all of the parts must work perfectly together to produce a clear vision. Human beings rely on their eyesight to see and make sense of everything around them. Even though the eyes are crucial to our survival, many people take them for granted and ignore the necessary care until a real threat appears on the scene.</p>   <p>This incredible organ is also susceptible to deteriorations like eye diseases and infections, leading to vision loss. Eye complications are often undetected, damaging the delicate visual systems before symptoms are noticed. While some people don't have eye problems until adulthood, many children are born with poor levels of vision, which can affect them significantly. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>   <p>Nearly 25% of school-age children have vision problems, and many preschool and school-age children do not receive adequate vision care. According to the American Optometric Association, <a href="https://www.visionmonday.com/article/eyewear-company-tortoise-blonde-donates-230000-of-products-to-non-profit/"><u>12% of teenagers have undetected or untreated vision problems</u></a>. The earlier a vision problem is diagnosed and treated, the less negative impact it will have on the child's development and schooling. The early detection and treatment of eye and vision issues for children should be a major public health goal.</p>   <p>Seeing this emerging problem, some hardworking individuals dedicate their lives to create a change by providing professional eye care services for every low-income child, whether they can afford it or not. During an interview with Top Doctor Magazine, Stephanie Kirby, the executive director of Eye Care 4 Kids, explained how the non-profit organization provides professional eye care to low-income children and underserved families in Nevada. Kirby told us, "Eye Care 4 Kids is dedicated to providing eye care services for kids that need correcting vision without resources, whether that be the funds, access to it, or other related reasons limiting them from receiving eye care services."</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Eye_Care_4_Kids_NV_Taylor_Clinic-edited.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-7867"/></figure>   <p>After a prosperous professional career spanning over four decades, Joseph G. Carbone, a board-certified optician, founded Eye Care 4 Kids in 2001, providing humanitarian services to underserved kids. Mr. Carbone made this clear in one of his interviews, saying, "I believe that everyone has the responsibility to take what they have learned in their careers, or from their hobbies, and bless the lives in their communities. Poor vision is a stumbling block. If you cannot see, you cannot read. And if you cannot read, you will not learn," says Mr. Carbone</p>   <p>Eye Care 4 Kids focuses on creating relief for the people in the grassroots.</p>   <p>Since its inception, Eye Care 4 Kids has helped nearly 300,000 individuals through its national and international efforts. Through generous donations, Eye Care 4 Kids started a mobile vision clinic equipped with a patient waiting area, pre-screening area, exam room, and wall of eyeglass frames. The clinic travels to CCSD schools, community centers, and various events throughout the valley. Annually, nearly 10,000 students are screened at Eye Care 4 Kids through CCSD urban and rural schools and, of those students, nearly 85% need eyeglasses.</p>   <p>Speaking about this laudable selfless service, Kirby expressed delight knowing that the non-profit organization is positively influencing the trajectory of children's lives. "I know that when people walk in through the door, they have a sense of relief that they don't have to worry about the cost of their child's health and all the services they so desperately needed."</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Eye_Care_4_Kids_NV_Mobile_Vision_Clinic.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-7861"/></figure>   <p>Working through the pandemic, Eye Care 4 Kids, and community partners, created a student support clinic at senior centers closed due to COVID-19. The group targeted specific schools, made appointments, and provided access to kids. While narrating her experience, Kirby told us, "As the schoo' districts was shutting down, we also had to shut down because we operate on school grounds. We followed their instruction and shut down for 72 days. At that time, I was still coming to the clinic every two to three days and also worked from home."</p>   <p>Kirby and her team attended to patients until the second week of March to deliver orders from patients who needed their glasses. To make this easier on the patients, she delivered the glasses personally, including the high prescription glasses, because, without them, the kids could not read or see their computer screen. "It was a challenge that turned into great opportunities because we had time to speak to kids about their diagnosis. We also tell them about the 20-20-20 rules: if you are on a device for 20 minutes, give your eyes a 20 seconds break and get up to take something 20 feet away from you," Kirby explained.</p>   <p>Traditionally, when people go to clinics, patients barely remember the physician's recommendations once they're out the door. To overcome this challenge, Kirby and her team present a bag to the patients containing information about their diagnosis, when and why they need to wear their glasses, and why they are responsible for them, "…because this is probably going to be a diagnosis they will have throughout their life." Kirby said.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Eye_Care_4_Kids_NV_Brinley_Clinic-1024x399.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-7860"/></figure>   <p>While this fantastic service provides relief to so many kids, Kirby hopes for more donations and support from people to keep Eye Care 4 Kids running. With the need for vision care ever-growing, Eye Care 4 Kids have plans to expand the services in all current locations and create clinics in new additional states across the country. Eye Care 4 Kids certainly look forward to establishing new partnerships and friendships to turn these amazing goals into reality.</p>   <p>Giving a child the gift of sight is simple yet so unattainable for far too many. We<a href="https://eyecare4kids.org/donate/"><u>&nbsp;ask for your help</u></a>&nbsp;in making the adequate vision a reality for our future generations.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Eye_Care_4_Kids_NV_patient.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/doctor/helping-children-see-their-future-eye-care-4-kids/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7855</ID> <title>The Genetics of Eye Color are More Complex than We Thought</title> <publishDate>2021-06-06 14:08:10</publishDate> <description> <p>The pigmentation of the iris, which covers the tiny black hole in the middle of the eye called the pupil, helps regulate how much light can reach the eye and determines a person's eye color. The hue of the iris varies from very light blue to very dark brown. Variations in a person's chromosomes decide eye color. The majority of genes linked to eye color are involved in forming, transporting, or preserving melanin, a pigment. The quantity and consistency of melanin in the front layers of the iris are closely related to eye color. The iris of people with brown eyes contains a lot of melanin, while the iris of people with blue eyes contains a lot less.</p>   <p>In the most extensive genetic study of its kind to date, a multinational team of researchers led by <a href="https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/abroad/discover/money/erasmus-at-kings"><u>King's and Erasmus</u></a> University Medical Center, Rotterdam, discovered 50 new genes for eye color. The genetic analysis of nearly 195,000 individuals from Europe and Asia was used in the research. These studies will aid in the comprehension of eye disorders involving eye pigment levels, such as pigmentary glaucoma and ocular albinism. The researchers discovered that Asians with various shades of brown skin color are genetically identical to Europeans with eye color varying from dark brown to light blue.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Screenshot_24.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7846"/></figure>   <p>This research builds on previous studies, which found a <a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/03/210311123443.htm"><u>dozen genes related to eye color</u></a>&nbsp;and suggested that there may be even more. Previously, scientists believed that skin color was determined solely by one or two chromosomes, with brown eyes predominating over blue eyes. The amount of melanin contained in these compartments determines the color of the eyes. In individuals with blue eyes, a certain percentage of melanosomes contain a small amount of melanin. Green-eyed people have a<a href="https://hudsonalpha.org/the-genetics-of-eye-color/"><u>&nbsp;small amount of melanin</u></a>&nbsp;and a moderate number of melanosomes. In contrast, brown-eyed people have a large amount of melanin contained inside a large number of melanosomes.</p>   <p>Such genes play a significant role in deciding eye color, although others play a minor role. Two genes that play significant roles in deciding eye color are found near each other on chromosome 15 in one area. One gene, OCA2, produces the P protein, which influences the volume and content of melanin in the iris and is involved in melanosome maturation. Several genetic variants such as polymorphisms in this gene decrease P protein release, resulting in lighter eyes. HERC2 is the other major gene involved. This gene's intron 86 regulates OCA2 expression, activating or deactivating it as required. At least one polymorphism in this intron inhibits OCA2 expression and function, lowering P protein production.</p>   <p>The large number of <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/traits/eyecolor/#:~:text=Eye%20color%20is%20determined%20by,of%20a%20pigment%20called%20melanin.&amp;text=People%20with%20brown%20eyes%20have,much%20less%20of%20this%20pigment."><u>involved genes</u></a> complicates the inherited eye color process. While the color of a child's eyes can typically be predicted by looking at the color of his or her parents' eyes, the occurring polymorphisms suggest that a child's eye color can be unpredictable. The pairing of genes passed on by each parent determines a child's eye color, which is believed to include at least three gene pairs. EYCL1, also known as the gey gene, and EYCL3 are the two primary gene pairs geneticists have concentrated on, also known as the BEY2 gene.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Screenshot_25.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7847"/></figure>   <p>Alleles are the various variations of a gene. Green eyes are caused by one variant of the gey gene, whereas another allele causes blue eyes. One variant of the BEY2 gene is responsible for brown eyes, and the other is responsible for blue eyes.<a href="https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/genetics-eye-color-inheritance"><u>&nbsp;The allele for brown eyes </u></a>is the most prevalent and is always dominant over the other two alleles. In contrast, the allele for green eyes is always prevalent over the recessive allele for blue eyes. This means that parents with the same eye color can still have a child with different eye color. For instance, if two brown-eyed parents each pass on a pair of blue alleles to their infant, they will be born with blue eyes. If one of the parents passed down a green allele, the infant would have green eyes, and if a brown allele was passed down, the child would have brown eyes, regardless of the other three alleles.</p>   <p>Although there is a wide range of skin color, shades other than brown are only seen in people of European ancestry. Brown-eyed people are popular in Africa and Asia. While individuals with lighter eyes are more open to light because their iris has less pigment to shield them from the sun, there is little to no evidence that eye color has a significant effect on vision qualities like visual acuity.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Screenshot_22.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/the-genetics-of-eye-color-are-more-complex-than-we-thought/</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/doctor/tales-from-the-frontlines-dr-mohammed-megri/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7833</ID> <title>True Health Begins With The Mind</title> <publishDate>2021-06-06 13:54:30</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_text et_pb_text_2 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p>We can measure health and wellness in multiple ways. They are usually broken down into various diagnoses that often fail to provide a picture of a healthy body and mind. While there is incredible life-saving progress in modern-day western medicine, a less comprehensive approach to healthcare has been its greatest downfall. Western medicine generally believes that health and lifestyle are separate. It views every individual as patients needing a prescription and surgery rather than a complete being with a whole system that needs comprehensive care.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Common medical approach ignores the root cause of health problems and focuses on symptoms. Western medicine’s persistent failure necessitates a holistic approach to healthcare. Holistic care views patients as individuals with a unique medical history, values, desires, social circumstances, family situations, and lifestyle, all of which impact their health conditions and diseases. A medical approach often sees these areas separately. However, they are interconnected and cannot be separated.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Holistic care is defined as an approach that attempts to provide comprehensive care focusing on body, mind, and spirit, which also involves complementary medicines that can overlap with modern-day western medicine. Ultimately, holistic health experts believe that the human body is made up of interdependent parts that must work optimally at all times. When one part fails, all the remaining parts will be affected. Imbalance in any area of a patient's life – emotional, physical, or spiritual – can trigger a negative impact on their overall health.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In an interview with Top Doctor Magazine, Dr. Ivan Edwards, told us "Medicine has taken a trend where we are treating disease when they occur because we ignored the preventative measures in treating them before they occur." Dr. Edwards believes that medical treatments need to embody a holistic approach in treating the human body.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Picture1.jpg" width="325" height="488" alt="" class="wp-image-7879 alignnone size-full" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Dr. Ivan Edwards is board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and a veteran serving his country as a USAF Reserve Flight Surgeon. Dr. Edwards explained further, "So, we need to include a non-medicinal approach for treating disease." The physician urges healthcare providers to act proactively while talking about issues related to diet and exercise. "…we all know it works, but we know people will not comply because people are going to eat what they want to eat."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Dr. Edwards, the CEO of JOVANA Rehabilitation Medicine in San Antonio, stated further, "We have to take a bold step and dictate what is right for the patients, not just give them medications." He also explained that this would require a fee, and patients might be charged. "…but they will get the holistic treatment they need and not give them one drug after another. That wasted medicine has to change. We must change that perspective. Yes, medication does have a role, and I am not downplaying that role, but let's look at a holistic approach to treating people. Let's include meditation, appropriate diet, exercise, medications, and probably injections if they need one. The military uses multiple pronged approaches by employing the air force, army, and navy. Still, in medicine, we fixate on medication, and if it doesn't work, we recommend surgery," Dr. Edwards complained.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Screenshot_13.png" width="729" height="367" alt="" class="wp-image-7835 alignnone size-full" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>While responding to questions during the interview, Dr. Edwards further exposed the flaws in our medical industry and told us, "There is no magic pill that will cure you. You only have to look at the outcomes." He reiterated that he is not downplaying the use of medications. "…but what I am stressing is the need for a holistic approach. Medications have been on the frontier, and apparently, it's not doing well overall. Let's have people do other things." Dr. Edwards said sternly. Even though people frowned at different therapies, the reality is apparent. "I have traveled extensively and found that some practices and most modalities do work if used in conjunction with what we call traditional western medicine. Sadly, we are quick in dismissing some as wacky. Yes, it's wacky but let's look at the outcomes. Why do people who meditate, exercise, and take good care of themselves fair and feel better? Why do people who do whatever they want to do and eat what they want to eat but take the pills don't get better?" Dr. Edwards asked.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For example, Dr. Edwards continued, "one of my nurses approached me and said she was on sleeping pills because she was stressed, and she told me she doesn't know how to go about it. I told her to tell her doctor to stop the pills and told her to try not to eat before bed and walk 15 minutes after dinner. She said she would walk 20 minutes after dinner, and she did. She got off the sleeping pills and told me she is sleeping better, and after a few weeks, she told me her health condition has improved. I told her she doesn't need the pill. Because she felt anxious doesn't mean she needs pills. You have to check the underlying issues. When you do not live the quality of life, you can't feel good. Our job is to find that out."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Health and wellness begin with your mindset. Your mindset is the totality of attitudes and ideas that shape your perspective about the world. Living a healthy life starts with a healthy mindset. To transform yourself, you need to deal with your thoughts, beliefs, excuses, and self-sabotaging paradigm. Since most health problems are interrelated, Dr. Edwards suggests that it is crucial to address the mindset through meditation. "…people who meditate sleep better, think better and cultivate good habits and stick to them. They gain serenity and calmness." After overcoming this integral part of the journey, "…then we go to the diet. Diets are ingested, exercise induces sleep, works against insomnia, and increases circulation, breathing, and overall good health. That leads to the next stage, which is medication. We might give one if needed."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Dr.-Ivan-Edwards-2.jpg" width="323" height="485" alt="" class="wp-image-7881 alignnone size-full" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>While discussing diets and their benefits, Dr. Edwards revealed that inflammatory foods are the biggest threat to our health, and it's important to stop consuming inflammatory foods in order to have a healthier America.<a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/STROKEAHA.118.023100"><u> According to a study</u></a>, one can of soda in a woman increases the risk of a stroke, "…people never hear about that. It does in a man too, but it's even worse in a woman." This result did not hit the mainstream because the soda companies obscured the truth. "The soda study was killed because soda has to sell. But it is affecting low-income communities. The truth is a can of soda increases the risk of stroke." Dr. Edwards said.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The idea of meditation is that people have to affirm that they are going to do better. There is a lot of stress happening, and stress causes diseases. We have to get rid of stress because it attacks the mind first, and if the mind is stressed, the body is not going to do well. So, the idea of meditation has to be internalized, and we have to get better. That in itself is hope. Exuberance and confidence have to take root in us, and we have to know this is the first step in the right direction. Someone who is depressed must be treated for depression first. The mind has to fall in place. When it does, the body does the same thing.</p> <p></p></div> </div>  </div>  </div>  </div>  </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Dr.-Ivan-Edwars.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/healthy-choices/true-health-begins-with-the-mind/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7812</ID> <title>Pain Management: It's More Than Medicating</title> <publishDate>2021-06-01 18:26:46</publishDate> <description> <p>Chronic pain isn't just about diagnosis and medication. Dr. Tania Faruque, MD, knows this well, and she puts it into practice every day at Palomar Spine &amp; Pain in California, where she serves as Medical Director. Her job is no walk in the park: "Being in pain management is a difficult field, of course… it affects pretty much every aspect of people's lives." The job includes more than doing spine injections, joint injections, and neurological work. Dr. Faruque also gets to know her patients on a deeper level and often finds that their pain isn't only physical.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/image-3.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7817"/></figure>   <p>One case that stands out to Dr. Faruque was when an older gentleman came to her for chronic back and joint pain treatment. While she was administering help, she realized there was more going on than just the diagnosis. "[Other than the pain], in his life, his wife had just recently passed away." Dr. Faruque described. "And you see that a lot of these men who've been married for so long… their wives had been taking care of them." She describes how she sees that a lot of older men who lose their wives tend to lose sight of their own wellbeing due to grief, which often accumulates into greater pain. Dr. Faruque said she noticed how "his will of life, his joy was really just gone after his wife passed."</p>   <p>During every visit, she would talk to him during his clinic visit. “It took time, but I would always talk to him, talk to him about his kids… [even though] he did want to move to Arizona to be with his kids but for the longest time didn't want to actually go… and each visit I would want to be like, Look, you should move, go be with family, it will make a difference." Days passed, months passed, and the gentleman didn't return. One day, Dr. Faruque describes how he showed up at her office out of the blue: "When I saw him again, he did end up moving to Arizona. And he came just to thank me for that." Dr. Faruque tells the story with fondness, the smile practically audible in her voice. "My day is good when I've made a difference in a patient's quality of life." And for this gentleman, the help she provided was more than just providing physical pain relief.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/image-2.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7816"/></figure>   <p>Dr. Faruque's journey in the medical field began ever since she was a little girl. Being the daughter of immigrants, she described how her parents never wanted her to take for granted living in America. They instilled in her the values of helping others and giving back: "I know that's a cliché answer, but it's the truth, that's what got me into the field." Plus, the skill set needed to be a doctor came naturally to her: "In school, I really enjoyed science a lot, so this is really the perfect career for me." But Dr. Faruque's interest in science and heart for people as a child was only the beginning. The rest of her quickly-growing career exemplified her intelligence, ingenuity, compassion, and entrepreneurship on a whole new level.</p>   <p>Not only is Dr. Faruque a double-board certified interventional pain management specialist and anesthesiologist, but she's also a graduate of the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic.</p>   <p>There, she did her residency in Anesthesiology and rotated through the Chronic Pain Rehab Program – a program that treats some of the most complicated chronic pain cases in the medical community. She became the first female pain medicine fellow at Cedars Sinai Medical Center and continues to be one of the few female pain physicians in San Diego, treating patients with interventional management, physical therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and biofeedback /relaxation training. As the entire world now knows, all the training, skill, and experience in the world couldn't have prepared anyone for such unprecedented times.</p>   <p>"My previous job, COVID affected it significantly," Dr. Faruque recounts. "Our clientele went down by 75% in the Pasadena area in California. Unfortunately, the practice never really fully recovered… even when things were getting a little bit better."</p>   <p>Dr. Faruque didn't let COVID stop her from giving back to her community. Another doctor reached out to Dr. Faruque, sharing that he was planning to retire and have someone take over his practice. The opportunity couldn't have been more perfect. "It was a great undertaking," Dr. Faruque said, "Really scary, but great."</p>   <p>She officially started at Palomar this January. But even with a new year, old challenges still presented themselves. "We were considered non-essential so that unfortunately hindered [things]. Patients were afraid to come to our clinic; pain procedures weren't needed." But when patients started to trickle in, the treatments that had been put off for so long were manifesting in unpleasant ways: "When patients did finally come in, they were in an extreme amount of pain and wanted immediate treatment, but that can't be the case." As if things couldn't get any more complicated, patients who had difficulty breathing in masks still had to wear them, and patients eager to get treatments were faced with COVID questions. "A lot of it seemed to be a big nuisance for the patients, but it's all for safety." Aside from the complications that COVID brings, there are also controversies, politicization, and those who don't follow guidelines. Instead of being frustrated, Dr. Faruque realized something: "What I found interesting was that there was a lot of misinformation." She explained, "A lot of us in the medical field take for granted what we know about [COVID], but most patients don't really know anything about COVID." She says she would do her best to answer the many questions patients had about the pandemic. She was surprised to find that many who didn't want to wear masks or follow the guidelines didn't do it out of rebellion – but just because they genuinely didn't understand why. This was especially true with her older patients. "That was one of the biggest surprises for me. We assume that patients know what's happening, but a lot of the time, they don't."</p>   <p>For Dr. Faruque, getting patients to come in person for a check-up is very high on her priority list. Unfortunately, unlike other fields of care, pain treatments can't benefit from telemedicine. "To be realistic, it's difficult in pain management because you really need that physical exam. And if you're giving prescriptions like opioids, you don't want to be doing that over the phone." But even still, Dr. Faruque clarifies that pain treatment isn't only about narcotics and medications.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/image.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7813"/></figure>   <p>While opioids and narcotics are sometimes necessary, that isn't the whole picture. "Our role is to provide alternatives to avoid long-term medication and surgery." She explains. "I want to be a voice for people understanding what pain management is, that it's not just opioids. It's really other forms of treatment like neuromodulation and regenerative medicine." This is just one of the reasons why a face-to-face appointment is critical for pain management treatments – it's not just about stopping the pain; it's about solving the root issue and improving lifestyle.</p>   <p>Dr. Faruque is still early in her career, but she has already made massive waves in her community. "I never choose to settle in my career. I had a dream when I first became a doctor to have my own practice. And not only be a doctor, but also an entrepreneur. I'm proud that I never gave up on that, and now I have that opportunity. It's a big goal that I accomplished." And the race isn't over yet. As the vaccine is being distributed, cases are going down, and life is gradually starting to return to normal, Dr. Faruque and Palomar Spine &amp; Pain look forward to the future. "I really want to make this clinic successful and be a good source, a good doctor, and have a good reputation out there and help people. And right now, it's all about pain and wellness. I truly love helping people."</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/image-1.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/pain-management-its-more-than-medicating/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7790</ID> <title>Home Fitness Has Evolved</title> <publishDate>2021-05-30 20:57:59</publishDate> <description> <p>For most of us who've lived in the '90s, you'll often see the familiar sight of men and women in jogging clothes, dancing, and exercising on your TV screens. Some even have fancy equipment such as treadmills or exercise balls. Home fitness has been with us for quite some time now, and we have to admit, it has played a significant role in our lives now, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting the closure of gyms and fitness centers worldwide.</p>   <p>These days, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/road-to-recovery/2021/01/07/home-fitness-boom/" target="_blank">many people have been buying a load of gym equipment and subscribing to fitness programs online</a>. People have been trying to look for ways to keep their bodies and minds fit in their own homes' confinement. But where is this leading? Let's first look at how home fitness began and see how home fitness has evolved today.</p>   <h2><strong>Home Fitness: Origins</strong></h2>   <p>One of the earliest pieces of home fitness evidence dates back to 1861 in a guidebook created by Gustav Ernst, an orthopedic machinist. In his book, he featured specific exercises for men and women, targeting certain muscle groups and featuring a contraption similar to a modern-day rowing machine. But the earliest home fitness exercises dated as early as 5,000 years ago during the creation of various practices such as Yoga in India and Tai Chi in China.</p>   <p><a href="https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200504-covid-19-update-quarantine-home-workouts-during-coronavirus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Home Fitness slowly began to appear during the '50s, after World War II</a>. Due to the vast economic boom post-war and probably one of humankind's fascinating inventions, the TV, home fitness became possible. As the days went by and awareness against obesity became more apparent, home fitness became more accessible.</p>   <p>The first-ever home fitness program for TV started in 1951 when a fitness guru named <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Jack-LaLanne-Show" target="_blank">Jack Lalanne</a> started broadcasting an exercise show focusing on women, specifically housewives. He demonstrated various stretches, bends, and aerobics that targeted middle-class white women. Shortly after, numerous channels began to copy this and presented exercise shows themselves.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-59.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7792"/></figure>   <h2><strong>The Start of the Evolution: The TV, Equipment and the Gym</strong></h2>   <p>As mentioned, there was an awareness about obesity during the mid-1900s. Beauty standards were all about being thin and fit. It was rampant during this time. Business people and developers invented various equipment during this time to cater to such demands. Examples of these gadgets were sauna suits, vibrating belts, and the resistance bands you see.</p>   <p>Personal fitness became a lifestyle during this time, and as such, there was increased demand for better fitness programs. Another critical invention played a massive role in the evolution of fitness. This is the creation of the VHS tape.</p>   <p>With the VHS tape, you didn't have to tune in to that morning exercise routine. People could know the time when they wanted to exercise and quickly learned new exercise techniques due to the availability and accessibility of these tapes. One of the top performers for these videos was none other than American actress Jane Fonda, selling around 17 million copies of her workout videos that eventually led to more videos with various routines and equipment.</p>   <p>Aside from the VHS tapes, of course, the main spectacle of fitness was establishing gyms and fitness studios worldwide. Gyms were created as early as Greek antiquity. Fitness gyms existed as early as the 1900s, but it wasn't until the '80s when gyms began to double, especially in the United States.</p>   <h2><strong>Fitness Before the Pandemic</strong></h2>   <p>Fitness kept going and improving during the 2000s. New pieces of gym equipment were invented, which fully adapted to the world's technological advancements. During this time, home fitness programs were starting to rise but were often neglected. People still preferred going to the gym since it was more convenient, and the gym offered more equipment and people who could monitor a person's progress and assist those who have trouble lifting weights. Then came the pandemic that shook the world. In 2019, a new disease as deadly as SARS started circulating, and by 2020, it prompted the beginning of the "new normal." That's right; it's COVID-19.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-58.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7791"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Fitness During the Pandemic and Its Effect on the Future</strong></h2>   <p>The pandemic led to businesses and establishments' closure; this included gyms and other fitness studios. Despite this, there's always a silver lining to things. According to a Comscore study, there was a 147% increase in the consumption and demand of various media for fitness, ranging from online app subscriptions to the rise in Youtube videos for fitness.</p>   <p>Alongside the increase in online subscription numbers, the purchase of gym equipment skyrocketed in 2020. Peloton, the treadmill, and stationary bike company reported a <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fitness-trends#46.-Holistic-fitness" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">232% increase in their sales</a> over the first quarter of 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic saw a massive increase in the sales for sports attire, weights, and other equipment such as jump ropes and resistance bands at this time.</p>   <p>The rise in the number of devices and gadgets for fitness also increased during this time. Researchers and business people predicted that by the time 2022 arrives, around 900 million people would be using such devices. These devices include smartwatches, rings, and wireless earphones. Scientists have predicted that the COVID-19 pandemic will not be gone anytime soon; causing these business people to claim that around 2025 the fitness gadget industry would gain approximately $700 million.</p>   <p>We are still unsure of what will happen to us in the future, let alone the future of physical fitness, but one thing holds. In these trying times, we need to improve our physical fitness, not for looks, but for us to stay healthy. To learn further how the pandemic affected home fitness, you can check out this <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/road-to-recovery/2021/01/07/home-fitness-boom/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">site</a>.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-60.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/home-fitness-has-evolved/</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/news/dr-christopher-lee-first-hand-tales-of-the-covid-19-pandemic-from-an-urgentcare-physician/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7775</ID> <title>Chiropractic Care and Functional Medicine in Israel with Dr. Reuven Rosenberg</title> <publishDate>2021-05-30 20:37:30</publishDate> <description> <p>Now an established chiropractor and a board-certified clinical nutritionist in Israel, Dr. Reuven Rosenberg's unorthodox career path was a winding one. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Rosenberg first attended the School of Visual Arts for Graphic Design. After graduation, this path evolved into dreams of breaking into the film industry. As a young man with a musical background, he found success working on MTV videos and the television program The Equalizer. In this interview with Top Doctor Magazine, Dr. Rosenberg shared his fascinating background story and some refreshing perspectives on functional health, the human body, and practicing abroad.</p>   <h2><strong>About Dr. Christopher Lee</strong></h2>   <p>At the age of 30, Dr. Rosenberg decided it was time to build the foundation for professional growth. With a keen fascination with the health of the human body and a passion for interdisciplinary education, Dr. Rosenberg chose to go back to school. He moved to Dallas, Texas, and graduated from Parker University five years later. In Dallas, he would not only begin practicing as a chiropractor, but he also had two children with his wife while becoming religiously observant. The Rosenberg family then moved to New York City, where Dr. Rosenberg would practice for five years. On a family vacation to Israel in 2005, Dr. Rosenberg encountered his rabbi from Brooklyn, whom he describes as a very wise and kind man, and with whom he had a life-changing conversation. Six months after that talk, Dr. Rosenberg and his family relocated permanently to Israel.</p>   <p>"It was a lot of work to start from scratch again at age 41. It's been a lot of work." After 15 years in Israel, it seems the efforts have paid off, as he experiences no shortage of patients or professional name recognition, locally or in the United States. Many come to Dr. Rosenberg's private practice in Ramat Beit Shemesh for a wide variety of reasons. Dr. Rosenberg has completed several post-graduate courses in functional neurology and applies that education to many cases, including people affected by Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, &amp; ADD/HD.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-54.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7778"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Functional Medicine Gives People Hope</strong></h2>   <p>After decades of helping people, Dr. Rosenberg took a thoughtful and personalized approach to give his patients the best care possible. For example, he told Top Doctor Magazine about a 28-year-old female patient with ten years of struggle with hypersomnia, which leaves the patient feeling excessive sleepiness throughout the day and unable to sleep at night. The patient was using Ritalin and coffee to manage this problem, but it was very obvious to all this was not sustainable. Dr. Rosenberg helped this patient with his process of testing neurotransmitters, hormones, and manual muscle testing. Dr. Rosenberg speaks from personal experience, "I myself at 21 had chronic fatigue, and I saw a chiropractor… and I didn't know why at that time! But he helped me with chiropractic and functional medicine. And that is what people are looking for."</p>   <p>Dr. Rosenberg takes it further. His practice uses the principles from functional neurology and combines them with clinical nutrition and functional lab testing. After 15 years in Israel, Dr. Rosenberg has been able to help countless people who were consistently told their situations were unsolvable: ailments such as insomnia, weight, male and female hormone issues, headaches, migraines, sleep apnea, autoimmune issues, chronic pain, and diseases of the digestive system. Dr. Rosenberg has a novel way of explaining his sophisticated work to the casual layperson, "To me, it's all about the state of the nervous system,the state of the brain, and the internal terrain. The brain controls the whole body."</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-53.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7776"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Chiropractors Remove Interference in Your Body</strong></h2>   <p>With the surrounding geopolitical tension in Israel, extreme stress is a significant issue that is quite different from most Americans, which is why Dr. Rosenberg seems to have his work cut out for him. "Many Israeli patients haven't even heard of a chiropractor, but chiropractors have been around since 1895…and really under various names going back to ancient Egypt." Dr. Rosenberg continues, "Chiropractors from the early days recognized that the body is a self-healing, self-regulating organism. Our main goal is to remove some type of interference…something that is interfering with the transmission of information in the body."</p>   <p>Every chiropractor has their way of doing things, but they all work towards the same goal. Dr. Rosenberg prides himself in his unique approach of interlacing functional medicine and applied kinesiology, as not many chiropractors can do that.</p>   <h2><strong>Managing COVID-19</strong></h2>   <p>Dr. Rosenberg was ahead of the pandemic by creating an online Functional Medicine program. "I've had the idea for quite some time." Functional Medicine works very well in a telemedicine model. o serve more people, Dr. Rosenberg has enhanced his approach by collaborating online with a sleep coach. "I proposed to him that we could complement each other." The work continues to evolve even after 21 years of experience.</p>   <p>COVID-19 presented several challenges initially. "Chiropractic is hands-on work." The Alternative Medicine division of the HMO that Dr. Rosenberg practices in part-time was shut down for several months but eventually reopened. These days, thanks in part to Israel's expeditious vaccination efforts, his private practice business has not only returned to pre-pandemic levels but has significantly increased. "I'm a chiropractor. People aren't coming to me for COVID. They are coming for neck and back pain. But they may also benefit from enhanced immune function in the process of treatment." With the effects of the pandemic yet unfolding, his work at the Integrative Health Center in Ramat Beit Shemesh will continue to be invaluable in the long-term care and ongoing relationships between Dr. Rosenberg and his patients.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/DSC_6474Done_Edited.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/chiropractic-care-and-functional-medicine-in-israel-with-dr-reuven-rosenberg/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7736</ID> <title>Mental Fitness is Just as Important as Physical Fitness</title> <publishDate>2021-05-22 21:44:37</publishDate> <description> <p>Going to the gym, home workouts, and doing yoga often come up, among others, when talking about health. After all, <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/physical-activity-its-important" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">physical fitness</a> helps reduce the risk of various ailments like diabetes and cardiovascular disease while also helping manage one’s weight. Treating physical fitness as an integral part of one’s well-being is extremely important in staying healthy, but why is mental fitness rarely given the same priority?</p>   <p>Mental fitness is often overlooked but should be valued just as much as physical fitness. Maintaining mental fitness means taking care of one’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. This ensures that one’s ability to cope with everyday stress and maintain good relationships with others is improved as time goes on.</p>   <p>Here, you’ll find the benefits and some tips for improving mental health, along with the importance of doing so in the first place.</p>   <h2><strong>Why Should You Care about Mental Health?</strong></h2>   <p>The stigma around mental health has prevented many from communicating with others and seeking help for their troubles. Although much of this stigma is now being addressed in mainstream media, mental health remains an issue requiring more support in awareness and policy campaigns.</p>   <p>Here are some reasons why we must treat mental health with the same importance as physical health:</p>   <h3><strong>1. Body and mind connection</strong></h3>   <p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277953617306639" target="_blank">Research</a> has proven that having mental health issues can cause one’s physical health to suffer. For example, those suffering from depression or chronic anxiety may have trouble sleeping and eating properly, thus <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://everydaypower.com/mental-health-importance-2/" target="_blank">risking their physical health</a>. Also, having little to no physical exercise can double the risk of having <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.barchester.com/help-and-advice/news/lack-exercise-affects-mental-health" target="_blank">dementia or depression</a>.</p>   <h3><strong>2. Mental illness can affect one’s family</strong></h3>   <p>Some mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and major depression <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/common-genetic-factors-found-5-mental-disorders" target="_blank">tend </a>to run in families and affect generations. This genetic risk can lead to children suffering from a greater risk of abuse and emotional-behavioral issues as they grow up.</p>   <h3><strong>3. Unaddressed mental health issues may be dangerous</strong></h3>   <p>Unaddressed mental illnesses are a global public concern brought on by factors such as inaccessibility to mental health resources, lack of funds to avail health services, and the stigma that stops people from seeking treatment. Whatever the case, untreated mental illnesses may lead to <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://pphr.princeton.edu/2017/04/30/untreated-mental-illnesses-the-causes-and-effects/" target="_blank">dangers </a>such as increased rates of suicide, loss of productivity, and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://everydaypower.com/mental-health-importance-2/" target="_blank">reduced life expectancy</a>.</p>   <p>If you need advice on how to improve your mental fitness, here are some tips from health professionals that may help:</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-51.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7740"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Tips for Mental Fitness</strong></h2>   <h3><strong>1. Meditation</strong></h3>   <p>People often use a variety of <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.dhs.gov/employee-resources/7-tips-mental-fitness" target="_blank">stress relief techniques</a> depending on the skills or hobbies they have. One of the most common techniques is <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.verywellmind.com/meditate-for-fitness-and-energy-2224129" target="_blank">mindfulness meditation</a>. This activity helps reduce stress and lower the risk of health issues like high blood pressure and anxiety. Giving your brain some time to recharge can also help you feel more relaxed and ready to take on the rest of your day.</p>   <h3><strong>2. Learn something new</strong></h3>   <p>Learning a new skill or language <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://medium.com/skilluped/how-learning-new-skills-rewire-your-brain-af08f0aee43" target="_blank">activates </a>different parts of your brain. Committing to learning leads to increased ability in memory, concentration, and multitasking. This allows you to finish tasks and make decisions with precision and clarity, thus enhancing your mental capacity even as you age.</p>   <h3><strong>3. Food for thought</strong></h3>   <p>Different food can enhance the brain’s health just as much as it can enhance the body’s. It would help if you prioritized a healthy intake of fish oils, nuts, and flax seeds in your diet. It can help increase <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2805706/" target="_blank">cognitive function</a> necessary for maintaining mental fitness.</p>   <p>If you’re still not sold on why mental fitness is just as necessary as physical fitness, here are some added benefits to prioritizing your mental well-being:</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-50.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7739"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Benefits of Mental Fitness</strong></h2>   <h3><strong>1. Mental exercise sharpens the mind</strong></h3>   <p>A <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.pnas.org/content/108/25/10081.long" target="_blank">study </a>conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan found that mental activities, such as memory training exercises, can enhance one’s “fluid intelligence,” which involves reasoning and problem-solving skills. Various <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/brain-exercises#learn-a-new-language" target="_blank">mental exercises</a> also enhance concentration and focus as one age, such as learning a new language, picking up a new skill, or even dancing.</p>   <h3><strong>2. Learn effective stress management techniques</strong></h3>   <p>Taking care of your mental well-being entails knowing how to cope with the stress of everyday life. Although moderate stress is often necessary, there are times when overwhelming stress must be dealt with to avoid serious harm to your mental and physical well-being. When you take steps to be mentally fit, you become <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://toronto.cmha.ca/documents/benefits-of-good-mental-health/" target="_blank">better equipped</a>to deal with stress and reduce anxiety, fear, irritability, anger, and more.</p>   <h3><strong>3. Improves socio-emotional behavior</strong></h3>   <p>Engaging in mental and physical exercises allows you to enjoy clearer thinking and improved moods instead of periods of irritability and anxiety when one has deteriorating mental fitness. The ability to think clearly also leads to a greater sense of inner peace, which can be further tapped into through mindfulness meditation.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-49.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7738"/></figure>   <p>Furthermore, when your mood and thinking improve, you can <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-mental-health/" target="_blank">navigate social relationships</a> without having to worry about risks of depression or lowered self-esteem.</p>   <h3><strong>1. Enhanced physical health</strong></h3>   <p>As you take care of your body, you also commit to <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-mental-health/" target="_blank">strengthening your mind</a>. Achieving mental fitness through physical exercise helps limit and prevent pain and several diseases that come with aging. You can also enjoy better sleep, increased energy, and stronger resilience for physical and mental adversities.</p>   <h3><strong>2. Counseling benefits</strong></h3>   <p>Those who have the resources to avail of counseling services find an <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-mental-health/" target="_blank">increase</a>in their self-esteem and self-acceptance after working with their psychological counselors. This type of treatment allows for a better understanding of your mental health conditions and emotions, thus improving your emotion regulation skills and communication skills.</p>   <h2><strong>Take-away Message</strong></h2>   <p>Whichever tip or advice you may find helpful, remember that taking care of your mind and body is a constant process. Take your time to figure out how you can best help yourself, and remember that you’re not alone in your struggles and healing.</p>   <p>When you take the steps towards strengthening your physical and mental well-being, know that others are fighting alongside you as you try to live a healthier, longer, and happier life.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-52.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/mental-fitness-is-just-as-important-as-physical-fitness/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7728</ID> <title>A DOCTOR'S PERSPECTIVE ON THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM FROM A HOSPITAL BED WITH DR. AMIR SHALEV</title> <publishDate>2021-05-22 21:30:51</publishDate> <description> <p>The United States healthcare system is regarded as the best and the most innovative in the world. Aside from the billions of dollars invested in health and medical research, pockets of excellence are visible across the country. Nonetheless, the fragmented and complicated healthcare marketplace created a system that is antithetical to its global reputation. A stunning reality of the healthcare system is that the finances and resources do not translate to better access to care, coordination, and affordability. The increasing complexity of care, care fragmentation, increasing burden of chronic diseases, limitations of outcomes measurement, limitation of evidence for the care provided, and lack of transparency in both performance and cost are a few of the challenges physicians and patients alike face daily.</p>   <p>Healthcare providers dedicated to providing the best care for every patient put in their best effort, ensuring that each patient receives care efficiently.</p>   <p>However, complicated insurance coverage, political landscape, consumer preference, and current socioeconomic structure through health policy decisions about funding, regulations, and reimbursements affect organizations and delivery of care in a way that limits healthcare provider's options.</p>   <p>Health care has been an important topic of debate in the United States throughout the last decade. As different political parties hold different viewpoints regarding how to run the system properly, each side attempts to create legislation reflecting their political ideology. Stakeholders like insurance and pharmaceutical industries prey on these inconsistencies by spending millions of dollars lobbying to influence potential reforms. As a result, establishing long-term solutions to our health care system failed to materialize.</p>   <p>Sadly, the brunt is generally felt across all demographics and occupations. After a lengthy monologue, Dr. Amir Shalev lamented to Top Doctor Magazine during an interview: "Your pain is out of proportion. There is nothing else we could do."</p>   <p>Dr. Shalev, who is also a doctor, listened in disbelief while a physician discharged him in excruciating pain. Even though he has dedicated his life to providing care to patients, he quickly realized the dangerous lapses in the healthcare system when the tables are turned.</p>   <p>Dr. Amir Shalev is a podiatrist specializing in diabetic foot care in Las Vegas providing comprehensive medical care for a broad spectrum of foot and ankle conditions.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-48.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7733"/></figure>   <p>Even as a health provider, Dr. Shalev had a fair share of the lapses in the healthcare system when his ulcerative colitis became worse. "So often I'd have a flare-up and would go on steroids or spend a few days in the hospital, and then I would go into remission." In 2019, he requested to see pain management but was denied. In May 2020, Dr. Shalev, who was immunocompromised and trying to avoid going to the ER, contacted his GI doctor, who started him on steroids again.</p>   <p>"When my condition got worse, they gave me all the pain medications I needed. When I went to one hospital, all they did was a CT scan. They gave me pain management injection and fluids, and after five days, they repeated it, told me my pain was out of proportion and sent me home." Dr. Shalev complained.</p>   <p>Since the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing, Dr. Shalev disclosed that the healthcare system might become appalling unless we see a drastic change. "When I was discharged in pain, I perforated at home. The next day, my colon ruptured. I went to my GI five days later, and he took one look at me, wheeled me to the OR for emergency surgery, where they took out 95% of my colon. He told me if I was 24hrs later, I probably wouldn’t be able to come; I would be dead."</p>   <p>While describing physician's complicity in the problem, the Nevada-based doctor noted that patients also play a part in the problem, making it difficult for doctors to do their job. Dr. Shalev, who was a patient a few times, describes his experience when he was receiving care. "When I had emergency surgery, I was in the ICU for five days, and I have nerve tuber been in the ICU.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-46.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7730"/></figure>   <p>I had what is termed ICU delirium, an acute fluctuating disturbance of consciousness and cognition common to patients." Speaking further on his experience as a patient, Dr. Shalev described how he pulled out everything attached to his body, including the NG, which made him bleed. "When they got everything back in me, they restrained me, tied me down, and I still pulled everything out. I did not cooperate with them until after the third night when my wife stayed with me to calm me down."</p>   <p>The healthcare system in the US has a trifecta of high cost, below-average outcomes, and unequal access compared to other highly developed countries. Some of the factors creating a downstream effect in the healthcare system were created by the health insurance industry. During the interview, Dr. Shalev criticized the insurance companies leeching off the hardworking Americans and creating severe health challenges. "Part of the problem is the way the fixed schedule gets reduced every year. This kind of forces doctors to see more patients to make ends meet, pay off student loans, and couple that with Medicare decreases because they want to force Medicare guidelines on physicians." Dr. Shalev said.</p>   <p>For example, Dr. Shalev continued, "…in Vegas, Medicaid did not cover podiatrist services for 2018. So, if some Medicaid patients needed podiatrist services, they had to pay cash." Now, Medicaid does cover podiatry, but many doctors still won’t see Medicaid patients even though they are the population that needs it most. "I know some practices that will never see them. If you only have a 15-minute time slot and you have someone else who triples the pay, you will definitely go to the other patient. I may start picking my patients too. Right or wrong, unfortunately, that is what the insurance companies are forcing podiatrists to do." Dr. Shalev informed.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-45.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7729"/></figure>   <p>The federal government influences the health care system by creating reforms to improve quality and value in the healthcare industry. By establishing Medicare and Medicaid, it ensures access to insurance coverage for most of the population. Additionally, multiple pieces of legislation were created over the years expanding federal healthcare programs, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010. As the role of government expanded, multiple initiatives were created. Overall, progress has eluded the health care system.</p>   <p>Dr. Shalev provided a perspective regarding the influence the government has on the health care system. "There are a lot of things out there that are not known or used because they are not familiar to us but are available in other advanced countries. Sadly, we have different government entities that are involved, which should not be part of the equation, but unfortunately, it is."</p>   <p>For example, Dr. Shalev continued, "<a href="https://www.completefootanklecare.com/testimonials/video-testimonials.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stem cells regenerative medicine</a> became more legal or more mainstream in the last 5 to 8 years because the government allows things to be studied and done. Although it's been done in Europe for over 30 years, it's new to us."</p>   <p>Going forward, Dr. Shalev told us that he might be forced to ask what insurance a patient has before seeing them. "My goal is to do the best for the patient, hopefully, their insurance covers it, but if they don't, there is not much I can do, but I try to work with them to find a cheaper cash alternative." Dr. Shalev believes that patient care comes first before money, "but I have always liked doing the right thing so that I can sleep at night," he concluded.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-47.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/a-doctors-perspective-on-the-healthcare-system-from-a-hospital-bed-with-dr-amir-shalev/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7720</ID> <title>Robert Bautista: Tackling Health Misinformation</title> <publishDate>2021-05-22 21:22:01</publishDate> <description> <p>The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hits the United States—and the rest of the world, like a storm, in early 2020. Within that period, governments of different countries had to issue strict precautionary measures to break the chain of infection and deaths. Countries like China limited viral spread by enforcing early and thorough lockdowns, other countries, including the United States, France, Italy, and Spain, were heavily hit. At the time of writing, the pandemic accounts for at least 135 million infections and about 3 million deaths globally. Because of the confusion surrounding the advent of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel coronavirus that triggers COVID-19, misinformation about the virus, its origins, and successful prevention and treatment methods spread rapidly. The World Health Organization (WHO) developed and distributed shareable infographics that dispel unique misconceptions about COVID-19 as part of its campaign to spread scientific knowledge over misinformation. However, the effectiveness of health agency websites intended to refute misconceptions has produced inconsistent findings in research.</p>   <p>Dr. Robert Bautista, who is presently doing his postdoctoral fellowship at The University of Texas at Austin's School of Information, is no slouch when tackling health misinformation on social media. Dr. Bautista has always been interested in public health, leading him to take a master's program in public health. He then realized that information and communications technologies have a crucial role in promoting public health, leading him to take a Ph.D. in communication science at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. Over the years, he has done various research on how technology, ranging from smartphones to social media, influences the work of healthcare professionals in the field.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-43.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7724"/></figure>   <p>"I got into this field when I was collecting data in the Philippines for my Ph.D. thesis. I observed that nurses used their smartphones to communicate and pass vital information to their coworkers and their patients. To some extent, patients may ask nurses with health information and, in some cases, these questions relate to health misinformation found on the Internet." After completing my Ph.D., I applied for fellowships that would allow me to start research on health misinformation. Fortunately, I was granted the Bullard Research Fellowship by UT Austin's School of Information. Currently, my research focuses on how healthcare professionals <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1386505621000010" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">correct health misinformation on social media</a>."</p>   <p>Initially, Dr. Bautista's research did not focus on COVID-19; however, he had to rethink his priorities with it being a pandemic. 'There was much misinformation surrounding COVID-19, like how the virus spreads, how the virus started, and what medications will help in treating COVID-19."</p>   <p>On the effect of the pandemic on his research, "The Pandemic affected my research. I couldn't interview key healthcare professionals in person due to social distancing measures. So all interviews had to be done online via Zoom or Skype. Initially, the interviews were challenging because they were not face-to-face; I quickly got into the groove because the technology provided the convenience of collecting data at home. That also meant not having to travel at all for research, and that reduced my risk of having COVID."</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-42.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7722"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Trends Set by the Pandemic</strong></h2>   <p>"Although COVID-19 has its consequences," said Dr. Bautista, "there are also some silver linings that occurred throughout my research. For example, researchers became more innovative and explored other avenues of data collection. The key benefits include greater adherence to safety measures, lesser travel time, and the availability of many participants to communicate online since most are at home."</p>   <h2><strong>Are the Trends Here to Stay?</strong></h2>   <p>"Yes, they will." He says. "Until the country reaches herd immunity and daily cases are much lower." But we suspect that the world is prepared to communicate intimately beyond herd immunity without much physical contact. In December, the CEO of Twitter and Slack told all employees of both companies that they can work remotely forever. Dr. Bautista insists that "We will still have to stick to this kind of setup for the next two years." The delay in reaching herd immunity is because of logistical challenges (low vaccine supply and poor distribution), resulting in the delay of vaccinating adults. Besides, vaccine trials for individuals under the age of 16 are still in progress and may take about a year before completion.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-41.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7721"/></figure>   <h2><strong>The Misinformation Surrounding Vaccination</strong></h2>   <p>Dr. Bautista is "hopeful that trials reach completion by the end of the year regarding child vaccination. As a result, those under the age of 16 can receive the vaccine in December, similar to what happened in 2020."</p>   <p>"The main challenge is the expected hesitancy from parents. It would always be an issue if some children who can think for themselves want to get vaccinated, but the parents are hesitant. Enrollment into vaccine trials for children has also been tougher than enrollment for adults because you need parents' permission. Parents are much more anxious to subject their children to clinical trials. The time needed to conduct trials for children is longer when compared to adults, and hesitancy often comes from misinformation. Some adults do not want the vaccine because they think it's a death trap. However, COVID vaccines "greatly reduce your chance of being severely hospitalized and dying from COVID." "We're using science to combat COVID-19 through vaccines. We use science to explore other worlds like Mars, and that's because of science, and in the future, we can set our feet on Mars." "Eventually, with vaccines, we can reach herd immunity to the extent that people will not die from COVID." Dr. Bautista says.</p>   <p>We understand the negative implications of misinformation and how it can lead to social distress. With social media, spreading fake news and unverified claims is easy. During the heat of the global pandemic, absurd news and claims were fabricated and spread. Many people kicked against some of the guidelines released by the WHO, and some organizations, and even governments, were quick to justify recklessness towards the pandemic using unverified data sources. "Did China deliberately orchestrate the spread of COVID19? Does chloroquine effectively cure the virus? Must you always wear a face mask and use a hand sanitizer?" Many fingers wagged at China; some doctors and reputable politicians claimed that chloroquine could help defeat the virus; others claimed that face masks and sanitizers were a waste of investment in the campaign against the pandemic. Where do you get your news? When you spread fake news, you fuel a system that can lead to property damage and deaths. So always think and verify before you share information on social media.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-44.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/doctor/robert-bautista-tackling-health-misinformation/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7709</ID> <title>The Art of Medicine: A Look into Regenerative Medicine with Dr. Ripu Arora</title> <publishDate>2021-05-22 21:08:52</publishDate> <description> <p>Dr. Ripu Arora is a board-certified pain management anesthesiologist who has provided exceptional care to his patients for the last 30 years. He focuses in his practice, the <a href="https://www.arorapainclinic.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arora Pain Clinic</a>, on Interventional Pain Management and Regenerative Medicine. Through these specialties, he can identify pain triggering mechanisms and target the best treatments for the best patient outcomes.</p>   <p>“Our goal is to help the patient as a whole, to improve the quality of life and improve their functionality in life. Sometimes you cannot heal the patient 100%, but at least you can get the functionality back to normal or close to normal,” shared Dr. Arora.</p>   <h2><strong>Training to Serve</strong></h2>   <p>Dr. Arora studied for his medical degree in India before traveling to England to undergo Orthopedic and Surgical training at hospitals in London and Manchester. He then moved to America to further his training in surgery at Baltimore, MD.</p>   <p>Following this, Dr. Arora attended a residency in Anesthesiology through Case Western University and, in 2009, graduated with honors from the University of Irvine, California, with a master of business administration in health care.</p>   <p>He is an active life member of the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP). He serves on the board of directors as the president of the California Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (CalSIPP).</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-39.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7712"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Expansion of Regenerative Medicine</strong></h2>   <p>Arora shared that last year CalSIPP surveyed its members, asking what the physicians wanted to learn the most. The number one answer was <a href="https://www.nature.com/subjects/regenerative-medicine" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regenerative medicine</a>. In answer to this desire, the organization put together honest educational resources to help physicians increase their understanding.</p>   <p>“The most important thing is to educate the community and additionally the physicians and the different providers on what is available,” Arora said. “The right type of education is vital, especially without doing any sales pitches or false advertisements. There is also the importance of changing the mindset.”</p>   <p>As more <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11587822/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patients seek more natural healing methods</a>, physicians need to be educated on how they can include regenerative medicine into their practice.</p>   <p>“We want to stay true to the ethics behind regulations. We want to make sure that those practicing regenerative medicines understand its limitations and that we must follow FDA regulations,” Arora said.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-40.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7714"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Regenerative Medicine as the Art of Medicine</strong></h2>   <p>After experiencing firsthand the capabilities of regenerative medicine, Arora has delved into its study and is currently offering it with great success to his patients.</p>   <p>“I had my own experience with it, so that’s helped me a lot to believe in it. And if you believe in something and you have a personal experience, then it’s easier to offer it to somebody with confidence,” he said.</p>   <p>Arora’s genuine passion for his patients and their success is evident. One of his favorite patient stories is of an engineer with a crushed hand who managed to make a recovery and remove his pain altogether.</p>   <p>He was able to hold his child for the first time and went on to get a job as an electrical engineer.</p>   <p>Arora described the outcome from regenerative therapy as very rewarding. He sees regenerative medicine as a non-invasive way to help people heal and manage their pain.</p>   <p>“My feeling is that regenerative medicine is going to be the art of medicine, which everybody will be utilizing in the years to come,” Arora said.</p>   <p>If you would like to learn more about Dr. Ripu Arora, you can <a href="https://www.arorapainclinic.com/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">visit him at his website</a><a href="https://www.arorapainclinic.com/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">.</a> He has <a href="https://www.calsipp.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">various resources on Regenerative Medicine</a> available for members.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/DR._ARORA_PIC_-scaled.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/doctor/the-art-of-medicine-a-look-into-regenerative-medicine-with-dr-ripu-arora/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7688</ID> <title>Couch Potatoes Beware! Sedentary Lifestyle Accounts for 8% of Global Deaths</title> <publishDate>2021-05-16 13:30:57</publishDate> <description> <p>From diseases to short life span, physical inactivity has become one of the leading causes of death globally. Prolonged non-active physical behavior promotes increased <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.medicinenet.com/high_blood_pressure_hypertension/article.htm" target="_blank">high blood pressure</a>,<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.medicinenet.com/type_2_diabetes/article.htm" target="_blank">type-2 diabetes</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.medicinenet.com/stroke_symptoms_and_treatment/article.htm" target="_blank">stroke</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.medicinenet.com/heart_disease_coronary_artery_disease/article.htm" target="_blank">heart disease</a>, and different kinds of cancers.</p>   <p>It may sound disturbing, but, as of now, sedentary behavior is the cause of 8% of deaths across the globe. On the surface, a sedentary lifestyle may sound appealing, but it comes with many strings attached.</p>   <h2><strong>COVID-19 and Lack of Exercise</strong></h2>   <p>Yes, people with inactive physical lifestyles have a high chance of hospitalization. In fact, a <a href="https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2021/04/07/bjsports-2021-104080" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study </a>confirms that COVID-19 in patients who indulge in sedentary habits is more likely to be fatal. The AFP report also highlights that the lack of exercise is associated with severe COVID-19 symptoms.</p>   <p>Researchers had made it clear that many non-communicable diseases boil down to the sedentary lifestyle even before the pandemic crisis. And apart from high blood pressure, an inactive physical lifestyle increases the chances of dementia by 8%.</p>   <h2><strong>Sedentary Behavior: Geographic Outlook</strong></h2>   <p><a href="https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/phy_act.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Officially</a>, the American National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute views 150 minutes or less sedentary behavior as physical inactivity. Ironically, individuals from rich and developed nations are 2x times more likely to suffer from a major disease due to physical inactivity.</p>   <p>However, individuals from middle-income nations are at high risk of sedentary behavior due to large populations. What’s disheartening is that more than 70% of heart disease fatalities are related to physical inactivity worldwide.</p>   <p>According to <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.pbrc.edu/research-and-faculty/faculty/?faculty=3418" target="_blank">Peter Katzmarzyk</a>’s research, Caribbean countries, Asian Pacific nations, and Latin America bear the burden of most fatalities from prolonged physical inactivity. Peter Katzmarzyk’s published research in the British Journal of Medicine also highlights the collective reasoning behind sedentary behavior.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-35.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7692"/></figure>   <h2><strong>The Need for More Awareness and Advocacy</strong></h2>   <p>There is an urgent need to advocate for issues that stem from physical inactivity. It means that a mainstream approach to raise awareness about the natural consequences of sedentary behavior across the globe should be implemented. The same study also mentions that the lowest sedentary rates are in Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.</p>   <h2><strong>High Obesity Rate in America</strong></h2>   <p>Remember that the highest <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/prevalence-maps.html#:~:text=35%25%20or%20more%20adults%20had,and%20the%20West%20(27.4%25)." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity rate</a> is in the United States, which calls for more mental health and fitness initiatives to reduce sedentary behavior. Another study characterizes the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4241367/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cause-and-effect</a> of physical inactivity for a long time.</p>   <p>Ultimately, it mentions that sedentary behavior as a public health crisis deserves attention on a global scale. The reality dictates an international collaboration that would help devise, implement, and streamline public health objectives.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-34.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7690"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Global Initiative Matters</strong></h2>   <p>A few years ago, the World Health Organization decided to bring down the global physical inactivity levels by at least <a href="https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/272722/9789241514187-eng.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">15%</a> by 2030. But there is a need for more grass-root level initiatives that can decrease the total number of individuals with inactive physical behavior around the world.</p>   <p>After all, the active physical drive of at least<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/43/2/153" target="_blank">five years</a> reduces the risk of fatal diseases by 44%. Regular exercise makes it possible to prevent common diseases. An active physical routine is now a recognized way to avoid diseases such as type-2 diabetes and colon cancer.</p>   <h2><strong>Recommended Physical Activity</strong></h2>   <p>According to the <a href="https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/43/2/153.full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Journal of Sports Medicine</a>, an adult should take up moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes 5 times a week. Scientifically, this moderate exercise is equivalent to 3-6 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metabolic_equivalent_of_task" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">METs</a>, and ideally coincides with disease prevention.</p>   <p>On average, trials from the <a href="https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/43/2/153.full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> highlight additional benefits to undertaking at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. Individuals can also take 10-15 minutes of exercise at a time to reach the 30 minutes mark. But healthcare professionals and fitness experts insist that people need more motivation in the digital age to take up an exercise routine.</p>   <p>As the pandemic managed to force the vast majority of the global population indoors, it is even more crucial to undertake various physical exercises. In fact, COVID-19 is the main <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2021/04/07/bjsports-2021-104080" target="_blank">reason</a> why medical professionals concur there might be an increased number of sedentary individuals worldwide.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-33.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7689"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Final Thoughts</strong></h2>   <p>Although there are various economic and cultural factors, international cooperation is the key to bring down the high number of inactive individuals throughout the world. The pressure of capitalist society and modern living are not easy. But most studies hint towards an immediate response to mobilize and mitigate a severe public health crisis.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-36.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/couch-potatoes-beware-sedentary-lifestyle-accounts-for-8-of-global-deaths/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7677</ID> <title>Dr. Mukesh Kumar - Everything YOU Need to Know about Stem Cells and the FDA</title> <publishDate>2021-05-16 13:00:25</publishDate> <description> <h2><strong>About Dr. Mukesh Kumar</strong></h2>   <p>Dr. Mukesh Kumar, PhD, RAC, is a Washington DC-based consultant in regulatory affairs and quality assurance for manufacturers and developers of pharma and biotech products. With more than 100 multinational clinical trials, Dr. Kumar is one of the world’s leading experts in pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical product development from early stage to commercial markets. He authors a popular Weekly Newsletter on FDA related issues, FDA Puran, read by more than 80,000 readers worldwide.</p>   <p>Academically, Dr. Kumar holds a PhD in Biochemistry and is a visiting professor at George Washington University, Washington DC. Because of his world-renowned expertise in global regulatory affairs, Dr. Kumar has been an invited speaker at several professional and academic organizations worldwide.</p>   <p>In the world of medicine and patient care, nothing, absolutely nothing is left to the gods of Fate. From the clinical trials under Investigational New Drug applications or INDs to dealing with the FDA, researchers and proponents face a journey similar to Odysseus’ Odyssey, a journey ridden with uncharted dangers and unsuspected plot changes. What it takes to find your way outside the labyrinth is finding the right guide. Enter Dr. Mukesh Kumar.</p>   <p>Dr. Mukesh Kumar, one of the top FDA experts, has been gaining invaluable experience in INDs approvals for more than 20 years now, helping pharmaceutical companies develop IND applications and aligning these applications to FDA standards. With an average of approximately 10 to 15 successful INDs every year, Dr. Kumar comfortably sits at the top of the IND hierarchy with an unparalleled success rate.</p>   <p>However, Dr. Kumar’s work extends beyond investigational new drugs, reaching a field of medicine that, with enough research, resources, and time, will probably bring patient care and medicine as a whole to a new level: STEM cells.</p>   <p>With such exciting topics and an abundance of knowledge from Dr. Kumar, how does one choose between the two? The short and easy answer is, they do not! For that reason, let’s tune in to Dr. Kumar’s interview and learn more in the beginning about INDs and their approval process, continuing with how STEM cells work miracles into our bodies and how they represent the future of medicine.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-32.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7685"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Learning from One’s Mistakes</strong></h2>   <p>In a nutshell, the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/development-approval-process-cber/investigational-new-drug-ind-or-device-exemption-ide-process-cber" target="_blank">FDA</a> describes investigational new drug applications as follows: "An Investigational New Drug Application (IND) is a request for authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to administer an investigational drug or biological product to humans." One can sense the burden and the level of responsibility falling upon FDA regulators right away, which is why the process of approving an IND is difficult, entails a heap of bureaucracy, and can take up to several months. "If you do your homework, if you prepare well, the process is pretty well defined. You know, it's not magic. It's just a lot of hard work that goes into these obligations, and people who do put in hard work, they do get, you know, positive results from the regulators." Dr. Kumar shares with Top Doctor Magazine.</p>   <p>At the end of the day, doing one's homework and dealing with inevitable future mistakes are the way to bring an IND to fruition. <em>"You want to find people with the right kind of experience, who've learned from their mistakes, who have dealt with the FDA many times. […]" </em>Dr. Kumar shares with us in a more cheerful tone. <em>"It's a pretty, well-defined, clear process if you know what you are doing."</em></p>   <p>However, why do so many applications end up in failure? Dr. Kumar points out two main reasons. One, lack of communication between the proponents and the regulators sets the former months back on the application writing process. Two, the proponents do not listen to the regulators' concerns, which, in one particular case, cost one of Dr. Kumar's clients almost nine months before having their application accepted by the FDA. On the other hand, as long as one respects the regulator's requests and maintains constant communication with the latter, an IND can receive its approval in just a few weeks, a true example of efficacy. To learn more about IND applications, you can check out Dr. Kumar’s weekly video blog at www.FDAMap.com.</p>   <h2><strong>How Does an IND Go from Project to Reality?</strong></h2>   <p>As an organization, the FDA’s mission is to protect the public for risky products, even those in clinical trials. As such, to become a reality, every IND must go through a rigorous, thoroughly objective FDA review process. FDA looks through every aspect of an IND, from the design of the study to its ethics, to the validity of the scientific questions being asked in the trial. FDA could have many questions for the clinical trial and may need the trial to be revised to make it safer. In addition to the FDA, independent review boards or <a href="https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/institutional-review-boards-frequently-asked-questions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IRBs</a> also review a clinical trial plan to make sure it is not unreasonably risky for the volunteers who will participate in the planned trial.</p>   <p>At the end of the review process, both the FDA and the IRB have to approve the clinical trial before the trial can be started. Once the clinical trial is started both the FDA and IRB require periodic updates to stay on top of the trial. At any time a trial approval can be suspended if there are concerns about the conduct of the trial or new safety issues.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-30.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7682"/></figure>   <h2><strong>101 STEM Cell Course with Dr. Kumar</strong></h2>   <p>Aside from bringing INDs to reality, Dr. Kumar turns his knowledge and interest towards a definitely more exciting, more engaging, more futuristic field of medicine, and that's the field of STEM cells. We all have a vague idea of what these miracle-working cells are supposed to do, but can we be so sure of our knowledge? To dispel any mystery, Dr. Kumar took a few moments to explain where these STEM cells are located in our bodies and how they work their magic.</p>   <p>The first word(s) that must come to mind when talking about STEM cells is the stromal vascular fraction or SVF. Briefly, when physicians remove fatty tissue, either through liposuction or through other means, from the body, this fatty tissue contains many blood vessels, and the walls of these blood vessels are lined with STEM cells!</p>   <p>The STEM cells arrive at the injury site using the blood vessels as means of transportation for maintenance work and repairs. The speed with which these cells travel to the injury site depends mostly upon age: the younger we are, the feistier the STEM cells are! However, as we age, STEM cells take longer to reach the body areas in need, allowing injuries to pile up gradually.</p>   <h2><strong>Are All STEM Cells the Same?</strong></h2>   <p>Not at all, according to Dr. Kumar. On the contrary, STEM cells differentiate from one another through the range, locality, and ability to convert. First off, we have the STEM cell "quarterbacks," the mesenchymal stromal cells, or MSCs. Traveling through the blood vessels, MSCs can repair any defect in the body. However, their extended range deprives them of a significant portion of their strength, which is why they act as a support structure for the more potent, more localized cells, called semi-differentiated STEM cells. This "offensive line" of cells resides in every organ, with the ability to convert into the cells found in the same tissue. As such, liver STEM cells will replicate only other liver cells, hematopoietic STEM cells can only convert into blood cells, and so forth.</p>   <p>Regardless of their range and ability to convert, STEM cells are the body's best means of keeping itself free from injuries. For that reason, Dr. Kumar pays close attention to anything STEM-cell-related: research, journal articles, you name it. Furthermore, he's working on his own SVF IND approval, to which other doctors can contribute as investigators as well.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-29.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7681"/></figure>   <h2><strong>The Importance of STEM-Cell Banking in Future Research</strong></h2>   <p>Once the STEM cells are extracted from the tissue, the next and vital step is to conserve them in the appropriate habitat. That's when STEM cell banks come to the rescue. In cold temperatures (-196 degrees Celsius), STEM cells can be deposited for years, keeping their quality intact. Since such special conditions are necessary for STEM cells to survive, physicians must store them in specialized laboratories where they can be kept away from contaminations and loss of quality.</p>   <p>Furthermore, the FDA has taken additional steps to prevent unwanted accidents related to, for example, contaminations with toxins. As such, from June 1 onwards, the new FDA regulations will only allow physicians to make use of STEM cells in IND settings and for specific procedures. Patients who aim to get such procedures would either need to enroll in clinical trials or pursue these treatments in other countries where they are legally available.</p>   <h2><strong>What's Next for STEM Cells?</strong></h2>   <p>"You know, we are at the cusp of many, many inventions coming in the next five years." With a very optimistic tone, Dr. Kumar sees STEM cells as the future of the next generation's findings in medicine. For that reason, as a parting reminder, he advises us to keep working towards raising awareness and storing STEM cells dedicated to research and patient care. Patients should explore banking their own stem cells for future use. There are few options to bank your stem cells for future use. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Kumar's work, make sure that you check out the following website.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-31.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/dr-mukesh-kumar-everything-you-need-to-know-about-stem-cells-and-the-fda/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7667</ID> <title>Stories from the ER 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/telehealth/stories-from-the-er-with-dr-mark-bernardi/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7655</ID> <title>Healthcare In The Workplace With Everside Health</title> <publishDate>2021-05-16 12:16:32</publishDate> <description> <p>Nobody shies away from admitting that healthcare is complicated. And it’s not just complicated for active patients, as healthcare providers, businesses, employees, and even governments can all testify to the complexities of our healthcare system. Amidst all the bureaucracy, legalities, compensations, premiums, paperwork, economics, and tons more, it’s no wonder that things get bogged down. But Everside Health is determined to make healthcare more straightforward, more accessible, and all the more effective for people all over the United States. Dr. Gaurov Dayal, President and Chief Operating Officer of Everside, was eager to tell Top Doctor Magazine about how their direct primary care model is making healthcare better.</p>   <p>“The essence of what we do is provide direct primary care to employers and employees,” he describes. “We work with self-funded employers who have their employees come to us. We don’t charge the employees anything; we provide unlimited access and unlimited primary care onsite that improves population health and lowers the total cost of care for the employer. We want to make the employees healthier and, ideally, more productive by not wasting time waiting to get to a doctor.”</p>   <p>With physical sites in 32 states and a plan to launch 50 additional health centers later this year, Everside has already made an impact all over the country and shows no sign of stopping. When talking about the services Everside offers, Dr. Dayal stresses the benefits of value-centered care.</p>   <p>“We hear a lot of stories from people who claim they went to see one of our nurse practitioners because they had something relatively minor, like a headache. Upon further review, however, they learned that their blood pressure was sky high and they were immediately sent to the hospital to avoid a stroke,” says Dr. Dayal.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-24.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7663"/></figure>   <p>He believes that the best form of healthcare is preventive, meaning that patients shouldn’t have to wait until the last moment to receive medical help. ”The goal of preventive care is to avoid those dramatic, just-in-time care diagnoses because they shouldn't happen in the first place,” adds Dr. Dayal. “We impact lives every single day: helping people avoid strokes, obesity, depression, and other chronic problems. That’s what we’re doing. We’re not selling anything magic. We’re selling ongoing, continuous care within a great network.”</p>   <p>Everside wants to care for employees no matter the ailment. “If you have good primary care, you don’t need a magic bullet later on,” Dr. Dayal explains. “Have a persistent cough? Everside wants to help. Suffering from a sprained ankle? Come to Everside. Feeling unusual nausea? Yep, Everside is ready. These seemingly simple nuisances may seem like no big deal, but sometimes these issues need more attention than most think at first glance. These issues may be a signal that there needs to be a lifestyle change for better overall health maintenance. Our current theme is accessibility. We want patients to come to us for anything.”</p>   <p>Dr. Dayal hopes that Everside can help set a precedent for the future of healthcare. By offering accessible, value-based help, Everside differs from the overall national perspective on healthy living and doctor treatment. In America, it’s not unusual for patients to put their own lives at risk to save money. Avoiding the doctor, not calling ambulances, and skimping on medicine are a few common ways that many people save money on healthcare. But these “money-savers” are often at the cost of their well-being and, in some cases, at the cost of their lives. Dr. Dayal notes that this significant flaw is rampant within the American healthcare system. Good healthcare has gotten so expensive that Americans will risk their lives over it.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-23.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7657"/></figure>   <p>The flaws of the American healthcare system have especially been spotlighted during the COVID-19 crisis. While COVID has forced doctors to advance their technology, it’s in some ways a zero-sum game.</p>   <p>“Easy access to primary care is a big problem, “says Dr. Dayal. “Even though virtual care has been accelerated by maybe 10 years because of COVID, we have to be cautious. We have to make sure primary care is being administered in person.”</p>   <p>Another benefit to virtual care is that it allows for better patient-doctor connection. “By using virtual, you get better access to the patient and, thus, better care,” explains Dr. Dayal. ”It’s convenient and patients tend to prefer it. They might not immediately go to their doctor for something seemingly minor – say, a stomach ache – but will be far more likely to pick up their phones and schedule a virtual appointment. If the doctor advises patients to go to the office after the virtual appointment, they will. Ultimately, the patients get into the office, something they may not have done without the virtual accessibility.”</p>   <p>COVID will eventually come and go, but the effects and consequences of this life-changing pandemic will not soon be forgotten. In talking about what lessons can be learned, Dr. Dayal’s recommendation to America is simple: Education.</p>   <p>“People need to understand what COVID is,” he says. “I think we should learn from our mistakes and we should not politicize a very public health and science issue. For example, if you wear a tight-fitting mask, COVID is reduced by 96%. whether people agree or disagree with that fact doesn't make it any less true.”</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-22.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7656"/></figure>   <p>Dr. Dayal notes that implementing educational efforts can be complicated. “I believe public health experts and physicians are critical in solving these problems. The problem is that they do not always think the exact same things. Everyone needs to remember that there is misinformation out there, some deliberate and some not. Even still, people have different approaches to the issue, and that’s okay. For example, I believe in vaccines, but I understand the perspective of those concerned. We need to be more open-minded and hear different opinions, using logic and making educated decisions.”</p>   <p>Dr. Dayal stresses that the American people should be looking to their healthcare providers and scientific experts for guidance on how to address COVID. “We should not rely on politicians,” he reminds Top Doctor Magazine. “I think this goes back to the earlier point that this has become such a political issue. Let’s rally together against this horrible thing that has impacted us on a global scale. Let’s use common sense rather than just fighting over political beliefs.”</p>   <p>Dr. Dayal hopes that the United States has learned from past mistakes and that the future of healthcare can rally around the people, the science, and the facts rather than money. For Everside, it comes down to a focus on value-based care.. By caring about its patients, the quality of their care, and the basic sentiment of caring for your neighbor, Everside is helping people live healthier lives.</p>   <p>Dr. Dayal concludes, “If COVID has taught us nothing else, I hope it has brought us to the realization that we can and need to be better. We need to treat people where they are and provide access in ways that make healthcare accessible to everyone.”</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Gaurov-Dayal-572A0318.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/healthcare-in-the-workplace-with-everside-health/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7639</ID> <title>Joseph Krieger - Forward-thinker. Researcher. Entrepreneur.</title> <publishDate>2021-05-14 11:24:01</publishDate> <description> <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_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_3 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"> <p>The Regenerative Medicine revolution is upon us, and if you don't hop on board this speeding train now, you might just get left behind in the dust. In this article, Top Doctor Magazine shines its spotlight on Joseph Krieger, the conductor of the regenerative revolution train and the President of Boston Biolife, an innovative organization dedicated to educating medical professionals about the novel advances in regenerative medicine.</p>   <p>Joseph Krieger graduated from Boston University Medical School with a Master's Degree in Biochemistry. He was then hired as a Product Manager by a medical device manufacturer in Massachusetts that sold radiofrequency (RF) ablation devices used in many areas in medicine, including Cardiology, Oncology, Neurosurgery, and Pain Management. To facilitate the adaptation of RF in various medical markets, Krieger created medical training programs for physicians, nurses, and sales reps. "I found that my scientific education assisted in my ability to communicate with doctors on a very high level." This eventually led to Krieger coordinating hundreds of more hands-on training programs, which paved the way for a massive technological shift in medicine from 1993-2010. The medical imaging, software engineering, and new surgical innovations we see today in minimally invasive procedures are all direct products of Krieger's medical training courses way back then.</p>   <h2><strong>Boston BioLife's Mission</strong></h2>   <p>Just when you thought that Joseph Krieger had hit the peak of his career after changing the game of medical technology, his continual hunger for innovation and exploration propelled him to start a new venture. "Having been born and raised in Massachusetts, my Boston location has always lent itself to the most world-renowned innovation, research, and medical facilities, yet I recognized that there is a huge gap in the awareness of emerging life sciences technologies and their potential impact in clinical medicine and patient care." After this epiphany, Krieger knew his next order of business and founded Boston BioLife in July 2015.</p>   <p>"By finding and promoting innovations that are undiscovered in the lab or new to the market and providing a forum that allows the introduction of new technology and science to the physician, I realized that I am able to provide an opportunity for the physician to further patient care in the most relevant, current, and sophisticated uses," Krieger shares and calls this his "Bench to Bedside" technique. Boston BioLife's central premise is to educate physicians and scientists alike about the life science technologies in clinical medicine and how they can be integrated into their practices, which will benefit their patient's overall well-being.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-20.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7641"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine</strong></h2>   <p>Krieger fully recognizes the importance of stem cells in Regenerative Medicine and believes in their ability to one day provide immeasurable results. Boston BioLife's involvement in the clinical applications of stem cells is centered around the scientific components and mechanisms of action of various cells, cytokines, and growth factors. "We are focused on stem cell identity, origin, biological activity, and the current roles stem cells are taking part in medical applications as well as their potential for future applications," Krieger reports.</p>   <p>They also analyze other regenerative medicine components such as platelet-rich plasma, bone marrow aspiration concentrate, adipose, amniotic fluid, placental membrane derivatives, and patient-derived proteins and enzymes. By researching these different sources of important cellular materials, Krieger feels that they can help the physician get a good grasp of the possible outcomes that may be used to help patients and advance their medicine.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-21.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7643"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Regenerative Medicine Will Cure Your Backaches</strong></h2>   <p>The endless possibilities of where stem cells can be applied in clinical medicine are enough to drive anyone with utter excitement, but more so if you are a biochemist named Joseph Krieger. "I see several trends in point-of-care applications for stem cells. The biggest trend that I see is the potential of personalized compounding. Meaning, combining various autologous derived stem cells, growth factors, and proteins and mixing them in a custom way for a patient-specific basis." He also sees stem cells such as adipose and bone marrow being further developed and used with other fluids and protein to aid in advanced healing.</p>   <p>However, Krieger is primarily invested in educating physicians about pain management and musculoskeletal applications. Why? "I believe that the musculoskeletal component for Regenerative Medicine has the clearest pathway to unencumbered development with a huge potential benefit," Krieger explains. He continues, "Lower back pain is the #2 reason why people go to the doctor. Literally, billions of dollars are spent on lost productivity, revenue, cost of care, and there is also a rampant addiction and overdose epidemic." He believes that by teaching physicians Regenerative Medicine applications for pain in Sports Medicine, Physical Medicine, and Orthopedic Medicine, they can significantly reduce various pain issues and improve their patient's quality of life.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-19.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7640"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Educate Yourself Accordingly</strong></h2>   <p>Of course, with every new unexplored technology, it is only natural to have skeptics questioning it. Due diligence must be done before sharing it with the rest of the world. That is why Krieger understands the FDA's perspective and believes that their current regulatory positions are fair and necessary. He adds, "The standards of safety and quality need to be maintained to truly see the benefit of these technologies."</p>   <p>Biological medicine is highly complicated, and if not done right, can lead to disastrous outcomes. Krieger thinks that one of the most dangerous scenarios for Regenerative Medicine is insufficient information and lack of technical awareness. Since many physicians could not have extensive education on RM back in medical school, he believes that it is in everyone's best interest for physicians to continue and further their RM medication.</p>   <p>Boston BioLife's interactive two-day educational courses, which are taught by leading physicians and scientists at the forefront of Regenerative and Translational Medicine, are precisely the kind of training medical professionals need to stay on top of their game.</p>   <h2><strong>Experience a Boston BioLife Course</strong></h2>   <p>Although the idea of pulling cells from our body and combining them with other substances to heal broken parts of us sounds simple, the science behind it is incredibly complicated. It takes serious time and dedication to understand Regenerative Medicine, but Joseph Krieger and his team at Boston BioLife are here to make things a little bit easier. "We believe that we have a medical education training model that works. The combination of scientific professionals in conjunction with clinical practitioners can create greater awareness and insight, increasing the potential for new technologies to reach the clinic and betterment for patient care."</p>   <p>If you want to get in touch with Joseph Krieger, you may reach him via email at JosephKrieger@bostonbiolife.com or via phone at 855-904-1047. For course information, visit their website: <a href="http://www.bostonbiolife.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.bostonbiolife.com</a>.</p> </div> </div>  </div>  </div>  </div>  </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/JosephKrieger300.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/forward-thinker-researcher-entrepreneur/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7626</ID> <title>Sharing In-Ear Headphones Is Just As Bad as Sharing Your Toothbrush... But Worse</title> <publishDate>2021-05-10 16:13:13</publishDate> <description> <p>Sharing a pair of in-ear headphones sounds innocent, but it comes with long and lasting effects. It may sound gross, but using someone else’s earphones is not so different than sharing a toothbrush. Over the years, <a href="https://msphere.asm.org/content/4/5/e00456-19" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies </a>have managed to <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4745944/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">affirm</a> and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4833760/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reaffirm</a> that human ears are susceptible to bacteria.</p>   <p>A comprehensive <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/26538848_A_Comparative_Analysis_of_Bacterial_Growth_with_Earphone_Use" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> proves that bacteria can grow at an exponential rate with the consistent use of earphones.</p>   <p>Of course, no one is a fan of germs, and branded earphones allow people to experience music at its best. But the fact remains that in-ear headphones are a cause of bacterial growth.</p>   <p>Of course, there are people with enough sense not to share their earbuds with just anyone. If you form a visual image of compressing bacteria-covered earbuds into both of your ears, that would be more than enough to give you a pause before sharing them with someone else.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-17.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7629"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Wearing Earbuds</strong></h2>   <p>If you wear earbuds for an extended period, expect a build-up of thick ear wax. Now, it won’t harm your ear, but it creates bacteria that can lead to more problems later on. Technically, when you decide to close both ear passageways for a long time, you’re covering the exit points.</p>   <p>And whether you wear earphones or use wireless earbuds, you’re blocking the natural ear discharge. As a result, heat is compressed due to the build-up of moisture and wax. The next time you think about whether or not sharing your earbuds is a good idea, think about the bacteria you might be swapping.</p>   <h2><strong>Summer Season Means More Bacteria</strong></h2>   <p>Doctors concur that summer increases the chances of <a href="https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/otitis-externa#:~:text=Otitis%20externa%20is%20a%20condition,canal%20more%20vulnerable%20to%20inflammation." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">otitis externa</a>. There is a good chance you may have heard of otitis externa as Swimmer’s Ear. The hot summer season causes more sweating, and that leads to more bacteria.</p>   <p>From toilets and gas bumps to water fountains and handshakes, think twice before putting germ-infested earbuds in your ears. On average, using headphones for a straight hour increases the bacteria levels in the ears by <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.everythinglubbock.com/news/local-news/does-wearing-earbud-headphones-increase-bacteria-in-your-ears-and-lead-to-hearing-loss/#:~:text=It%20has%20been%20said%20that,measured%20bacteria%20on%2020%20headsets." target="_blank">700%</a>.</p>   <p>Often, many missing <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ear-infections/symptoms-causes/syc-20351616#:~:text=An%20ear%20infection%20is%20caused,passages%2C%20throat%20and%20eustachian%20tubes." target="_blank">variables</a> such as Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae can lead to more bacteria in the ear. Of course, the use and quality of earphones differ from person to person. Still, “how” you store your earbuds can also make a huge difference.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-16.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7628"/></figure>   <h2><strong>How You Should Clean Your Ears</strong></h2>   <p>When it comes to cleaning ears, you have to exercise caution and care. The fact is that anything you put in your ears is always a bad idea. Use fresh cotton swabs to remove ear wax without a rush. Interestingly, your ears can clean themselves on their own and don’t need special care until you start putting things in them.</p>   <p>And contrary to naïve misconception, ear wax is not bacterial. In fact, it acts as an antibacterial filter for ears that wards off dust and dirt. Essentially, it works as trapping to prevent dust, dirt, or other harmful elements in the air from going deeper.</p>   <p>When it comes to the health and hygiene of your ears, diet plays a crucial role. The best strategy is not to share your earphones at all, but that might not sound practical in this day and age. You may feel lazy, tired, or too busy to clean ears and earbuds, but think of the bacteria risk right away.</p>   <p>So, make sure to disinfect your earphones and clean off wax residue regularly. After that, use a small and dampened cotton ball to wipe down your earbuds with alcohol or disinfectant. As far as hearing goes, people tend to wear earbuds that create more noise than waves of pleasant sound.</p>   <p>Noise-based hearing loss is more common than you think. In the U.S., <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/one_in_five_americans_has_hearing_loss#:~:text=Nearly%20a%20fifth%20of%20all,14%20Archives%20of%20Internal%20Medicine." target="_blank">one out of five</a> teenagers experiences some hearing loss issue. In comparison, there is a <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/deafness-and-hearing-loss" target="_blank">30%</a> increase in hearing loss cases compared to two decades ago. Experts highlight that the rollout of new and advanced headphones is the leading cause of hearing loss among teenagers.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-15.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7627"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Wrap Up</strong></h2>   <p>Once you read enough about the bacteria earbuds contain, you may not even want to listen to music through in-ear headphones anymore. In layman’s terms, take a piece of advice from doctors and wipe down and clean your earbuds with 70% or more alcohol. After that, let your earbuds dry for a few minutes. In short, cleaning your earbuds before they fit in your ears is the best way to avoid bacteria.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-18.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/doctor/sharing-in-ear-headphones-is-just-as-bad-as-sharing-your-toothbrush-but-worse/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7619</ID> <title>Confessions of a Plastic Surgery Coach</title> <publishDate>2021-05-10 16:06:29</publishDate> <description> <p>Michelle Emmick has 20 years of experience in the aesthetic field. She has worked in the plastic surgery chain, including small practice and startup companies acquiring plastic surgery practices. Focusing on improving patient experience, Michelle has performed over 10,000 cosmetic consultations. She has trained over 3000 staff members, including doctors, front desk, and back-office staff.</p>   <p>In her attempt to provide next-level patient experience through virtual education and support, Michelle Emmick co-founded MyCoachMD. As CEO, Michelle Emmick offers two primary services: educating and providing non-medical support to consumers interested in cosmetic procedures. Furthermore, Michelle Emmick is determined to make the process easy for patients and help uncover their aesthetics, all within their budget.</p>   <h2><strong>Plastic Surgery and Perspective</strong></h2>   <p>"Even though plastic surgery has so many benefits, 70 percent of the people that call in for information will never set foot in the door because there are so many negative connotations out there, but we are trying to help people have a positive belief in what plastic surgery can do for them," said Michelle Emmick in an interview with Top Doctor Magazine. She is determined to answer people's questions in a way that eliminates all fear.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-13.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7622"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Transitioning to Telemedicine: Technology and its Impact on Aesthetics Medicine</strong></h2>   <p>Michelle Emmick explains that the virtual consultation has been a game-changer for the industry by allowing potential patients to get comfortable with the doctors right from the comfort of their homes. She revealed that the pandemic triggered a huge boom in the business.</p>   <p>"More people were working from home, which caused less social interaction, and people spent more time on social media; this led to hypercriticism of somebody's appearance and triggered the need to look and feel better," added Michelle.</p>   <h2><strong>Pandemic and its Effect on the Cosmetic Field</strong></h2>   <p>Michelle revealed that the lockdown triggered a selfie boom, and the filters on social media created hypersensitivity to people's image. Sadly, it also created negative self-esteem. There was just overall self-obsession, which surprised and triggered people's interest in cosmetic surgery.</p>   <p>"For years, doctors have been rushed between visits, but the pandemic created an opportunity to space out appointments, giving them more time to create a better patient experience. Of course, there are many awful things about the virus, but we looked at the positives and continue to do what we can to change people's lives," said Michelle Emmick.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-12.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7620"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Learning to Improve Patient Experience</strong></h2>   <p>Michelle Emmick added that it is vital to educate people on procedures and services they can do for themselves. She emphasized that this is key to having an aesthetic procedure, and it is the best investment people can make for themselves.</p>   <p>"I just always want to make sure that people are confident in their decisions too."</p>   <p>If you would like to learn more about Michelle and her company, please visit her website: <a href="http://www.mycoachmd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.MyCoachMD.com</a></p>   <p>Check out her best-selling book Blue-Collar Beauty: Confessions of a Plastic Surgery Coach <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Collar-Beauty-Confessions-Plastic-Surgery/dp/1734134305" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-14.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/telehealth/confessions-of-a-plastic-surgery-coach/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7610</ID> <title>How is this Doctor Balancing Seeing Patients and Raising a Family? The Secret is Telehealth!</title> <publishDate>2021-05-10 15:58:28</publishDate> <description> <h2><strong>About Dr. Faisel Syed</strong></h2>   <p>Dr. Lauralee Yalden is a Family Medicine physician currently residing in Englewood, NJ. She received her Bachelor's of Science with General Academic Honors from the University of Miami and her Doctor of Medicine from the Ross University School of Medicine, Dominica, West Indies. Dr. Yalden pursued a Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship at Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Vascular Surgery, and finished her Residency program at UHS/Wilson Regional Medical Center, Department of Family Medicine.</p>   <p>Besides her solid training in both vascular surgery and family medicine, Dr. Yalden has been advocating for the benefits of telehealth for several years now, with numerous lectures, presentations, and publications on this subject. Outside the clinic, Dr. Yalden is very fond of teaching and has been part of numerous higher-learning institutions, such as the State University of New York and Ross University School of Medicine.</p>   <p>In her free time, she enjoys being a working mom, traveling and wandering around in new and old places, hiking in the national parks, gardening, cooking and baking gourmet meals for family and friends, reading, writing, and sketching in her journal.</p>   <h2><strong>Dr. Yalden’s Journey into Medicine</strong></h2>   <p>Looking back towards her first memories surrounding the medicine field, Dr. Yalden shares some powerful, emotional details from her childhood. Her mother and father were diagnosed with cancer, which left an understandable mark on Dr. Yalden's childhood and teenage years.</p>   <p>From such a fragile age, taking care of her parents within her limits became an everyday reality, a reality that shaped both her future career and vision towards patient care. "It's helped me a lot in all the work that I've had to do and given me a greater understanding of what patients and families go through, having gone through something like that at such a young age. I think it's made me a better doctor." She shares with Top Doctor Magazine.</p>   <h2><strong>From Vascular Surgery to Family Medicine</strong></h2>   <p>Throughout her medical training, Dr. Yalden showed an enthusiastic interest in operational surgery. With solid training in vascular surgery at Yale, she had the chance to work with the best in the field and immerse herself even more in her specialty field during training programs abroad.</p>   <p>However, the Fates were sewing a different path for Dr. Yalden. As a woman who always intended to put family first, she decided to take a more suitable approach to her desired way of life, which is why she decided to devote herself to family medicine. “As a woman who wanted to be married and have kids I didn't think that surgery would be a good fit for me for the future, as much as I loved it, so I switched to family medicine." Dr. Yalden shares with Top Doctor Magazine.</p>   <h2><strong>Finding a Balance between Work and Family Life</strong></h2>   <p>If there's any analogic trait that would best describe Dr. Yalden's professional life, by far, it would be her bee-like hardworking nature. While she resided in FL, Dr. Yalden took care of patients in her family medicine practice and community hospital, made house calls for hospice patients, taught classes and mentored medical students at a local university in the hospital her office, and worked within the Miami Veteran Affairs (VA) ER system. Not without immense joy she remembers her time spent with retired military personnel, learning all about their medical history and, most exciting, learning about their entire history in the military.</p>   <p>However, as Dr. Yalden confesses, "After you have kids, it's hard to make a commitment to do all of these things." She decided to cut back her hours, considering her sincere desire to take care of the children's upbringing and education. However, in her quest, Dr. Yalden managed to find the right balance between work and family life, leaving her with enough time to raise her five and three-year-olds while continuing to practice family medicine.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Screenshot_10.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7612"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Going Over One’s Strength to Help a Patient</strong></h2>   <p>Finding the perfect story patient seems to be difficult for Dr. Yalden; after all, innumerable patients have sought and received help from her. However, all of her stories have one common denominator, the drive to give her best when treating a patient, and no other story speaks more to this virtue (one of Dr. Yalden's many) than the story of a young man training for an endurance competition. After noticing some drops of blood in the young man's urine, Dr. Yalden thought it wise to investigate this further and get to the root of the matter. She was both thunderstruck at the sight of analysis results indicating cancer and happy to know that it could be cured, which is what eventually happened.</p>   <p>Dr. Yalden remembers this story as if it were yesterday, bringing to light a beautiful example of thanksgiving from the patient's family: "I remember the day that he came in with his wife and his kids and everybody gave me a big kiss and hug, in tears and thankful for what I did to take care of their father. It was very overwhelming for me."</p>   <p>For such stories and the opportunity to get to know numerous generations of the same family, Dr. Yalden appreciates her mission: "One of my great joys in my practice of family medicine: getting to know the whole family, parents, children, the grandparents, and everybody over time."</p>   <h2><strong>Balancing Work and Family with Telehealth</strong></h2>   <p>While many of us would believe that telehealth is a more recent construct, dating since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Yalden surprises us with the following statement: "I've been seeing patients online by telehealth for about nine years now." And Dr. Yalden doesn't hesitate to praise telehealth, which allowed her to start her own family, breastfeed her children, and spend real time with them.</p>   <p>Aside from such familial advantages, Dr. Yalden points out more valuable advantages to caring for patients from afar. Aside from limiting the patient's exposure to COVID-19, telehealth represents a viable and safe guarantee to future consultations: "Patients are more compliant now than ever before because of the ease of the follow-up plan...patients can connect anytime from anywhere." With physicians available for follow-up consultations in a safe environment, there's no wonder why a growing number of patients have opted for telemedicine since the start of the pandemic.</p>   <p>Over the course of years, telehealth went through several metamorphoses, finding more efficient ways of consulting patients over the screen. However, this development was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which turned telehealth into a more versatile approach to medicine: "We do some exams with some of the Tyto products, otoscopes, stethoscopes, and derma scopes that you can plug into your smartphone and do an exam of heart lungs and ear, skin, everything…. there's so much that you can do." After seeing and studying its benefits, Dr. Yalden believes that telehealth has become a major player in the field of medicine, a player that will shape its future for generations to come: "I definitely think it's here to stay. I don't think anybody's going back to the way it was, without using a lot of telehealth."</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-10.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7611"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Looking towards the Future through Dr. Yalden’s Lens</strong></h2>   <p>We've had a pandemic that turned the world upside down, brought both the best and the worst from us, and made us look towards the future with skepticism. But what does Dr. Yalden think of the future? Aside from educating people on the subject of vaccination, she turns our attention towards more endemic issues plaguing our society, the racial issues: "I think probably in the United States, one of the issues that's concerning me the most is racial inequality." While no flick of a wand could bring an end to racial tensions in the U.S., Dr. Yalden sees empathy as the key component of this putative solution: "I don't know what the answer is, but I think racially, we need to do a better job of taking care of everybody no matter your race, background or affiliations, we all need to just to do our best to take care of the world. The world needs a lot of TLC (tender loving care)."</p>   <p>In such troubled times, Dr. Yalden has found peace in her work and family, which she sees as her little blessings: "I feel like I'm pretty blessed. I'm pretty happy in my career right now as a working mom; I love my job. I really enjoy practicing online. I genuinely like the doctors, support staff and people that I work with, especially the patients and families I have the privilege of caring for. I love spending time with my kids. I've always been very happy in my practice; it really didn't matter what I was doing, but especially now as a physician practicing family medicine online from home I have the best of both worlds." As such, we at Top Doctor Magazine support her kind words and invite our readers to take the race of life a little bit slower, enjoying what lies in front of us and thinking less about what lies ahead.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-11.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/how-is-this-doctor-balancing-seeing-patients-and-raising-a-family-the-secret-is-telehealth/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7601</ID> <title>Dr. Kellie Stecher: Mental and Psychological Well-Being of Medical Professionals in the Workplace</title> <publishDate>2021-05-10 15:47:19</publishDate> <description> <p>The physical and psychological well-being of employees says quite a lot about a workplace. A workplace should promote their employees' general well-being by treating its mental and psychological aspects similar to the physical environment. Poor mental health not only affects the client but also hurts business income. Every business is different, from the employees to the stakeholders leading the organization, the size of the enterprise, the social climate that affects the community, to the external support the business uses. There is no one "right approach" to build a psychologically stable workplace.</p>   <p>Due to this, Dr. Kellie Stecher started an organization specifically on mental health issues in the medical line. "With that organization, we are trying to create a haven for anyone who takes care of patients. We are providing a free barrier, free access to mental health resources," says Dr. Stecher.</p>   <p>"I always knew I wanted to be a physician. In college, I decided that I wanted to be an OB-GYN." She says. With experience in child delivery, "I have seen, firsthand, how much good a positive environment can do to people." Her first delivery support experience pushed her to do her residency in Grand Rapids. "I went there for residency and then from there decided to move back to Minnesota because my in-laws are here."</p>   <p>Today, Dr. Stecher's work focuses on workplace harassment, stress, and mental health issues that medical students and residents face. It's a journey, a bold journey to reform the medical culture. "The trainees are the most vulnerable because of the loans. They often feel trapped. she says. "I wanted to make sure that we were advocating for them so that they have a safe learning environment."</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-9.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7602"/></figure>   <h2><strong>On COVID-19 and Its Effect on Medical Trainees and Residents</strong></h2>   <p>"Mental stress escalated with the rise in the COVID-19 pandemic." Dr. Stecher says. She created her organization, Patient Care Heroes, an organization set to help medical professionals and caregivers with emotional and psychological support. The organization also provides free access to mental health resources.</p>   <h2><strong>Obstacles to Helping Medical Professionals with Mental Health Issues</strong></h2>   <p>"One of the issues we have is each state is left to their own devices and has an entirely different physician license application and some of the applications are actually in conflict with the ADA—American Disability Act." Part of her mission is to "create new policies and fix the application processes and cultural acceptances that are toxic." She cited practical examples of harmful practices like the 'non-compete' that prevent people from leaving toxic and depressing workplaces. Mandatory Arbitration prevents justice when a healthcare worker is harassed or intimidated.</p>   <h2><strong>What Can Be Done?</strong></h2>   <p>"Many things can be done to ensure a high quality of life for medical professionals." She argues. "Aside from the policy issues, this organization was created to ensure that we take care of ourselves and each other. We need some empathy. The stress of the pandemic increased suicide rate of physicians in the country."</p>   <p>"We've always had issues with physician suicide rates, and I wanted to create a space where people didn't feel alone." She says. "My organization gives a support system to struggling healthcare professionals. We try to let them feel loved and supported—and yes, they can be vulnerable within our safe space."</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/thumbnail_PCHlogo_VECTOR_CMYKColors_Primary-02_1-1024x791.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7604"/></figure>   <h2><strong>The Organization: Its Growth, Successes, and Setbacks</strong></h2>   <p>The organization took off in January. "I had been doing advocacy work, but the organization was my primary goal. I partnered with Goyal, an anesthesiologist and CEO of Bob capital," said Dr. Stecher. "I have been working through grassroots efforts and local and national organizations and partnering with many institutions to ensure that we make substantial changes."</p>   <p>While her network of organizations currently focuses on the effect of the pandemic on physicians' mental health, they also hope to create a growing community of people and physicians who will consistently push for better care for the mental health of physicians.</p>   <p>On women in the healthcare industry, she laments the fewer women in leadership roles when compared to men. "We want to advocate for women internationally to find their voice in these systems so that we can create changes that we need." Achieving such heavy feats can only be achieved through incredible partnership, and Dr. Stecher already has plans to partner with the United Nations and people from different parts of the world on workplace safety, equality, and effective justice systems against harassment.</p>   <p>On the high suicide rates, "The assistance should be rendered to the people feeling suicidal because it isn't affordable to lose any more physicians, nurses, or medical personnel. Without doing this, there would be severe consequences in the public healthcare system." "We've teamed up with some national organizations like Rexel Pharmaceuticals to help provide depression and substance abuse therapy at no cost to the medical community." Dr. Stecher says. Her work has already opened up spaces where people can efficiently work on their struggles in their spare time.</p>   <p>Dr. Stecher is also part of the Minnesota mental health advocates. "Minnesota Mental Health Advocates is an organization that Shereen McConnell created, and she is a former nurse. So these issues are very near and dear to her heart." The organization has teamed up with various people because it is not just focused on aiding medical personnel; it attends to all groups of people. It has helped in getting medical resources for communities. Using some of these resources has opened up space where people can do things at their leisure and then work on some of the issues that they're struggling with.</p>   <p>On her life journey and remarkable achievements, she says, "As cliché as it may sound, it's the delivery. There is joy in helping patients who have struggled with infertility get pregnant. The joy is immense when I get to deliver their amazing, beautiful babies. Being there with them through the whole journey is rewarding."</p>   <p>She gave a final thought on the issue of mental health in the healthcare industry: "We've only started to understand the magnitude of these issues. I want to make sure that people know that they're not alone, build a communication bridge to them, and ensure that they have all the resources they need to fight and grow."</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/thumbnail_Kellie_Stecher_0007_WEBSIZE.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/dr-kellie-stecher-mental-and-psychological-well-being-of-medical-professionals-in-the-workplace/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7593</ID> <title>Pain Is No Match for This Doctor and Her Daughter A Special Mother's Day Interview with Dr. Dawn Sparks</title> <publishDate>2021-05-10 15:33:35</publishDate> <description> <p>Ever-growing societies ask for role models, for people who, as Plato would say, divert their vision from their own pond towards the larger world, who can instill hope in our souls, help us get through the day, and dream of a brighter tomorrow. In other words, all of us are looking for modern superheroes, whose heroic acts transpire through little daily deeds, always giving and asking nothing in return. And who is better to play this capeless part than mothers, who give birth, nurture, and watch us grow and prosper, and whose happiness is equivalent to ours? This is why our Top Doctor Magazine team wishes to dedicate this article to mothers, our capeless heroes, on this most special of days.</p>   <p>As a token of appreciation, we would like to bring to the light the story of a true hero mother, whose drive, determination, and dedication to her objective let her reach unimaginable peaks in anesthesiology and pain management medicine, bringing sustainable solutions to the Hawaii community of pain management patients. As Dr. Dawn Sparks, a Case Western Reserve University, OH alumnus trained at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic, told us during her interview, "If you really want something and you really put your mind to it, and you really put your heart and soul in it, you can pretty much produce anything that you want."</p>   <h2><strong>Dr. Sparks’ Early Steps into Medicine</strong></h2>   <p>Starting from a young age, Dr. Sparks has sealed her connection with medicine. Following in her father's footsteps, who performed the first lung transplant in the state of Ohio at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Sparks immersed herself in the noble field of medicine and joined Case Western Reserve University, OH. Right from the start, she had to face people who saw only roadblocks down her path because she brought a miracle into the world at such a young age: "I had my daughter when I was still nineteen, and I had her on a Friday night and went back to school Monday morning." But where others saw impediments, Dr. Sparks saw her destined path: "I had this goal of becoming a doctor, and everybody said, this was going to stop me. And I was like, no, this is just part of my path."</p>   <h2><strong>Taking the Pain Management Path</strong></h2>   <p>Looking back to those college years, Dr. Sparks still can't believe how she managed to attend medical school, work a demanding job, and raise her daughter at such a fragile age. "And then, during that time, I never stopped or thought that I wouldn't get into medical school or stop the pursuit." Her efforts were never in vain; she joined the anesthesiology department at the Cleveland Clinic, where Dr. John, one of her mentors, gifted the book called "<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.amazon.com/Pain-Fifth-Vital-Science-Culture/dp/0609603752" target="_blank">Pain: The Fifth Vital Sign</a>" to her.</p>   <p>Inside, a message written in a dedication note was about to open her horizon towards a deeper understanding of pain: "Pain is the experience; suffering is the interpretation."</p>   <p>Dr. Sparks shares with Top Doctor Magazine the way she understood those words: "And I just remember thinking, that was so profound because pain is super subjective and nobody understands it. So, many doctors just blow it off and just want to give it medication. I remember thinking there was a faulty issue with how we treated pain even early on and why weren't we addressing the source of it. We weren't treating the source. We weren't investigating why people had their pain and where the sources of pain were actually derived from. For that reason, Dr. Sparks took it upon herself to "solve that piece of the puzzle."</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-8.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7594"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Being on the Patient’s Side</strong></h2>   <p>It wasn't only mentorship but also her own life experience that shaped Dr. Sparks' towards pain management. She was involved in a terrible car accident before her daughter was born, out of which she miraculously escaped alive: "I was in a coma for four days. I was in the ICU. I had multiple surgeries. I broke all the bones from the left side of my face, both my wrists and my hands. I had to have my trachea resected, and my chin sewed to my chest."</p>   <p>By means of this experience, Dr. Sparks learned how out-of-touch physicians were concerning pain medicine since they would prescribe fentanyl lollipops, something unimaginable to us, and other long-acting drugs that, without surprise, drove patients towards addiction and crime. She even shared a story about a doctor in Minnesota who was killed by a pain medicine addict. "It's like, they're addicted, right? It's their drug; they go crazy." Unwilling to risk her and her daughter's safety over this matter, Dr. Sparks chose to roll with the Aloha spirit and relocate to Hawaii, where she has been living since 2015.</p>   <h2><strong>Using the Aloha Spirit to Perfect Pain Management</strong></h2>   <p>But the stories about endless pain management drug prescriptions are far past fentanyl lollipops. Today's technological advancements are seeing such a constant and speedy process that pain management can be "managed" through electronic devices. Nowadays, Dr. Sparks is an active promoter of neuromodulators, which she calls "pacemakers for pain." These devices intervene between the nerve signals and the brain, forbidding the former from ever reaching the latter.</p>   <p>Dr. Sparks is more than grateful for being able to not only identify the source of pain but also see "what's going on psychologically, what's going on with your physical wellbeing and your energy levels and cause all of those things to contribute to pain." With both expertise and compassionate care, she performs true miracles on her patients, relieving them of pain while psychologically bringing them on their own two feet. "They're off their medication; they're able to move around, they're getting full-time jobs. You know, some of them had horrible foot pain, they couldn't even put on socks and shoes, some of them were in wheelchairs, and now they're walking!"</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Screenshot_8.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7596"/></figure>   <h2><strong>The Future of Pain Management</strong></h2>   <p>Looking towards the future, Dr. Sparks brings the true pain management enthusiast that she is to the stage to bless us with her optimism. "The future is super bright, and I think because we have people in the world like Elon Musk and thinkers that are always striving to improve the realm of pain management." With technology advancement promoters like Elon Musk's <a href="https://neuralink.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neuralink</a>, insurance programs such as Medicare ready to reimburse patients for neuromodulators, and a close pack of 5,500 pain management physicians in the U.S. alone, the sun will surely shine bright on pain management's horizon.</p>   <p>In the meantime, as a parting reminder, Dr. Sparks would like to thank from the bottom of her heart all the physicians and medical personnel who braved the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic one step at a time, encouraging them to stay resilient and keep up the hard work in this never-ending battle against the virus. "I think it's been a really hard time to be a physician, and I just want to tell people, 'Don't give up, never ever give up.'"</p>   <p>The Fates are not kind to every one of us, and some of us are constantly tested, constantly forced to break our own barriers to fulfill our purpose, our calling in life. And one of these people is Dr. Dawn Sparks, whose story truly deserves to stand as a model and an inexhaustible well of hope for those who recognize themselves in her story but require help to keep pushing forward.</p>   <p>However, Dr. Sparks would not have become the accomplished model of today had she taken heed of all those negative voices that couldn't understand the beauty in being a young mother. Instead of being an overwhelming burden, her daughter always stood as her primary source of inspiration, or courage, of motivation, the one who always understood her struggles and comforted her in a time of need. Even today, Dr. Sparks' daughter, who works by her mother's side, uses small gestures to help her mother start her day on the right foot: "Now, she's working out of my office, and she'll put little notes sometimes on my computer when I'm having a really busy day, that'll say, 'You can do it.' 'You're doing a great job.' 'I love you.' 'I'm so proud of you,' little things like that make me realize now that she probably understands in a different way all of the stuff that I endured."</p>   <p>If you would like to learn more about Dr. Sparks and her mission, make sure that you check out her <a href="http://www.kauaidr.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">website</a>.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/dawnsparks_IMG_5262.jpeg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/pain-is-no-match-for-this-doctor-and-her-daughter-a-special-mothers-day-interview-with-dr-dawn-sparks/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7537</ID> <title>Ushering in Natural Medicine: An Interview with Charlie Piermarini</title> <publishDate>2021-05-02 11:52:50</publishDate> <description> <p>Devil's lettuce, weed, pot - all of these names are associated with recreational marijuana and often carry unhelpful negative stigmas associated with medical cannabis. Enter Charlie Piermarini .</p>   <p>Piermarini actively promotes holistic education and healthcare utilizing natural medicine, focusing on medical CBD (cannabidiol). He is a PA, co-founder of The Healing Joint and Integrative Medicine, and founder of Restorative CBD. He has three Masters in Physiology, Public Health, and Physician Assistant Sciences.</p>   <p>Piermarini remembers what he first thought of marijuana before learning about the medicinal benefits of marijuana's cousin, hemp. "I thought people were just trying to get high," he said. "They [medical schools] don't teach us anything about the endocannabinoid system, so I researched it and started learning what I could."</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-6.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7540"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Integrative Medicine</strong></h2>   <p>The Western approach to medicine, Piermarini found, was limiting. It focused on solving a specific problem instead of looking at the body and its issues as interconnected and fluid. His research, coupled with mentorship from Dr. Jyotiy Patel, inspired Piermarini to expand into integrative medicine.</p>   <p>"She instilled in me that you have to look at the patient as a whole. For example, you can't just give diabetic people Metformin and talk about glipizide and send them on their way," Piermarini said. Instead of just prescribing medicine for an ailment, he also talks with his patients about their lifestyle choices - what they are eating, how they are exercising, and other related questions.</p>   <p>"We've talked about high dose, 20,000-milligram vitamin C IVs and supplements, doing micronutrient testing and testing functional pathways for deficiencies in vitamins and micronutrients, and keeping you on a good regimen," he said. "People are searching these things out. So I kind of want to meet patients where, you know, where they needed to be met."</p>   <p>Piermarini pointed out that some medications may not work on a patient because they are vitamin and nutrient deficient. Focusing on the health of their gut and that they are synthesizing their intake properly, Piermarini believes, gets to the root of many patients' health problems.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-7.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7541"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Improving Health with CBD</strong></h2>   <p>Cannabis and CBD provide unique opportunities for improving patients' health because they can act as stimulants to the brain.</p>   <p>"We have a whole system in our body that is made to just respond to plant-like molecules like cannabis," Piermarini said. "There's a lot of healing properties behind cannabis."</p>   <p>According to Piermarini, cannabis has zero overdose deaths. "There are no receptors on your brain stem that will suppress your breathing, unlike opioids," he explained. Cannabis affects the brain and helps increase energy production. It also has shown to be a suitable replacement for opioids because it helps rewire the brain's neural pathways and doesn't pose the overdose risk.</p>   <p>Piermarini also offers a more controlled environment for patients to try cannabis as a natural alternative to their ailments. In integrative medicine, medications and dosages are tailored to the patient's needs and then tailored again after monitoring the first-round results. This involved process can reap better results, as all of a person's health variables are considered.</p>   <p>"It's more of a collaborative effort than an authoritative one," he said.</p>   <h2><strong>Starting the Conversation</strong></h2>   <p>Piermarini is a vocal advocate for CBD and natural medicine. He is a speaker for the USA CBD expo, Lucky Leaf Expo, and The CBD Expo and would have spoken at the World CBD Expo if not for CV-19. He continues to write and create resources for patients and doctors. He co-authored a review paper about how CBD works for pain management and was a lead author for a letter to the editor calling for more legitimate CBD products. He also finished his first book titled, "CBD Education From A Medical Professional”, to continue to help educate patients and other medical professionals about CBD. His book is available on Amazon and Kindle.</p>   <p>When CV-19 affected his clinic, Piermarini took the opportunity to create an online course for medical professionals and laypeople to educate them about CBD, the endocannabinoid system, and the difference between cannabis and hemp.</p>   <p>"I think it's a great place to at least get people up to speed and understand the vernacular and what the endocannabinoid system is," he said. Piermarini wants to educate people properly, especially since other resources on marijuana can fall to the extreme. "CBD is not a cure-all for everything," Piermarini stated.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-5.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7538"/></figure>   <p>Currently, Piermarini is working with the Arizona state legislature to allow physician assistants to prescribe medical marijuana. "I'm working closely with a few legislators, and they just floated a bill right now for me to give all PAs and NPs the ability to recommend medical marijuana to our patients."</p>   <p>The work has just begun for PA Charlie Piermarini, but he has a balanced view of the situation. More people are seeking natural alternatives to their medicine, and that's encouraging.</p>   <p>"Vaccines are great antibody therapies, but all these other medications we're doing are like Hail Mary's," Piermarini said. "If we were a society that prioritized primary prevention of disease, such as activity, eating a well-balanced diet, good supplements, getting good rest, I think we would have been in a little bit better of a situation."</p>   <p>You can learn more about<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.restorativecbd.com/about/" target="_blank"> CBD and Piermarini's work here</a>. If you are interested in learning more about CBD, here's our latest article, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/is-cbd-water-the-new-fountain-of-healing/" target="_blank">"Is a Recently Discovered Oil-Free CBD Technology the New Fountain of Wellness?".</a></p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Charlie-Piermarini.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/ushering-in-natural-medicine-an-interview-with-charlie-piermarini/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7528</ID> <title>Revolutionizing the American Healthcare System with Dr. Faisel Syed from ChenMed</title> <publishDate>2021-05-02 11:19:44</publishDate> <description> <h2><strong>About Dr. Faisel Syed</strong></h2>   <p>Dr. Faisel Syed, MD, earned his medical degree from the Iberoamerican University in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He completed his residency at the Columbus Regional Medical Center in Georgia and became a board-certified family medicine physician. From then on, he has dedicated his time to serving the Tampa community with top-notch primary care.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Faisel-Syed.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-7578"/></figure>   <p>Fueled by his passion for providing healthcare for the underserved, Dr. Syed decided to join ChenMed, a physician-led, family-oriented primary care organization dedicated to serving seniors in low-income areas. He is now the National Director of Primary Care for the organization and continues to advocate for holistic medicine and a healthy lifestyle.</p>   <h2><strong>ChenMed’s Value-Based Care Model</strong></h2>   <p>Dr. Syed takes great pride in working with ChenMed. What makes it so unique is that it operates on a full cost, value-based care model committed to giving seniors VIP care. In other words, they take 100% responsibility for their patient’s care, and assume 100% of the cost. Both patients and doctors no longer have to worry about billing fees. Such an approach contrasts with other healthcare systems that follow a fee-for-service model, which means there is a transaction for every healthcare visit.</p>   <p>The problem with a fee-for-service model is that doctors are forced to become more focused on filing documentation for billing their patients and less on giving them care. In ChenMed, doctors have a team that takes care of all the paperwork, leaving the doctor focused solely on providing outstanding care to their patients. That is also why ChenMed has a smaller panel size of about 400 patients per doctor. Most doctors in America see about 2000 patients per year. Since their focus is on quality over quantity, ChenMed can build a solid and lasting doctor-patient relationship, the heart of good primary care.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-3.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7530"/></figure>   <h2><strong>The Number One Cause of Bankruptcy in America</strong></h2>   <p>Did you know that the number one cause of bankruptcy in America is medical billing? Why? Dr. Syed spills the secrets of hospital administrations and how they’re sucking your wallet dry. Here’s the truth: “People are getting bankrupted by bills from emergency room visits.”</p>   <p>Dr. Syed shared a personal experience of a time when he was rushed to the ER for pneumonia. He was charged $10,000 for treatments consisting of X-rays, EKGs, saline, Tylenol, and many other tests. And now here comes the crazy part, Dr. Syed said that when he told his colleagues about it at ChenMed, they told him this: “What they did for you in the emergency room would have cost us $7 in the outpatient setting.” Ridiculous, right?</p>   <h2><strong>Is Your Healthcare Money Going to Waste?</strong></h2>   <p>The cost of healthcare in America today for people over the age of 65 has surpassed 1 trillion dollars, and that is only for 45 million out of a 330 million population. When you look at such statistics, it makes you wonder where all that money is going. Dr. Syed brings the spotlight to medical waste described here as unnecessary procedures and visits to the hospital. “As of last year, we crossed the $1 trillion dollar mark for medically unnecessary procedures,” he said.</p>   <p>The top cause for medical waste is unnecessary hospitalizations which are fueled by unnecessary emergency room visits. Most of them do not depend upon medical assistance, and the same care could have easily been done in an outpatient setting at a cheaper cost, just like Dr. Syed’s experience. But because emergency room visits cost more than outpatient settings, hospitals continue to promote this practice as they earn more from it.</p>   <p>The second cause of medical waste is unnecessary specialist visits. Dr. Syed shares his father’s first-hand experience of being sent to multiple specialists by his previous healthcare provider without having a true purpose of doing so. When Dr. Syed’s father finally decided to switch to a ChenMed physician, he found that the cure to all his problems was just a change of mattress. This simple and inexpensive solution improved Mr. Syed’s back pain and memory loss and his overall quality of life without being prescribed dozens of drugs - which brings us to the third leading cause of medical waste.</p>   <p>Overprescribing brand-name drugs when generic drugs are just as effective also contributes to the incredible amount of medical waste. Moreover, the overprescription of medication is not as effective as prevention, which we will discuss a little more in-depth next.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-2.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7529"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Prevention Is Better Than Cure</strong></h2>   <p>There is a saying that goes, “When you’re young, you sacrifice your health for wealth. And when you’re old, you spend all that wealth on health.” This is especially true for Americans,” Dr. Syed points out. “The thing is, Americans do not receive adequate education on living a healthy lifestyle. People run on this mentality that they wait for a problem to arise and then fix it instead of focusing on prevention.”</p>   <p>Healthcare systems are doing little about that because they are focused on generating revenue by billing. And the sicker patients become, the more revenue they can generate. “So it’s really not healthcare. Truly, the system we have in place is the sick care system,” Dr. Syed conveys to Top Doctor Magazine.</p>   <p>In ChenMed, Dr. Syed says they are centered around prevention and enhancing the quality of life for their patients and their doctors. They even go so far as providing a wellness program for their doctors and limiting their work capacity. They believe that a healthy and well-rested doctor will serve a patient with much better care, which is the ultimate goal of ChenMed. A happy doctor equals a healthy patient.</p>   <h2><strong>Seniors Love TeleHealth</strong></h2>   <p>Since ChenMed treats seniors, the most exposed population at risk for COVID-19, they did everything to keep them safe. Their new pursuit was to keep patients healthy, happy, and at home. To do this, ChenMed moved to telehealth, and their patients loved it. It even strengthened the doctor-patient bond because the doctors are spending hours of virtual face time with their patients and getting a virtual glimpse of seniors in their homes. They even went to the extent of providing groceries for their patients who were unable to go outside. Talk about going the extra mile! ChenMed’s success through quality service is proven in their recently published study of a 40% reduced mortality rate based on the healthcare system they use.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-4.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7532"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2>   <p>Even though this model only makes up for 1% of the healthcare systems in America, ChenMed is dead set on its goal to become the country’s leading primary care provider. ChenMed is on track to open 500 more new locations in the next five years devoted to giving affordable, compassionate, and human-centered care to medically underserved communities. “We are leading this primary care revolution,” Dr. Syed announced, and Top Doctor Magazine is here to cheer them along for the ride.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Faisel-Syed1.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/revolutionizing-the-american-healthcare-system-with-dr-faisel-syed-from-chenmed/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7516</ID> <title>Empowering People to be Healthy and Happy: An Interview with Eva Vennari</title> <publishDate>2021-05-02 11:08:00</publishDate> <description> <p>Eva Vennari is no stranger to ongoing health problems. As a little girl, she went to various doctors who would attempt to diagnose her properly, but to no avail. After experiencing a draining career that led to burnout, Vennari realized that she wanted - no - needed real change.</p>   <p>That place of burnout propelled Vennari to where she is today: a CEO and founder of The Elevate Institute,LLC, an organization focused on health and energization. Vennari is a certified Nutritional Counselor in Mineral Balancing and Hair Mineral Analysis and has certifications for Personal Nutrition, Chakra Healing, and Akashic Record Reading.</p>   <p>Vennari's enlightenment came at 3 a.m. as she was fighting insomnia. She decided to look online for any illnesses that met her symptoms and came across an article on mineral balancing.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7517"/></figure>   <h2><strong>A Practitioner in Nutritional Health</strong></h2>   <p>Her physical change inspired Vennari to become a practitioner in nutritional health. At first, she intended to provide help to herself and family, but the loss of someone close made her realize she could help people beyond her family.</p>   <p>She began her business, The Elevate Institute, shortly after. Elevate offers education and a program for those wanting to pinpoint their nutritional imbalances. Different from bloodwork, Vennari takes hair samples to analyze the relationships between minerals.</p>   <p>"I affectionately call the hair analysis report the trash report because it captures what is leftover at the end of the body's rejuvenation process," Vennari said. "We're just tapping into the body's natural healing processes by watching how it prioritizes what you eat, drink, and breathe in. And then it makes more you and spits out the rest into soft tissue, which is your hair."</p>   <p>This analysis balanced with a holistic approach to pinpointing stresses helps Vennari walk her clients through a path of regaining their energy and living life to their fullest.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7520"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Lasting Change and Real Empowerment</strong></h2>   <p>One such client was a father depressed, unable to work and be a partner in his marriage. He was unable to eat, or enjoy anything and had severe anxiety. With the help of Vennari's program, he gradually came to a healthy place emotionally and physically. The change to his nutrition ultimately boosted his energy and restored his confidence along with establishing new boundaries. His wife and some of his children then also went through the program to reach a place of wellness.</p>   <p>"When you start taking supplements, and you're paying attention to yourself, that is a form of self-love. Sometimes that's the only first step a person can afford to make in their emotional place," Vennari said. "When you give your body more energy, it frees your mind and emotional space to open up, and you're allowed to process things that you haven't been able to."</p>   <p>Stress is one of the biggest inhibitors to people absorbing the minerals they need, so Vennari works with her clients to set healthy boundaries and meditative practices that help with mental and emotional health. Helping each client be aligned holistically is how Vennari empowers people to be happy and healthy.</p>   <p>But Vennari recognizes that there is no cure-all for each person. Health, in many ways, is a process, and she, above all, encourages discernment and discipline in pursuing the answer to a healthy life.</p>   <p>"The answer is unique to each of us just as our thumbprints," Eva Vennari said. "The foundation to knowing the secret of your life is that you have to put the work in to find out what makes you happy and then make sure you do it."</p>   <p>Want to know more about Eva Vennari? You can find <a href="https://theelevateinstitute.com/meet-eva/">The Elevate Institute here</a>, and you can listen to her podcast <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://anchor.fm/whendoctorssay/episodes/Premiere-of-When-Doctors-Say-We-Dont-Know-el9eml" target="_blank">"When Doctors Say 'We Don't Know'"</a> here.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/026A9030retouched-scaled.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/empowering-people-to-be-healthy-and-happy-an-interview-with-eva-vennari/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7104</ID> <title>How a Pandemic Has Impacted Children with Nicholas Regas</title> <publishDate>2021-04-26 16:41:08</publishDate> <description> <h2><strong>About Dr. Nicholas Regas</strong></h2>   <p>A former rugby player turned pediatrician, Dr. Nicholas Regas, DO, is now a resident physician at the UNLV School of Medicine in Las Vegas, Nevada. His fascination with pediatrics started when he had to teach inner city kids how to play rugby. After spending a lot of time playing with the kids and seeing how resilient they can be, it became clear that his passion was helping children. Now, he is working his way into becoming a Pediatric Emergency Physician for the Riley Hospital for Children.</p>   <h2><strong>Why He Loves Working With Children</strong></h2>   <p>In his interview with Top Doctor Magazine, Dr. Regas clarifies that he is committed to facilitating the growth and development of his kids and ensuring that they can go back to the things they love (such as playing sports or going back to school). He especially loves working with toddlers because of how malleable they can still be. A high-impact group such as this is more susceptible to abuse and so being able to help in any way is already a massive reward for Dr. Regas.</p>   <p>Another highlight that sets apart Pediatrics from all the other specialties is the connection he gets to have with his patients. Giving his patient a high-five or a hug or just being able to goof around with them is a reward in itself.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/image-28.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7107"/></figure>   <h2><strong>The Importance of the School System</strong></h2>   <p>We've repeatedly heard how the social determinants of health for families are being exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. But what Dr. Regas emphasizes in his interview with Top Doctor Magazine is the importance of the education system (or lack thereof), which plays a huge factor in children's overall well-being.</p>   <p>School is where children go to receive an education, eat healthy meals, and play with their peers. When the pandemic erased the ability to attend school and kids were forced to stay inside, Dr. Regas noticed that it also affected the variety of cases they had to treat in the hospital. While sports injuries have significantly diminished, cases of children suffering from abuse and non-accidental trauma have shot up. Kids suffering from seizures have also become more common because these kids' families can no longer provide them with proper medication due to social determinants.</p>   <p>"A lot of people don't realize how much the average American family relies on the school system to care for their kids and feed their kids," Dr. Regas explains. He is excited for the day when all children will be allowed to go back to school to get back to flourishing.</p>   <h2><strong>The Pandemic's Impact on Children</strong></h2>   <p>The collective impact of the pandemic should already be quite familiar to everyone at this point, but have you ever wondered about its effect on children? Dr. Regas shares with us the three significant ways COVID-19 has changed children's lives.</p>   <p>First, kids' mental health has become unstable. The rates at which kids are developing anxiety and depression are higher than ever. Without school, many kids from low-income families are not getting the right nutrition. Kids with complexities are unable to get therapy or see their specialists. When you factor in all these additional stressors to families barely making ends meet, it becomes a recipe for mental illness.</p>   <p>Second, more kids are suffering from familial loss. Without any adults to raise them, they end up losing plenty of opportunities. The early loss of family members may leave a holistic negative impact on children that could affect them long-term.</p>   <p>Third, vaccine rates have dropped. Kids are falling behind on getting vaccines for diseases like measles, mumps, polio, meningitis, etc. because families are now afraid to enter the hospital. Dr. Regas fears that this could lead to said diseases resurfacing in the future if not acted upon now.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/image-27.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7105"/></figure>   <h2><strong>The Rise of Vaccine Hesitancy</strong></h2>   <p>Expanding on the topic of vaccines, it is apparent that vaccine hesitancy for COVID-19 has sky-rocketed. "A major fear is that the public has moved a little bit away from trusting the professionals," Dr. Regas worries.</p>   <p>In the age of social media, it is so easy to be fed misinformation and differing opinions by unreliable sources. That is why Dr. Regas does his best to stir his patients to the right sources to have access to correct information. Moreover, he strongly encourages the public to get the vaccine to protect themselves and protect those who are immuno-compromised.</p>   <h2><strong>Advancements in Pediatrics</strong></h2>   <p>A silver-lining in this pandemic is the innovations it has brought to the medical community. Although available in the past, telemedicine has now become the forefront of every medical practice. It has cut out nuances like long waiting times in the waiting room, transportation hurdles for kids in wheelchairs, and exposure risk for kids with pneumonia.</p>   <p>Ultrasounds are also becoming more popular in Pediatrics to diagnose appendicitis, fractures, and pneumonia. Aside from simplifying procedures, it also decreases cost and exposure to radiation.</p>   <p>The goal is to make pediatric care more accessible to everyone. Working with kids who haven't been jaded, who are so full of hope and potential, motivates Dr. Regas to provide better infrastructures, better medical care, and a better future for the children.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Nicholas_Regas.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/how-a-pandemic-has-impacted-children-with-nicholas-regas/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7095</ID> <title>Dr. Kent Smith and the Most Common Sleep Disorders in America</title> <publishDate>2021-04-26 16:08:11</publishDate> <description> <h2><strong>About Dr. Kent Smith</strong></h2>   <p>Kent Smith, DDS, graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas, in 1985. A decade after successfully establishing his dental practice, he decided to help treat people with sleep apnea using an oral device that is usually administered by a specialized dentist. As someone who was always fascinated about what happens at night and during sleep, Dr. Smith found his true calling in helping people with their sleep problems.</p>   <p>Dr. Kent Smith is now the President of the American Sleep and Breathing Academy for five years running, a diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and is writing his second book. He has also been speaking internationally for more than fifteen years and teaches advanced clinical classes through his company 21st Century Sleep Seminars. Dr. Smith is a well-known sleep expert, and many people flock to see him at Sleep Dallas, where he treats patients with sleep apnea using an oral appliance.</p>   <h2><strong>From Dentist to Sleep Specialist</strong></h2>   <p>Many of you may be wondering how Dr. Kent Smith, a dentist, became a top sleep specialist. What is the connection between dentistry and sleep problems? Dr. Smith explains that since the air tube from the nose to the lungs passes through the oral cavity, a large tongue and/or excess oral tissues have the potential to obstruct the airway and cause sleep issues. Dentists can utilize their expertise to help identify and address sleep disorders such as sleep apnea that may be severely impacting their patients’ health.</p>   <p>Dr. Smith, whom the medical field regards as one of the leading specialists in the oral appliance treatment for sleep apnea, credits his work to doctors who developed the technology way back in 1902. However, it was only twenty years ago that medical insurance started to pay for this type of treatment after being shown research of its effectiveness. Now, Dr. Smith uses the oral device to reposition the patient’s jaw and tongue while sleeping to treat their sleep apnea.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/image-26.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7099"/></figure>   <h2><strong>The Most Common Sleep Disorders in America</strong></h2>   <p>While Dr. Smith treats patients from different age brackets, his most common patients with sleep apnea are around fifty years old or older. “As we age and gain weight, we get more sleeping problems,” Dr. Smith explains as the reason behind the older demographic. However, he also has a fair number of younger patients that come to him for help in treating their insomnia, telling him, “Doc, I just can’t turn my brain off.” Below, Dr. Smith breaks down the two most common sleep problems that today’s society faces.</p>   <h2><strong>Sleep Apnea</strong></h2>   <p>A misconception people have regarding sleep apnea is that only old folks and obese people get it. Dr. Smith says that is not the case – it’s way more common in the general population than one might think. He found in his research that up to 85% of people with sleep apnea go undiagnosed and that 50% of his diagnosed patients are young individuals who are not obese.</p>   <p>There are two kinds of sleep apnea – obstructive sleep apnea, wherein oral cavity tissues are blocking the airway and making breathing difficult, and central sleep apnea, wherein the brain forgets to tell the sufferer to breathe while they are sleeping. Dr. Smith specializes in treating the former through oral appliance therapy.</p>   <p>Besides giving his patients an oral device to address sleep apnea, Dr. Smith also refers his overweight patients to see nutritionists and therapists. He believes that the two go hand in hand in helping his patients achieve a healthier lifestyle, ultimately leading to better sleep</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/image-25.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7098"/></figure>   <p>.</p>   <h2><strong>Insomnia</strong></h2>   <p>A sleep disorder that has become more common during the pandemic is insomnia. When we are confined at home all day, just sitting or lying around, it becomes harder for us to sleep at night because we haven’t exhausted our body.</p>   <p>The first kind of insomnia that Dr. Smith often sees in his patients is sleep onset insomnia, where the patient simply can’t fall asleep even after lying in bed for an hour. The second kind is sleep maintenance insomnia, where the sufferer keeps waking up in the middle of the night and can’t get back to sleep.</p>   <p>Dr. Smith is now seeing an increase in patients that require treatment for insomnia and has even started administering CBD oil to his patients as research proves that CBD can positively impact the quality of sleep. Despite a certain air of controversy around CBD products, he admitted that many of his patients already take CBD to help them sleep.</p>   <h2><strong>Refer Your Patient to a Sleep Doctor</strong></h2>   <p>Dr. Smith presses the importance of proper referrals to therapists and other physicians because he believes that there can be better long-term solutions to sleep disorders. He realizes the chances for drug dependency to aid in sleep problems is very high. “It is amazing how many people are taking drugs to help them sleep,” Dr. Smith added, especially when cognitive behavior therapy for sleep disorders such as insomnia (CBTI) is just as readily available. Yes, it may take longer for CBTI to work than a sleeping pill that will put you out in minutes, but the effects are far better for the patient’s health.</p>   <p>Dr. Smith believes that there is a severe lack of proper education on the topic of sleep. It is mainly pharmaceutical companies educating physicians about sleep. Because sleep aid drugs are a multibillion-dollar business, it is not shocking that pharmaceutical companies push for their pills to be a cure for insomnia. Moreover, doctors don’t have enough time in their day to ask each patient about their sleeping habits, so Dr. Smith believes that physicians should refer their patients to the right specialist who knows more about identifying and treating sleep problems.</p>   <h2><strong>How COVID-19 Affected a Sleep Doctor’s Business</strong></h2>   <p>Dr. Smith saw a significant drop in patients during the height of the pandemic. Among other factors, perhaps the leading contributor was the fact that other physicians were not referring their patients with sleep problems to specialists such as himself. In addition to many people avoiding doctor visits due to fear of catching or spreading the virus, sleep issues paled in comparison to the treatments needed for those suffering from COVID-19.</p>   <p>But even though business significantly decreased, Dr. Smith said he was fortunate enough to continue providing care for his patients through telehealth. And luckily, disposable home sleep tests were invented just six months before the COVID-19 pandemic started, which allowed Dr. Smith to administer the test to patients by mail. The device would wirelessly transmit data through an app, which was then interpreted by a sleep physician to determine whether the patient had sleep apnea. For those patients diagnosed with the condition, all they would have to do is go into the clinic to have their mouth scanned and wait for the custom-fit oral device to be mailed out. That is how he kept business going during the pandemic, but now Dr. Smith is happy to say that Sleep Dallas is picking up again.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/image-24.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7096"/></figure>   <h2><strong>What’s in Store for 2021?</strong></h2>   <p>With a new year comes new hope and also new challenges. Dr. Smith expressed his concern about the government taking over Medicare as he believes it will change the entire system. Although healthcare for all is essentially a good thing, Dr. Smith can’t help but worry that doctors will no longer be paid on time and will be paid even less than they deserve.</p>   <p>But Dr. Smith doesn’t want to dwell on issues he has no control over; instead, he channels his focus on living up to his promise of helping people with sleep problems. He is looking forward to expanding Sleep Dallas, making it a one-stop-shop for sleep problems and is already implementing new techniques in diagnosing sleep disorders by doing more intensive lab work. This 2021, his goal is to see his patients less tired and less sleepy.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dr._Kent_Smith_NEW-scaled.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/dr-kent-smith-and-the-most-common-sleep-disorders-in-america/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7088</ID> <title>What's the Impact of Social Media and Misinformation on Medical Procedures?</title> <publishDate>2021-04-26 15:45:43</publishDate> <description> <p>Social media has revolutionized the way information reaches people. The rise of platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, and other similar websites has allowed millions of people access to knowledge in a matter of minutes. This increased accessibility has sparked debates within the medical community because of the lack of a consistent fact-checking mechanism on these online spaces.</p>   <p>However, articles shared on these platforms have exposed people to more science-based reporting. Medical professionals themselves have also used these websites to share valuable information in a digital setting, free of the barriers in a conventional clinic or hospital.</p>   <h2><strong>Medical Information in Social Media</strong></h2>   <p>The increased role of social media in the way people communicate has affected both the personal and professional aspects of medicine. In 2015, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5384403/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a study with 4,000 participants</a> showed that 90% of physicians spent time on these platforms for personal use, but 65% also used them for professional reasons. Many Facebook pages exist for disseminating health-related information, and discussions about diseases and disorders are frequent on Twitter. This trend shows an emerging change in the way healthcare professionals interact with patients.</p>   <p>Journal articles have been online for years, but social media platforms have allowed facts in more straightforward language to circulate faster. For example, Facebook pages can post infographics condensing a lengthy research paper on a promising HIV drug. Friends can share Instagram collages showing tips on self-checking for signs of breast cancer. However, this conversion of information into bite-size pieces is also seen as harmful by medical professionals. Important details may get lost in trying to fit in information to a character limit, possibly causing misinformation.</p>   <p>There is also the threat of frauds and unverified alternative therapies. In recent years, Facebook has become a breeding ground for articles challenging the medical field. This has amplified anti-vaccine campaigns and other harmful beliefs. Fake news purveyors routinely challenge the reputation of many physicians on the platform and the efficacy of drugs proven to combat certain diseases. Unverified alternative therapies masquerading as "cheaper" cures have also become rampant.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/image-22.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7091"/></figure>   <p>Efforts to combat these problems exist, with the Food and Drug Administration also drafting <a href="https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/center-drug-evaluation-and-research-cder/industry-using-social-media" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">guidelines for online fact-checking information</a> about prescription drugs and medical equipment. Professional organizations have issued recommendations on how health care providers should share information on social media.</p>   <p>To date, however, there are no clear protocols regarding social media etiquette for medical professionals. It is up to the doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other providers to come up with ways to ensure that they uphold the rights of their patients, even in an online setting.</p>   <p>Patient attitudes to health-related information on social media With most people owning a social media account, it is no surprise that posts regarding health attract solid readership. This boosts the reach of information regarding specific conditions and empowers patients to be more involved in communicating with their doctors. Personal research conducted by individuals will allow them to be more proactive in asking for lifestyle and dietary adjustments to complement treatment.</p>   <p>Unfortunately, there is also a dark side to people having increased access to health-related information. The advertisement of "alternative" therapies that may be harmful is another threat. Although physicians can support or reject this information, many clients choose not to disclose their newfound remedies due to fear or intimidation. The prospect of "miracle cures" and lesser costs can be lucrative for people desperate to achieve a healthier state, with the FDA also <a href="https://www.fda.gov/consumers/health-fraud-scams" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warning the public about health fraud scams</a>.</p>   <p>A <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12144-019-00282-1" target="_blank">2019 study</a> also looked into the relationship between social media and the desire to undergo cosmetic surgery. Results showed that individuals with low self-esteem are exposed to content about these procedures and become more inclined to undergo surgery. This is motivated by their negative sense of self, and watching videos or reading articles related to the subject may amplify their sense of inadequacy. While the operation is a personal decision by the client, it exposes another potential harm to medical content shared online without a filter. There is an increased risk of amplifying a negative outlook on health, with patients making hasty decisions without increased communication with their provider.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/image-21.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7089"/></figure>   <h2><strong>The role of the medical community in correcting misinformation</strong></h2>   <p>The risks associated with health-related information on social media are a pressing problem. Thus, healthcare providers must promote reliable sources of information to their clients. Advisories and infographics that correct fake news regarding harmful substances can do a lot of good to patients. The accessibility of social media is also an avenue for physicians to be more communicative with their patients.</p>   <p>The clinical setting comes with a level of intimidation that is less emphasized in an online setting, which can correct misinformation. Leaning into this convenience can positively impact a patient's outlook and dialogue with their doctors, preventing them from getting intimidated.</p>   <p>Social media may also serve as a tool to lobby for policies that support a patient-centric approach within the medical community. However, this will need support from academic institutions and research bodies. There is an existing communication gap between academics, health care providers, and policymakers. Bridging this can increase opportunities that emphasize the quality of science-based treatments to the public.</p>   <p><a href="https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2014.0300" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A 2014 study on big data</a> advocates for increased funding and support for social media integration with medicine to maximize its benefits to the community. The results indicate that online platforms can help communicate verified medical information to the public. Collaborating with websites to implement stricter fact-checking policies is also imperative, as these possess the power to warn the public of fake articles immediately. That way, science-backed information becomes the utmost priority when talking about health.</p>   <p>Communication is a crucial aspect of preserving the patient-provider relationship, which is why compassion and support must be present on social media. This allows medical procedures to continue being a collaborative effort between the patient and their health care provider, even with the addition of technology to the mix.</p>   <p>Those lured by cheap alternatives promoted on social media are most vulnerable. It is essential to hammer that engaging in unverified methods can cause more harm than good. In the end, patients may cause more harm to themselves and leave themselves vulnerable to higher medical costs. The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low cost is forgotten. Using social media's strengths to combat its harms, the medical community can protect its patients against misinformation.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/image-23.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/whats-the-impact-of-social-media-and-misinformation-on-medical-procedures/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7072</ID> <title>Smile Maker: An Interview with Dr. Nidhi Pai</title> <publishDate>2021-04-26 15:07:10</publishDate> <description> <h2><strong>About Dr. Nidhi Pai, DDS</strong></h2>   <p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.smilesbypai.com" target="_blank">Dr. Nidhi Pai, DDS</a>, graduated from the Goldman School of Dental Medicine in Boston University and has spent more than 20 years perfecting the smiles of patients that fly to see her from all across the globe. She is one of the top dentists in America, specializing in cosmetic dental procedures like full mouth reconstruction, veneers, and Invisalign - where she is the top submitting dentist. She has also been featured on ABC 7 News, NBC, and hailed as Expertise’s Best Dentist in Palo Alto for 2021.</p>   <h2><strong>Dr. Nidhi’s Journey To Becoming America’s Top Dentist</strong></h2>   <p>Growing up in a tiny village in Africa, Nidhi spent most of her childhood days chasing goats and chickens in the wilderness. And when she wasn’t playing with animals, she would always draw in her sketchbook. That’s why her childhood dream was to be a permaculture architect.</p>   <p>When Nidhi was 8, she accidentally struck her brother while playing. Scared of the impending consequences, she took off running, fell, and broke her front teeth. She had to be taken to the dentist, but it wasn’t easy for her to go because she was terrified of them. She was a horrible patient. She disliked anything that had to do with seeing people in white lab coats. But, with a funny twist of fate, Nidhi’s mother decided to surprise her with a secret getaway, and do you know where she went? Yup - you guessed it. She was dropped off at a boarding school for Dentistry. As a typical Indian mother, Nidhi’s mom wanted her to become a doctor so she could find a more suitable match. Nidhi hated every second of being in Dentistry school and wanted to get it over with as fast as she could and then pursue her real passion for architecture.</p>   <p>However, as she spent more time learning about Dentistry, she slowly came to love certain aspects of it. As an artist, she especially enjoyed tasks that involved sketching the anatomy of the mouth. And because she has an architect’s way of thinking, Nidhi always had a holistic approach to dentistry, which gave her an edge over everyone else. “To me, the whole mouth matters. From the beginning, I’ve always addressed the whole mouth, and that set me apart from my colleagues.” Not long after she graduated, Nidhi was arranged to be married and then came to the United States, where her career took off. “I have so much admiration for this country [USA] because it literally gave me my wings,” she tells Top Doctor Magazine.</p>   <h2><strong>Put Yourself In Someone Else’s “Smile”</strong></h2>   <p>Dr. Nidhi believes that her whole journey has led her to be exactly where she is supposed to be today. “Everything that I’ve been through made me a better, more humble, more compassionate dentist.” As someone who had also lost her smile, she knows what it’s like to lose confidence in yourself. Nidhi sees herself in every patient she treats; every time she treats them, she feels as if she is going through the whole journey again.</p>   <p>In her interview with Top Doctor Magazine, we could hear through her words just how much heart Nidhi gives to each of her patients. Every time she can give her patient their smile back, her whole being lights up with joy and is filled with an indescribable sense of contentment and relief, even more so when her patients turned friends send her selfies with their new smiles, telling her just how much confidence they have regained with their beautiful smiles.</p>   <p>Nidhi has performed the same procedures millions of times, yet she still gets nervous from all the pressure she puts on herself to give her patients the perfect smile. However, she hopes that the butterflies in her stomach will never go away because it is precisely the kind of adrenaline she needs to ensure that she is always giving her best.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/image-29.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7264"/></figure>   <h2><strong>How The Pandemic Affected Dental Practices</strong></h2>   <p>When the pandemic hit, Dr. Nidhi was blessed enough to still have a growing business. “A lot of patients were very self-conscious of being on Zoom, so more and more people wanted cosmetic work,” she shares. To cater to her steady influx of patients, Nidhi had to shell out time, money, and effort to create a safe space for her patients, including a private treatment room behind closed doors for each patient. Although it was quite an expense, she was glad to have taken the extra precautions because she can confidently say that none of her patients or employees have contracted COVID-19.</p>   <p>Even though her practice was doing great, Nidhi still faced some hurdles during the pandemic. She lost half of her employees because they chose not to return to work after hearing about the unemployment benefits. This resulted in her having to hire and train new employees with no dentistry background. It was a tough challenge, but they powered through, and Nidhi couldn’t be more grateful for her phenomenal new team members.</p>   <p>However, as fortunate as Nidhi is with her practice, she realizes that not everyone is as lucky. She worries that if the pandemic continues, more private practices will move into corporations because they can no longer keep up with the costs. She humbly asks everyone to be nice to their dentists and doctors and to support small businesses during these challenging times.</p>   <h2><strong>Dentistry’s Cool New Toys</strong></h2>   <p>As we move into a more hopeful new year, Dr. Nidhi is excited to share the recent innovation she has been working on. She is developing a device called <a href="https://www.zerobrush.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ZeroBrush</a> which will replace brushing and flossing. It’s specifically useful for individuals with motor problems like arthritis who have trouble keeping up with good oral hygiene. The oral device will make its debut on the market by 2022, so she tells us to watch out for that.</p>   <p>Additionally, more and more technology is changing the game of dentistry. Nidhi is a big fan of using 3D scanners and Artificial Intelligence (AI). They help provide her with a more accurate reading on fixing bite corrections and tooth rotations. Laser technology has also been a personal favorite of hers because it removes the pain from experience, and it also has a better recovery time.</p>   <h2><strong>Be More Aware</strong></h2>   <p>Dr. Nidhi is pleased to see that patients are becoming more educated nowadays. It is always such a delight for her to treat patients who are so engaged and ask many questions. “When patients are aware of their health, they are more involved in taking care of it and make better decisions,” she points out.</p>   <p>However, she is worried about all the misinformation on social media regarding dental health and its effect on people’s dental procedure choices. Teeth whitening and veneers, for example, should only be done by a professional who knows precisely what they’re doing. Many people just want quick results, and there are many discreditable dentists online that are willing to give it to you without making sure everything in your mouth is addressed. “Please be selective and don’t believe all the messages you see on social media. Do your research,” Dr. Nidhi begs the public.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/image-19.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7081"/></figure>   <h2><strong>The Smile Maker</strong></h2>   <p>Despite the numerous successes Dr. Nidhi has had in her career, she remains a humble, down-to-earth, and genuine person. She lives a simple life tending to her edible garden and farm animals and hopes to spend her later years giving back to the environment. It is clear that she is nothing short of a giver, and she will continue to give, whether it be a new home for animals or a perfect smile for her patient. "There is no greater satisfaction than seeing my patient's life light up. I sleep better when I make them Smile. That’s my degree - Smile maker."</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Untitled-design-1.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/smile-maker-an-interview-with-dr-nidhi-pai/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7016</ID> <title>Addressing the Lack of Support for Frontline Medical Heroes - Dr. 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/healthy-choices/addressing-the-lack-of-support-for-frontline-medical-heroes-dr-ankush-bansal/</url> </article> <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/image-16.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/ceo-nick-loporcaro-and-dr-michael-le-your-neighborhood-doctors/</url> </article> <article> <ID>7001</ID> <title>Dr. Mark Taylor and the Gateway to Whole Wellness</title> <publishDate>2021-04-18 20:28:00</publishDate> <description> <p>The cosmetic plastic surgery industry in the United States is worth billions of dollars. The American Association of Plastic Surgeons (AAPS), in a 2018 study, revealed that $16.5 billion was spent by Americans’ on cosmetic plastic surgery and minimally invasive procedures.’ The figure, 4 percent from 2017’s figure, clearly shows how many Americans and many worldwide are willing to spend on cosmetic procedures to look younger, prettier, and more youthful.</p>   <p>Dr. Mark B. Taylor is not a stranger to youth. Although the doctor is well over six decades old, he has spent some of the best parts of his years as a dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon. He is an innovative creator and one of the leading doctors at the Gateway Aesthetic Institute &amp; Laser Center, Salt Lake City (the most prominent dermatological institute globally). ‘I have been doing aesthetics since I started my dermatology practice 40 years ago.’ Dr. Taylor says. </p>   <p>‘I always wanted to do this.’ He says, confirming our beliefs that he is just as passionate as he is gifted. ‘I decided to become a doctor in my freshman year in college. I studied chemistry, which I liked, but I also liked the people and the science element. Medicine is a mesh of people, research and science.’ And Dr. Taylor is right: you cannot succeed in a medical field unless you are passionate about what you do.</p>   <p>Dr. Mark would eventually complete his dermatology residency at the University of Oregon in Portland. ‘It was a great place with great teachers and great opportunities.’ Dr. Taylor says about the University of Oregon. ‘They did not have much aesthetic stuff, but it was a good foundation in dermatology.’</p>   <p>Talking about instructors that inspired him, ‘There were some fabulous instructors at the University of Oregon, like Dr. Francis J. Storrs —an expert in contact dermatitis.’ Contact dermatitis deals with people’s allergic reactions to certain substances on their skin. ‘There were also other fabulous professors, co-residents, and instructors I enjoyed affiliating with.’</p>   <h2><strong>Laser Technology and Its Important Role in Dermatology</strong></h2>   <p>A dermatologist treats more than 3,000 skin conditions. With the skin being the largest organ in the body—and the organ most exposed to external influences like the sun, dust, dirt, and other innumerable pollutants, it becomes pertinent that people seek the help of certified dermatologists for various skin issues. Laser surgery for cosmetic purposes—a minimally invasive procedure that is employed to correct many skin conditions like warts, tattoos, and moles, is one of the processes Dr. Mark Taylor uses to treat his patients. ‘I was an early adopter of many of the new technologies in laser and energy devices. I also developed many techniques and new ways of using these devices. I have also taught many doctors who come into the office and watch me perform these procedures on patients.’</p>   <p>It does not take much to see Dr. Mark Taylor’s strong side—a pioneer in laser technique. Still, most importantly, a teacher who cares for his students as much as he cares for his patients. ‘I have always enjoyed teaching people these complicated procedures.’ He confirms. With a long line of doctors traveling across states in the U.S. or other countries to watch him perform some of his procedures, Dr. Mark Taylor’s influence in the cosmetology, aesthetics, and dermatology fields cannot be overstated.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/image-13.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7005"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Medicine and Its Relationship with Whole-Wellness</strong></h2>   <p>It’s almost always beyond aesthetics. Dr. Mark Taylor’s physical agility—and of course, the youthful ambiance is inspiring, and he talks about the essence of the whole-wellness lifestyle to health. ‘We have a wellness clinic where we teach people to be well on the inside and the outside.’ ‘We do not have an exercise clinic, but we do emphasize all the components of whole-wellness (overall wellness) including nutrition and exercise.’</p>   <p>It is not surprising that Dr. Mark Taylor and the Gateway Aesthetic Institute &amp; Laser Center would embrace the whole-wellness principles. In the past three centuries, disenfranchisement from popular medical culture, fuelled by an industrial revolution and economic and social progress, endeared the relatively wealthy Americans to seek a higher level of healing. And the argument is the same for people who seek to enhance their beauty through professional dermatologists like Dr. Mark. The dermatological institution is famous—and it works. On August 9, 2011, Dr. Taylor developed a new and innovative method to treat acne scars. Dr. Taylor’s innovation was driven by a need to create a single treatment plan instead of plans that required patients to make multiple visits to the hospital. The procedure, which proved to be seventy percent effective for treating acne scars, combined multiple processes, including tumescent anesthesia, which numbed and swelled the skin, laser resurfacing, chemical peeling, laser resurfacing, extensive subcision (a method that releases dermal acne, scar bands). Dr. Taylor also designed and manufactured the “Taylor Liberator” his custom tool for the subcision procedure. On this procedure and other procedures for treating acne scars, Dr. Mark explains that ‘people fly from all over the world for the procedure. We have treated over a thousand patients. It’s one of the over 100 services we offer.’</p>   <p>‘Since they fly in, they cannot come in, travel back, and then fly in for another procedure.’ Dr. Taylor’s innovation allows people worldwide to rejuvenate their entire faces and enjoy target treatment on skin surfaces with acne scars. His innovation is thoroughly world-class, and it gets better when you can have more than one procedure in one session. ‘If patients have other types of scars like hypertrophic acne scars and keloid scars, we will use additional treatment within the same session.’</p>   <h2><strong>Stem Cells: The Controversy and Application</strong></h2>   <p>The use of stem cells for medical research and application is controversial. In the late 90s, stem cells were extracted from the embryo for therapeutic use. Extraction of stem meant the death of the human embryo. Giving the variant beliefs on what constitutes life, stem cells aren’t acceptable by many individuals and groups. Dr. Taylor was more than happy to share his feelings on stem cells and answer some of their use questions.</p>   <p>‘Yes, we use stem cells. We use umbilical cord stem cells from newborn babies. Newborns do not need their umbilical cords. Stem cells help with healing. We use the cells for healing after a laser resurfacing. We also infuse stem cells in parts of the skin faster healing and rejuvenation.’</p>   <p>Dr. Mark commented on the controversy of stem cells. ‘There is a mysterious aura with using stem cells. The company I work with has done over 100,000 procedures with stem cells with no serious side effects.’ Dr. Mark Taylor’s stance on stem cells is apparent. Many medical practitioners lament the unavailability of sufficient trials and research on the efficacy of stem cells. It is believed that stem cells can renew damaged body cells and tissues and help rejuvenate sick or dying body organs, including the skin. The veracity of these claims has not been thoroughly proved—or refuted due to a lack of sufficient data on stem cells. ‘What needs to be done is more double-blind placebo control trials to prove the science.’ Dr. Mark teaches. ‘Right now, people believe in stem cells, but there is a lack of data and research with stem cells. We feel that it helps, but we do not push it. There is a need for a controlled clinical science on stem cells.’</p>   <p>‘Stem cells are not patentable.’ Dr. Mark explains that one of the chief challenges many companies face with stem cell research is that they cannot patent stem cells. And then they cannot make a research-worthy profit from the science. ‘Most companies are unwilling to spend hundreds of millions of dollars in research unless they have patent protection. Companies need to recoup their investments. At the end of the process, they need to make money to pay for the research and the company, going forward.’</p>   <h2><strong>Mark Taylor’s R&amp;D Efforts and Successes</strong></h2>   <p>R&amp;D is a crucial part of healthcare. Dr. Mark Taylor, who does ‘active FDA approved clinical trials all the time’ on many new applications, including neurotoxins, tissue fillers, and injectables, believes that sciences should be entrenched in research. Although Dr. Taylor did not give us specific information on some of the companies he is presently working with on clinical trials due to non-disclosure agreements, he divulged information on his active research center where some of the trials are held. ‘In the past, we did a study with Endo Pharmaceuticals on a new FDA approved product called QWO to treat cellulite dimples on the Buttocks of adult women that is now approved for use by the FDA. We constantly work with these companies to establish new treatments.’</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/image-12.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7004"/></figure>   <h2><strong>The Global Pandemic and Its Effect on the Gateway Aesthetic Institute &amp; Laser Center</strong></h2>   <p>On the pandemic, ‘We are more careful. We take precautions. We sanitize each room after every procedure, and everyone wears a mask. We have a big clinic with many rooms, and no one has to stay in the waiting room.’ The global pandemic has caused more than 2.5 million deaths with over 114 million recorded infections, led to governments issuing lockdowns of every non-essential business, and ushered economic recessions in many countries with already weak social, political, economic, and healthcare infrastructures. But Dr. Taylor is not worried about the economic influences of the pandemic. ‘Last month was our best December in the history of the company. We just take care of people. We are very positive, and we have a lot of fun.’ Positivity is needed in these trying times in the United States and the rest of the world. And of course, with most companies issuing sit-at-home and remote working policies, they have more video communications; hence they are more in touch with the reality of how they look. ‘People realize that they may not be as youthful as they thought they were. They want to look better, so they contact us.’</p>   <p>It’s safe to assume that the cosmetic industry must have enjoyed an unequivocal boom due to the global pandemic. As restrictions are being lifted, more people make appointments with dermatologists because they want to look better.</p>   <p>On the business movement from on-ground to online, ‘We have learned to communicate in different ways. We will have a much more open way of learning—virtual learning. The pandemic will change the way we interact professionally and in offices.’ Online consultation is beyond a trend; it’s a necessity, and businesses must continuously integrate systems that will ensure seamless communication between client and service provider—and Dr. Taylor’s team does a great job at that. However, he admits that it can get ‘frustrating.’ ‘We put together a treatment plan from the email photos of the patient. We educated them on the procedures and risks and did pre-op educations, and prepared them for treatment. This method saves a lot of time. When the patient arrives, we confirm and treatment plan and usually treat them the same or the following day. We keep the patients in town for about one week to be sure their healing is going well.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/image-11.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7002"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Mark Taylor’s Thoughts on the Biden Administration</strong></h2>   <p>On the new administration and the healthcare industry’s perceived policies, ‘I do not know.’ He says, laughing. I have not heard any exciting news on healthcare. Some of my colleagues are stressed by bureaucracy and decreasing reimbursements. One of the problems is that we have spent the money for the next 20 generations. Everybody is out of money, and everything is financed with debt.’ Some people have done well in the stock market over the past few years, while others have been hurt economically. Personal appearance is important to most people, and they are bothered by scars and the effects of aging. Some people have the cash; some use financing, and others will save for months or years to do procedures that enhance their appearance. Cosmetic and laser institutes like the Gateway Aesthetic Institute allow more people to undergo various procedures to improve their appearance.</p>   <h2><strong>Final Thoughts</strong></h2>   <p>Be it skincare or office practices, or the COVID-19 Pandemic, Dr. Mark Taylor’s principles reflect humanity, care, honesty, and perfection. He often laments the immense pressure many small healthcare facilities face due to policies like the proposed tax increase, which he feels will ‘always result in more people being laid off work.’ ‘I like to have more businesses that pay a lower tax rate than few businesses that pay a higher tax rate.’ His logic might seem too simplistic; yet, issues like tax must be looked upon from a humane angle. Should a government place even higher tax levies on businesses that are struggling to survive the post-pandemic?</p>   <p>We rounded up the interview with the question, ‘What are you most proud of?’ Just as we had thought, he said with a smile, ‘I am proud of my family. I have eight children and 29 grandchildren, and they are all doing fine. None of them are living in my basement. I am proud of the business we have built. The Gateway Aesthetic Institute &amp; Laser Center is the largest dedicated cosmetic laser center globally, and I think we are well-respected and have a lot of fun.’</p>   <p>His final words addressed young dermatologists: ‘Find your passion and follow it.’</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/image-13.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/influences/dr-mark-taylor-and-the-gateway-to-whole-wellness/</url> </article> <article> <ID>6500</ID> <title>Putting Others First in Life and Medicine - An Interview with Eddie Menacho, PA</title> <publishDate>2021-04-10 20:28:57</publishDate> <description> <h2><strong>About Eddie Menacho, PA:</strong></h2>   <p>Eddie Menacho is a National Medical Fellowship Scholar and a graduate from the PA Program at the prestigious Keck School of Medicine. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology from California State University, San Bernardino with both departmental and university honors.</p>   <p>With his brother Anthony Menacho, PA, he has invested time and resources in both undeserved communities and the college student community. He co-founded <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.brainboxmethods.com" target="_blank">Brainbox Methods</a>, an organization dedicated to helping students achieve their goals outside the classroom. Furthermore, Eddie began working with the Street Medicine Team at USC to provide health care to the homeless population in Los Angeles.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screenshot_40-1.png" alt="Putting Others First in Life and Medicine – An Interview with Eddie Menacho, PA" class="wp-image-6852"/></figure>   <h2><strong>A Stoic Approach to Time</strong></h2>   <p>From a young age, Eddie Menacho, together with his brother Anthony, learned the importance of what many of us quickly tend to ignore: family and time. A lifelong lesson learned from their wise father, who, unfortunately, is not here to witness how his two sons constantly sow and reap the fruit of their never-ending labor: putting the community first and serving its essential needs.</p>   <p>As Eddie decided to become a better administrator of his own time and help bring change to the sick and the needy, he turned his passion and resources towards medicine. That is where he discovered that becoming an expert in your field is more than just getting straight A’s during finals week; it’s all the little things outside the classroom that count. <em>“We started realizing like, man, these students, they don't know how to study. They don't know how to, how to finish the job.”</em> For that reason, he and his brother searched for a way to turn students into better individuals and help them truly achieve their dream goals.</p>   <h2><strong>The Brainbox Methods</strong></h2>   <p><em>"The grades aren't a difficult thing in the grand scheme of things, right,"</em> Eddie shares with Top Doctor Magazine. While such a statement sounds natural and convincing enough, only a few understand and believe it. Eddie has met with hundreds of students who, although their grades were sky-high, had nothing else to put on their résumé, let alone write a proper one. They were akin to beautiful sculptures but without any final touches.</p>   <p>In search of the culprit, Eddie points towards the outdated learning system, which follows the same approach common in the 1800s. In this system, students would read for endless hours in the library. However, with today's technology, it became apparent that only versatile learning methods can help young students achieve their full potential. For that reason, Eddie and his brother strives towards bringing students outside, in the real world, and equipping them with tools that books, albeit helpful, cannot provide.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/image-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-6502"/></figure>   <h2><strong>The Prerequisites for a Successful Student</strong></h2>   <p>First off, the crucial thing for a student to understand is that no student has all the answers from the beginning and that mentoring is not a sign of weakness but strength. Having someone who can guide you through the maze of student life can make the difference between graduation and dropout.</p>   <p>Second, equip yourself with the proper virtues. As Eddie shares with us, perfectionism, diligence, and, crucially, prudence are every student's best allies towards learning from one's mistakes and overcoming them, no matter how many times we fall.</p>   <p>Finally, nurturing a spirit of collegiality amongst students takes up a significant chunk of Eddie's approach. Not only do we have to confess that finding all the answers yourself is a Herculean task, but also, we have to remember that, as students, we are not free from disappointments in life or depression. On the contrary, our learning years are when we need as much help as we can get, and Eddie teaches us how to ask for it. Assimilating this spirit of collegiality with his life experiences, Eddie talks of students as a soccer team, where team spirit outweighs individual needs.</p>   <h2><strong>Medicine is More than just Proper Medication</strong></h2>   <p>As the pandemic hit the American shores with full effect, Eddie worked in a COVID ICU, as a Critical Care PA since the pandemic began. In the beginning, he admits, more than enough confusion surrounding proper COVID-19 medication made the physicians' efforts difficult enough. However, through the same spirit of collegiality, U.S. physicians kept close ties with physicians from across the ocean to improve patient care and bring the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients down.</p>   <p>But what happens when what one needs the most is medicine for the soul? How do you fight loneliness and lack of human contact? How does one find ways to cure both the body and the mind? Nothing stands as a stronger statement for the COVID-19 patient's need for human compassion than Eddie' s story about Elvira Lizarraga.</p>   <p>Following in the footsteps of Mother Theresa, Eddie decided to turn his approach into a more patient-oriented one and play the role of the servant, not the dictator. <em>"And, and what I, what I learned about medicine was, a lot of times when you are knowledgeable in whatever you do, you try to push your agenda on people. It's like, I know this about medicine, and I know that your diagnosis is this. And I know that you need to take this medication. And we try to do what we need to do. But what we forget that is that we're not, we're not dictators, we're serving, we're there to serve people."</em></p>   <p>As such, Eddie dedicated his time and resources to caring for one of his patients, Elvira Lizarraga, who was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease along with COVID. Through constant care and patience, Eddie managed to build a relationship of trust with his patient, who, responding to his kind approach, opened her heart to Eddie.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/image.png" alt="" class="wp-image-6501"/></figure>   <h2><strong>The Power of Human Compassion</strong></h2>   <p>Last June, he witnessed Elvira being brought to the hospital with COVID-19. For four months, Elvira laid in the Intensive Care Unit, outlasting all the other COVID-19 patients, like a traveler whose train never arrives at the platform. These long months of loneliness took their toll on Elvira's mental state: depression was threatening to bring the fight to a premature end.</p>   <p>With tears in his eyes, Eddie remembers how not medicine, not expensive care, not expert virologists cured Elvira, but the power of literature. Afraid of her friend's worsening health, Eddie took a shot in the dark and tried to use a good story to bring Elvira's curiosity and will to live back to life. <em>"And so I asked her, I was like, Hey, have you, have you ever read the Harry Potter series?"</em> Her negative answer paved the way for long reading sessions when Elvira constantly asked Eddie for details about Harry or Dudley or other characters while always looking forward to the next adventure. <em>"And the whole goal was to just get her inspired so she can do her exercises, so she can do PT, so she can do OT, so she can stay on the C-PAP a little longer and fight. Everyday Elvira would look forward to Eddie arriving at 5:00pm to read her another chapter from the book, they did it for weeks on end."</em></p>   <p>From Eddie's point of view, it was never about medicine but human compassion: <em>"She needed, she needed to feel connected to somebody. And so, she needed something to look forward to. And so, yeah, that's, that's what I did. […] A lot of times, it doesn't come down to medicine, it comes down to the relationship."</em> And only Elvira's words can express her gratitude: <em>"This battle took an entire team of Angels like you [Eddie], support of my family and friends, team of doctors, nurses, and most of all God. Without all you Angels, I couldn't have come through this! There are no words that will let you know how grateful I am for you and the importance of medical caregivers giving that beautiful human touch to patients."</em></p>   <p>As a parting thought, Eddie Menacho has but one wish to bring this story to more patients in need and hope to inspire more people with this example: <em>"If I can get this story out and, and J. K. Rowling herself could like talk to her, or something like it would just inspire her to, but it would inspire so many other people."</em> We can only hope that Eddie Menacho's wish will come true and that he will find the strength to bring back hope in the lives of those who need it most.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screenshot_40-1.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/putting-others-first-in-life-and-medicine-an-interview-with-eddie-menacho-pa/</url> </article> <article> <ID>6493</ID> <title>Bringing Healthcare to the Unsheltered Community of Sacramento – An Interview with Anthony Menacho</title> <publishDate>2021-04-10 20:03:42</publishDate> <description> <h2><strong>About Anthony Menacho</strong></h2>   <p>Anthony Menacho is a National Health Service Corps Scholar and a graduate from the PA program Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology at California State University with department and university honors.</p>   <p>Anthony Menacho focuses his resources primarily on creating stronger links with students who want to excel in their respective fields and with the less-fortunate communities of Sacramento. Together with his brother Eddie, he founded the Brainbox Methods, a community of approximately six thousand students dedicated to improving extra-curricular skills. Additionally, he's the founder of Sacramento Street Medicine, an organization that helps the homeless community with its basic, day-to-day medical needs.</p>   <h2><strong>Keeping a Promise</strong></h2>   <p>The son of Latino immigrants, Menacho has led quite a busy life. He’s always out there, looking for new and exciting experiences. From being a congressional intern in D.C. to working in the ambulance service, Menacho always saw the need to give back to the community, especially the one whose needs repeatedly fell prey to closed doors and neglect.</p>   <p>However, the defining moment in shaping his career bears the mark of a family tragedy. After losing their father to kidney cancer, both Menacho and his brother took it upon themselves to honor his memory by becoming the best physicians they could be and helping the poor, the sick, and the needy.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screenshot_39-1.png" alt="Bringing Healthcare to the Unsheltered Community of Sacramento – An Interview with Anthony Menacho" class="wp-image-6829"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Giving Back to the Student Community</strong></h2>   <p>Right from the university benches, Menacho envisioned a program destined to give back to the student community. With his brother Eddie by his side, he brought <a href="https://www.brainboxmethods.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brainbox Methods</a> into the world: a company whose sole goal is to help young students overcome their social status discrepancies and get accepted into their dream universities.</p>   <p>With a strong follower community of over 6,000 people, Menacho provides resources to young students on how to succeed academically, emotionally, and professionally. For just a symbolic fee, students get a chance to add essential skills to their arsenal, skills that do not find enough space in the "classroom," such as updating resumes and personal statements, writing, or learning how to pay off tuition in a very relaxing and friendly setting.</p>   <p>Menacho explains the rationale behind his decision: "I know students that went to some of the top, top high schools and got into college and were lost. And so if you, could you imagine somebody who comes from a low-income high school or a high school where they weren't preparing them, how they felt, you know, if they got into some type of reputable institution, it's almost like their chances are shot, you know?"</p>   <h2><strong>Next Big Step - Sacramento Street Medicine</strong></h2>   <p>But this was just the tip of Menacho's iceberg of plans. As a student at the Keck School of Medicine, he had the chance to learn about street medicine from the best in the field. Following his relocation to Sacramento, CA, Menacho decided to implement his knowledge into a brand-new street medicine program called Sacramento Street Medicine (SSM).</p>   <p>Benefiting from the work of student &amp; non-student volunteers organized into teams, Sacramento Street Medicine constantly takes the pulse of the city's homeless community, providing primary, survival supplies and low-level wound care. Furthermore, as the organization is transitioning towards an established medical practice, Menacho hopes that his teams will be authorized to provide more medical care to those in need.</p>   <p>As the COVID-19 pandemic hit the streets of Sacramento with full force, Sacramento Street Medicine, although with fewer resources and human resources, played a significant role in keeping the homeless population away from the virus providing COVID-19 testing and education while following every single safety protocol in the book.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screenshot_38.png" alt="" class="wp-image-6495"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Bridging the Gap between the Homeless Population and Hospitals</strong></h2>   <p>Aside from providing primary care to needful communities, Menacho and his team strive towards minimizing the gap between the homeless and the local authorities. Already crippled by lack of trust and fears of sweeping (i.e., relocations), this relationship became even more uneasy with the arrival of COVID-19; instead of asking for medical assistance right away, people choose to hold out until it becomes a matter of life and death.</p>   <p>With the financial help from external sources and an understanding Sacramento community, Menacho is already making tremendous progress. With his unquenchable passion and disregard for financial gains, he finds an honor and a blessing in this opportunity to help others. We can only hope that his beautiful initiative will serve as an example to those who want to give a chance at a better tomorrow to needful communities.</p>   <p>If you would like to learn more about Anthony Menacho and his mission, make sure that you check out the following <a href="https://www.sacstreetmed.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">website</a>.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screenshot_39-1.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/bringing-healthcare-to-the-unsheltered-community-of-sacramento-an-interview-with-anthony-menacho/</url> </article> <article> <ID>6485</ID> <title>Surviving through the pandemic: How the frontline heroes responded with remarkable efficiency</title> <publishDate>2021-04-10 19:44:13</publishDate> <description> <p>The COVID-19 pandemic triggered an unprecedented global emergency, and healthcare professionals have responded by providing immediate care during this difficult time. As the rapid spread of the virus overwhelmed healthcare systems, altered livelihoods, and disrupted economies in many parts of the world, healthcare providers sacrificed their lives by battling the new and vicious foe. As the virus attacks indiscriminately, the victims include healthcare workers who knowingly put their lives on the line. Even without a PAPR and a proper N-95 mask, our healthcare heroes suit up every day to face the threat head-on and become exposed more than the rest of us to save those who are critically ill from the virus. As they provide care to the victims, they fight an invisible enemy and often self-isolate from their families to avoid spreading the virus. Furthermore, they try to fill the void for families who cannot be at their loved one's bedside due to restricted visitation rights. Aside from the potential risk associated with providing care to patients, healthcare providers have adapted their workflow to isolation protocols so that victims could still enjoy human contact. They also stayed with dying patients during their last moments, holding their hands, keeping them company until the end.</p>   <p>Speaking about how the pandemic affects his practice, Dr. Michael Wu, a dentist in San Francisco Bay Area, disclosed to Top Doctor: "I think in terms of the day-to-day operation, it is a lot more stressful because all the staff had to multitask a lot more. Prior to the pandemic, the office staff is already well versed in sanitation and sterilization tasks. After the onset of the pandemic, the entire office team had to be retrained in order to implement a myriad of new rules. Everyone at the office has to be vigilant about the office environment in order to implement the new Covid-19 patient safety protocols. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dr.-Micheal-829x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6955" width="688" height="850"/></figure>   <p>For example, disinfection of all potential patient contact surfaces at the front office must be done after every patient. And every person entering the office must fill out the Covid questionnaire form and have the body temperature taken.”</p>   <p>Relating to the psychological well being of the dental Staff, Dr. Wu explained that “during the early days of the pandemic, there was a lot of conflicting information about the exact path of transmission for the Covid 19 virus. This was especially stressful to my team. Many staff members live with elderly parents or young children at home. Some of my staff members have pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma. A few team members even contemplated leaving the dental profession altogether. It took a lot of selflessness and courage for them to come to work, because they understood the risks they are putting themselves, their family and loved ones in. Many team members had to ponder how to balance work and personal lives. Likewise, those were also the darkest and most uncertain times of my career."</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screenshot_35-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-6828"/></figure>   <p>Dr. Michael Wu developed an interest in dentistry while he was in high school during a summer externship. Working alongside a dentist at a community dental center, he was delighted at how the relationship between dentist and patient develops. Dr. Wu went to UCLA for his undergraduate degree in Molecular Cell Developmental Biology. But ultimately he realized that dentistry was his true passion. It was the people-to-people interaction in dentistry rather than sitting in a lab, cultivating cells, that led to his dive into a career in orthodontics. Dr. Wu earned both his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree and orthodontist specialty certification at Harvard School of Dental Medicine.</p>   <p>Practicing since 2008, Dr. Wu has 12 years of experience in orthodontics, and he is currently working in group practices in the San Francisco Bay Area. While narrating his experience during the pandemic, he said: "It definitely impacts dentistry in several ways, especially when it comes to the dental specialty of Orthodontics. Typically, the orthodontist sees a higher volume of patients than general dentists on a daily basis.</p>   <p>Prior to the pandemic, I would see an average daily volume of 50-60 patients, but right now, we had to scale down for safety reasons. We want to make sure there is adequate spacing between the patients in the treatment area." He explained further how they enforced the social distancing rules at his practice: "…as a matter of fact; we don't have patients in the waiting area. We usually tell patients to wait in their car in the parking lot. Once space becomes available in the treatment area, then we message the patient to come into the office. We try as much as possible to discourage patients from getting crowded in the waiting area and limit patients to two or three in our treatment area at any one time. All this means that the office must be even more efficient at time management compared to pre-pandemic days."</p>   <p>Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, dentists wore masks and gloves when dealing with patients, which placed them in a good safety position when the pandemic hit. Dr. Wu explained that dentists practiced Universal Precaution since the 1980s in the wake of the AIDS epidemic. There was a lot of concern from the patients and the general public that they could potentially contract HIV from health care providers, such as dentists. These public concerns were ultimately proven to be unfounded, thanks in part to the successful implementation of the Universal Precautions, which required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by dentists. However, what changed during the current pandemic, is that anyone can be infected with the Covid 19 virus as a result of respiratory transmission. Whereas HIV is more likely to be transmitted through bodily fluid contacts. "There is definitely a lot more concern regarding getting Covid 19 virus, so we had to make sure that every staff member follows the updated universal precautions, including the use of N95 masks and social distancing amongst not only the patients, but also the Staff. Break room is no longer a place where Staff members can congregate and eat lunch together."</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screenshot_36.png" alt="" class="wp-image-6489"/></figure>   <p>While discussing the pandemic challenges, Dr. Wu told us that many healthcare professionals were nervous about going to work, but that they had to be strong and support the patient’s well-being: "I would say that I am really proud of my team.</p>   <p>Even though most of them have been in the dental industry for a long time, in terms of their duties, it is definitely more complex than before. Overall, they have been handling it pretty well. As time went on, it just became a normal part of everyday routine, but I think it adds more stress to the daily work schedule. Despite our own personal worries, we still have to appear calm and composed inorder to instill confidence in our patients. We really want patients to feel safe and well cared for when they enter our office for treatment."</p>   <p>Although healthcare professionals scrambled to take charge when the virus hit, Dr. Wu recalled the state and federal regulators' lack of clarity. He said: "When the CDC recommended PPE protocols, they were looking at it from the hospital point of view, like what should they do for best practices in the ER and ICU settings. And I don't think there are many dentists on the panel at federal and state health agencies. I think we are trying to adapt our dental offices to a medical hospital standard when it comes to occupational safety. I think it makes it expensive for us to order a lot of equipment that may not be necessary within our practice setting, and at the same time, a lot of those resources could be better saved for the hospitals that really needed them. That is one thing I always struggle with. I wish that the state regulators can be better informed and provided narrower guidelines targeting the specific medical and dental fields, rather than just paint everybody with the same brushstroke and say ‘because the doctors in the intensive care unit needed certain PPE and equipment, and there is a shortage of those medical supplies, so we are going to mandate the closure of all orthodontic and none urgent care dental offices."</p>   <p>Speaking about the pandemic's solution, Dr. Wu shared that the vaccine will definitely slow the pandemic and lessen the economic and public health tolls. To reach that goal, he also concluded that technology is an essential part of the solution. While some healthcare providers were moving to some aspect of Teledentistry even before the pandemic, "…actual treatments are still done in person. In terms of orthodontic emergencies or questions, a lot of those can be effectively addressed through secure encrypted emails or one on one zoom call with the patient to demonstrate to them how to take care of a bothersome orthodontic wire for example," he explained. “Teledentistry will continue to be a major part of dentistry going forwards.”</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screenshot_33.png" alt="" class="wp-image-6486"/></figure>   <p>Dr. Wu continued by explaining how the current pandemic will render physicians and medical personnel more prepared for future outbreaks: "The other aspect of the solution to any future pandemic is related to the learning experience we are going through in the current crisis. For example, in places like Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, etc. they went through the SARS outbreak in the early 2000s. Partly as a result of their experience during the SARS outbreak, many locals in those regions routinely wear masks in public prior to the current pandemic. I think wearing masks in public, as a socially acceptable behavior, is part of the reason why they are better able to contain the spread of COVID-19 virus. If there is one thing that we can take away from this Pandemic is that our state and local agencies must develop effective public health recommendations to better deal with or even prevent the next viral outbreak."</p>   <p>Dr. Wu has gotten himself vaccinated against Covid 19 virus, and encourages his entire dental team to do the same. He wants the general public to be aware that as dentists and doctors, they are ready to go the extra mile to keep people healthy. "We want to make sure that the patients are safe when they come into our offices, and we want to make sure that they are happy with their smile when they leave our offices." Although many patients are scared during the pandemic, he reminded us that healthcare providers have patients' best interests at heart and are there to take good care of them and their families.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dr.-Micheal-829x1024.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/surviving-through-the-pandemic-how-the-frontline-heroes-responded-with-remarkable-efficiency/</url> </article> <article> <ID>6476</ID> <title>IDefine with Dr. Mason Harrell</title> <publishDate>2021-04-10 19:12:15</publishDate> <description> <h2><strong>About Dr. Mason Harrell</strong></h2>   <p>Amiable, accomplished, and passionate are just a few words to describe Dr. Mason Harrell, a Harvard-trained physician triple board-certified in Occupational Medicine, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, and Aerospace Medicine. He is also a former flight surgeon and a devoted family man and father of two.</p>   <p>Dr. Mason, or “Mase-dogg,” as his friends like to call him, decided to become a doctor because he longed to make a real difference in the world. With his strong wit and undeniably honest concern for others around him, it is no wonder why many prestigious organizations such as Harvard University, the World Health Organization (WHO), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) have taken him under their wing.</p>   <div class="wp-block-columns"> <div class="wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center" style="flex-basis:100%"> <div class="wp-block-columns"> <div class="wp-block-column"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/thumbnail_Screen-Shot-2021-04-19-at-10.43.07-AM-680x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7041"/><figcaption>Photo Courtesy of Jackie Lynn of Jackielynnphoto</figcaption></figure> </div> </div>   <p></p> </div> </div>   <p>And if that wasn’t impressive enough, Dr. Mason is also a co-founder of several organizations such as IDefine, Sequoia Port, American Analytical Medical Services (AAMS) and Gledson. He provides consultation services that deal with health and wellness for employees, medical-legal work, and improving medical record systems. But the organization closest to his heart is IDefine, which we will delve into a little more below.</p>   <h2><strong>What is Kleefstra Syndrome?</strong></h2>   <p>On the first birthday of his daughter, Eleanor, Dr. Mason received the most devastating news of his life. Eleanor was diagnosed with Kleefstra Syndrome (KS), a rare genetic disorder from a single gene mutation causing autism and intellectual challenges. EHMT1 is an epigenetic gene that influences many other genes. In children, KS can also cause hypotonia or ‘floppy baby syndrome’ and seizures. When these kids reach puberty, they can become catatonic and exhibit psychotic episodes, making this disorder even more terrifying.</p>   <p>But why does Kleefstra Syndrome occur in the first place? “Well, it’s kind of like reverse evolution,” as Dr. Mason describes it. Genetic mutations ubiquitously occur; these mutations can either be beneficial or detrimental for an organism. When humans are in their gestation period, and they have a gigantic genetic mutation, this would result in the mother having a miscarriage. When the mutation is not significant enough to cause a miscarriage and is undetectable by tests, a baby is born with adverse health conditions.</p>   <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Mason-Harrell-683x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-6989"/><figcaption>Photo Courtesy of Jackie Lynn of Jackielynnphoto</figcaption></figure></div>   <h2><strong>IDefine’s Soul Mission</strong></h2>   <p>“Even being a doctor, when I found out about Eleanor’s diagnosis, it just knocked the wind right out of me,” Dr. Mason somberly remembers. Gutted by the grave news, he couldn’t even bring himself to research the syndrome, which is why his friends had to do the digging for him. However, he realized that sulking wasn’t going to make things any better, so he flew to the Netherlands and sought out Dr. Kleefstra herself to figure out a solution. They collaborated with other fathers of children with KS, children’s physicians from Harvard Boston Children’s Hospital, and KIDS IQ Project to establish the non-profit organization, IDefine.</p>   <p>IDefine focuses on the discovery of treatments for genetic causes of autism and intellectual disability. We are first focused on genetically correcting the EHMT1 mutation, which will cure autism and intellectual disabilities in cases of EHMT1 defects. This will give hope to the communities who face these disorders and usher in the light at the end of the tunnel!</p>   <h2><strong>Spreading Awareness and Creating Change</strong></h2>   <p>The first step towards change is awareness, and a great way to heighten that is to increase genetic testing in patients, as Dr. Mason advocates. However, spreading awareness and fundraisers are a massive help to IDefine’s quest. Dr. Mason is optimistic that they will find a cure as it is just a matter of time. “We’re going to die trying. And we’re going to do it. It’s just a matter of time and money - millions of dollars more,” he added.</p>   <p>As we discovered Dr. Mason’s tenacity and relentlessness to find a cure, we at Top Doctor Magazine can’t help but feel inspired and confident that IDefine will fulfill their mission of restoring intellectual intellectuality back to individuals with intellectual disabilities.</p>   <h2><strong>IDefine’s Soul Mission</strong></h2>   <p>Dr. Mason's work doesn't just stop at IDefine. When the COVID-19 outbreak surfaced last year, it was like life slapped him with the truth - that we are all just living through a series of never-ending obstacles we need to surmount. However, as a seasoned veteran who has been on numerous medical missions worldwide and has published dozens of articles about Ebola and its effect on health workers, Dr. Mason got the upper hand this time. He was ready to tackle this new challenge head-on.</p>   <p>Suddenly, CEOs saw themselves forced to put employee health and safety at the top of their priority list, which caused businesses to scramble looking for the few occupational medicine doctors available. And Dr. Mason, being the helpful person he is, jumped right into the action and offered his services where the need was urgent.</p>   <p>Dr. Mason provides his knowledge and expertise by teaching companies how to implement proper safety procedures (i.e., following the hierarchy of hazard controls) and how to keep their employees safe and healthy, even when they are out of the workplace.</p>   <p>On March 1st, 2021, Dr. Mason joined <a href="http://www.workcare.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WorkCare</a> as their <a href="https://www.workcare.com/resource/dr-mason-harrell-joins-workcare-as-chief-medical-officer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chief Medical Officer</a>. Established in 1984, WorkCare delivers seamless, cost-effective occupational health services to employers of all sizes and types. Its mission is Protecting and Promoting Employee Health and well-being. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.</p>   <p>Top Doctor Magazine thinks that great people are only ordinary people who deal with life's challenges, and that is precisely what makes Dr. Mason one of the greatest ones out there.</p>   <p>If you are interested in learning more about Dr. Mason Harrell, you can visit his site: <a href="https://www.masonharrellmd.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.masonharrellmd.com/</a> for more info. Furthermore, if you want to be a part of creating history or want to help out a good cause, check out <a href="https://www.idefine.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.idefine.org/</a> for donation details.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Doctor-Mason-Harrell-with-attribute-scaled.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/profile-spotlight-dr-mason-harrell/</url> </article> <article> <ID>6014</ID> <title>What's Next In The COVID-19 Pandemic - How Are COVID-19 Worker's Compensation Cases Going To Affect Your Practice?</title> <publishDate>2021-04-04 20:46:29</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_text et_pb_text_4 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"> <p>The coronavirus pandemic has created a global disaster as the virus led to the loss of millions of lives, triggered unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems, and disrupted the global economy. The devastating impact on the economy is scary. Aside from the rising death toll, thousands lost their jobs, and millions of people are at risk of falling into poverty. Even worse was the incredible milestone recorded in the U.S. The US COVID-19-related death toll has surpassed 500,000 – a staggering reality underscoring the virus's devastation as healthcare providers scrambled to put the pandemic under control. The vaccines were quickly developed, and the FDA granted EUA to vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, hoping to speed up the vaccination process as fast as possible to prevent another surge.</p>   <p>While the pandemic ravages on, a more complicated episode is emerging regarding COVID-19 worker's compensation cases and their effect on practices. As states relax the strict COVID-19 rules by allowing businesses to reopen, questions arise regarding employers' liability about employees contracting the virus in the workplace.</p>   <p>Even though many businesses have transitioned to a remote working model, businesses like aviation, healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, construction, retail, and distribution cannot do so easily. Consequently, their workers will be at risk of exposure to the virus through close contact with coworkers and customers. By comparison, health care workers face similar challenges while providing care to COVID-19 patients. Ultimately, a potential increase in occupational illnesses is inevitable. The worker's compensation system's impact could be significant, including more claim frequencies, higher overall costs, and more financial and administrative burdens for many employers.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screenshot_26.png" alt="" class="wp-image-6017"/></figure>   <p>Dr. Mona Khanna, a board-certified occupational and preventive medicine specialist, commented to Top Doctor Magazine, saying, "There will be more compensation claims… in fact, the number of compensation claims will be higher and in direct proportion to a specific region's population." She went on to suggest that the compensation issue is best understood by attorneys who were involved right from the start. "The right course of action would be to point out attorneys that have become involved in the process at an early stage," said Dr. Khanna.</p>   <p>With a continuous flow of compensation claims, there is more pressure on companies than ever. People are turning to their insurance carrier and discussing the parameters of the long-term effects.</p>   <p>In most compensation claims, there is no immediate gratification. Instead, these investigations are unique and stand on their terms. Also speaking on the compensation claim issues, Brandi Prejean, a board-certified expert on workers compensation and an insurance defense attorney, provides a perspective regarding the sizable challenges employers face. Employers want to know how to protect their employees, manage their payroll amid the repeated compensation claims alleging workplace exposure to the virus. "When the virus hit, I got a barrage of questions from people, but I didn't have an answer at the time. I did a crash course and turned to the medical community to get as much information as necessary to formulate a better legal response."</p>   <p>Employers were determined to mandate vaccination and PPE on employees since they have the obligations to protect them and create a safe working environment for their workers. Brandi Prejean retorted, "You have to balance protecting the interest of the public at large with the constitutional right of the individual, and that is the delicate balance the pandemic created." She repeated that the pandemic created an unprecedented situation regarding compensation claims, and the authorities must take appropriate legal measures to handle potential problems.</p>   <p>While frontline workers grappled with the virus, policymakers across the country are perturbed regarding how worker's compensation insurance would help employees infected with the virus. Even though worker's compensation is designed to benefit employees and employers, it doesn't cover illnesses like flu or cold, including coronavirus and other ailments that cannot be tied to the workplace. As COVID-19 is set to upend these rules, new measures or legislation are needed to shield businesses against lawsuits when employees fall sick or die after being exposed to the virus.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screenshot_24.png" alt="" class="wp-image-6015"/></figure>   <p>While policymakers are working hard to extend the compensation coverage, Dr. Khanna insisted that compensation claim investigation associated with COVID-19 is unpredictable and requires more thorough research. In comparison, this research is not so different from conducting interviews and asking questions that would help trace the virus's source of contraction. "I've been into the worker compensation world for a long time, and I've never seen anything like this," said Dr. Khanna. When it comes to track-and-trace of the virus, various questions come into play. "If an employee files a lawsuit against an employer for contracting COVID-19 at the workplace, the COVID-19-specific worker compensation claim may not be as simple as people realize," added Dr. Khanna. On the other hand, if someone suspects that they got the COVID-19 from a restaurant, it would fall under the umbrella of personal injury. The burden of responsibility would be on the restaurant that failed to uphold COVID-19 safety precautions.</p>   <p>Speaking from a legal standpoint, Brandi Prejean disclosed, "We had to change our questions. At the beginning of the pandemic, we had to investigate all these cases that were being filed. We investigated people individually. We asked weird questions because it's the only way we can investigate this case and make sense of it." Brandi informed and continued, "If you claim that your job puts you at higher risk than the general public, we have to ask what your potential exposures are. For example, your child who plays sports and comes to the house to live with you poses a higher exposure than you going to work and wearing a mask. You probably have a higher exposure at home."</p>   <p>During the massive influx of COVID-19 patients, healthcare professionals were overwhelmed. As a result, hospitals created new patient care units, arenas, tents, and other unlikely places, while some physicians were forced to practice beyond their expertise to save more lives. Even though they were determined to put their lives on the line, a potentially dicey situation lurks, and our frontline heroes who were risking their lives might lose their reverence in a potential flood of COVID-19 compensation lawsuits after the onslaught.</p>   <p>Lawyers defending frontline heroes and employers are already advising their clients on avoiding liability when they are forced to choose between patients. Physicians need to prepare for the triage head-on as their actions amid the chaos will determine whether cases against them will be dismissed or escalated over the death of a patient. Speaking about the upcoming compensation claim issues, Brandi Prejean told us that bills are being filed on COVID-19 compensation cases, and they are developed on very preliminary data. "I am prepared to testify against them here [in Texas] because inaccurate data cannot be adopted as a workers compensation case. There is a danger in that," said Prejean. Dr. Mona Khanna, the award-winning medical journalist and former medical director pointed out that more research and thorough investigation is crucial. "In retrospect, it makes it all the more important to understand the causality trends, the number of cases, in comparison to other infectious diseases that can penetrate the work or commercial space. Once you establish clear parameters, then you can investigate without blurring the thin red line of journalism."</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screenshot_27.png" alt="" class="wp-image-6018"/></figure>   <p>In her own words, Brandi Prejean revealed to us, "I have handled this disputed employee compensation case, and the argument that I am using to create a threshold is the CDC guideline and what their definition of high-risk exposure is." Prejean argued based on all the cases she has handled thus far. "My recommendation for clients who have denied cases discovered that their workers did not contract it at work. Suppose someone ignores the CDC guidelines, which is a duration of longer than 15 minutes closer than 6 feet without proper PPE of a person that becomes symptomatic days later. In that case, I don't believe they meet the threshold of what we will consider as workers compensation exposure." Prejean hopes each state will adopt this CDC guideline-induced logic because it has exonerated innocent employers and physicians.</p>   <p>As states allow businesses to reopen, policymakers aim to navigate the notoriously complex workers' compensation to address </p>   <p>the drawbacks, benefits, and several key issues that are unresolved. While sharing her opinion, Brandi Prejean told us," the legal community is going to have to be careful regarding what legislation we allow, which is why I have continued to be adamant about creating laws." Prejean reiterated the risk in acting based on developing information because it is dangerous. "If we have learned anything from 2020, it is that we have to be prepared to evolve as information changes."</p>   <p>Rather than creating legislation that will allow for fraudulent claims in the coming months, healthcare providers deserve legal protection from malicious claims as long as the protection does not excuse negligence or wanton intent to cause harm.</p> </div> </div>  </div>  </div>  </div>  </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screenshot_26-1.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/whats-next-in-the-covid-19-pandemic-how-are-covid-19-workers-compensation-cases-going-to-affect-your-practice/</url> </article> <article> <ID>6007</ID> <title>Dr. Antonio Gamboa: Bridging the Gap</title> <publishDate>2021-04-04 20:35:03</publishDate> <description> <p>Dr. Antonio Gamboa was born into an underserved world. Now, he is a founder and the CEO of a growing company, Elite Patient Care. As the first son of US immigrants, Gamboa has a unique perspective that makes him more aware of the needs of others.</p>   <p>“My modest upbringing showed me good skill sets that provided me with a great background and understanding of how relative things are in life,” Gamboa said. Perspective, which he calls one of the greatest gifts next to humility, helped Gamboa realize his community’s need for healthcare services.</p>   <p>This realization turned into focused determination as Gambo graduated from college and medical school. Despite not having the money to go to the notable colleges that accepted him, Gamboa made the most of his time at the University of Texas at El Paso before getting his doctorate at the Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. He went on to get board-certified in internal medicine and palliative care.</p>   <p>“I was already over-achieving at this point, so frankly, any grandiose vision of me being a business owner or having my own practice that expands to multiple states was not even an expectation or vision when I was early in my career. I just was happy to have an opportunity to better the circumstances of my own family,” Gamboa said.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screenshot_23-1.png" alt="Dr. Antonio Gamboa: Bridging the Gap" class="wp-image-6858"/></figure>   <h2><strong>An Entrepreneur with a Mission</strong></h2>   <p>During his time as a hospitalist, Gamboa noticed some difficulties within the healthcare process.</p>   <p>Medicare changes had impacted patient care, specifically patient discharge. Treatment that had initially taken 7-10 days at the hospital was now completed in two to free up hospital beds.</p>   <p>“I realized the real dramatic need and the underserved population that was in that community and the changes in acuity that really drove for positions that have the skill set that I had,” Gamboa said.</p>   <p>Gamboa, partnered with Dr. Paula Requeijo, created Elite Patient Care, a business that would help patients transition from hospital to home. They started in 2009 with 10 to 12 providers in 1 state and have now expanded to 250 providers in 10 states. Gamboa sees their continued growth as a confirmation of a real need for their services.</p>   <h2><strong>Navigating the COVID-19 Crisis</strong></h2>   <p>The difficulty of serving the elderly increased when COVID-19 hit. Elite Patient Care had already been using telehealth services, but not all of their care could be done over the phone. They had to work with the nursing home community to facilitate a safe visit without spreading the virus.</p>   <p>As COVID-19 hit different states, Gamboa and the team utilized their resources and kept all their workers employed. They also helped ease families into end-of-life care for their loved ones. Helping the community is invaluable to Gamboa, and he hopes to inspire long-lasting change.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screenshot_22.png" alt="" class="wp-image-6008"/></figure>   <p>His concern now is that nurses, many of whom are minorities, won’t get the vaccine due to distrust. Gamboa hopes that he, as someone from a minority, can reassure and help nurses see the vaccine’s benefits.</p>   <p>Long term, Gamboa is hopeful that Elite Patient Care will continue to extend its positive reach. “While these times are trying, there is also an opportunity to learn, an opportunity to bridge creativity and intelligence, to look for ways that can help our communities get beyond COVID,” Gamboa said.</p>   <p>For more information on Dr. Antonio Gamboa and Elite Patient Care, you can visit <a href="https://elitepatientcare.com/antonio-gamboa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">their website here.</a></p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screenshot_23-1.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/dr-antonio-gamboa-bridging-the-gap/</url> </article> <article> <ID>5997</ID> <title>2020 Vision with Dr. Ethan Wonchon Lin</title> <publishDate>2021-04-04 20:27:49</publishDate> <description> <h2><strong>About Dr. Ethan Wonchon Lin</strong></h2>   <p>Dr. Ethan Wonchon Lin is an ophthalmologist practicing in Las Vegas, NV. He graduated from the Baylor College of Medicine and completed his ophthalmology residency at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, part of the UCLA Medical Center. He further completed his fellowship at the Duke University School of Medicine, specializing in cornea, external disease, and refractive surgery.</p>   <p>For the past four years, Dr. Lin has been practicing in the Las Vegas area, slowly establishing his own medical practice, which opened its door to the public last year. His work has attracted the praise of the top ophthalmology boards in the country like the American Board of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS), of which Dr. Lin is an active member. Additionally, he has received the American Board of Ophthalmology certification, the highest standard for US-based ophthalmologists.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dr.-Ethan-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6953" width="792" height="989"/></figure>   <h2><strong>From Science to Ophthalmology</strong></h2>   <p>Growing up in Austin, TX as the son of an engineer and a computer programmer, Dr. Lin always surrounded himself with technology. “I was always very interested in the sciences and how it worked.” With numerous tech giants moving their bases to Texas and a solid high-tech community behind, Dr. Lin’s future bioengineering career seemed locked in a deal.</p>   <p>However, fate had another thing in store for him. After a short spell in the cardiology field, Dr. Lin went on a quest to find something more in line with his interests, and, not long after, he settled in the ophthalmology field, looking forward to helping future patients with their eyesight.</p>   <p>When asked by the Top Doctor Magazine interviewer about the process of choosing ophthalmology, Dr. Lin made a comparison with “choosing a fraternity or sorority.” For him, getting the opportunity to see people excited about a specific field during events or conferences weighed considerably in his choice. “The doctor that came and spoke (i.e., about ophthalmology) really resonated with me and made me want to talk to him more and spend some more time in his clinic and his surgeries just to see what it was like.”</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screenshot_20-1.png" alt="2020 Vision with Dr. Ethan Wonchon Lin" class="wp-image-6855"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Ophthalmology and the COVID-19 Pandemic</strong></h2>   <p>The COVID-19 pandemic gave the medical field enough time to reflect upon its flaws and look towards a brighter, safer future, Dr. Lin tells us. Some changes that Dr. Lin made in the patient care field with the CDC guidelines as a starting point include: no double-bookings, dividing patients into separate waiting rooms, less total patients per day, etc.</p>   <p>For Dr. Lin, who runs a small practice, this translated into spending more time with his patients and bonding with them. This approach is substantially different from the large medical practices that most people are familiar with, where physicians delegate responsibilities to different staff members and spend more time outside the exam room rather than inside.</p>   <p>Though he enjoys a constant number of patients every day, the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic provided a different picture, as it took a toll on his growing practice. Due to the general mystery and insecurity surrounding the new virus, not a few patients decided to postpone their consultations or procedures regularly, making Dr. Lin’s day to day schedule a dynamic process. Though the status quo has only improved gradually over the past few months, Dr. Lin is confident that both himself and his practice will emerge victorious from this pandemic.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screenshot_18.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5999"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Ophthalmology and Telemedicine</strong></h2>   <p>One of the reasons why ophthalmology needed more time to get back in gear is the complicated relationship between this medical field and telemedicine. Medical fields such as dermatology thrived on telemedicine all across the country, limiting patients from trips to the outpatient clinics.</p>   <p>"Unfortunately," as Dr. Lin tells us, "ophthalmology is a field where not a lot can be done over the phone or the internet." Even the most common medical issues in ophthalmology, such as red eyes, require a microscope, and procedural steps such as administering eye dilation drops require the physician's presence. As such, where others benefited immensely, Dr. Lin's relationship with telemedicine has been less impactful.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screenshot_17.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5998"/></figure>   <h2><strong>2021 and Its Challenges</strong></h2>   <p>With a very optimistic spirit, Dr. Lin is confident that the remaining months of 2021 have numerous moments of joy in store for us. What we need to do, however, as a society, is to sit down and find answers to some difficult questions, namely "Can we continue to do the surgeries our patients need?" and "Can we continue to see patients in a safe manner and patients can continue to stay healthy?" Only after finding answers to these questions will the medical field rise superior and overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>   <p>When asked about the proper way of dealing with the COVID-19 virus, Dr. Lin humbly responded: "I don't think anyone thing by itself is going to fix the entire issue." A solid response to the pandemic contains several ingredients: dedicated physicians and medical staff, an understanding general population, vaccination campaigns, etc. But, as a parting reminder, the crown jewel of our response to COVID-19 is a strong belief in a better, brighter, pandemic-free future, to which we should turn our focus and make it happen.</p>   <p>If you would like to learn more about Dr. Lin and his practice, you can check out his website <a href="https://westwoodeyelv.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screenshot_20-1.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/2020-vision-with-dr-ethan-wonchon-lin/</url> </article> <article> <ID>5988</ID> <title>Perfecting the Lost Art of "Doctor to Door" Medicine with Clay Hall</title> <publishDate>2021-04-04 20:17:28</publishDate> <description> <p>Thirteen years ago, Clay Hall, MSN, FNP, MBA, responded to a call in Scottsdale when he was working as a paramedic. He found an older gentleman living alone in a house with no air conditioning and eating dog food for lunch on what seemed to be one of the hottest days in record history. When Clay saw how dreadful the man's living conditions were, it became a turning point in his career. He realized that when you are dealing with patients inside the hospital, you only get to see the tip of the iceberg. If you go into their homes, you get a clear-cut view of the patient's life - and this is invaluable information when it comes to providing the proper medical care. That's when he decided to move away from hospital-based setting treatments and go into home-based preventative medicine instead.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/thumbnail_image-2-766x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-6964"/></figure>   <p>Now, Clay Hall is the Vice President of Team Select Mobile Physician Services, where their mantra is, "We do everything we can to keep patients out of the hospital and keep them safe in their homes." Their primary focus is on Chronic Care Management, wherein they have full-time nurses dedicated to monitoring patients and keeping them on track with their prescriptions and directives. This program prevents everyday situations where patients forget to follow through with the doctor's orders from the initial check-up, which leads them to showcase more problems on the next visit. Their goal is to guide their patients on the path to wellness.</p>   <h2><strong>What Makes "Doctor to Door" Medicine Special</strong></h2>   <p>Clay fondly remembers when he answered a call from a patient's daughter where she was thanking him for Dr. Porter's, one of his doctors' acts of kindness. What happened was, Dr. Porter visited a senior home to do a check-up on the caller's mother. When she got there, Dr. Porter found that the patient hadn't eaten anything in days, so she decided to cook her breakfast.</p>   <p>The doctor ended up spending two hours with the patient and running late for her next appointment. In usual hospital settings, Dr. Porter would have been in trouble for being an hour late to her next engagement, but Clay commended her because what she did perfectly exemplified what they do and why they do it.</p>   <p>In hospitals, physicians are scrambling around in a hurry to see as many patients as possible. But when they are doing home preventive care, physicians focus on the quality of care they give instead of the quantity. Having the time to sit down, drink coffee, and talk comfortably in a patient's home develops an authentic connection between doctor and patient that is just not possible inside a clinic setting.</p>   <p>However, we cannot disregard the fact that there will be times when the patient's situation calls for in-hospital treatment. Having access to 24/7 monitoring, comprehensive testing, and specialists right at your fingertips is something home care cannot provide yet. Clay clarifies that home care is not a replacement for hospital care. "It's not necessarily us versus them. It's more of working synergistically and using the resources we have at our disposal at the appropriate capacity," he shares with Top Doctor Magazine.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screenshot_8-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-6841"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Has Covid-19 Impacted Home-Based Care At All?</strong></h2>   <p>Because Clay and his team are running a home-based medical care system, they are fortunate that the pandemic's impact on them isn't quite as severe compared to other medical services. With telemedicine at the forefront now, he was pleasantly surprised to see that many of their older patients are now picking up smartphones.</p>   <p>"We are moving into a tech-savvy world for sure," he claims. His company has even partnered with QliqSoft - where patients can now fill up medical information online through an app. He thinks that this technology can increase patient compliance and enrollment, therefore enhancing patient care. However, Clay's focus is still on getting physical hands and eyes on patients, but telemedicine is a fantastic alternative, especially with this pandemic.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screenshot_10.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5991"/></figure>   <h2><strong>A Natural and Holistic Future for Medicine</strong></h2>   <p>Another fun fact about Clay Hall is that he is a big advocate for regenerative medicine. Even though regenerative medicine is still quite off-label due to a lack of clinical trials, he believes that it will become a massive player in medicine one day. There are already several successful reports wherein the amniotic fluid is being used to treat orthopedic injuries - and it is only a matter of time before this style of treatment will pick up in the mainstream.</p>   <p>Meanwhile, primary care providers should continue to focus on sitting down with the patient and re-educating them on the wonders of proper nutrition, exercise, and sleeping habits. Clay sees that going back to the foundations of health and sticking with a wellness-based intervention will help with the general goal of primary care to reduce polypharmacy, which uses several different pills to treat one illness. He hopes to see medicine shuffle towards a more natural and holistic way of healing.</p>   <h2><strong>Clay Hall's Advice for the Masses</strong></h2>   <p>As the world slowly starts to shift back into its pre-pandemic routine, Clay is worried that people are starting to let their guard down against COVID-19. That is why he urges the public to get the vaccine when they can, for it is a necessary act of human kindness. He says that if you don't want to get vaccinated to protect yourself, do it to protect others around you who are more susceptible to a fatal COVID-19 reaction.</p>   <p>Clay hopes that everyone, especially the low-income population, will have the opportunity to get vaccinated and receive proper health care. And, to aid in making health care more accessible, Clay Hall and his team of physicians will continue to do their part in providing patients with value-based service and extensive continuous care.</p>   <p>If you would like to learn more about Clay Hall and Team Select Mobile Physician Services, visit the <a href="http://www.teamselectmd.com" data-type="URL" data-id="www.teamselectmd.com">website here</a>.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screenshot_10.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/perfecting-the-lost-art-of-doctor-to-door-medicine-with-clay-hall/</url> </article> <article> <ID>5821</ID> <title>Why People with COVID Lose Their Sense of Smell</title> <publishDate>2021-03-28 18:32:43</publishDate> <description> <p>There are now over 29 million coronavirus cases in the U.S. From body malaise to shortness of breath, the virus presents itself in different ways. One of the most common and interesting symptoms is anosmia or smell blindness. An NIH review studied a total of 11,054 COVID-19 patients and found that this <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/coronavirus-loss-of-taste-loss-of-smell#an-early-symptom">loss of smell often precedes</a> the other, more severe symptoms of the virus. This loss of smell can suddenly occur in people infected with COVID-19 and is often associated with loss of taste, too. Loss of smell in COVID-positive patients may happen with or without a stuffy or runny nose; in some cases, this may even be permanent. </p>   <h2><strong>Inflammation and Loss of Smell</strong></h2>   <p>C.T. scans of people with COVID-19 who have reported anosmia reveal a cleft syndrome – this happens when swollen soft tissue and mucus block the olfactory cleft, the part within the nose responsible for smelling. The novel coronavirus makes its way into the body by attaching to cells in the upper respiratory tract. Once the virus permeates these cells, with the help of the TMPRSS2 protein and replicates, the inflammatory response is then activated.</p>   <p>Inflammation is the immune system's response when it detects foreign and possibly harmful bodies. A column by University of London consultant rhinologist and ENT surgeon, Simon Gane, and University of Reading associate professor, Jane Parker, <a href="https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-scientists-uncover-why-some-people-lose-their-sense-of-smell-138898">attributes anosmia to this inflammation</a> and swelling phenomenon. They believe that when the immune system can rid the body of the virus, the swelling subsides, and the sense of smell returns to normal.</p>   <p>However, the loss of smell persists even after the person tests negative for the virus in numerous recorded cases. Dr. Gane and Professor Parker present a theoretical explanation based on inflammation physiology: inflammation could trigger the release of chemicals from other systems that may damage tissues and possibly olfactory neurons– the receptors of the sense of smell – in the process. Luckily, olfactory neurons are regenerative.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Untitled-design-38.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5823"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Post-Hospitalization Care and "Smell Therapy"</strong></h2>   <p>The onslaught of the pandemic overwhelmed the healthcare system. Patients who were lucky enough to make it out of the hospital and "recover" often don't get the necessary post-discharge care they need, as hospitals around the country <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2020-12-22/first-10-days-after-hospital-discharge-especially-risky-for-covid-survivors">don't have enough resources and staff</a>. Those who are declared "COVID-free" but are still showing mild symptoms must stay home and wait out these symptoms.</p>   <p>The lack of extensive and long-term recovery treatment plans for patients is by no means hospitals' fault. The pandemic <a href="https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/frontline-heroes-sacrifice-and-dedication-across-the-medical-community-an-interview-with-dr-kendrick-johnson/">nearly paralyzed the entire healthcare system</a>, and it doesn't help that physicians and nurses have been in short supply even before this major health crisis. The spike further exacerbates this shortage in demands for COVID-19 care professionals.</p>   <p>Fortunately, the rise of telemedicine and remote learning is helping address this need. These strategies allow healthcare workers to care for more patients through online consultations and virtual health monitoring. More importantly, they provide training to a broader population to prepare for today's healthcare workforce demands. The pandemic has also lead to a new way in which nurses can learn new skills. For qualified nurses who want to learn new skills, <a href="https://online.maryville.edu/online-bachelors-degrees/rn-to-bsn/">there are online R.N. to BSN programs</a> that can give them the necessary abilities to provide specialized care for patients, especially in rehabilitation. These online programs have helped ensure that today's nurses can keep up with the modern demands of COVID-19, such as loss of smell, although the pandemic has made in-classroom learning very difficult.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Untitled-design-39.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5822"/></figure>   <p>While nurses and physicians are battling the pandemic in hospitals, other organizations take the reins during recovery. Aiding them in post-discharge care are charities and other organizations <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/interest-in-smell-therapy-covid-19-patients-suffer-smell-loss-2020-7">offering "smell therapy" and other services</a> to help manage lingering effects from COVID-19. These services can last up to four months per individual and can be safely done at home.</p>   <p>As vaccines are slowly rolled out, health experts are hopeful that this will significantly help manage the spread of the virus, and this will give them headway in finding ways to counter the virus's lingering effects like anosmia.&nbsp;</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Untitled-design-38.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/doctor/why-people-with-covid-lose-their-sense-of-smell/</url> </article> <article> <ID>5808</ID> <title>The “Winning Strategy” of Sports Medicine Surgeon Daryl C. Osbahr</title> <publishDate>2021-03-28 12:20:14</publishDate> <description> <p>As a little boy, Dr. Daryl C. Osbahr wanted to be a professional athlete. And if not that, he wanted to be a sports medicine surgeon who took care of professional athletes. "What I learned really quickly was that I couldn't keep myself healthy enough, and so I had to devote my life to working on keeping other people healthy enough to play sports," Osbahr said.</p>   <p>Inspired by mentors Dr. Don Ames and Dr. James Andrews, Osbahr threw his passion for athletics into pursuing his doctorate in orthopedic sports medicine. His mentors taught him to pursue his work with excellence and discipline, and Osbahr keeps their advice at the forefront of his mind.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Dr-Daryl.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6967"/></figure>   <p>Today, he serves as the Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery and Managing Director for the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute in Florida. He is currently preparing Rothman Florida to expand their community outreach and has helped numerous teams, ranging from ballet to basketball.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_16-1.png" alt="The “Winning Strategy” of Sports Medicine Surgeon Daryl C. Osbahr" class="wp-image-6846"/></figure>   <h2><strong>A Passion for Sports</strong></h2>   <p>"I find myself constantly learning and falling in love with my job when working with athletes from all sports as you can become easily inspired by the dedication and work ethic of many of these athletes. It’s humbling when you have an opportunity to help them get back on track to being successful," Dr. Osbahr said.</p>   <p>Many doctors gravitate toward helping athletes within their sport of interest. Osbahr's appreciation for the skills in each sport naturally created more opportunities to work with athletes in different fields and at different stages of life.</p>   <p>He uses his position as Co-Chief Medical Officer of USA Baseball, Committee Member of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), Board Member of the Florida Alliance for Sports Medicine, Medical Director for the Sunshine State Athletic Conference, and other organizations to help young athletes learn how to maintain their health. He also teaches preventative care, which helps athletes avoid and minimize injuring themselves even in contact sports.</p>   <h2><strong>Treating the Whole Person</strong></h2>   <p>The world of sports medicine wasn't always so intentionally-focused, according to Dr. Osbahr. Historically, sports medicine was about treating injuries. Now, the focus has become holistic - building a team of support around the athlete.</p>   <p>"Often in medical care, we tend to just focus on the physical injury and not really address the mental effects of the injury," Dr. Osbahr added. "Optimal treatment of the patient needs to include analyzing their psychological approach and how mentally they're dealing with their injury because it will directly reflect upon their successful or unsuccessful recovery."</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_15.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5809"/></figure>   <h2><strong>The Winning Strategy</strong></h2>   <p>He believes in building trust with his patients, an authentic connection that allows him to improve their care. When past clients call him to ask for advice, he always connects with them because he believes in maintaining that relationship even past retirement. Osbahr finds fulfillment in connecting people with the right solutions and impacting their lives for the better.</p>   <p>Building that connection allows Osbahr to maintain accountability with the athletes in his care. He ensures that, even in these times of Covid-19, his athletes are taking the appropriate steps to recover and stay healthy.</p>   <p>If you would like to learn more about Dr. Daryl C. Osbahr and the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, you can visit <a href="https://rothmanortho.com/physicians/daryl-c-osbahr-md" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">his website here</a>.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_16-1.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/the-winning-strategy-of-sports-medicine-surgeon-daryl-c-osbahr/</url> </article> <article> <ID>5801</ID> <title>An Interview with Dr. Timothy Trainor</title> <publishDate>2021-03-28 12:14:22</publishDate> <description> <h2><strong>About Dr. Trainor</strong></h2>   <p>Dr. Timothy Trainor is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon based in Las Vegas, NV. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame, IN, with a B.A. in Pre-Medicine &amp; Communications. He continued his post-graduate work at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, and received his medical degree from the Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL. He completed his residency training at the Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C.</p>   <p>Dr. Trainor focuses on various orthopedic conditions and performs several orthopedic procedures, such as arthroscopic surgery in the knees and shoulders, adult and pediatric orthopedic care, joint replacement, and fracture care.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Dr-Timothy-712x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6970"/></figure>   <p>Outside the operating room, Dr. Trainor maintains close ties with several institutions renowned in the orthopedic field, such as the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons and the Society of Military Orthopedic Surgeons. He has won multiple awards from Nevada-based journals, and he regularly publishes articles on the subject of sports medicine.</p>   <h2><strong>From an Athlete to an Orthopedic Surgeon</strong></h2>   <p>Born and raised in eastern Massachusetts, Dr. Trainor, taking his parents’ example, was all about sports - baseball and basketball, to name a few! – as a young man. However, after suffering from a boxing-related injury, he had to look for professional help. That’s when Dr. Trainor discovered the wonders of orthopedic surgery and began to dream about following the same career path. A simple idea took a turn towards reality, and Dr. Trainor has never looked back since:</p>   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p><em>“Right when I got into the medical school, I was certain that I wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon.”</em></p></blockquote>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_14.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5802"/></figure>   <h2><strong>From an Athlete to an Orthopedic Surgeon</strong></h2>   <p>Although he doesn’t have to deal with life-and-death situations, Dr. Trainor is proud of his practice and how it helps patients whose hip or knee issues make their lives harder to bear. <em>“What my surgeries do for a lot of people is just really increase their quality of life,”</em> Dr. Trainor tells us, pointing out the fact that patients who have trouble walking are less likely to spend enough time with their families due to pain that prevents them from fun activities such as going to a restaurant together. However, after a knee or hip replacement, <em>“the patient is given back that portion of their lives that they couldn’t do before.”</em> That is why ecstatic patients go back to his office and shower him with hugs and honest gratitude, with these words on their lips: <em>“I have my life back.”</em> – enough of a reason for Dr. Trainor to return to the office every day.</p>   <h2><strong>Back to Normal or a “New” Normal?</strong></h2>   <p>The COVID-19 vaccines came as a miracle for medical practitioners and the general population alike. The same goes for Dr. Trainor, who firmly believes that we, as a community, should put our faith in science and be vaccinated unless medical contraindications say otherwise: <strong>“For the most part, vaccines are a vital part of medicine, in my opinion.”</strong> The vaccination campaign should be integrated with an effort to dispel misinformation and bring science and facts to social media.</p>   <p>When asked about a possible return to “normal” in the near future, Dr. Trainor shared his optimistic views with Top Doctor Magazine. He sees, for the most part, a return to the pre-COVID-19 world. However, with a few tweaks: the COVID-19 vaccine will be integrated into the yearly vaccination routine, and the medical world will look towards further developing telemedicine, with long-lasting benefits, for example, in the rural area, where the physician numbers are reduced.</p>   <h2><strong>Teaching Future Generations of Orthopedic Surgeons</strong></h2>   <p>Aside from his work, Dr. Trainor took it upon himself to prepare future generations of orthopedic surgeons. In association with institutions such as the Touro Medical School or the Roseman Medical School (both based in the Las Vegas area), Dr. Trainor mentors his students in the knowledge necessary for the operating room and outside of it.</p>   <p>Ever since they graduate, young practitioners have to deal with business management, insurance companies, and reduced reimbursement rates without any prior knowledge. Medical schools do not include these subjects in their curricula, leaving young practitioners exposed once they graduate. Fortunately, Dr. Trainor dedicated his past 15 years to business management and protection, learning how to keep his practice alive in a harsh environment. Now, he’s making sure that younger generations are equipped with the right tools to thrive in their practices as well.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_13.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5803"/></figure>   <h2><strong>“You Should Not Go Into Medicine for Money”</strong></h2>   <p>With vast loads of work and reduced reimbursements, Dr. Trainor advises those who want to pursue a career in the orthopedic field for financial reasons to reconsider their decision: <em>“You should not go into medicine for money.”</em> At the end of the day, the excitement of doing what you love and helping your patients is what makes a true orthopedic surgeon. And Dr. Trainor himself is a personal testament to that: a heart for his patients, and a passion for his practice.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_14.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/an-interview-with-dr-timothy-trainor/</url> </article> <article> <ID>5793</ID> <title>The Future of Surgery with Dr. Vladimir Sinkov</title> <publishDate>2021-03-28 12:05:54</publishDate> <description> <p>More than twenty-five years ago, Dr. Vladimir Sinkov came from Russia to study as a high school exchange student in Kansas. Enthralled by experiences in a new world, he decided to stay in America and study medicine at John Hopkins University. In 2010, he completed his spine surgery fellowship from St. Joseph Hospital in Baltimore. After ten years of mastering spine surgery, Dr. Sinkov finally decided it was time to open his own private practice.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Dr-Vladimir-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6977"/></figure>   <p>In June 2020, Dr. Sinkov and his wife launched Sinkov Spine Center in Las Vegas. However, opening a new business right smack in the middle of a pandemic did present quite a few challenges that Dr. Sinkov discusses a little bit more of below. Despite the less-than-ideal circumstances, Dr. Sinkov told Top Doctor Magazine that he feels very blessed by the continual growth of his practice.</p>   <h2><strong>The Real Issue of Opening a Practice During a Pandemic</strong></h2>   <p>The COVID-19 pandemic has been a struggle for many business owners. Countless enterprises had to shut down, but for those fortunate enough to continue running, the new reality challenged them to adapt to new safety precautions like constant disinfecting, temperature-checking, and social distancing; this, however, was not a struggle for Dr. Sinkov. Since he opened his business during the height of the pandemic, the new "normal" of doing things is, well, just "normal."</p>   <p>The real issue, aside from the unpredictability of running a business in these unprecedented times, was dealing with insurance companies that reduce reimbursement rates for doctors, especially those in smaller independent practices. Dr. Sinkov revealed to Top Doctor Magazine the shockingly offensive rates that one insurance company tried to offer him: "Probably the worst was Blue Cross Blue Shield. They offered us less than 50% of what Medicare pays. And, just to put it into perspective, when I was in the Northeast, Medicare was the lowest reimbursing insurance that we had." Dr. Sinkov said that the company offered less than $13 for a visit with a fellowship-trained spine surgeon with ten years of experience. "Some people pay more for a cup of coffee," he said.</p>   <p>Dr. Sinkov believes that health insurance companies are not in the business to help patients or doctors, but rather, they are in the business with the sole purpose of making money. That is why Dr. Sinkov is choosing to opt-out from working with them and going for a direct-pay model, wherein the patients pay their physicians directly. Contrary to popular belief, if you consider the ever-increasing health insurance premiums, patients overall spend less this way because you cut out billing, collection, and service expenses. This type of arrangement is more beneficial to both the patient and the physician. Patients also regain control over their care because there are no referrals needed and there is no insurance company clerk to deny payment for care.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_11.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5795"/></figure>   <h2><strong>What's So Cool About Spine Surgery Anyway?</strong></h2>   <p>So now, let's dig a little deeper into the backbone of Dr. Sinkov's practice (no pun intended). Dr. Sinkov specializes in surgical treatments of spine such as decompression, fusion, disc replacement, minimally invasive, and robotic spine surgery.</p>   <p>When people get spine surgery, it is usually because of a degenerative condition like arthritis or a herniated disc. Nerve compression causes patients to experience pain in their legs or arms. Dr. Sinkov can address this with decompression surgery. When a patient has more significant structural problems in the spine, like deformity or instability, Dr. Sinkov treats it with fusion surgery, wherein he fuses two or more bones so that they no longer move. The excessive motion of the bones can cause severe back and leg pain, so by linking them, Dr. Sinkov alleviates the problem.</p>   <p>However, performing surgery on the spine is not a walk in the park. The biggest challenge that spine surgeons face is how to get to the spine without too much damage to the surrounding tissues. Because the spine is located in the middle of the body, a surgeon has to get through a lot of muscles and safely around major organs and blood vessels to get to the vertebra and the nerves. With traditional fusion surgeries this means big incisions, significant bleeding, a lot of pain, long recovery, and a risk of complications. This makes a lot of people afraid to undergo spine surgery because it is so invasive with many potential negative repercussions. Dr. Sinkov utilizes new minimally invasive techniques to get to the spine safely through small incisions to fuse the bones and get the pressure off the nerves. This results in less bleeding, less pain, and quicker recovery and return to normal function with much lower risk of complications.</p>   <p>To aid in this minimally invasive process, Dr. Sinkov uses the ExcelsiusGPS® robot that he helped develop together with Globus Medical. Dr. Sinkov walked us through the process of how it works: "We'll get a CT scan of the spine before surgery and then load it into the robot. I pre-program the trajectory of all the screws where they need to go. During the surgery, we basically tell the robot where to go with a push of a button. The robot orients a little tube over the trajectory for the screw, and I put it in through a minimal incision with high precision. The robot knows the anatomy of the patient, so I'm avoiding all the tissues and organs I don't want to hurt." Helping his patients feel better with minimally invasive robotic spine surgery is where Dr. Sinkov's passion lies.</p>   <p>When asked about his take on regenerative medicine and stem cell surgery, Dr. Sinkov admits that he uses stem cells when performing fusion surgery. He incorporates his patient's own stem cells or sometimes a cadaver bone's stem cells to help speed up the fusion and healing process. However, he does not necessarily use stem cells to regenerate the spine structures because the technology is not at that level yet. When it does arrive, he will be sure to apply it in his practice. Meanwhile, his best advice for rejuvenating your spine is staying healthy, avoiding bad habits, and keeping your spine and muscles in good shape.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_10.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5796"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Robots and Augmented Reality Are The Future</strong></h2>   <p>As we continue moving forward in this digital age, Dr. Sinkov sees a bright future for minimally invasive surgeries. Aside from upgrading the spine assistant robots' functions, he is also excited to see how augmented reality will play a key role in future surgeries. Although augmented reality technology is still in its early stages of development, Dr. Sinkov looks forward to one day being able to navigate through a patient's tissue layers to the spine by using special goggles.</p>   <p>He believes that minimally invasive surgeries will be the only way to do surgeries in the near future. It takes time to learn how to do it, but he is happy to teach the new techniques to aspiring surgeons. After a brief pause due to COVID, Dr. Sinkov is back to teaching medical students how to treat patients with spine problems and how to perform this kind of surgery in a real-life hospital setting.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_9.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5797"/></figure>   <h2><strong>The Reason Why Healthcare Is So Expensive</strong></h2>   <p>Of course, with all the fantastic perks that come with being a surgeon, there are also some downsides. Dr. Sinkov opened up about the poor state of the American medical system. "There's tons and tons of waste and inefficiency in healthcare because it's not really a market economy-driven industry. A doctor’s ability to care for their patients is constantly stifled by a mixture of burdensome government regulations, unreasonable insurance rules, and fear of litigation."</p>   <p>Dr. Sinkov cited the HIPAA and HITECH laws as an example. Initially, the laws sounded like a great idea that would help protect patient's health information and create accessible electronic medical records. The implementation of the laws, however, was extremely burdensome and poorly thought through. The compliance requirements ended up causing doctors to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for legal consultants and new computer systems and software to store medical information electronically - which, in turn, made healthcare more expensive to the patient.</p>   <p>Another reason why healthcare is so expensive is that suing doctors for medical malpractice is so common in the U.S that, in most places, it is a requirement for a doctor to have malpractice insurance before they are allowed to practice. Dr. Sinkov even got sued one time for not ordering an extra MRI, which in his opinion was unnecessary. Although he was proven innocent and the charges were dismissed, Dr. Sinkov spent precious time and money to get through the lawsuit, the time he could have spent treating patients. "The efforts required to avoid unnecessary and frivolous lawsuits are causing doctors to do a lot of work that has nothing to do with helping patients," Dr. Sinkov stated.</p>   <p>In a healthcare system where insurance companies are only concerned about the dollars they pocket from the unsuspecting public, Dr. Sinkov refuses to be a part of a rigged system. Instead, he would go about medicine the old-fashioned way, where his patients get high quality care without administrative hurdles or unnecessary expenses.</p>   <p></p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_10.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/the-future-of-surgery-with-dr-vladimir-sinkov/</url> </article> <article> <ID>5437</ID> <title>Kenji Oyasu: Fighting Stigmas and the Opioid Crisis</title> <publishDate>2021-03-21 11:57:08</publishDate> <description> <p>"Don't worry. He won't die; he'll just wish he was dead."</p>   <p>Dr. Kenji Oyasu stood shocked at the words coming from his senior medical resident when he was an intern in Chicago. Oyasu just had his first encounter with a person in heroin withdrawal in the ER, and his concern led him to ask how he could help. This moment haunted him for years and 20 years later as the opioid crisis hit a new high, it inspired him to dig deeper into emergency medicine, particularly dealing with drug addiction.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Dr-Kenji-677x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6973"/></figure>   <p>Dr. Oyasu has twenty years of experience in emergency medicine and acts as the physician executive and founder of ModernMed Recovery. He created ModernMed Recovery to provide lasting change to those with drug addictions and is board certified in addiction and emergency medicine.</p>   <h2><strong>Red Tape Regulations</strong></h2>   <p>As Dr. Oyasu began working in the ER, he and his peers watched the opioid crisis develop before their eyes as overdoses and opioid-related complications began to increase. The increase came at the hand of changes in opioid regulation that took, according to Dr. Oyasu, "a billion pills off the market."</p>   <p>The decrease in the available drug led people to seek out heroin and deadly cocktails like morphine mixed with fentanyl. A mom of two in her 30s, a young kid just beginning his life, a 78-year-old man - Dr. Oyasu has seen people from all walks of life during his practice. The drug addiction, which he recognizes as a disease process, does not discriminate.</p>   <p>However, medical practices do. A cursory search on the Internet seems to provide a host of practices and resources for those seeking recovery, but calling up those practices will most likely get you a "no room at the inn" notice.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_51.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5439"/></figure>   <p>Complicated regulations surrounding prescriptions for lesser opioids, such as buprenorphine, make it difficult for any practice to increase their patients past 30. If they want to prescribe lesser opioids as a treatment for drug addiction, they need an extra waiver on their DEA license.</p>   <p>"Ironically, I can write for all the oxycodone and fentanyl patches I want unlimited, but for buprenorphine, which is a only a partial opiate, I have to take an 8-hour course which I can take online, and then I can only see 30 patients," Dr. Oyasu said. "There are millions of people needing treatment that we over-prescribed for the last 16 years, and you're telling me I can only treat 30 patients at a time."&nbsp;</p>   <p>Since the opioid crisis became more mainstream, some regulations have changed. If a practice can have 30 patients successfully for a year, it can apply for a 100-patient license. But getting past the red tape to start treating patients is just one hurdle.</p>   <h2><strong>Creating Real Change</strong></h2>   <p>"Addiction medicine is very difficult to treat. Why? Because addiction is all about compulsive behavior, so once you're speaking to addiction, it doesn't matter the substance. It becomes a lie, cheat, and steal lifestyle," Dr. Oyasu said.</p>   <p>Dr. Oyasu works with his team to fight the stigmas attached to treating those with addiction. "We now know about the neurochemical nature of the disease," he said. "All the PET scans and the MRI that we see just demonstrate how this is a neurobiologic disease process, but people still have it in their heads that [drug addiction] is a moral failure or a character flaw."</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_50.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5438"/></figure>   <p>Educating patients and anyone who will listen about drug addiction and the appropriate way to treat it is Dr. Oyasu and his team's passion.</p>   <p>Currently, many drug rehabilitation programs create a controlled environment where patients quit cold turkey. Dr. Oyasu compares this to a diabetes program that teaches patients what to do but sends them off without insulin access. Patients are prone to failure if they don't receive the best opportunities and tools to succeed.</p>   <h2><strong>Compassion First</strong></h2>   <p>Oyasu's approach involves listening to the stories of his patients. Every single one of his patients receives his personal phone number so that if they have a breakdown, they can have immediate access to someone who will talk with them.</p>   <p>Dr. Oyasu is determined to restore people to healthy lives free from addiction.</p>   <p>"I don't honestly know how long people need to be treated, but you have to treat it with the same compassion and respect you with any other chronic medical condition, whether it's heart failure, diabetes, and so on."</p>   <p>If you would like to learn more about Dr. Oyasu and his practice ModernMed Recovery, <a href="https://www.modernmedrecovery.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">you can visit his website here</a>.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_51.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/kenji-oyasu-fighting-stigmas-and-the-opioid-crisis/</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/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/news/doctor-spotlight-dr-arvind-mahadevan/</url> </article> <article> <ID>5413</ID> <title>Root Cause Medicine in the Pandemic Era</title> <publishDate>2021-03-21 11:20:43</publishDate> <description> <p>Tom Blue made his mark in the healthcare industry when he set up Virginia's first concierge medical practice in 2002. Since that time, he has dedicated himself to researching and synthesizing new approaches around the commercialization of root cause medicine and precision health, either directly through the delivery of services or through the creation of tools and technology that essentially make the services more efficient to deliver.</p>   <p>Mr. Blue is the Strategic Advisor for the Institute of Functional Medicine and serves on the board of the American Nutrition Association.&nbsp; He is a serial healthcare entrepreneur and active advisor to a number of firms in the areas of personalized nutrition and digital health.</p>   <h2><strong>Root Cause Medicine Amid Pandemic</strong></h2>   <p>"When COVID-19 hit, two of my colleagues and I created what we thought of as a Rapid Response Initiative for COVID to assist independent medical practices. We set out to assemble the tools, approaches, protocols, and workflows for the reinvention of a medical practice to thrive in COVID Era," said Mr. Blue in an interview with Top Doctor Magazine. As an expert specializing in functional medicine in the U.S, Mr. Blue focused on assisting practices to weather the impact of COVID-19, which put healthcare professionals under immense pressure.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_42.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5415"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Functional Medicine And The Pandemic: How Disease Reversal Is Better Than Disease Management</strong></h2>   <p>While the COVID-19 pandemic has caused great damage within our healthcare system, Mr. Blue believes that it has elevated the significance of addressing the root causes of chronic disease rather than simply managing the symptoms. "We have seen very clearly through the lens of COVID that there is a big difference between managing chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and hypertension - and reversing those conditions," he said. “Disease reversal requires that the causes be addressed.”</p>   <p>Blue speculates that to the extent there are silver linings to be found from the pandemic, the heightened prioritization of real health across the population would be near the top of the list.</p>   <h2><strong>Functional Medicine And The Future Of Public Health</strong></h2>   <p>There is a groundswell of interest in functional medicine on the parts of consumers, physicians, and employers. "Culturally, we are evolving into a new generation of people who are not willing to accept life-long dependence on the healthcare system to manage a burden of disease that could actually be reversed given the proper guidance and behavior change. Who wouldn’t prefer to treat the cause of a disease than merely masking its effects?” says Blue. “But economically, the biggest winner is the payer. Consider the long-term difference in cost between disease management and disease reversal.”</p>   <p>"The story of health, and the locus of control, has flipped for the first time in human history. Since the first person became aware of health and disease, humans have held the belief that what happens to our health is a matter of fortune or fate. In 2001, the story became more high-tech with the sequencing of the human genome, but the story at the time was still one of genetic predestination.&nbsp; Today, we realize that only about 20% of our health is dictated by genetics, and the other 80% is determined by the expression of our genetics - which is dictated by lifestyle - sleep, nutrition, exercise, lifestyle, environmental exposure. These are the choices we make. So if 80% of our health is determined by our behaviors, we are left to conclude that health is fundamentally a skill." Blue concluded.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_41.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5414"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Telemedicine And Functional Medicine</strong></h2>   <p>Functional medicine lends itself well to virtualization because it is a very consultative method of managing health. It relies heavily on data interpretation - unpacking and interpreting the patient story, and then assisting the patient to make the necessary changes to resolve the causes of their health issues.</p>   <p>While doctors are embracing functional medicine in growing numbers every year, consumer demand for this type of care is greater than the supply in most markets. The ability to work remotely with a functional medicine provider will dramatically increase access to this type of care and will drive greater efficiencies for practices now that telehealth visits are reimbursed equally to office visits.</p>   <p></p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_42.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/profile-spotlight-tom-blue/</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/news/serving-the-underserved-an-interview-with-dr-lipi-roy/</url> </article> <article> <ID>5196</ID> <title>DISTRUST AMID VACCINATION: HOW RESEARCHER'S REMARKABLE SUCCESS MIGHT BE AN UNDOING</title> <publishDate>2021-03-15 09:27:33</publishDate> <description> <p>The novel coronavirus pandemic triggered an unprecedented global emergency in a way that disrupted every aspect of our lives. As countries worldwide come up with different strategies to curtail the spread of the virus, the global healthcare system's repercussions have been intense. Aside from the fact that the pandemic put our health system under immense pressure, we have also seen health facilities stretched beyond capacity in a way that affects health care provider's personal and professional lives.</p>   <p>Traditionally, we expect the military or financial bodies to take control during crises. Still, the COVID-19 pandemic switched the pendulum towards the medical community and created opportunities for healthcare professionals to honor their oaths in a time of great need.</p>   <p>As these fantastic professionals went to work, the pandemic ravaged on, threatening to undermine their selfless service to keep us safe. More than 300,000 people have died from COVID-19-related complications, including frontline workers – researchers are struggling to tally global mortality statistics and gauge the outbreak's actual toll.</p>   <p>This grim reality put us all on high alert regarding the future. Nothing seems normal about life as we envisage a time when things will go back to normal.</p>   <p>Today, staying healthy has taken on more meaning for those still alive than it used to be. As the pandemic gravely affected the economy at its core, the impact varies from person to person. It necessitates the need to focus more attention on our healthcare system and providers.</p>   <p>Dr. Steffini Stalos, a lab consultant practicing at Blood Associate in Texas, commented to Top Doctor Magazine, saying, "we are now in the coronavirus time, and this is a new thing for a lot of people. Some labs have been able to cope, and some have not. I think this is a public health issue that we want people to help us with." She went on to encourage lab consultants to offer more help. "This is the opportunity for those in the lab world. We have to be adaptive and creative to bring what people's needs are to the table," she said.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_35.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5202"/></figure>   <p>Even though our healthcare system is in a problematic state, the pandemic further exposed the design flaws and dragged the topic into the spotlight. In reality, every one of us has a role to play during this challenging time. Speaking on the need for help, Dr. Mark Merlin, an MD1 physician in Emergency Medicine in New Jersey – a non-profit 24/7 physician response unit said, "When COVID hit, my docs were on the road even when paramedics were getting COVID-19. I told my doctors to put on their PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirator). While we were putting people on ventilators, paramedics started calling us since they don't want to be exposed because they do not have PAPR. The reason they do not have one is that they cost more than a thousand dollars, and the health care system didn't provide that."</p>   <p>They do this at no charge to the patient. Speaking further on the request for help, Dr. Mark said, "There are so many potential people we can save on the roadside who are trapped in the car, some services we can provide to patients who can't get to the hospital. I am hoping that I could get someone to donate for us. All the money around is earmarked for 911 EMS. It is difficult to explain to government agencies that we are doctors who are trying to get reimbursed so that we can help people during a challenging time like this," he disclosed.</p>   <p>Less than a year after the pandemic started, researchers have worked tirelessly to develop a vaccine at record speed. Ideally, the process takes ten to fifteen years, but the US FDA has granted EUA – a green light of sort which is not the same as official approval – to vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer. Before now, the fastest vaccine that was developed for mumps took 48 months in 1960. The FDA can authorize unapproved medical products in response to public health emergencies to diagnose and treat patients when there are no alternatives. This unusual process polarized the medical community regarding the efficacy of the virus.</p>   <p>Dr. Gross, a neurosurgeon who resides in Nevada, California, spent over two decades providing care to patients in need. He stated that "the FDA does not regulate the practice of medicine; they evaluate and approve claims in terms of efficacy and safety for certain medication and devices.</p>   <p>So if they haven't evaluated certain medication, it doesn't mean it is not useful, just not approved. Not approved doesn't mean unapproved. It is just not yet evaluated, and I think people see prejudice in the phrase "not approved by the FDA."</p>   <p>Dr. Gross encouraged people to be optimistic about the vaccine and told us to trust the scientists. He explained that "for example, we use a medication that is off the label all the time like aspirin, which has not been investigated by the FDA. One of the reasons for that was because the FDA was formed in the 70s, and we were already doing certain things. They didn't look backward but only forward. We need to try what is best for the patients sometimes. That comes before long term population study by the FDA."</p>   <p>The media played a crucial role in influencing people's opinions during the pandemic. Unfortunately, the bias in information sharing subject audiences to a skewed reality, distorting the general knowledge about what is right and wrong.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/334162_249749231809527_2052331145_o-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5197" width="235" height="352"/></figure>   <p>Dr. Topher and Dr. Thomas Pearson were partners in the medical school, and they decided to start practicing immediately after residency. They started Alevea Mental Health Clinic in Tempe, Arizona. The duo had just one goal in mind: creating a simple and easy clinic for patients to get access to adult psychiatrist care. Unfortunately, the pandemic caused so many issues in people's lives. Dr. Topher and Dr. Pearson saw an increase in depression and anxiety among their patients in all demographics, including patients working in the medical field. "Our patients in the medical field, especially those in ICU who saw COVID-19 patients that are acutely ill, are having really high anxiety and depression." As their patients' numbers grew amid the pandemic, they transitioned to telemedicine to make their service more straightforward and faster.</p>   <p>Dr. Topher has a similar view about the media. He stated, "Although some people have some mistrust triggered by the misinformation and different opinion coming out right now. It is challenging to figure out what is true and what is not. I think social media is further worsening the situation and creating misinformation. There is a lot of work to be done to build trust and get everyone vaccinated. My biggest advice is that you should listen to your health care providers. Obviously, I think you need to listen to the scientist and what they are telling you. The vaccine is important and what these people can do in such a short time is a monumental task. I would encourage people to listen to health care professionals and follow their guidance."</p>   <p>There are a lot of assumptions everywhere, but he told us, "We are running out of time, so we have to do what is right to keep people safe."</p>   <p>Dr. Manuel Diaz attended Christopher Columbus High School before he proceeded to medical school in New York. His family lived briefly in South Florida and relocated to New Jersey for a couple of years for work reasons and relocated twelve years later. When the interstate relocation took its toll, Dr. Diaz never lost sight of his dream of becoming a doctor. A few years later, he started Executive Health with a senior partner in South Miami, Florida. Dr. Diaz was quick to express relief about the progress researchers made on the vaccine after a gloomy monologue about the virus's effect on the healthcare industry. He said, "I am actually optimistic, I believe there is real light at the end of the tunnel, but there are precautions that need to be taken. The hope is that perhaps sometime in the spring or summer of 2021, we will start leaving this behind us."</p>   <p>The human race has experienced multiple crises, but at no point – since the beginning of time – has a health crisis crippled the entire global economy, demonstrating how interconnected healthcare and the economy have become. The pandemic exacerbated fear, influenced political choices, and threatened to shut down our lives in a way that pushed professionals towards self-abnegation. Although our healthcare system has improved over time, it is simply not designed to withstand a monumental crisis as unpredictable as COVID-19. Because the pandemic is opposed to our health care system's direction, every branch of medicine was caught off guard, and experts scrambled to rise to the challenge and keep people safe. As expected, health care professionals expressed concerns and a unified desire to help, even as their businesses struggle to stay afloat. "We were low on testing kits and modalities. In that low, I did briefly get involved in the PPE. I created Core Medical Industry, which is the medical device side of Blood Associate, to advance more or better PPE for protection against pandemic pathogens. I am not a big medical device maker, but I was worried about the lack of PPE and how other supply chains will affect the lab world. I pivoted, hoping I could play any part and help people get access to the care they so much need." Dr. Stalos, the lab consultant, explained the reason why she started a medical device company.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Merlin_Headshot-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5199" width="275" height="346"/></figure>   <p>As Dr. Topha and Dr. Pearson specialized in young adults between 18-35 years, they saw a lot of anxiety and depression associated with the pandemic among their clients.</p>   <p>"You know, people were losing their jobs, there was a lot of financial stressors and depression from having to isolate at home. A lot of increased anxiety associated with school and college because a lot of those who converted to online studying were having a hard time keeping up with school work from transitioning to online versus being in class." Speaking of how they helped, the duo decided to transition into telemedicine. "We spend a lot of time with patients about the COVID situation and advise them to follow the guidelines of the CDC, and that has helped a lot of these people, especially those that live on campus."</p>   <p>MD1, the non-profit medical organization, was stretched beyond the limit. As a flexible healthcare provider, they switched to COVID-19 emergency cases to provide care to patients. "When COVID really hit us, we wound up initially throughout the country, putting several patients in the ventilators. As care providers, we run the risk of getting COVID. We were on the road almost all the time. We got a lot of 911 calls from morning to night attending to COVID- patients." Dr. Merlin explained. When we asked how they could stay safe from being infected, he told us that they use the PAPR, the spacesuit health officials wear, to avoid exposure to COVID-19.</p>   <p>The COVID-19 vaccine's arrival, less than a year into the pandemic, trumped the previous record of four years when a vaccine was developed for mumps. Pharmacists now face a significant challenge to convince those who are hesitant to take the vaccine. "Everything depends largely on the vaccine which just hit the street. Another issue is, are they going to be safe? Are we going to see in five years people being damaged by vaccines and people calling to hire an attorney? We don't know, because the FDA did not go to its usual, very stringent, scientific, longer-term approval process, because it is more important on an emergency basis to help people at risk to get immunity." Dr. Gross informed us.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Steffini_Stalos-0105_low_res.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5200" width="240" height="361"/></figure>   <p>Dr. Diaz supported the rush when he responded to questions regarding the vaccine, "In the trials, the vaccine is deemed very safe, and that is the primary reason why the FDA granted them Emergency Use Authorization." He disclosed that we'd eventually be in control once everyone is vaccinated; at this stage, we'll have "herd immunity, meaning that people that get the vaccine will join those who have been infected."</p>   <p>While it was incredibly disruptive and challenging, crises usually nurture the emergence of common purpose, creativity, solidarity, and improvisation, which was evident among the healthcare experts. "I feel very positive now, and also about the New Year. There is always development in the CDC, FDA weekly meeting regarding the progress. That is very promising about the pandemic. Basically, we are getting our act together." Suggesting a more comprehensive approach to combating the virus, Dr. Stalos said, "We need to amplify testing. Even if we amplify the testing, how do we use all the different pieces of testing to create a cohesive picture for the patients? For instance, if a patient is having a PCR test, serology test all at once, how do we relate this information together to talk about what the patient is experiencing? There are even new inflammatory markers coming into play that can differentiate between patients who have coronavirus and those that will experience more severe pain than other patients."</p>   <p>As the vaccination process progresses, healthcare providers beamed with satisfaction, hoping that life quickly returns to normal. But Dr. Stalos cautioned that it is not a time to relent; instead, a time to look inward and fix our healthcare system. "Pandemics have periodicity. That means, even after we overcome the coronavirus challenge, we can expect another pathogen in the next five or six years." Ultimately, the government has a role to play. "I think this new political administration needs to be forward-looking that this is going to happen again that we as a nation need to step forward and act proactively because the next agent pathogen may be deadlier than the coronavirus. We won't have the luxury of time as it was when the coronavirus hit," says the consultant, Dr. Steffini Stalos.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_35.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/distrust-amid-vaccination-how-researchers-remarkable-success-might-be-an-undoing/</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>2021-03-15 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 src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dr.-Ben-1-731x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6961" 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 src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_31.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5188" 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 src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_32.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5189"/></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 src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_33.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5190"/></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/news/surviving-through-the-pandemic-ben-kenuk-his-rpm-app-and-ultimately-the-mark-of-a-hero/</url> </article> <article> <ID>5176</ID> <title>The Freedom of Health with the Jiu-Jitsu Doctor: An Interview with Dr. Neil Morris</title> <publishDate>2021-03-15 08:27:59</publishDate> <description> <h2><strong>About Dr. Neil Morris</strong></h2>   <p>Dr. Neil Morris is a naturopathic medical doctor practicing in Mesa, AZ. He graduated from Troy University with a bachelor’s in Nursing and practiced as a registered nurse for 16 years before graduating from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, SCNM.</p>   <p>He focuses on regenerative therapy, providing specialized treatments such as Hormone Optimization and Regenerative Injection Therapy. As a registered nurse, Dr. Morris gained significant experience in the fields of Cardiovascular Intensive Care, Surgical Trauma Intensive Care, Post-Surgical Anesthesia Recovery, Endoscopy, and Special Procedures, such as Bone Marrow Biopsy.</p>   <h2><strong>Meeting “The Jiu-Jitsu Doctor”</strong></h2>   <p>With a cheerful voice and a strong sense of humor, Dr. Neil (as his patients call him) opens up about his past to our Top Doctor Magazine. His proactive life, with college football and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at its core, guided Dr. Morris towards effective, less dramatic alternatives to surgical treatment.</p>   <p>After suffering from an accident during a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu match many years ago, Dr. Morris was close to letting go of his passion. However, after receiving regenerative injections, not only is he back doing what he loves, but he’s also helping patients recover from sport-related medical issues such as knee or shoulder injuries. Hence, “The Jiu-Jitsu Doctor” nickname.</p>   <h2><strong>Regenerative Medicine and Nursing</strong></h2>   <p>For more than ten years, regenerative medicine's popularity has been growing. Dr. Morris links this trend to the extended time spent by naturopaths with their patients. "More people are looking forward to working with a naturopath, now more than before. To be a naturopath ten years ago would not have been as easy as it is nowadays," he tells us.</p>   <p>Looking back to his training, Dr. Morris sees his background in nursing as a crucial factor in his naturopath development: "When a patient comes to me, I look at things from both sides." Apart from other naturopaths, Dr. Morris' expertise helps patients reach the end of the recovery road with maximum results.</p>   <h2><strong>Approaching Patient Treatment Differently</strong></h2>   <p>As a specialist in regenerative therapy, Dr. Morris focuses on Regenerative Injection Therapy. However, as he noticed beforehand, to heal correctly, one must prepare the body for optimal work. For that reason, he introduced Hormone Optimization as the first step towards proper healing. "If your body is not ready to repair, you're not going to get the most out of it," said Dr. Morris.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_30.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5183"/></figure>   <h2><strong>The Power of Regenerative Medicine</strong></h2>   <p>When asked about his favorite patient case, Dr. Morris recollected the story of a 70-year-old with extensive surgery to her back. At first, he was unsure whether stem cell products could improve her quality of life due to her advanced age. Dr. Morris' doubts did not disturb the patient, who was ready to take a shot and receive treatment. Within two weeks, she returned to him with improved posture, dramatically reduced pain levels, and quite an exciting complaint: "Her new big complaint was, I get tired because I'm walking so much now."</p>   <h2><strong>“The Freedom of Health”</strong></h2>   <p>Although the pandemic's initial months took their toll on his practice, Dr. Morris was one of the privileged few to have kept his practice open. Nowadays, he sees even more patients than regular, who are looking at self-care from a more serious perspective.</p>   <p>The COVID-19 pandemic led towards more self-care awareness. However, while talking about his concept of "freedom of health," Dr. Morris believes that we, as a society, need more than just awareness: "We should start taking ownership of our health more, and not rely on a drug to make us healthy." He stresses the obesity factor as an" epidemic inside the pandemic:" "If our overall health was better, we would not be as affected as much as we are."</p>   <p>As a parting reminder, Dr. Morris advises us to look towards our health more seriously and boost our immune system as much as possible through exercise, proper diet, and through supplements, such as vitamins A, D, C, or Zinc.</p>   <p>If you would like to learn more about Dr. Morris and regenerative medicine, you can check out his website <a href="https://rhg.health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_4-2.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/the-freedom-of-health-with-the-jiu-jitsu-doctor-an-interview-with-dr-neil-morris/</url> </article> <article> <ID>5119</ID> <title>Profile Spotlight: Dr. Michael Greiwe</title> <publishDate>2021-03-08 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 src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_29.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5121"/></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/news/profile-spotlight-dr-michael-greiwe/</url> </article> <article> <ID>5111</ID> <title>Profile Spotlight: Dr. Shivesh Kumar</title> <publishDate>2021-03-08 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 src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_26.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5112"/></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/news/profile-spotlight-dr-shivesh-kumar/</url> </article> <article> <ID>5105</ID> <title>Dr. Burak Ozgur Spotlight</title> <publishDate>2021-03-08 17:04:39</publishDate> <description> <p>As a child, Dr. Burak Ozgur noticed his father's gentle spirit and humility, which he carried into his neurosurgery practice. His father's lack of ostentatious details, such as a flashy car or an expensive watch, conveyed to Ozgur a deep sense of peace and respect for the work he was doing and the people he was helping. This inspired the character Dr. Ozgur brings to his medical practice today.</p>   <p>Dr. Burak Ozgur is a top US neurosurgeon with certification from both the American Board of Neurological Surgery and the American Board of Spine Surgery. His specialty is minimally invasive spine surgery, which involved techniques that were just coming into practice while he was in his seven-year residency.</p>   <h2><strong>Training to Lead</strong></h2>   <p>"Neuroscience is like space; we have a few things we know, but it's still like a completely undiscovered field," Ozgur said.</p>   <p>"And I think that mystery, that excitement, drove me towards neurosciences."</p>   <p>At first, Ozgur's enthusiasm kept him away from the one place he would later gain notoriety: spinal surgery. "Before minimally invasive spine surgeries, traditional surgeries struck me as barbaric and extremely painful for the patients, and I didn't want to be involved with that," he said.</p>   <p>But when a neurosurgeon in Brazil began experimenting with minimally-invasive spinal surgeries, Ozgur became intrigued. He began experimenting with possible minimally-invasive treatments and requested to learn from this doctor directly. His request was granted. Then, after years of training and research, Ozgur wrote and released the world's first paper on a minimally invasive spinal surgery technique called XLIF, which to this day remains in popularity.</p>   <p>From then on, Ozgur has created programs to help patients in all conditions receive the relief they deserve. His work has slowed but not been daunted by the current pandemic, and his desire for better healthcare is evident.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-style-default"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_24.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5107"/></figure>   <h2><strong>No Patient Left Behind</strong></h2>   <p>The problem with the current healthcare system, Ozgur finds, is that many primary doctors are unaware of the options their patients have. An unfortunately typical example revolves around spinal stenosis, which typically affects older patients. "It can be a very debilitating problem, but it's also very easy to treat with the right diagnosis and skill set," Ozgur said.</p>   <p>However, from his observations, many of his clients were told that they were too old or would have to deal with the pain because their doctors thought they were no longer suitable candidates for surgery.</p>   <p>"Literally, it brings tears in my eyes to see these patients suffering, who can barely walk or come in a wheelchair. And I think they're reat candidates for a minimally invasive cure," Ozgur said.</p>   <p>"When they come out of a surgery, they are smiling; they have a new lease on life," he continued. "They say to me, 'I feel like I'm 20 years younger, and I can now play with my grandkids!'"</p>   <p>These fulfilling experiences drive Ozgur to expand options for his patients and those outside of his clientele so that no one has to live in pain. Before COVID-19, Ozgur would undertake medical missions with his team, traveling to impoverished communities and giving them health care.</p>   <h2><strong>Moving Forward</strong></h2>   <p>With US travel posing a risk, Ozgur looks forward to the day when he can help his community here and abroad in person. He also would love to visit his parents, whom he hasn't seen since the pandemic began.</p>   <p>In the meantime, his practice offers telehealth services and performs only the most urgent surgeries. He continues to look at new research that will advance minimally invasive surgeries, which he believes is the future.</p>   <p>Dr. Burak Ozgur is a frequent writer and is currently working on his second book to help patients understand spine health and treatment options. You can learn more about him via <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://ozgurmd.com/" target="_blank">his website</a>.</p>   <p>www.<a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="http://ozgurmd.com/">ozgurmd.com</a></p>   <p></p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Untitled-design-15.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/dr-burak-ozgur-spotlight/</url> </article> <article> <ID>5083</ID> <title>Discovering the Benefits of CytoSyde and How it Boosts Your Immunity</title> <publishDate>2021-03-08 16:55:17</publishDate> <description> <p>Fast approaching the one-year anniversary of the United States’ first COVID-19 related lockdown, we see a nation still struggling to control case numbers and outbreaks. Confusion and fear still abound, creating the overarching issue of misinformation. Experts across the country harbor varying opinions, offering advice that aligns most of the time, some of the time, or not at all. For Dr. Hassan Bennani, CEO of KellBenx, Inc, acknowledging the issue at hand led him on a personal journey to discover the best research and results-backed solution.</p>   <p>The solution he discovered and presented is a product composed of eight natural ingredients that have been used successfully in China for hundreds of years. Sitting down with him in an interview, Top Doctor Magazine learned that Dr. Bennani’s philosophy to overcome the public health crisis that is the COVID-19 Pandemic has to be thinking for oneself and choosing a product based on the research that convinces you.</p>   <p>“Ever since I was a kid, I never imagined myself doing something else [than being a doctor],” said Dr. Bennani. “My background is that I am an MD by training, but for the last 25 years, one of my best passions is to research. And when it comes to research, it opens up a lot of opportunities to explore, to find something that is new that can have an impact and make a difference.” With extensive experience working alongside numerous companies to bring their products to market, educate clinicians about them, and position the products for people to use correctly, Dr. Bennani opened his lab in Long Island, New York, in 2010. At KellBenx, Inc., the focus is on developing new diagnostic tests such as prenatal testing. But when the pandemic hit, Dr. Bennani’s focus shifted to finding a true solution to help as many people as possible.</p>   <p>“The key here is that everyone is going to get [COVID-19] one day; even if you get the vaccine, you’re still going to get it. It is just a matter of time,” explained Dr. Bennani. “I think it was the CDC that said it’s going to take about five years for everyone worldwide to come into contact with this virus. And even after that, it’s going to be here like the flu virus. We have to get used to it, live with it, and carry on with our lives. This is why we want to talk today about how we are going to change the long-term side effects and make it as simple as the flu virus.”</p>   <h2><strong>Breaking Down COVID-19</strong></h2>   <p>To begin the process of overcoming COVID-19, we must first understand how it affects us. The coronavirus is a family of nine viruses, of which seven affect humans. We have experienced previous coronaviruses (like SARS and MERS), but we contained them. The coronaviruses that have come before made those who became infected symptomatic, so they were quickly identified and isolated. The <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.webmd.com/lung/coronavirus" target="_blank">coronavirus</a> (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19 is different because it features an incubation period of 5 days during which an infected person is asymptomatic and yet still contagious. “The transmission was so quick and so difficult to contain because of the incubation period,” said Dr. Bennani, “And that’s why people were able to travel from China to other countries without knowing they had the virus. Now it is too late. We cannot contain it; it has to go through everybody.”</p>   <p>This coronavirus is one of the cold viruses and exhibits two distinct phases. Phase one sees the virus entering the body and targeting the ACE receptors in the lungs. It moves inside the cells, hijacks the mechanism of replication, and starts duplicating. And by doing this, the virus uses the cell to print itself and increase, all while inside the cell and protected from the antibodies that the body is producing.</p>   <p>Phase two is when the virus promotes the ACE receptor cells in other organs to colonize them. As a result, Dr. Bennani and many others in the medical field have discovered that COVID-19 was only located in the lungs for some people, but now it is going into the heart, kidneys, and other body systems. Through all of this, we see the most prominent effect COVID-19 has on those it infects. “The third part of what it does is lower your immunity so other pathogens can also harm the patient,” explained Dr. Bennani. “Once it is inside the cells, we cannot do much.” To stop the COVID-19 virus from getting into the cells - and ultimately stop a person from becoming ill - we must combat it from the three ways it attacks.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_18-2.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5102"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Step 1: Virus Load</strong></h2>   <p>First, the essential step to combating COVID-19 is to lower the virus load. “Proven by all the studies today, what’s going to dictate the severity of symptoms and the complications is the virus load in the lungs,” says Dr. Bennani. “If you get exposed to high loads of the virus, the disease will be severe, and you might have severe complications, so we need to lower the virus load. This step is crucial so we can shorten symptoms and save lives.”</p>   <p>The virus load is essentially a way to quantify the number of viruses to which you have been exposed. With any virus, you can be exposed to a small amount or a large amount. For COVID-19, in particular, it is critical that the amount of viruses you are exposed to is small. If you are exposed to a small virus load, you will likely experience light symptoms; if you are exposed to a high virus load, you are more likely to experience severe symptoms. “That’s why wearing a mask is very important. The mask protects, and it is vital to emphasize that,” explained Dr. Bennani.</p>   <h2><strong>Step 2: Cytokine Storm</strong></h2>   <p>The second way the coronavirus attacks the body and proves deadly is its ability to trigger what is known as a <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra2026131" target="_blank">cytokine storm</a>. A cytokine storm is a condition in which an infection triggers the immune system to <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20200417/cytokine-storms-may-be-fueling-some-covid-deaths" target="_blank">flood the bloodstream with inflammatory proteins</a> called cytokines. These cytokines can damage and even kill tissue and organs. “Your reaction to the virus can work against you,” says Dr. Bennani, “[You] go into a stage where inflammation is out of control and releasing too many cytokines, which can start a cytokine storm in which the organs start to shut down. And that can kill the patient.”</p>   <h2><strong>Step 3: Immunity</strong></h2>   <p>Finally, the third step we must be aware of in combating COVID-19 is promoting immunity. Because the virus lowers the immune response while attacking the cells, it puts the body in a dire situation of susceptibility to other pathogens. For example, many of the people who end up in the ICU with COVID-19 also have pneumonia. As a result, it is imperative to boost the body's immune response- this will help lower COVID-19’s severe symptoms and protect the infected person from contracting other illnesses or complications.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_17.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5084"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Introducing CytoSyde</strong></h2>   <p>For Dr. Bennani, the answer to COVID-19 is in answering the three ways it attacks and compromises the body. In his search to understand the virus and find a way to treat it, he discovered a product initially from and patented in China called Shufeng Jiedu - a compound made up of 8 natural ingredients. Scientists from Germany investigating the influenza virus looked to China to understand why the number of flu virus-related deaths was so low in the country. Since 2016, the scientists were able to bring to light that the Chinese were taking Shufeng Jiedu and that it considerably lowered the chance of dying or having complications. After further study, Shufeng Jiedu has more than 90 published publications, and it’s been proven that more than 100 million people in China have used the remedy. From the success rate they found, the German scientists were able to bring Shufeng Jiedu back to their country, compound the product, and now have more than 30 thousand people who have taken it to excellent outcome. With its marked track record, Dr. Bennani has worked to bring Shufeng Jiedu to the United States for its abilities to combat the COVID-19 virus, rebranding it to the name CytoSyde. The product comes in a box of thirty-six capsules. As a three-day treatment, a person would take four capsules three times a day.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IMG_0025-2-2-min-1024x751.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5157"/></figure>   <p>Dr. Bennani’s company has taken worldwide exclusivity on CytoSyde and registered it with the FDA as a supplement. Currently, he is working on establishing various distribution channels to allow for ready access to CytoSyde as Dr. Bennani believes it is a remedy every household in America should have.</p>   <p>“How we counter the [COVID-19] virus is this product,” says Dr. Bennani. “The mode of action for this product lowers the virus load, regulates and modulates the inflammation, therefore, preventing a cytokine storm, and finally, it promotes your immunity.”</p>   <h2><strong>Why CytoSyde Works</strong></h2>   <p>CytoSyde meets the COVID-19 virus at all three points in which it attacks the body. First, it lowers the virus load count by binding directly to the main proteins of the virus, preventing it from entering the cells. “With this understanding, we know that the earlier we take this product, the later outcome of the virus will be dictated because it is going to shorten symptoms and stop complications,” says Dr. Bennani.</p>   <p>The second mode of action of CytoSyde is found in how it regulates and modulates inflammation. Through such regulation, it is possible to ward off the cytokine storm. As a result, having organ failure or difficulties in the organs is much lower if not eliminated. “All doctors fear the cytokine storm,” said Dr. Bennani, “Once it settles, there is nothing you can do.” And finally, the third mode of action is that CytoSyde promotes the body’s immunity. “[The product] promotes the body to secrete more antibodies and more T cells, enabling you to fight the virus that has invaded,” Dr. Bennani explained. “But it also protects against other pathogens that can take advantage of the body’s weakness and cause more damage.”</p>   <p>Dr. Bennani told Top Doctor Magazine of a personal story from one of his close friends who experienced firsthand the remarkable capabilities of CytoSyde in combating COVID-19. “I have a friend, and I was talking to him on the phone two weeks ago. He sounded like he was having difficulty breathing, and I know he has asthma, so I asked him why he was breathing like that.</p>   <p>He responded that he had worked late and felt tired. I insisted he tell me everything, to which he replied that his body ached and he felt hot. Immediately, I told him he had to go get tested even though it was late on Friday,” he said.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IMG_0019-1-2-min-1024x751.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5156"/></figure>   <p>When the test came back positive, the doctor was able to take Bennani’s friend, put him on an IV, and give him vitamin C. In addition, Dr. Bennani sent a box of CytoSyde, which arrived the same day. “The next day, my friend called me,” said Dr. Bennani, “and he explained how much better he was breathing. Three days later, upon completing the CytoSyde treatment, he had absolutely no symptoms, no complications, no coughs. Nothing. It even helped his asthma.” Cases like these motivate Dr. Bennani to continue his work in bringing awareness to CytoSyde to help more and more people. As he put it, he is doing this for the joy of saving lives.</p>   <h2><strong>CytoSyde and the Future</strong></h2>   <p>“The vaccine is here, and it is a good thing,” said Dr. Bennani when asked if CytoSyde is a replacement for getting a COVID-19 vaccine. “I’m not against the vaccine; in fact, I promote it. The only risk about the vaccine is not knowing exactly how it will react with the body long term. However, just because we don’t know doesn’t mean it’s going to be bad.”</p>   <p>The vaccine gives a person a certain amount of immunity against the virus. However, it does not guarantee 100% against future infection. As Dr. Bennani explained, it is similar to the flu virus, which comes every year. Despite getting the flu vaccine, people still get infected, fall ill, and sometimes even die from complications. “That’s what people need to understand; even with the vaccine, you are still going to get the coronavirus. You might have mild symptoms or severe, but not as severe as without the vaccine. The product is going to shorten the symptoms and prevent complications. There is no harm if you take it; it’s a safety net.”</p>   <p>Shufeng Jiedu means to detoxify and expel, precisely what it does to the coronavirus in the body. Used for centuries in China, it is not a new treatment or even a new discovery. What is new about it is the understanding of how it works to cancel the COVID-19 virus. For Dr. Bennani, this understanding brings light to not just the COVID-19 virus but to all other viruses as well.</p>   <p>“It works for influenza; it works for all the viruses in the coronavirus family, and it might work for any virus in the future because it cancels the mechanism,” he explained. “This is what we want; we want to give reassurance to people. Yes, the virus is serious, but if we do the right thing, we can prevent people from dying, from ending up in the ICU.”</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IMG_0015-1-2-min-1024x751.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5155"/></figure>   <p>If you would like to know more about CytoSyde or are interested in purchasing it, click <a href="https://www.oasis-therapeutics.com/nutraceutical-inquiry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> to place an inquiry.</p>   <p>Citations:</p>   <p>1 - <a href="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/2020.12.21_Overview_report_of_studies_on_Shufeng_Jiedu.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studies on Shufeng Jiedu</a></p>   <p>2 - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MI5jn9w3ug4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shufeng Jiedu in Germany</a></p>   <p>3 - <a href="https://search.bvsalud.org/global-literature-on-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov/?output=site&amp;lang=en&amp;from=0&amp;sort=&amp;format=summary&amp;count=20&amp;fb=&amp;page=1&amp;skfp=&amp;index=tw&amp;q=shufeng+jiedu&amp;search_form_submit=https://search.bvsalud.org/global-literature-on-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov/?output=site&amp;lang=en&amp;from=0&amp;sort=&amp;format=summary&amp;count=20&amp;fb=&amp;page=1&amp;skfp=&amp;index=tw&amp;q=shufeng+jiedu&amp;search_form_submit=" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Literature</a></p>   <p></p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_18-2.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/discovering-the-benefits-of-cytosyde-and-how-it-boosts-your-immunity/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4964</ID> <title/> <publishDate>2021-03-01 09:09:06</publishDate> <description> <p>Dr. Harpreet Tsui is a board-certified internal and obesity medicine specialist whose number one passion lies in being a mom to her four and six-year-old sons. However, ever since she was four years old, her initial first love was the desire to become a doctor. That young age is when she started imagining herself in her doctor position.</p>   <p>Later, Dr. Tsui discovered another passion while attending her third year of medical school- compassion for people. Whenever she shares her experience during her first set of hospital rotations, she is always excited to talk about how she fell in love with getting to know patients and their families.</p>   <p>While doing her residency in internal medicine in Las Vegas, NV, Dr. Tsui developed a strong interest in obesity medicine. She further pursued it and was boarded in obesity medicine last year. Nowadays, Dr. Tsui benefits from combining internal and obesity medicine in her practice.</p>   <p>Aside from training, Dr. Tsui felt the need to experience a different approach to patient care. For that reason, she recently left a huge hospital-owned company for a different practice: Health4Life (a concierge medical practice). There, she's now the medical director. While grateful for the knowledge gained from the previous experiences, she was happy to leave behind certain obstacles like limitations on her sessions' length and frequency, which prevented her from better assisting and discussing more with patients. Since becoming a part of the Health4Life team as an obesity medicine specialist, she receives the leisure, the freedom, and the opportunity to spend more time with her patients, something she had deeply desired.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_5-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-4966"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Preventative and Lifestyle Medicine</strong></h2>   <p>Nowadays, Dr. Tsui focuses on disease prevention with preventative medicine. She wants to help prevent people from having to go to the hospital in the first place (if at all possible) with proper nutrition and self-care.</p>   <p>With strong beliefs that a healthy lifestyle can lead to a longer life, Dr. Tsui addresses what lifestyle medicine is. While many simply define lifestyle as “how one lives their life”, there is far more nuance to the practice of lifestyle medicine. Dr. Tsui bases it on the following: being conscious of what you're eating, how you are sleeping, how active you are, enjoying good mental health, and plant-based eating.</p>   <p>Dr. Tsui believes that being more active (working out, for instance) with a combination of plant-based eating will keep both the mind and body healthy. She says plant-based eating is remarkably helpful, something most people acknowledge although rarely practice. She further explains how many former nutrition patients find it difficult to keep track of food logs. Even though some patients may provide pictures, patients tend to hesitate to share what they’ve truly consumed. She encourages patients to tell her everything regarding their nutrition to assure them the best help possible. Dr. Tsui stresses that when her patients are transparent about their meal selections, it will only help them experience the best results and success in achieving their nutritional and lifestyle goals. She also reassures them that it's acceptable to have an occasional “guilty pleasure” -- the problem is not sweet. Rather, the problem would be allowing indulgences to become habitual.</p>   <h2><strong>Telemedicine</strong></h2>   <p>Dr. Tsui believes telemedicine is here to stay. She says that it is approximately 60% efficient unless one is experiencing specific symptoms, such as chest pain. Still, she believes it's great for so many people with varying backgrounds and lifestyles: stay-at-home parents, young people, and people who love to travel, as Dr. Tsui does!</p>   <h2><strong>COVID-19</strong></h2>   <p>Though Dr. Tsui's love for her profession runs deep, she explains how the COVID-19 pandemic has been taking a toll on doctors and their loved ones as they found themselves working significantly longer hours. She agrees that things would be better if we were a healthier nation, as outbreaks wouldn't be as high. Despite everything going on in the world due to COVID-19, she states that the pandemic has taught her a lot. Although there's much controversy regarding the COVID-19 vaccination, she shares her feelings of excitement about it.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_6.png" alt="" class="wp-image-4967"/></figure>   <h2><strong>I Was Just Your Guide!</strong></h2>   <p>With never-ending compassion for her patients, their suffering, their obstacles, and a drive to guide patients every step of the way, Dr. Tsui carefully takes her time to partner with every individual on their journey. She encourages patients to know that she's here to be a guide to the community, as she loves telling them: "Look, you had this problem, and we fixed it...together, but you did all of the work, and I was just your guide!"</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_4-1.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/a-healthy-lifestyle-longer-life/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4957</ID> <title>Doctor Spotlight: Dr. Robert Vadovic</title> <publishDate>2021-03-01 08:59:07</publishDate> <description> <h2><strong>About Dr. Robert “Bob” Vadovic</strong></h2>   <p>Dr. Robert "Bob" Vadovic is a Nurse Practitioner with a Ph.D. in Nursing Practice. He started as an Office Provider at Intermountain Healthcare and is currently the Medical Director for High Risk and APPs and Program Director for the APP Fellowship Program for about a year and a half.</p>   <h2><strong>Teamwork and Telehealth</strong></h2>   <p>When COVID-19 took over, and everyone was scared to leave their houses, health care providers had to get creative and think of other ways to assist their patients. That's what gave rise to telehealth.</p>   <p>Dr. Vadovic mentions that what they once took for granted became the linchpin to providing proper care for their patients - and that is teamwork. "We are now more reliant on each other to get moving and help everybody," he says. Dr. Vadovic, who oversees all the APPs in Las Vegas, understood the importance of increasing touchpoints from people. From the medical assistants to the case managers, everyone in the team had the initiative to reach out to their patients to make sure they have what they need.</p>   <h2><strong>Social Determinants of Health</strong></h2>   <p>Despite the convenience that telehealth has given many people, unfortunately, some individuals don't have access to it. Dr. Vadovic admits that they still struggle with reaching some of their patients because they don't have a smartphone or computer or don't know how to use it.</p>   <p>"I think the biggest issue that I have seen is that this has brought out the social determinants of health to the forefront. It really separates people that have the ability to meet their needs versus those that don't," Dr. Vadovic shares with Top Doctor Magazine. It can be frustrating for Dr. Vadovic and the rest of his likes to be unable to provide the care that their patients deserve.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_3-2.png" alt="" class="wp-image-4960"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Rationality and Continuous Education</strong></h2>   <p>It has now come to a point where many people, especially the younger generation, have grown tired of staying indoors. Many of them resumed their pre-pandemic lifestyle because they see themselves healthy even after catching the virus. However, most of these young folks go home to see their parents and grandparents - who, unfortunately, will not be as healthy if the virus hits them. Dr. Vadovic even mentions that the ICUs of their partner hospitals in Utah have become occupied by mostly parents or grandparents affected by the virus that their children brought home.</p>   <p>To manage or prevent this occurrence, Dr. Vadovic believes that more awareness on this issue is vital, without, however, insisting on these points due to both sides' heavy biases. Instead, we should lead the conversation with rationality. "It has to be a rational two-way conversation where each side is allowed to give their thoughts and feelings and come to a common solution," he emphasizes.</p>   <h2><strong>Health Care For The Masses</strong></h2>   <p>"I really do believe and see that population health - that encompassing a holistic approach to health care, where we take care of the masses and provide the care that they need to do well broadly rather than on just specific issues, is how patients are gonna do well," stresses Dr. Bob Vadovic. He would love to see more support going to social determinants to make a more significant impact on patients who need help the most. Luckily, Las Vegas has many non-profit organizations that are willing to help out.</p>   <h2><strong>Telehealth Is Here To Stay</strong></h2>   <p>Telehealth has made medical care so much more accessible to thousands of people - especially those who get into a hassle because of transportation and work shifts. Now, people can access care at odd hours because telehealth is available 24/7. Although it still does not replace face-to-face check-ups and examinations, still, it's an excellent substitute for when you need to see your doctor for consultations. "I see telehealth staying. It was forced upon us due to necessity, and I don't see it going away. I think it's the way of the future," Dr. Vadovic expresses.</p>   <p></p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_1-1.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/doctor-spotlight-dr-robert-vadovic/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4947</ID> <title>Is a Recently Discovered Oil-Free CBD Technology the New Fountain of Wellness?</title> <publishDate>2021-03-01 08:45:25</publishDate> <description> <h2><strong>Introducing Slade Smiley</strong></h2>   <p>You may recognize Slade Smiley from his features on The Real Housewives of Orange County and The Doctors TV, along with his wife, Gretchen Christine Rossi. Their story has warmed the hearts of many across the nation, but Slade’s journey into finding solutions for his son, who was facing some health challenges, began even earlier in his life.</p>   <p>Slade is a self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur. He was a professional cyclist and competed for almost ten years, racing throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. Through this experience, Slade gained a lot of working knowledge about the human body and sports medicine. This fascination is something he’d always had, but it grew in regards to physiology and the human body. From professional cycling, Slade then transitioned into real estate. “My focus in school was on international business clients; the skills in international business got me into real estate,” he explained. For 11 years, Slade worked as a principal partner with a large title insurance company before selling the company in 2007 and transitioning into the consulting realm.</p>   <p>“I’ve been able to consult in a capacity at a bunch of different levels, from those working in Government positions within the intelligence community to doing brand integrations into film and television. There’s a wide array of experiences,” said Slade. “In the course of my consulting, and sadly this started back in 2005, my son was diagnosed with a severe illness. It is a very challenging and difficult thing that he has been through, and obviously, it is very hard on the entire family.</p>   <p>“There are a lot of science-based articles out there on the possible health benefits and healing properties of CBD. The question is, how do you get it into the human body? Research scientists are now reporting on low absorption rates with CBD Oils since the body is composed mostly of water and everyone knows water and oil simply do not mix. In our quest, we discovered an amazing individual Mike Panian, who is now the Chief Science Officer of BioReigns. His previous experience in working for the City of Hope creating intravenous medications is what led him to develop Rapid Cell Technology (RCT) for BioReigns. Since then, RCT has begun to revolutionize the CBD world.”</p>   <h2><strong>What is CBD?</strong></h2>   <p>Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural supplement found in both the human body and the hemp plant. It is an essential element in breast milk and is responsible for calming a baby while he or she is feeding. It is also the primary ingredient for many hemp-based products such as CBD oil or CBD water.</p>   <p>Predicted by <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/irisdorbian/2019/09/24/new-cannabis-report-predicts-legal-sales-to-reach-nearly-30-billion-by-2025/?sh=3a3a4b261121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forbes</a> to be an industry just under $30 billion by 2025, The Green Rush into CBD shows no signs of slowing. And for good reasons.</p>   <p>There are 120 different cannabinoids within the hemp plant - including CB1 and CB2, which are utilized more frequently because the human body possesses the most receptors for these particular cannabinoids. Since CBD is a natural compound already found within the human body, it does not carry the same side effects or risks as an external drug.</p>   <p>A common misconception of CBD (hemp) is that it is marijuana. That is inaccurate - hemp is very different from marijuana despite being in a similar plant family. “The way I like to describe it is iceberg lettuce is different from butter lettuce even though they are both types of lettuce,” Slade Smiley, who worked with BioReigns founders to help launch the company, explained in his interview with Top Doctor Magazine. The misconception developed during the war on drugs was when hemp was rolled into the same category as marijuana. “This is unfortunate because, before that legislation, CBD and the hemp plant were widely used as a natural medication. For more than 3,000 years, they’ve traced hemp back as a natural supplement used for a variety of conditions,” said Slade. However, with the rise of CBD products and recent research into the hemp plant as an entity outside of marijuana, scientists discovered the endocannabinoid system.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_20.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5089"/></figure>   <h2><strong>What is the Endocannabinoid System?</strong></h2>   <p>The endocannabinoid system is a series of sensors from the tip of your toes to the top of your hairline. Included in this system are the human body’s immune system and the inner and outer nervous systems. “If you have ever wondered why your body can sense and detect whenever someone touches you or when you have inflammation and soreness, and you’re not feeling well, that’s the sensors of the endocannabinoid system,” said Slade. “The endocannabinoid system is responsible for maintaining the human body’s homeostasis. This is what keeps you in balance.”</p>   <p>For example, when the body’s homeostasis is out of balance due to stress or anxiety, it automatically spikes the cortisol hormone. If the endocannabinoid system works the way it’s supposed to, it recognizes the raised cortisone levels and instructs the body to produce a polar compound to dilute the cortisone. As a result, your body calms down and is brought back in balance (this is homeostasis). “If you think about it, we are always waiting for the body to heal,” Slade explained, “If you break your arm, I might put you in a cast, but what happens? I’m waiting for your body to heal. If you sprain your ankle, I’m waiting for the body to heal. If you get a cut on your knee, we wait for the body to heal. Western medications cover up the symptoms while waiting for the body to heal. If the human body is working the way it is supposed to, it will heal itself.” But what happens when the body is not working correctly?</p>   <p>Think about what we call chronic conditions. In a condition such as diabetes, the body does not recognize excess sugar in the system. Insulin, a naturally occurring hormone, is what dilutes sugar and brings the body back into balance.</p>   <p>However, those who have diabetes do not have the insulin needed to dilute the excess sugar levels and realign the body’s systems. Consequently, they take regular insulin shots in-vitro, providing their bodies with the necessary tools. With chronic arthritis, an individual is missing the necessary lubricant required for a joint. When functioning correctly, in-vivo, the body instinctively communicates to the brain that a particular area is deficient, triggering the request for a specific chemical compound that the brain then produces and delivers to the deficient area. “It’s like baking a cake,” says Slade, “and when one ingredient is missing, the whole compound falls apart. This is why it becomes imperative that we consume the</p>   <p>right type of fuel our bodies need. Micro and Macronutrients from our food are what becomes the ingredients the body needs to produce all the necessary chemical compounds and hormones our bodies require.”</p>   <p>If you exclude an ingredient when baking that cake, what happens? The cake doesn’t rise, and things fall apart. It’s like a missing cog in the wheel; without everything working together in harmony, there will be complications, and eventually, things cease to function correctly. Our brain is a pharmacy of ingredients it uses to formulate very complex compounds; when the pharmacy is missing a key ingredient, it will eventually cause things in the human body to not function properly. Almost everything about us is chemical. We need the proper ingredients to stay in balance. The endocannabinoid system, when properly working, is always looking and detecting imbalances in the body. “But like every other system, this system begins to degrade with age, and it doesn’t necessarily work as well as it could,” Slade reminds us. Thus enters CBD.</p>   <p>CBD in itself fixes nothing. What it does, however, is give the endocannabinoid systems sensors (called CBD Receptors) the fuel they need to work correctly. As a result, people who use CBD can experience reduced stress, anxiety, and inflammation. In addition, they can gain improved sleep and lessened pain.</p>   <p>“Now, we can start to understand why the discovery of the endocannabinoid system was such an incredible discovery. We now understand why it is such an incredible opportunity to help people with a natural way to supplement their body to start healing,” said Slade.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_22.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5091"/></figure>   <h2><strong>The Challenges of CBD</strong></h2>   <p>One of the challenges presented with making hemp more accessible is an influx of products to the market. With more and more people rushing to grow hemp, a discrepancy of quality has occurred. Many crops are contaminated by pesticides or by run-off. As a result, more regulations are being proposed to ensure hemp can be harvested in its purest and cleanest form possible. In California, to provide the cleanest form of CBD possible, crops are put through tests to identify whether or not it contains any pesticides on a list of 60+ banned substances.</p>   <p>If found, there is a very narrow window of time to remediate the pesticide, or the farmer has to destroy the entire crop.</p>   <p>Another more significant problem within the CBD world is preservation. Being a plant, as soon as it is pulled from the ground, it begins to degrade. To keep the CBD from spoiling completely, manufacturers package the CBD in oil.</p>   <p>“Here’s the problem with oil... you are 65% water, your heart and lungs are up to 75-80% water. What happens when you mix oil and water?” asked Slade, “In answer, they don’t mix.”</p>   <p>Scientists have discovered that less than 6% of what is consumed is actually absorbed when you ingest CBD oil. What happens to the other 94% of the CBD oil? It is delivered straight to the liver, where the enzymes necessary to break it down are produced, ultimately eliminating the oil and also eliminating the CBD. This essentially negates taking CBD oil, but it has also proven to overwork and strain the liver. With this in mind, CBD oil becomes a very inaccessible supplement, not to mention an impossibility for people with digestive issues, heart health issues, or allergies to the type of oil used like MCT oil, a derivative of coconut oil. However, there are other difficulties with CBD oil.</p>   <p>Additionally to the low absorption rates, there is the inconsistency of dose due to the CBD isolate not mixing entirely with the oil. So, even if you do get enough CBD into your system without your liver flushing it out with the oil compound, there is no guarantee that you can maintain that exact dosage every time for any specific period of time. This dilemma is where BioReigns stepped in and why Slade is a part of their mission to find a solution in what they call RCT (Rapid Cell Technology), essentially binding the CBD and other nutrients to a water molecule.</p>   <p>Components of certain micronutrients, like CBD, are hydrophobic, meaning that they push water away. To be absorbed into the body, it has to be converted to become hydrophilic. “What our scientists were able to do, and this is the science behind BioReigns, is that we have figured out a way to attach the CBD and curcumin (another natural supplement which is found in Turmeric) to a water molecule,” Slade said. The preservative for the CBD is then water instead of oil, eliminating the downsides listed above. “The water molecule is the host to the CBD or the other micronutrients we add. Think about two drops of water coming together; they make a bigger drop of water. We have attached the CBD inside</p>   <p>the water drop, like a trojan horse; the water then protects the CBD from degradation, it’s protected from being exposed to air and light, and it allows for 100% absorption into the human body, making these key nutrients 100% bioavailable.”</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_21.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5090"/></figure>   <h2><strong>The Difference Bioreigns RCT CBD Can Make</strong></h2>   <p>BioReigns is the only company to date that has succeeded in creating a fantastic water-dissolvable delivery system that increases the absorption of low bioavailability molecules. In anecdotal trials, BioReigns has proven a 100% absorption rate over the last two years. Not only is the absorption rate higher, but when CBD is connected to water, it helps turn on your body’s receptors quicker compared to CBD oil.</p>   <p>“CBD can now be this product that takes effect almost instantly, causing a noticeable difference within the body in a concise amount of time,” said Slade. This has resulted in numerous patients being treated naturally and efficiently without external chemicals ushering in the question: could CBD attached to water be the new standard of care? A fountain of wellness, if you will.</p>   <p>BioReigns offers three products featuring their RCT technology and CBD. In the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://shop.bioreignstools.com/products/DAY-600FSCBDCURPMT/from/14590" target="_blank">Full Spectrum</a> daily, the hemp plant in its entirety is used. The <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://shop.bioreignstools.com/products/DAY-600CBDCURPCH/from/14590" target="_blank">Broad Spectrum</a> daily contains all 120 cannabinoids except THC, even though only 0.02% of THC can be</p>   <p>found within the plant, making it difficult for someone to get high from taking hemp. And in the <a href="https://shop.bioreignstools.com/products/DAY-600CBDPCH/from/14590" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pure CBD</a> daily, only CB1 and CB2 are integrated. Unlike other CBD products, which are generally packaged within a deviant of coconut oil called MCT, BioReign products lack the terrible taste of swallowing oil.</p>   <p>Because it is attached to water, you can even add the CBD daily to a glass of water or cup of tea, making for an easy and enjoyable experience.</p>   <p>“We’ve become a natural solution for so many people, and that’s why we’re so excited to bring this technology forward and help people,” says Slade. “So as long as you are eating properly and taking in all those nutrients, the brain’s pharmacy will go to work reproducing the compounds, healing the skin, healing the body, reducing inflammation, and bringing you back into balance. Because at the end of the day, the body always heals itself.”</p>   <p>But BioReigns is so much more than a CBD company. With its water-dissolvable delivery system RCT, they have cracked the code on absorption. In addition to CBD, they have various <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://shop.bioreignstools.com/products/PWD-ALMPRO-BERRY/from/14590" target="_blank">protein powders</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://shop.bioreignstools.com/products/TOP-SOOTHE-LG/from/14590" target="_blank">lotions</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://shop.bioreignstools.com/products/PWD-BIOKETO/from/14590" target="_blank">Keto</a>, and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://shop.bioreignstools.com/products/TINC-VITALIQ/from/14590" target="_blank">collagen</a> products. “It started with CBD, but BioReigns isn’t just a CBD company. We offer lots of products that don’t contain CBD at all. We’re becoming known more as the absorption company vs. a CBD company” Slade Smiley told Top Doctor Magazine.</p>   <p></p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Screenshot_20.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/is-cbd-water-the-new-fountain-of-healing/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4870</ID> <title>Profile Spotlight: Dr. Javaid Khan</title> <publishDate>2021-02-21 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 src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/image-25.png" alt="" class="wp-image-4872" 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 src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/image-26.png" alt="" class="wp-image-4873"/></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/news/profile-spotlight-dr-javaid-khan/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4866</ID> <title>Kian Karimi Spotlight</title> <publishDate>2021-02-21 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.&nbsp;</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).&nbsp;</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 src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/image-23.png" alt="" class="wp-image-4868"/></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-22.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/kian-karimi-spotlight/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4844</ID> <title>The Benefits of Hypnotherapy for Giving Birth: An Interview with Nicole McDonagh</title> <publishDate>2021-02-21 16:10:59</publishDate> <description> <p>Relax, put your mind at ease, and visualize yourself achieving the imaginable. You can also concentrate on the mundane—like flannel or the clouds, while you dull every other sound around you. Sometimes, it numbs the pain and anxiety; other times, it makes you feel like you are in control. Sound familiar? The above are different analyses of hypnotherapy. We spoke with Nicole McDonagh, a professional clinical counselor, trauma focus therapist, and childbirth educator with more than ten years of experience. Nicole is a UNLV graduate and the founder of Mental Edge Therapy—a firm dedicated to helping people take control of their circumstances through psychotherapy.</p>   <p>“I have always done trauma focus therapy,” says Nicole. 'With Covid and everything else, I realized that, “Okay, there is a calling for helping expecting moms with dealing with all the anxiety and stress that naturally comes with being pregnant.”</p>   <p>The Global Pandemic stretched the United States’ healthcare system beyond measures in 2020; many pregnant women would inadvertently feel unsafe in hospitals. Childbirth is painful, stressful, and can have unexpected consequences—even in the most controlled environment, let alone in an environment plagued with coronavirus fears and life uncertainties. “The unknown can be frustrating. No one knows anything about what,” said Nicole. The tensions of the unknown, the increased level of stress, and fears led Nicole to herald her practice dedicated to helping expecting mothers alleviate some of those anxieties and achieve 'peace of mind.’</p>   <p>Nicole, however, did not begin her career as a childbirth therapist. “It all started with hypnotherapy.” She claims. “After I was hypnotized on the Las Vegas Strip, my professor asked me, ‘Have you ever thought about being a hypnotherapist?’ Following that, I went to the first nationally accredited school of hypnosis and did two years there.' 'I had to get certain amounts of hours to get certified.”</p>   <p>Hypnotherapy, also known as guided Hypnosis, uses relaxation, intense attention, and deep concentration to achieve a heightened state of consciousness. Hypnotherapy essentially puts you in an 'altered state of awareness.'</p>   <p>Hypnosis, a form of psychotherapy, is used by hypnotherapists to push their clients into a hypnotic state—or a trance. In this state, clients are able to access recessed memories buried in the unconscious mind. Some of these memories may stem from painful and traumatic experiences that have been wholly repressed from the conscious mind.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/image-19.png" alt="" class="wp-image-4861"/></figure>   <p>A hypnotherapist will often help a client gain a different outlook on life and experience circumstances from a different perspective. For example, a patient can be made to re-experience a seemingly painful incident —but this time, from a truthful acceptance of the pain followed by the power that comes from surviving the pain. Hypnosis is powerful, and in all instances, a client will become open to a psychologist and follow the psychologist's instructions. While Hypnosis is an excellent tool used by psychotherapists to help their clients overcome anxiety, fears, doubt, pain, and bad habits like drinking and smoking, the field certainly comes with its risks. One of such risks is that Hypnosis is not licensed, making it impossible for hypnotherapists to insure themselves if there is an accident or a lawsuit. Nicole says, “I cannot take insurance, so there were moments of doubt.”On her journey to becoming a psychotherapist, “I went back to school to become a nurse, but I did not like biology. Somehow, I found myself in counseling, and that was a big fascination.”</p>   <p><strong>“I studied Psychology and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Minor Addiction Treatment Studies. I went to UNLV, and here I am.”</strong></p>   <p>According to Nicole, a pregnant friend she met during her CPC internship led to an 'epiphany’ moment. She immediately recognized her path to specialize in hypnobirthing when she helped her friend through the fears. “I first became certified in childbirth education in 2014, but I focused more on people with anxiety. As a hypnobirthing professional, helping mothers give birth to their babies, removing the placenta, and putting the baby on the breast is ‘fascinating.’”</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/image-20.png" alt="" class="wp-image-4862"/></figure>   <p>Childbirth can be scary. There are many uncertainties, and medical professionals must make the patient feel like she is in control. Hypnobirthing does not necessarily replace traditional science and medicine in childbirth; instead, it complements other medical personnel's efforts. “Education is great.” A mother who understands why she feels what she feels is better equipped to fight the pain and push the baby into this world. Traumatic experiences from previous deliveries, unexpected complications, pain, fear, doubt, anxiety, and a general lack of emotional support can lead to an accumulation of stress—which is terrible for the mother and child. As a childbirth educator, Nicole is keen on ensuring that her patients understand precisely what is going on. Education eases fears and anxieties—in turn, reducing trauma. “A lot of trauma happens during birthing when there isn't sufficient education. It can be scary 'when you are in the hospital, and they are doing many things, and no one can explain what is going on.”</p>   <p>\With education, a patient will feel more in control. In any birthing environment, a patient should get at least a minute of uninterrupted explanation of what is going on and how she should prepare. If the doctors cannot spare the minute, a patient will feel like there is an emergency—and these feelings only build up stress levels. “When you are stressed, you lose everything. Contraction occurs and you clench. You should relax. Hypnosis can help a patient relax.”</p>   <p>Hypnotherapy in childbirth takes a patient's mind away from stressors and pain and helps them relax and allow the process to take over seamlessly. When a patient feels in control, she is better equipped to give birth smoothly—and even if there are complications, her mind is better equipped to fight, survive, and give birth.</p>   <p>“I use hypnotherapy as a modality for my client.” Nicole says. “Hypnosis is a higher form of learning. You are driving home, and you do not remember the drive; instead, you are thinking about grocery.” Driving—just like many other activities we do, is automatic. When you focus on the action, you become stressed out, and the action becomes painful. Try to concentrate on blinking, and it becomes hard to blink. Hypnotherapy helps put your mind at ease by shifting your focus to an entirely different activity.</p>   <p>Other than childbirth education and hypnobirthing, Nicole has many other clients with different issues. She tells us that some of her clients are afraid of the mall. “Every time they go to the store, they have a panic attack.” Nicole’s process is to bring up the dreaded emotion so that the clients will come face-to-face with their fears. Once a client can get in touch with his fears and anxiety, “we give them another emotion.”</p>   <p>According to Nicole, one cannot have a negative and a positive emotion simultaneously, “so, I will have to bring up one emotion and bring down the second emotion.”</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/image-21.png" alt="" class="wp-image-4863"/></figure>   <p>Human psychology is like two sides of the same coin: there are relationships between people's interpretation of experiences, yet for others, the same experience can have very different meanings. If a puppy walks into a room, it can be a positive emotion for a person yet a negative emotion for another person. If a person identifies a puppy with negativity, each time he encounters a puppy, the negativity solidifies. And it is the same for people who have positive emotions.</p>   <p>A practical example is one of Nicole’s clients, a gymnast, who could not do a backflip after having a previous accident on the high beam. Every time she thought about the impossibility of a backflip, doing it became impossible. Nicole helped her “backflip over and over again in her mind.”</p>   <p>“It is like perception and visualization,” and there is no concept of time. During a hypnosis session, a client can be made to achieve the things he believes he cannot. It does not matter if graduating law school will take five years; in your mind, you can achieve it over and over again within a 1-hour hypnosis session.</p>   <p>With the Global Pandemic ravaging most of 2020 and ensuring a lockdown of non-essential businesses, we wanted to know how Nicole coped. “A lot of therapy is online at the moment because most of my clients are not comfortable with, or it is not convenient for them, coming into the office.” Nicole says, “It is still a process working on the effectiveness of Hypnosis and hypnotherapy through online medium.”</p>   <p>Hypnobirthing is a field without many scientific studies. An NHS-funded research team studied a randomized selection of 680 women in 2013. Results were not conclusive enough to support or debase hypnobirthing's general effectiveness; that is, it may work on a patient and be ineffective on another patient. While NHS’s research may be inconclusive, it is essential to understand that hypnobirthing puts a woman in control of the birth process and gives her a higher chance of having a successful birth—even if there are complications.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/image-19.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/the-benefits-of-hypnotherapy-for-giving-birth-an-interview-with-nicole-mcdonagh/</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/news/vaccines-the-future-of-medical-education-and-the-reality-of-reimbursements-an-interview-with-dr-thomas-damato/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4600</ID> <title>This DiseaseKills One American Every 36-Seconds and Here Are a Few Tips to Prevent It from Happening to You: An Interview with Dr. Kathleen Benson</title> <publishDate>2021-02-15 13:08:17</publishDate> <description> <p>And no, we aren’t talking about COVID here as terrible as that disease is… today we’re interviewing Dr. Kathleen Benson who is an interventional cardiologist on her insights into the COVID-19 pandemic she’s battling now in addition to the age-old heart disease pandemic we’ve been battling since the dawn of time. Did you know that <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm#:~:text=Heart%20Disease%20in%20the%20United%20States&amp;text=One%20person%20dies%20every%2036,1%20in%20every%204%20deaths.">655,000 Americans die every year</a> from heart disease? That’s more every year than we’ve lost to COVID so far and heart disease doesn’t make the headlines. This is not meant to downplay the severity of COVID-19 but merely to bring attention to the ongoing battles that our doctors face every day from heart disease and so many other ailments not to mention the new pandemic.&nbsp;</p>   <p>In this new and uncertain world, the medical field has done its utmost best to keep us healthy, happy, and safe to different degrees. Many physicians saw the hardships of the COVID-19 frontline, putting themselves and their families at risk to comfort patients in their hour of need. Others tried to attack the virus at its source by researching ways to eliminate it once and for all.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4601"/></figure>   <p>Still other physicians, like Dr. Kathleen Benson, an interventional cardiologist with the Advanced Heart &amp; Vascular Specialists based in Las Vegas, thinks that people require more than just hospital treatment or a vaccine to keep their guard up in this battle: <strong>"I think that's going to be one of our biggest concerns right now, as the pandemic rolls on: making sure that everybody is okay emotionally, because that does translate into physical health, and it affects all of us as well." </strong>Her concern here is well-founded as stress-levels (one of the leading causes in heart disease) have been at an all-time high among the vast majority of Americans this past year.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Practicing a simple life, giving thanks for everything around you, and taking things one day at a time – this is Dr. Benson's recipe for maintaining our hope and confidence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her optimistic view of the world and dedication saw her patients (many with severe cardiac issues) emerge victorious out of the worst of the pandemic.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/3-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4602"/></figure>   <p>However, her role in the COVID-19 pandemic was not limited to taking her patients' best care. She went on to make sure that future generations of cardiologists learn from her example and, first, become better humans themselves. Let's tune in to Dr. Benson and know more about her own journey as an interventional cardiologist, taking care of patients during a pandemic, and learning how to live each day at a time!</p>   <p><strong>Becoming an Interventional Cardiologist</strong></p>   <p>From an early age, Dr. Benson knew that becoming a specialist would allow her to help more patients. However, her paths with interventional cardiology weren't always intertwined: <strong>"I did practice internal medicine for five years, but I wanted to do more for my patients, so I found that becoming a specialist allowed me to do that." </strong>After an early career spell in general internal medicine, she decided to switch towards cardiology and went through the General Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology fellowships. <strong>"It was one of the best things that I had ever done,"</strong> she tells us.</p>   <p>However, Dr. Benson never forgot her internal medicine roots; on the contrary, she credits them as one of the main reasons she is such an accomplished practitioner today. <strong>"It sort of gives me a different perspective, and it was immensely more satisfying and intellectually stimulating." </strong>Because of this complementary experience, she manages to employ a more holistic approach to the patient's medical needs, allowing her to provide better care as a whole: <strong>"I find that I am able to, sort of, incorporate the whole patients into my clinical-decision making as well, so, just because of the training in the Internal Medicine, which all Interventional Cardiologists do, but I practiced for five years as well."</strong>&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>COVID-19 and Interventional Cardiology</strong></p>   <p>Akin to a vast majority of physicians, the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic challenged Dr. Benson's practice immensely: <strong>"I think it's been a challenge for all health care providers, outpatient and in-patient alike. I think, initially, we didn't know how to navigate as well as we do now. Over the year, we've managed to put policies in procedures, it's becoming commonplace. Initially, it was very hard, but it took about two or three months, and then we're sort of ramping up to speed."&nbsp;</strong></p>   <p>The good news is, <strong>"that initial scare has lessened for a handful of patients," </strong>she tells us. With the social distancing, mandatory masks, and CDC guidelines, many patients learned how to collaborate with physicians and staff members and overcame their fears: <strong>"Patients are feeling more comfortable making sure that they're taking care of their health."</strong></p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/4-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4603"/></figure>   <p><strong>Patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic</strong></p>   <p>When asked about how she dealt with patient care during the pandemic's first months, Dr. Benson admits that it wasn't a walk in the park. Since her field deals with cardiac issues, patients were more reluctant to expose themselves to the virus. Furthermore, the anxiety and depression following prolonged homestay have exacerbated several of her patients' symptoms, such as increased blood pressure.</p>   <p>While she admits that working in these conditions can be challenging, Dr. Benson found the proper method for her patients. Using telehealth, she managed to keep a closer eye on her stable patients, checking their blood pressure and cholesterol levels. However, she says that this method's area of effect is limited to stable patients only. When asked about the platform that she uses, she pointed to the <a href="https://doxy.me/">doxy.me</a>, a text-messaging platform.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>What Makes Dr. Benson Excited about Interventional Cardiology?</strong></p>   <p>All the difficulties brought by the COVID-19 pandemic aside, Dr. Benson's excitement to return to the office every day is sky-high. The immediate gratification from helping a patient and the intellectual stimulation are the two rewards she could never let go of: <strong>"For cardiologists, it's an immediate gratification, clogged arteries that become open, chest pain resolve, and the patient turns the corner, for the most part. We go into medicine for lots of different reasons, then we go into cardiology for even more reasons than that. I think that saving a life is extremely gratifying. No matter how many procedures you do, it's amazing, and I also think that the intellectual stimulation that comes with that and every case, no matter how bread-and-butter, is always different." </strong>Aside from the immediate gratification and the intellectual stimulation, Dr. Benson finds immense joy in dealing with every patient as a unique case. <strong>"Every patient is always different, so there's always something that you could learn from each and every case." </strong>Every single evening, she leaves the office happier, better trained, and curious about how the next day will unfold. <strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>   <p><strong>Debunking Medical Myths</strong></p>   <p>Even though she finds immense joy in practicing interventional cardiology, Dr. Benson tells us how hard hitting bumps in the road, especially in the form of medical myths, can be. She cites the example of one of her young female patients whose previous physician hesitated to attribute her symptoms to cardiac disease because it rarely happens in young patients. Once the young girl arrived at Dr. Benson’s office, she recognized the coronary artery thrombosis symptoms and had her hospitalized right away.</p>   <p>This example taught Dr. Benson how hurtful medical myths can become. <strong>"It sort of highlighted the fact that they have to be careful and mindful and not sort of dismiss any symptoms in our younger patients, particularly in younger females and females in general." </strong>For that reason, she is determined to help debunk this medical myth and help female patients receive the treatment they need. <strong>"So, I think that reinforced my commitment to women and heart disease and making sure that these patients are seen and heard and taken seriously."</strong></p>   <p><strong>Preparing Future Generations of Physicians</strong></p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/5-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4604"/></figure>   <p>To make sure that her views and experience will change physicians' future generations and their mindset, Dr. Benson joined the UNLV School of Medicine as a teacher. Now, she has the opportunity to work with students since day 1 and model them towards better selves, better practice, and a better world.</p>   <p>When the COVID-19 pandemic first struck the world, learning was accomplished more and more in the online world. For Dr. Benson and her generation, becoming quickly tech-savvy didn't come as naturally. Still, with IT experts and state-of-the-art technology, she managed to transition to online teaching seamlessly.</p>   <p>She remembers the days when online learning was a futuristic thought: <strong>"From my perspective when I was in medical school, I don't think there was anything called online learning at all other than programs that you had on a floppy disk that you entered into a computer." </strong>Nowadays, although the advances in technology and the access to information have sharply increased, Dr. Benson believes that some aspects of teaching cannot be conveyed online: <strong>"Having everything computer-based, I think that's a great supplement, but, in my opinion, it doesn't fully replace in-person experience. I think we're also seeing that with the trainee generation, where some of them are lamenting not having the in-person experience." </strong>Her honest hope is that, once the pandemic is over, we as a society will find an appropriate way to harness the benefits of both in-person and online learning together.<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>   <p><strong>The COVID-19 Vaccine and Our Peace of Mind</strong></p>   <p>As the end of 2020 was nearing, the month of December brought the best gift we could ask for: both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines received their FDA authorization. For a festive spirit as Dr. Benson's, this news came as a blessing. <strong>"I think the biggest concern is making sure that everyone gets vaccinated and that there's not going to be a new variant that requires a new vaccine." </strong>While she doubts vaccinating pregnant women, she firmly believes that there is no reason for us to refuse the vaccine. Furthermore, her hope is that the new White House administration will learn from past mistakes and lead the concerted effort towards neutralizing the COVID-19 virus.</p>   <p>As the vaccine takes care of the physical side of the issue, Dr. Benson believes that staying confident in this uncertain world will help us get through the pandemic together. While being fully aware that this is not an easy process, she wants us to take things one at a time: <strong>"I was reading an article about how they got through the Great Depression and WW2 and, you know, many persons did exactly the same thing: one day at a time, one foot in front of the other and just keep moving." </strong>Practicing gratitude, saying 'thank you' as often as possible, laughing, respecting one another – the little things in life will help us emerge victorious from this battle. <strong>"I think that's going to be one of our biggest concerns right now, as the pandemic rolls on, is making sure that everybody emotionally is okay, because that does translate into physical health, and it affects all of us as well," </strong>she tells us while recommending yoga and meditation to her patients as a way to keep their minds afloat.</p>   <p><strong>What's Next for Dr. Benson?</strong></p>   <p>A challenging career, numerous patients, peace of mind – these are the things that best describe 'the present Dr. Benson.' What about 'future Dr. Benson?' <strong>"I don't know, getting through the COVID pandemic," </strong>she tells us, laughing. Although the future is shrouded in mystery, her biggest hope is to have enough time and energy to keep doing the things she loves: support her patients, develop professionally, and spread her knowledge on the cardiac disease to students, fellows, and residents alike.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Knowing her fierce dedication and relentless optimism, we can only be sure that Dr. Benson is one of the modern times' capeless heroes, fighting to keep people happy and healthy while teaching future generations to do the same!</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/1-3.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/this-disease-kills-one-american-every-36-seconds-and-here-are-a-few-tips-to-prevent-it-from-happening-to-you-an-interview-with-dr-kathleen-benson/</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/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/news/frontline-heroes-sacrifice-and-dedication-across-the-medical-community-an-interview-with-dr-kendrick-johnson/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4563</ID> <title>An Interview with Dr. Jon Roxarzade - Biographical Sketch</title> <publishDate>2021-02-09 18:24:47</publishDate> <description> <p>Flipping the last page of the 2020 calendar made us realize how challenging the past year was, with its uncertainty and grim look towards the future, all caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we can say that we learned quite a lot of lessons – as a community, we have achieved a <strong>raised sense of awareness, </strong>stretching from<strong> general health requirements </strong>to <strong>new safety protocols.</strong></p>   <p>As we look with renewed hope towards 2021, some of us are more than confident that this <strong>sense of awareness </strong>will be defining the medical practice for the near future. This is the case for Dr. John Roxarzade, an Iranian national who managed to escape the Iranian Revolution and move to the US, who believes that the field of <strong>dentistry is changing. “Dentistry must move from reactive to proactive and preventative,” </strong>Dr. Roxarzade tells us while adding that, even though we went through some difficult times, it is the best time for young practitioners to build themselves a career in dentistry. Let us tune in to Dr. Roxarzade and learn more about his life, his training as a dentist, his opportunities and setbacks, and his plans for the future!</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/4-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4564"/></figure>   <p><strong>The quarantine, Rachel’s Kitchen, and his children</strong></p>   <p>Going through the shortcomings of quarantine made Dr. Roxarzade realize how valuable spending quality time with his wife and two children really is. “Sometimes when we work so much, we don’t really appreciate the opportunity to spend time together because everybody’s so tired. It’s nice to really be there together,” Dr. Roxarzade says, whose wife started the Rachel’s Kitchen restaurant chain. He tells us that, even though the times are <strong>a bit challenging, </strong>nevertheless, they are happy to hang in there and welcome loyal customers with delicious food every single day – <strong>“We have still managed to hang in there, thanks to John and customers who are really loyal and love the food.” </strong>What’s their secret? Dedication, respect, and lots of hard work.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-design-90.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4568"/></figure>   <p>Unfortunately, with so much schoolwork on their hands, the children have little time to dedicate to the family business. <strong>“They’re too young to be involved in the restaurant, but both are showing interest. My son more so than my daughter.” </strong>However, Dr. Roxarzade is doing his best to teach his children the core family values, mutual help, and respect – <strong>“That’s the thing I try to teach them, I always tell them I hope you are a kind, good, generous person and always try to leave people better than you found them.”</strong> For Dr. Roxarzade, there is no better reward than the feeling of happiness born through helping others.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>“If you do something that you love and that is your passion, you don’t work a day in your life.”</strong></p>   <p>Although Dr. Roxarzade boasts an impressive career, his life was not always that easy. Having fled Iran with his family when he was only 14, he quickly learned the fact that hard work is the only gateway to success.<strong> “So I’ve had a number of other jobs from clothing to book keeping to working a library, I worked throughout high school, I worked throughout college.” </strong>Working all the way through high school and college helped him build a strong character, whose work ethics were to be flawless.</p>   <p><strong>“I treated every patient like they were my own mother or father.”</strong></p>   <p>After graduating from dental school, Dr. Roxarzade set the foundation for his own medical practice <strong>in Beverly Hills from scratch. </strong>The first few years were riddled with hard work and long hours. “<strong>For the first few years of my practice was absolutely tough, I worked every day, seven days a week.”</strong></p>   <p>However, these shortcomings were not going to break Dr. Roxarzade’s determination. <strong>He took it upon himself to treat every patient as his own mother or father </strong>and make a real difference while making money a secondary priority. <strong>“Whatever it was, I made sure I kept reinvesting and learned more and more.”</strong></p>   <p>He tells us that keeping up with all the updates surrounding dentistry is the mark of a professional, humble practitioner.<strong> “You cannot rely on what you have learned or stop learning. Learning to me is a lifelong journey.</strong> <strong>The more you learn, the more you realize you don't know. One of my keys to success is that I am humble and hungry and want to learn.”</strong></p>   <p><strong>“We are all here as guests and God knows how much time we have.”</strong></p>   <p>When talking about his success as a dentist,Dr. Roxarzade’s humility should serve as a lesson to us all. He says that material riches serve no purpose in the Afterlife, so we should use our intellect and resources to effect real change into this world. “<strong>I know that money helps you have a better life, but it is not the key to having a better life. My humbleness comes from having both</strong>.” These virtues, namely humility and the desire to bring positive change into the world, are his most prized possessions. “<strong>That’s what I try to impart on my children</strong>.”</p>   <p><strong>Giving back to the young dentist community</strong></p>   <p>As an accomplished practitioner, Dr. Roxarzade looks towards the younger generation of dentists with high hopes. His main hope is that his young colleagues will understand how important their mission really is. <strong>“You have the opportunity to affect the patient’s entire health,” </strong>he tells us. <strong>“The mouth is a pathway to the rest of your body. And it’s highly vascularized, so whatever happens, whatever goes into your body, happens to the rest of your body.“</strong></p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/4-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4564"/></figure>   <p><strong>Going through recovery and reinventing oneself</strong></p>   <p>Dr. Roxarzade’s humility and continuous quest towards knowledge helped him overcome the worst things life had in store for him. After surviving a terrible motorcycle accident, he was forced to say goodbye to medical practice. “<strong>It was a very difficult time for me and during the six months of going through rehab. I was just thinking, “Oh my gosh, what am I going to do? That’s all I know, I’m a dentist.”</strong></p>   <p>Once again, his determination guided him towards his mission – to help younger dentists better themselves. With that in mind, Dr. Roxarzade left the clinic for the classroom and tried his hand as a teacher.</p>   <p>One of the biggest challenges as a young student, he tells us, is to establish themselves on the market and create a network of loyal customers. Having started from scratch, Dr. Roxarzade knew he could guide students towards beginning their own journeys as dentists.</p>   <p>Right from the start, he found meaning in the act of imparting his knowledge to a class of curious young students. “<strong>I really enjoyed it.&nbsp; There’s nothing better than a student who truly wants to learn sitting in your class, trying to absorb everything you say and ask questions.” </strong>Through his passionate approach towards teaching and tremendous experience, he was able to connect with his students and bring positive change to their future careers.</p>   <p>His next step as a teacher was to apply for the <strong>dental director position at Carrington College</strong>. Dr. Roxarzade’s face lit up when he told us about the beautiful moments he experienced there. “And that was when I felt at home, I changed the program, they allowed me some leeway to do with it as I thought, and I will honestly tell you that I turned that program around.” The experience and passion that he brought into this project didn’t go unnoticed. <strong>”I was one of their best program directors, and I believe that was because of my passion.”</strong></p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/3-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4567"/></figure>   <p><strong>What does the future have in store for Dr. Roxarzade?</strong></p>   <p>However, the <strong>dental director position at</strong> <strong>Carrington College</strong> was not destined to be the last step in Dr. Roxarzade’s career. <strong>For about three and a half years now, </strong>he is investing his knowledge in <strong>Pacific Dental Services, </strong>using his vast experience in dentistry to bring positive change to young practitioners in a direct way. <strong>“I realized, okay, I can have a direct impact with these dentists that I would be supporting, and I can continue to teach.”</strong></p>   <p>Even though he has settled down, overall, his perpetual thirst for knowledge is what drives him forward. <strong>“I’ve always said that if you want to age fast, stop learning.” </strong>Dr. Roxarzade’s research on the connections between the mouth and the rest of the body takes him off the beaten paths and into the unknown. <strong>“Again, the more I learn, the more I realize I need to learn.”</strong> In the end, he hopes that continuous research and dedication will help young dentists understand their mission and the paramount role that they play in their patients’ general health.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/1-2.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/dentist/an-interview-with-dr-jon-roxarzade-biographical-sketch/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4467</ID> <title>Profile Spotlight: Dr. Lo Fu Tan</title> <publishDate>2021-02-08 09:25:00</publishDate> <description> <p><em>In this new series, Top Doctor Magazine decided to speak to healthcare specialists and experienced doctors during a pandemic crisis. The idea is to raise the healthcare professionals’ voices and concerns during the onslaught of COVID-19.</em></p>   <h2>Introduction</h2>   <p>Dr. Lo Fu Tan is a board-certified medicine specialist in Las Vegas. Dr. Tan possesses more than 35+ years of experience and understands the changing dynamics of the healthcare profession. The decades of experience and wisdom continues to guide Dr. Tan. Amid the pandemic crisis, Dr. Tan has decided to focus more on telemedicine and digital healthcare.</p>   <h2>Dr. Tan’s Current Focus of Interest</h2>   <p>It is a brave new world, and progressive healthcare professionals like Dr. Tan want to utilize the latest tech advancements for urgent care and family practice. Dr. Tan insists that telemedicine can serve the broader population’s interest just as traditional medicine has done. He also highlights that telemedicine can ensure consistent urgent care.</p>   <p>One of the recent hallmark efforts of Dr. Tan is to make digital healthcare more accessible to patients in remote locations. <em>“It may sound like a flip-flop and weird, but the paradigm shift of urgent care from rural remote to urban areas was inevitable,”</em> said Dr. Lo Fu Tan in an interview.</p>   <p><em>We want to ensure people receive comprehensive and continuous medical even if they’re living in the middle of nowhere,”</em> continued Dr. Lo Fu Tan. From northern Ontario to Las Vegas practice, Dr. Lo Fu Tan understands the complexities of the broad spectrum of healthcare access for more than 2 million people.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/7-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4448"/></figure>   <h2>Prioritization of Streamlined Approach</h2>   <p>Interestingly, Dr. Tan views the need to utilize telemedicine just as significant as using a smartphone. <em>“The emergence to streamline the use of telemedicine, however, requires more urgency,”</em> adds Dr. Lo Fu Tan. It is vital to understand that Dr. Tan had managed to create virtual urgent care before the COVID-19 crisis. It was part of Dr. Tan’s core services to the community.</p>   <h2>More Need to Adopt Telemedicine</h2>   <p>The good doctor also touches on the challenge of embracing and adopt video telemedicine. In the experience of Dr. Tan, it was a significant change to move from brick-and-mortar practice to video-based or telephonic care. Dr. Tan concurs that it requires a high degree of flexibility and availability<em>. “The world is changing, and there is a more need to build transparent inter-personal relationships with patients,”</em> noted Dr. Lo Fu Tan.</p>   <h2>Integration Digital Healthcare Solutions</h2>   <p>Whether it’s the schedule, process, timeframe, and even communication protocols require a streamlined approach for patients’ sake. Moreover, Dr. Tan also points out the omnipresence of digital tools and integrated solutions.</p>   <p>“In the modern healthcare industry, one integrated solution complements and propels the other. Patient-centric models no longer equate to in-person interactions. Instead, it revolves around digital telemedicine to understand the actual needs of the patient,” added Dr. Lo Fu Tan.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/8-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4445"/></figure>   <h2>Conclusion</h2>   <p>New tech advancements serve as a vehicle to give medical professionals more time to understand the patient’s needs. Dr. Tan believes that electronic medical records will continue to take center stage and integrate with new healthcare solutions.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Profile-Spotlight_Dr.-Carl-Hess-6.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/profile-spotlight-dr-lo-fu-tan/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4432</ID> <title>Profile Spotlight: Dr. Carl Hess</title> <publishDate>2021-02-08 09:12:56</publishDate> <description> <h2><strong>About Dr. Carl Hess</strong></h2>   <p>Dr. Carl Hess has 30+ years of experience in pain management and associated syndromes. Dr. Hess is a board-certified member of the American Board of Anesthesiology. Since the inception of the 90s, Dr. Hess has performed more than 10,000 basic and advanced pain management-related procedures.</p>   <p>Furthermore, Dr. Hess is familiar with the traditional and modern pain management tactics. Whether it’s implantable devices or injections, Dr. Hess understands the periodic fluctuations of pain management. Dr. Hess also has experience in legal testimonies and opinions related to personal injury cases.</p>   <h2><strong>Pain Management and Perspective</strong></h2>   <p><em>“People may not realize, but awareness on pain management is now wider than it was in the 90s,”</em> said Dr. Carl Hess in an interview with Top Doctors Magazine. It is important to understand that Dr. Carl Hess practices and specializes in pain management, a sub-specialty of anesthesiology. Dr. Hess also maintains good relationships with prominent anesthesiologists in the U.S.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/6-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4447"/></figure>   <h2><strong>Chronic Pain: New Advancements and Misconceptions</strong></h2>   <p>Although there have been advancements in the healthcare industry that now allow people to manage their pain better, Dr. Hess believes that there are still faux perceptions around chronic pain. “The truth is that chronic pain is a serious problem and legislative initiative was just the first step to raise awareness,” continued Dr. Carl Hess.</p>   <h2><strong>Pain Management and the Curse of Opioids</strong></h2>   <p>Dr. Hess also raises the point about the abuse of opioids to deal with chronic pain. The right course of action is a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and physiotherapy. Dr. Hess paints a clear picture that a balanced approach is not always a requirement.</p>   <p>Dr. Hess remembers when he saw the mainstream implementation of implantable devices like stimulators to alleviate chronic pain. <em>“There are new advances, more awareness, and educational guidance right now about pain management,”</em> added Dr. Carl Hess.</p>   <h2><strong>Failed Back Surgery Syndrome</strong></h2>   <p>Dr. Hass also brings the subject of FBSS (Failed Back Surgery Syndrome) that requires more awareness. The medical practitioners will continue to drift afar from opioids and adopt new methods to control chronic pain. <em>“It is no secret that consistent use of opioids makes your chronic pain worse and leads to Hyperalgesia,”</em> noted Dr. Carl Hess.</p>   <p>A few years ago, rich plasma and stem cell therapy may have had a major impact, but now both are trying to find their place. <em>“Regenerative medicine is the most recent development, but it will be interesting to see how it evolves in the foreseeable future,” </em>said Dr. Hass.</p>   <h2><strong>Traditional Philosophy of Pain Management</strong></h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/6-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4447"/></figure>   <p>As the contextual understanding of chronic pain evolves, it is vital for medical practitioners to not forget about the traditional philosophy on the subject. Contrary to misguided perception, chronic pain is a severe condition that doesn’t go away even after surgery.&nbsp;</p>   <p><em>“We have to understand that pain is dynamic rather than static,”</em> said Dr. Carl Hess. Dr. Hess also notes that external and internal factors such as stress or bad weather condition make the pain even worse. In many cases, the periodic shift of the chronic pain is unbearable for patients. Therefore, Dr. Hess considers a more empathetic approach to deal with pain management.</p>   <p></p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Profile-Spotlight_Dr.-Carl-Hess-3.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/profile-spotlight-dr-carl-hess/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4431</ID> <title>The Mouth is the Gateway to the Body: An Interview with Dr. Jon Roxarzade</title> <publishDate>2021-02-08 09:10:12</publishDate> <description> <p>It is needless to say that the world we live in went through an unexpected and challenging transition. From 2019's clear vision to 2020's plunge into the unknown, we had to become accustomed to the thought of an unseen enemy amongst us, then, as a society, come together and find a way to defeat it.&nbsp;</p>   <p>The FDA's authorization of both Pfizer and Moderna vaccine in December came as a Christmas miracle for those who look forward to the end of the pandemic. However, with so many voices questioning their efficiency and safety, will the vaccines be enough to usher in a COVID-19 free world? Are we truly going to face our past mistakes and allow the answers to guide us towards a better future?</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Profile-Spotlight_Dr.-Carl-Hess-4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4455"/></figure>   <p>Aside from bringing us closer together as a community, the COVID-19 pandemic has also played the role of a healthy yet necessary wake-up call: as a whole, our mentality must move from letting the next pandemic take us by surprise to preventing it from happening in the first place. This line of thought must become our society's rule of thumb, from nutrition and daily exercise all the way to the medical field.</p>   <p>Although we do not always take these words seriously, staying healthy is not a matter of taking a pill whenever your head feels like it's going to explode. On the contrary, to remain healthy, one must observe the body as a whole and work towards proactively ensuring its health with proper diet, exercise, and a solid sleep schedule. If anything, this is the lesson that the pandemic taught us the hard way.&nbsp;</p>   <p>While some of us might not give it enough credit, some dentistry voices call for a shift towards a more preventative practice. A champion of the field of dentistry, Dr. Jon Roxarzade, shares these views: <strong>"Dentistry must move from reactive to proactive and preventative." </strong>After years of medical practice, Dr. Roxarzade had to say goodbye to the office after an accident that forced him to reconsider his dentistry role. Nowadays, he's joining forces with Pacific Dental Services to inoculate this preventative mindset into the minds of future practitioners.</p>   <p>Since he was a student, Dr. Roxarzade was keen enough to notice the connections between the mouth and the rest of the body: "<strong>Your mouth is the gateway to your body. It is where everything starts." </strong>This observation became a stepping-stone for Dr. Roxarzade's future dentist career. He took his first steps towards studying these connections while explaining to his patients how even a meaningless detail could be a game-changer in the world of dentistry: "<strong>I would sometimes get patients who would refuse to fill out their health history. 'Oh, this is too long, what does my heart have to do with my mouth?' and I used to tell them, number 1, if you didn't notice, they're connected, your mouth is literally a few inches from your brain, from your eyes, and a foot away at best from your heart.</strong> <strong>So it is. The mouth is a pathway to the rest of your body. And it's highly vascularized, so whatever happens, whatever goes into your body, happens to the rest of your body."</strong></p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Profile-Spotlight_Dr.-Carl-Hess-5.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4454"/></figure>   <p>As a meaningful anecdote, he let us in on a story about teaching one of his patients how putting natural glycerin under a patient's tongue can save them during cardiac arrest. Since the mouth is highly vascularized, drugs administered orally can make the difference between life and death. However, lacking this knowledge can be detrimental to both the dentist and the patient. As Dr. Roxarzade explained to us: "<strong>Some </strong>(patients)<strong> will come in and say well, I'm taking all these medications, but I don't know what they are. Well, I need to know what they are because, for example, if you are taking a certain medication, my anesthetic may counteract it, or I may have to give you more, or less, or a different kind. Everything matters." </strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>   <p>Luckily, the field of dentistry has made serious progress since Dr. Roxarzade was a student. Over the past decade, research has confirmed his observations on the link between the mouth and the rest of the body: <strong>"So, I've always had an eye for the oral-systemic connection, and I understood it really well, but obviously the research and data wasn't there.</strong> <strong>This research and data are really coming</strong> <strong>in the last 7-10 years</strong>. <strong>It is undeniable now; there is a ton of research that is showing that what's happening in your periodontal condition, your mouth, has a direct impact into the rest of your body.</strong> <strong>We're learning more and more every day."</strong>&nbsp;</p>   <p>Speaking about how many serious diseases are linked with inadequate oral hygiene, Dr. Roxarzade explained to us: <strong>"The same bacteria that we find in gum disease, for example, sometimes we find it in cardiovascular disease or kidney disease."</strong> In a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3467901/">study</a> published in the Journal of Pharmacy and BioAllied Sciences, a research team pointed out the link between chronic inflammatory periodontal disease and systemic health conditions, such as coronary heart disease. The research team focused on how the C-reactive protein (CRP), when associated with periodontitis, increases chronic heart disease risk.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Profile-Spotlight_Dr.-Carl-Hess-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4452"/></figure>   <p>The discoveries went even deeper than the general health's physical aspect. Dr. Roxarzade explained to us how similar bacteria can develop both periodontitis and dementia. <strong>"What happens is that we will find the same biomarkers that are in periodontal disease, for example, or some of the same bugs I should call them, we find some of the same bugs in, for example, I'll give you dementia.</strong> <strong>A British study in 2012 found that older adults with poor dental hygiene were 76% more likely to develop dementia. And, in 2013, a study found that it's called Porphyromonas Gingivalis. P. Gingivalis is a bacteria that is associated with gum disease, they found that bacteria in the brain of people with dementia."</strong></p>   <p>To sum things up, scientists found a link between periodontitis and <a href="https://www.everydayhealth.com/dental-health-pictures/health-problems-your-dentist-can-spot.aspx#/slide-1">a myriad of diseases</a>, such as dementia, heart problems, dry mouth, diabetes, osteoporosis, and nighttime reflux. Unfortunately, these health issues can go as far as affecting a fetus in their mother's womb: "<strong>We know when our female patients are pregnant, they can actually have more birth defects on premature births if they have periodontal disease," </strong>Dr. Roxarzade tells us.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Therefore, how do we go about preventing these diseases in the first place? As he made it abundantly clear from the beginning, the answer lies in turning towards preventative dentistry and better patient education. The medical field's latest discoveries point out that routine dental check-ups are the secret behind revealing health conditions in their incipient state.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Profile-Spotlight_Dr.-Carl-Hess-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4451"/></figure>   <p>In a <a href="https://www.everydayhealth.com/dental-health-pictures/health-problems-your-dentist-can-spot.aspx#/slide-1">study</a> published by the American Heart Association, researchers concluded that patients who received adequate oral hygiene showed a 24% lower risk of cardiac arrest and a 13% lower risk of stroke than patients with bad oral hygiene did. Another <a href="https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2011.300420">study</a> showed how patients who do not visit general health care providers regularly but do pay visits to the dentist have an increased chance of uncovering diseases in different phases than other patients.&nbsp;</p>   <p>It is time to enjoy the endless possibilities of technological advances and look towards preventative medicine, Dr. Roxarzade believes. With the indisputable link between the mouth and the rest of the body, it is safe to say that further research in the preventative dentistry field, coupled with strong, well-coordinated awareness campaigns, can bring more patients to the dentist's office. We hope that Dr. Roxarzade's dream of making people see that the dentist's mission is about oral hygiene and general health as a whole will come to life.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Profile-Spotlight_Dr.-Carl-Hess.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/dr-jon-roxarzade-the-mouth-is-the-gateway-to-the-body/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4386</ID> <title>Telemedicine: Are Physical Exams about to become Extinct?</title> <publishDate>2021-02-05 13:20:39</publishDate> <description> <p>When’s the last time you saw your doctor in person? For many people, that’s becoming a thing of the past, thanks to telemedicine services. As COVID-19 has forced all manner of gatherings from public spaces to virtual ones, it seems that medical care has not been left out.<br><br><strong>What are telemedicine services? </strong>In short, it means meeting with your doctor or health care provider remotely, instead of in person. While some versions of telemedicine have been around since the 1950’s, new advances in technology such as video-conference apps and smartphones have made it easier for people to access.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Telemedicine services can consist of interactive, real-time communication between health care professionals and patients using phone or video conferencing; recorded messages that are sent between patient and care provider; or even remote patient monitoring, that uses mobile medical devices to collect diagnostic data.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/5-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4389"/></figure>   <p><strong>Telemedicine and e-health services have been hailed as a boon, and also criticized, for a variety of reasons.&nbsp;</strong></p>   <p>Thanks to coronavirus risk management and physical distancing, telemedicine services are being widely expanded and used in many new ways. Doing away with physical exams in such a rapid and widespread way might be seen as highly experimental and controversial, if it weren’t for the current logistics challenges associated with the pandemic.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Those who are the most at risk for severe complications of COVID-19, such as elderly and immunocompromised individuals, can especially benefit from telemedicine visits, because they allow patients to avoid the additional exposure risk of waiting in a crowded waiting room with other ill patients.<br><br>Telemedicine visits are sometimes cheaper per treatment overall. Lowering the cost of health care benefits both patients and health insurance providers. Additionally, AI diagnostics and medical streaming devices allow physicians and nurses to provide more efficient care, while reducing the possibility of errors.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Telemedicine also does a great job of reducing the number of unnecessary doctor’s office visits, which saves consumers time and money. Another great benefit of telemedicine is that doctor’s visits can often be handled without the challenges of missing work, or scrambling to find childcare or eldercare in order to complete a visit.<br><br>While it’s clear that telemedicine is important, it’s also worth exploring how telemedicine is changing healthcare in profound and perhaps disconcerting ways.&nbsp;</p>   <p>First, there are barriers to telemedicine that we must contend with in order to continue accessing, and providing, quality health care. Not everyone has access to a personal device for telehealth visits, and new technology includes a learning curve that’s not always easy to master, especially in the elderly population.&nbsp;</p>   <p>There’s also many people who are concerned over the perceived impersonalization of health care, and telemedicine services may be blamed for accelerating that trend. Some health care providers believe that an increasing trend towards telemedicine will result in missed diagnoses, which may have long-term consequences.<br><br><strong>Is telemedicine effective?</strong> For many health care professionals, that question is at the core of their decision to offer - or forgo - telemedicine visits in their own practice.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Dr. Paul Hyman, who has recently authored an essay in JAMA Internal Medicine, voices his concern that the “<a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/08/31/907187908/as-telemedicine-replaces-the-physical-exam-what-are-doctors-missing">business of medicine has already started to devalue a doctor’s touch</a>.” He shares that the pressure to see more patients per day results in spending less time with each of them.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Dr. Hyman already feels he has little time to actively listen to their concerns and answer their questions, and with telemedicine visits, his ability to read body language and pick up on vocal cues is also inhibited.</p>   <p>Like Dr. Hyman, many of us recognize that a major aspect of quality healthcare involves the physical touch, eye contact, and active listening that a patient and provider experience when they are fully present with one another. No AI or technology can fully replace that.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Finally, it’s important to consider that technology is expensive, and the health insurance industry moves slowly when it comes to implementing changes that align with common practice.&nbsp;</p>   <p>While 29 states currently have “<a href="https://vsee.com/what-is-telemedicine/">telehealth parity laws</a>” that require telehealth visits to be reimbursed in the same way as in-person medical treatment, this doesn’t necessarily mean that payments will be equal. The exact amount varies by insurance provider, and may only cover videoconference visits, but not other types of telemedicine services.<br><br>Regardless of these potential pitfalls, telemedicine is here to stay and we are all eager to see it improve rapidly.</p>   <p>Thankfully, as we see further advances in technology, billing and insurance standards, and medical providers integrating technology into their current practice, our experience of telemedicine services is likely to become even more positive in the near future.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/4-1.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/telehealth/telemedicine-are-physical-exams-about-to-become-extinct/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4385</ID> <title>Pediatricians Are Concerned about More Serious Child Abuse Cases As Pandemic Continues</title> <publishDate>2021-02-05 13:19:08</publishDate> <description> <p>As predicted by <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/05/13/hospitals-seeing-more-severe-child-abuse-injuries-during-coronavirus/3116395001/">sources</a> in the <a href="https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/taking-action/covid-19/child-abuse-alert-surge-in-unreported-abuse-expected/">spring,</a> child abuse rates during coronavirus lock-down are reaching disturbing highs.&nbsp; Hospitals are seeing more serious injuries in smaller and smaller victims.&nbsp; The virus has not given up and as a result, the child abuse continues to increase.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>   <p>Child Abuse Facts</p>   <p><a href="https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2020/08/29/covid-19-pa-child-abuse-doctors-see-disturbing-trend/3342976001/">Statistics</a> say 1 in 4 kids are mistreated within the home at least once in their lives, and this includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse. 16% of children who are abuse experience more than one type of abuse. <a href="https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-child-abuse">Rates of child</a> abuse are 5 times higher in children with families with low income compared to high income.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/7.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4391"/></figure>   <p><br>Coronavirus and the Rise of Child Abuse</p>   <p>Combine that with the impact of Coronavirus which has been more than just something health related.&nbsp; The effect of full worldwide lock downs has lead to mass unemployment and in general increased stress.&nbsp; The majority of countries are requiring people to stay home with their families.&nbsp; In places like the United States where toxic home life is sadly the norm, this could lead to disastrous results.&nbsp;</p>   <p>“We’re seeing a surge of some kind” says Doctor Lori Frasier, Chief of Child Abuse Pediatric Division at Penn State Children’s Hospital.&nbsp; They report seeing “pretty serious physical abuse injuries” in patients they describe as “young to very young” since the start of the Coronavirus lock-down.&nbsp;</p>   <p>In 2020, from the dates January 1<sup>st</sup> to June 15<sup>th</sup> , there have been a reported 155 dead or nearly dead children in Pennsylvania due to child abuse.&nbsp; In the entire year of 2019 there were 144 children who died or nearly died as a direct result of child abuse.&nbsp; Sadly, this has been steadily increasing for years since about 2015, with a recorded 95 children dead or nearly dead from child abuse.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Past Trends of Child Abuse&nbsp;</p>   <p>“Waves of trauma” as they are called are not new however often they do seem to be linked to social or economic pressure. For example in <a href="https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2020/05/11/coronavirus-pa-hospitals-seeing-more-severe-child-abuse-injuries/3103045001/">2008 during the economic recession </a>there was a peak of head trauma.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>   <p>When talking about this situation in May, Frasier said this: “one of our big concerns is that in 2008 during economic stress, we were all seeing a lot of shaken baby syndrome”.&nbsp; Anyone who has looked into that knows the majority of kids that experience that do not develop normally afterwards.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>   <p><br>There was also a study done by Rachel Berger, that was launched because they realized there were more children that died from abusive head trauma than non inflicted brain injury during the 2008 recession.&nbsp; They did a study on 500 patients which ranged from ages 9 days to 6 years.&nbsp; 300 of them were hurt bad enough to be in the ICU, 100 of them died.&nbsp;</p>   <p>What is considered child abuse?<br></p>   <p><a href="https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/caa/child-abuse/what-is-child-abuse/#:~:text=Child%20abuse%20is%20when%20anyone,abuse%2C%20sexual%20abuse%20and%20neglect.">Child abuse is </a>defined as “when anyone under the age of 18 is either being harmed or not properly looked after”.&nbsp; This includes but is not limited to: hitting, slapping, burning, suffocating, pushing, restraint, medicating, sexual abuse or emotional abuse. It also includes blatant neglect.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Where is this happening?</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/8.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4388"/></figure>   <p>Many of the articles found about this topic talk about the state of Pennsylvania in particular but it’s seeming that this is a nationwide problem because the lock-down is nearly nationwide. Generally stories like the ones seen about Pennsylvania are just a snapshot of what is occurring in the nation as a whole.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>   <p>Signs of Child Abuse:</p>   <p>unexplained injuries</p>   <p>fear of physical contact</p>   <p>depression</p>   <p>self-mutilation</p>   <p>personality changes&nbsp;</p>   <p>being isolated or withdrawn</p>   <p>reduced physical, mental and emotional development</p>   <p>self deprecation “I’m stupid, ugly or worthless”</p>   <p>neurotic behavior</p>   <p>inappropriate response to pain.&nbsp;</p>   <p>How to <a href="https://preventchildabuse.org/resource/ten-ways-to-help-prevent-child-abuse/">Prevent </a>Child Abuse</p>   <p>Be a nurturing parent.&nbsp; Make the home a no violence zone. When you see a parent struggling, do what you can to help them.&nbsp; Help yourself when needed if you are the parent.&nbsp; If the baby is crying but safe and clean, its ok to leave the room to gather peace for a few minutes.&nbsp; Anything is better than shaking a baby. &nbsp; These are just some ways to prevent child abuse from happening in the first place.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>   <p>How to Report Child Abuse</p>   <p>However the sad reality is most child abuse happens before someone has a chance to prevent it, especially in times where the majority of people are urged to spend their time home and nowhere else. Teachers were the main source of child abuse reports.&nbsp; With school not being in session, reports have drastically dropped while the rates of serious injury increase.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>   <p>In the past<a href="https://www.inquirer.com/news/child-abuse-coronavirus-mission-kids-dhs-philadelphia-20200522.html"> advocacy centers</a> have filled the role of helping to get abused kids out of their homes in a safe space where they can tell their story and <a href="https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/coronavirus-pandemic-child-abuse-risk-philadelphia-pennsylvania-suburbs-20200819.html">begin to heal</a>.&nbsp; The bad thing is Coronavirus has shut these things down.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>   <p>The responsibility is left to neighbors and other passive observers to help curb the problem of these high child abuse rates. Watch the children that live around you and look for symptoms of abuse.&nbsp; If you hear a child being abused or see clear signs of abuse, report this to the authorities.</p>   <p>Because the teachers are no longer able to do so and the victims certainly can’t speak for themselves, someone has to.&nbsp; This can be done in a small way like just allowing your home to be a safe refuge for these children if you want and are determined to avoid involving the state.&nbsp; A lot face stigma for the idea of calling the authorities on their neighbors but when the safety of a kid is directly involved, sometimes exceptions can be made. Part of the spike in child abuse is attributed to the fact that neighbors are too afraid to call on each other and make their living situation difficult in times of quarantine.&nbsp;</p>   <p>For those looking for guidance on how to navigate the world in times of Covid-19, <a href="https://www.pa-fsa.org/Parents-Caregivers/Support-Education-Programs/Dealing-With-Covid19virus">click here.&nbsp;</a></p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-child-usa wp-block-embed-child-usa"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://childusa.org/coronavirus/ </div></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-embed"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/responding/reporting/how/ </div></figure> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/6.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/patient-news/pediatricians-are-concerned-about-more-serious-child-abuse-cases-as-pandemic-continues/</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/influences/a-power-couple-in-the-pandemic-an-interview-with-dr-divya-shokeen-and-dr-raj-khalsa/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4363</ID> <title>Dr. Kern Brar - How to Be Healthier, Wealthier, and HAPPIER in 2021</title> <publishDate>2021-02-01 21:35:23</publishDate> <description> <p>By Kayla Schleining &amp; Brianna Connors</p>   <p>Oh, to be healthy, wealthy, and wise! For most people, these three concepts help drive New Year’s resolutions. Whether it be losing weight, eating healthier, tightening the budget, or curbing addictions, almost everyone hopes to be healthier, wealthier, and wiser than the year before. In 2021 especially, people are ready to bid goodbye to the 2020 slump and start thriving again.</p>   <p>Dr. Kern Brar, Internal Medicine Specialist from southern California who specializes in medically monitored weight loss, has witnessed the 2020 challenges first-hand from his patients: “A lot of my patients are coming in with a lot of depression, sadness, and mental health issues because of the quarantines and things that have never been seen before in US history…and unfortunately, a lot of that sadness then reflects in their personal lives with increased use of alcohol and decreased feelings of self-worth and having more of a subclinical depression almost.”</p>   <p>In a report released in August, the CDC further underlined this problem by publishing that “over 40% of U.S. adults reported struggling with mental health or substance abuse.” With some mental challenges, such as anxiety, the CDC mentions 2020 numbers were three times those reported than the 2019 numbers. It’s a sobering fact.</p>   <p>In addition to mental health struggles, many Americans are also struggling with unwanted weight gain. Dr. Brar comments, “A lot of my patients are complaining about the ‘COVID-15’ or the ‘COVID-20’, and the amount of pounds that they’ve put on because they haven’t been able to do the things they used to…we’re home more, so we spend more time at home…[so people] look at things in their life and they’re like, “oh, I’m having 3 glasses of wine every day because I don’t have a big meeting tomorrow and every day is Friday.”” This weight gain not only contributes to mental health decline, but also to the overall health decline of the American population. In a time when being healthy is of utmost importance, those unwanted pounds can be very discouraging.</p>   <p>But with 2021’s fresh start, people are ready to begin anew. And Dr. Brar is one of the richest resources when it comes to seeking a positive lifestyle change through medically monitored weight loss. Unlike just diets, gym regiments, and cold-turkey methods, Dr. Brar’s methods encourage a lifestyle change that extrapolates on “healthy, wealthy, and wise” – that’s right, medically monitored weight loss not only creates a personalized health plan for patients, but also helps people save money by adopting a holistic view that takes finances into account. That means saving money and eating healthy at the same time, a concept Dr. Brar explains is far simpler than most would think. “You should be able to save money on fast food and realize you’re spending $10 on a fast food meal,” Dr. Brar mentions, “And most of the weight loss recommendations that we make in our office and clinic are about 50 cents to a dollar a meal, some even cheaper.” Lifestyle plans are far more effective and overall less expensive than products, making it a step above the rest. “Patients come in spending hundreds of dollars a month on supplements…sometimes they don’t even say what’s in them.” Products, on top of that, can also cost upwards of $30 a month, an expense that some people simply can’t afford. Medically monitored weight loss is both cheaper and more effective than these options, making it a far better alternative.</p>   <p>So what exactly is medically monitored weight loss? Dr. Brar answers this question by saying, “We look at medically monitored weight loss which includes everything: what the patient is eating, what they’re drinking, what times they’re eating, what times they’re drinking, as well as their exercise regiment.</p>   <p>We use a holistic approach to look at a person’s day-to-day as well as their financial resources. Each person is different, there’s not one pill that will suddenly have you lose weight and become healthier.” This means the program is flexible and caters to each individual’s needs, goals, and financial capabilities. Additionally, he’s a world of knowledge for those with celiac disease and helping others manage other food related diseases and allergies. From athletes to computer programmers, from millionaires to those with foodstamps, Dr. Brar promises a lifestyle program that molds and grows with the patient. In 2021, this program is the perfect mix of accountability, encouragement, and personalization from a medical specialist that helps create a healthy lifestyle and get rid of those quarantine pounds.</p>   <p>One aspect of the medically monitored weight loss program that sets Dr. Brar apart is his emphasis on behavior modification versus actual diagnosis.</p>   <p>Unnecessary medications, using supplements as a substitute for healthy eating, and getting weight-loss surgery are not long-term or reliable solutions for a healthy lifestyle. “There’s a lot of things that people do need to be treated on, but a lot of things that are just behavioral modifications” Dr. Brar explains, “so we help give people tools in their arsenal to be like, “Okay, I can make that decision and I’ll feel better tomorrow about it,” and actually solidifying that mindset to help people improve and make better lifestyle decisions.” For some people, this means doing intermittent fasting 5 days a week, for others, leaner eating, and yet others, limiting alcohol intake. Or a combination of all of the above. For everyone, though, it includes being aware of what people are consuming and when. “[We encourage] a natural way of eating and documenting everything that goes into your mouth.” For those who’ve felt they’ve gained unnecessary weight, losing those pounds can make all the difference. Dr. Brar explains that shedding those excess pounds can lead to “less infection, less joint issues, less back pain, less knee surgery because you’ll have less weight on these joints.” That’s good news for everyone!</p>   <p>Even better news, adopting a healthier lifestyle doesn’t mean eating bland foods and bidding sweets and flavors an eternal goodbye. “I’m not going to ever tell anyone, “Don’t ever eat ice cream!” I actually just had some yesterday. But at the same time, limit the amount of serving to just one serving or just a couple of bites.” Additionally, he encourages his patients to think outside of just salads and quinoa. “I love different types of food that can challenge you, whether it be Asian, Vietnamese, Indian, or anything. Even burgers or steak or barbeque, there’s an incredible amount of flavors everywhere.” Sometimes, food isn’t even the main culprit – Dr. Brar also warns his patients to be aware of food or drink crutches that contribute more to weight gain than we realize, like sodas and alcohol. Ultimately, limiting snacking, finding crutches, and managing serving sizes are often more important than only counting calories and piling on the salads.</p>   <p>Despite California still being under home-order and most locations closed down, Dr. Brar doesn’t let this stop his quest to help people improve their health. Dr. Brar uses a secure online site to connect with patients and meet with them face-to-face on their phones or their computers monitors. Some patients, particularly those with hip pain and those who need joint injections, do need to come into office. Nonetheless, Dr. Brar stresses safety above all and makes certain to take precautions.</p>   <p>Medically monitored weight loss is an affordable, personal, holistic plan through online/in person meetings and accountability from a passionate medical specialist. Dr. Brar’s work speaks for itself, as a lot of his patients are a result of word-of-mouth recommendations. “My patients tell me, “Hey this works this is great I want to continue doing this.” I have their neighbors come, I have their golf buddies come, and they’re like, “Joe told them you helped him lose 20 pounds and he looks great, I want to do that too.”” While medically monitored weight loss can be started at any point, there’s no better time than the new year to jump into a healthier lifestyle. And 2021 is the perfect time!</p>   <p>Dr. Brar encourages people to use their primary care physician to help them establish a medically monitored weight loss plan and not wait until they have to go to the hospital or are suffering from weight-related pains. By using their primary care physician, people’s plans would be covered by insurance, making it a worthy investment of people’s time and resources. If someone is hoping for medically monitored weight loss from Dr. Brar, then he would love to talk with them in a consultation to see whether obesity plans or switching care physicians would work best.</p>   <p>Overall, Dr. Brar is optimistic for the future. He has a passion for helping people find healthier, holistic lifestyles: “That’s what I base my philosophy on.” He, and about every American, is hoping for a healthier and happier (and wealthier and wiser) future. And Dr. Brar thinks that this is just the beginning for medically monitored weight loss: “A lot of my colleagues and people that I’ve trained through residency have shown interest in collaborating and instituting similar types of weight loss systems in their practices, so we’re working on collaborating with people in California, and even the United States and eventually internationally. I think we can work together to set a better stage for the world for healthy lifestyles. It’s an exciting initiative.”</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Dr_Kern_Brar_Issue_118_4-scaled.jpeg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/dr-kern-brar-how-to-be-healthier-wealthier-and-happier-in-2021/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4368</ID> <title>Zoom Pandemic: How Cosmetic Doctors are Seeing a 50% Surge in Business and You Can Too</title> <publishDate>2021-01-31 19:34:00</publishDate> <description> <p>The COVID-19 pandemic has driven almost everything online. From work, conferences, meetings, appointments, parties, gatherings, concerts, (and just about everything else), online platforms have taken the world by storm. The internet’s ability to allow people to do almost anything from the comfort of their own computer has caused some fascinating social ripples. One of these social ripples, the cosmetic surgery boom, has splashed into the medical world doubling and tripling business in cosmetic offices. So, what is the cause of this phenomenon and how can you jump in on this “unprecedented” opportunity? Let’s take a dive and find out.</p>   <p>During in-person events, seeing oneself is usually limited to bathroom mirror stops, the occasional selfie, and other intermittent occasions. However, on Zoom, the camera is on nearly 24/7. Through these little screens, people look at their reflection almost all the time. Staring at one’s reflection for so long makes things like smile lines, lipstick wrinkles, forehead creases, and crow’s feet all the more prominent. Some people start to think everyone sees them with these flaws, regardless of whether that’s true or not. This phenomenon is now being called “Zoom Face” – and many people want to remedy their flaws so they can look better on Zoom and other forms of social media. So, they turn to cosmetic doctors.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4371"/></figure>   <p>Facial fillers, rhinoplasties, lip fillers, face lifts, neck-lifts and other face-related procedures are booming. While the exact statistics for 2020 won’t be available until around February, the general consensus within the plastic surgery world has been that 2020 has caused a massive surge in business. While some are saying this surge is due to Zoom, others, like American Society of Plastic Surgeons spokesperson Adam Ross, mentions that there’s a possibility “this is pent-up demand from the months of shutdown when patients were not able to get their procedures.” Regardless of exact correlation, doctors all over the United States are reporting that dozens upon dozens of their patients report that they’ve noticed things over Zoom that they’d like to get “corrected” or touched-up.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>   <p>Zoom isn’t the only reason why plastic surgery has skyrocketed: Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube is where young adults spend their time during lockdown. On these social media platforms, “influencers” set beauty and fashion trends that have encouraged young adults to seek plastic surgery to achieve their ideal beauty standard. Additionally, increasingly popular camera “filters” that slightly adjust/clear/alter one’s face mean young adults can see potential plastic surgery results through their screens. For the first time, many adults have decided to get facial fillers, lip fillers, and skin treatments in 2020 to achieve these standards, many of which are set by social media.</p>   <p>Finally, the benefit of assured home recovery time is an additional reason people are looking towards cosmetic surgery right now. With most of the country still experiencing stay-at-home orders, many are using that increased privacy as comfortable recovery time for procedures they’ve always wanted but didn’t have the time beforehand. This doesn’t only include recovery for facial procedures but also for mommy makeovers, breast enhancements, breast reductions, body sculpting, laser hair removal, and more. The appeal of not having the expectation to go anywhere means that people can rest at home while still accomplishing all their work tasks, a combination that perfectly supports bigger cosmetic procedures.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/5.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4372"/></figure>   <p>Cosmetic surgery isn’t only the affect of “Zoom Face”, pent-up demand, social media influence, and added opportunity – it’s also a way people are coping with the uncertainty of 2020 and 2021. It can serve a double benefit for those struggling with the pandemic, since cosmetic surgery provides both personal pick-me-ups and a sense of control. With so many people suffering disappointment after disappointment, lockdown after lockdown, a self-confidence boost can do wonders. Whether this be in a face lift, liposuction, lip fillers, or a breast augmentation, people are using plastic surgery to splurge on themselves and provide something that gives them lasting confidence. Plus, during a time when most of the population feels helpless, being able to take control of something feels good. Cosmetic procedures provide people with something to look forward to and something they can personally control amidst a messy world. Both of these desires have contributed to the growing popularity of cosmetic surgery.</p>   <p>What can plastic surgeons do to make the most of this opportunity? Aside from deliver excellent results, the next most important thing is to let potential patients know who you are, your service, and what you offer. Not only that, but broadcasting how your services are timely to what they’re looking for is extremely helpful in finding patients. In your marketing strategy, highlighting a few areas which are hottest right now may be the key to helping you boost your numbers for 2021.</p>   <p>Remember that facial procedures are all the rage – including with young adults! This means emphasizing both anti-aging and preventative aging benefits is useful for today’s audiences. Face lifts and neck lifts have been increasingly popular with older audiences, while lip fillers and facial fillers are in demand with young adults. With masks being mandatory in many locations, people are also gravitating towards procedures that highlight the eyes – this includes procedures that rid crow’s feet, undereye bags, and drooping eyelids. Spotlighting these procedures while clearly showing the results is a great idea to capture the attention of those looking to do something about “Zoom face” or meet their personal goals.</p>   <p>Also, highlighting the benefit of home recovery time is vital. Some people, particularly those who’ve never had a cosmetic procedure before, don’t think too much about recovery time when considering procedures. So, stressing that remote work and staying at home provides a perfect opportunity to recover causes people to consider the idea that now is a perfect time. Once in-person work is normal again, finding recovery time will be more difficult and less private. Bringing that attention to potential patients can be the encouragement they need to book their consultation.</p>   <p>Additionally, underlining the safety of procedures during COVID is something patients search for. In today’s world, safety, hygiene, and cleanliness are at the top of people’s concern list. It’s critical to show patients that every safety measure is being taken to give them (and the practitioners) the safest and best experience possible. Adding online consultation, mask precautions, sanitary measures, and other precautions to websites, email lists, social media, etc. is a great way to ease the concerns of any patients who are worried about potential COVID exposure.</p>   <p>Finally, upping social media and online presence is a fantastic way to reach potential patients. Blogs, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, email lists, savvy websites, and – for the most ambitious, TikTok – are great ways to capture the attention of an almost-entirely online audience. The days of posters and billboards are over (for now) and the days of clickable ads and blog posts are in! In today’s time, people are seeking out cosmetic procedures, pick-me-ups, and ways to boost their confidence. They hardly need to be convinced, but they do need to know what’s available, why now is the perfect time, and what can help them achieve their goals. Today, cosmetic offices have the strange advantage of being able to make the most of the New Online World, and it’s almost certain that regardless of COVID-19, this phenomenon won’t end soon.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/3.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/zoom-pandemic-how-cosmetic-doctors-are-seeing-a-50-surge-in-business-and-you-can-too/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4367</ID> <title>The Contraindications of Hand Sanitizer - Hand Products That Could Be Causing More Harm than Good</title> <publishDate>2021-01-29 19:34:00</publishDate> <description> <p>Hand sanitizer is a commonplace household essential, as well as a necessity within clinics. Its purpose is to keep your hands clean and sanitized, much more so during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep you safe. However, what if repeated hand sanitizer use was poor for your health and may even lead to long term health complications? Well, excessive hand sanitizer does harm you and may cause serious health complications. The product designed to keep you safe is equally capable of hurting you if it is misused. Within this article, you will find a list of risks and advice to help you use hand sanitizer responsibly.&nbsp;</p>   <p>The CDC <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-hand-sanitizer.html">recommends</a> the use of hand sanitizer only when soap and water are unavailable. Hand washing kills <a href="https://www.mclaren.org/main/blog/what-you-should-know-about-hand-sanitizer-1254">germs</a>, such as Cryptosporidium, norovirus, and Clostridium difficile. Also, washing hands specifically with soap and water significantly reduces the number of germs and chemicals on the hands. If you are to use hand sanitizer as an alternative to hand washing, it should contain a minimum of 60% alcohol. Anything lower than 60% <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-hand-sanitizer.html">is not sufficient</a> and will not kill germs effectively. Hand sanitizer is a great germ killer if used correctly. However, most do not know how to do so. User error may include not using a large enough volume or wiping it off before it has dried. Hand sanitizer also does not remove harmful chemicals from the hands. The CDC is not opposed to hand sanitizer. However, they recommend hand washing over the alcohol-based product.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>   <p>Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, <a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-advises-consumers-not-use-hand-sanitizer-products-manufactured-eskbiochem">the FDA</a> relaxed its regulations for hand sanitizer products, placing many harmful solutions on store shelves with little to no warning to the public. To combat this, rather than tighten rules, the FDA created an online <a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-advises-consumers-not-use-hand-sanitizer-products-manufactured-eskbiochem">list</a> of 75 hand sanitizers to avoid. Since hand sanitizer needs to be of a certain alcohol percentage and engineered adequately, many brands are not safe to use. These products contain high levels of methanol, which is a substance that can cause blindness and even death when ingested. You can identify methanol poisoning through its symptoms of nausea, dizziness, weakness, and visual anomalies. Some o the brands to avoid are selling at large chains, such as Sam's Club and BJ's Wholesale Club. It is also wise to avoid hand sanitizers made in<a href="https://www.healthline.com/health-news/fda-says-avoid-9-hand-sanitizers-that-contain-toxic-methanol"> Mexico</a> because they have been found to contain up to 81% toxic methanol. The fumes from methanol-based hand sanitizers are flammable, so smokers or people near candles who use these hand sanitizers are at risk of receiving severe burns. Although, hand sanitizer of any form or manufacturer may pose health risks to frequent users.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-design-13.png" alt="" class="wp-image-4369"/></figure>   <p>Proper use is all about frequency. You must limit how frequently you use hand sanitizer because it is a <a href="http://blog.richterhc.com/hand-sanitizers-understanding-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly">last resort</a> solution. One of the less severe risks you expose yourself to with hand sanitizer use is skin irritation and eczema from overuse. This may cause your skin to become dry, cracked, or blistered. Research has also suggested a contraindication that sanitizers with triclosan or triclocarban as an ingredient pose a significant risk to fertility. The overuse of non-alcohol based sanitizers with antibiotic ingredients has <a href="https://www.eatthis.com/side-effects-hand-sanitizer-doctors/">severe risks</a> on fertility, fetal development, and asthma rates. Triclosan in hand sanitizers can also cause hormone problems. It is theorized that such hormone problems could stem from antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which became resistant from the overuse of triclosan based sanitizers. Absorbing too much Triclosan weakens the immune system, which generates a severe danger to health when combined with antibiotic-resistant bacteria.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Any hand sanitizer with too much fragrance contains harmful chemicals such as phthalates and parabens. Phthalates disrupt the endocrine system, affecting body development and reproduction. Parabens negatively impact hormone function, fertility, reproductive development, and birth outcomes. So, scented antibacterial hand sanitizers double your risks because you may expose yourself to triclosan, phthalates, and parabens all at the same time.&nbsp;</p>   <p>As for alcohol-based sanitizers, they <a href="https://www.franciscanhealth.org/news-and-events/news/dirty-truth-why-hand-sanitizer-isnt-good-soap">kill</a> off good bacteria from your hands. The removal of good bacteria puts you at risk of harm from dangerous bacteria. Alcohol-based sanitizer also lowers the skin barrier function, making the skin membrane permeable to toxic chemicals. For all those that care about the way they look and their age, alcohol-based hand sanitizer can rapidly<a href="http://blog.richterhc.com/hand-sanitizers-understanding-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly"> age</a> your hands if lotion is not immediately applied after use. Another considerable risk is if you cleanse your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizer and directly touch something with BPA on it. The hand sanitizer causes the BPA to absorb into your hands up to a hundred times more. After absorption, a thin layer of BPA will stay on your hands. So, if you eat something with BPA on your hands, you are consuming a portion of that BPA with every bite. BPA is dangerous because it causes hormonal disorders, cancer, and a plethora of other body issues.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4374"/></figure>   <p>The risks of hand sanitizer use do not outweigh the benefits. To protect yourself from nasty germs, be sure to wash your hands first and use hand sanitizer as a last resort. It would also be smart not to recommend or personally use alcohol-free or scented sanitizers because of harmful ingredients. Hand sanitizer does kill harmful bacteria, and it is useful in defending you from serious illnesses. However, it would be best to be mindful of which sanitizer products you use.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Hand sanitizer is a vital asset to have in a time such as this. In a world of uncertainty, being confident that you can defend yourself from harmful bacteria is a much-needed comfort. Although, as with all good and great things, there's a catch; the wrong hand sanitizers can cause more harm than good. There's no reason to buy non-alcohol-based and scented sanitizers beyond the aesthetic. Alcohol-based sanitizers with an alcohol rating of 60% or higher are the key to hygienic success and one step closer to a COVID free life.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Bibliography</p>   <p>Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (n.d.). FDA Advises Consumers Not to Use Eskbiochem Hand Sanitizers. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-advises-consumers-not-use-hand-sanitizer-products-manufactured-eskbiochem</p>   <p>Korab, A. (2020). 9 Side Effects of Using Hand Sanitizer, According to Doctors. Retrieved from <a href="https://www.eatthis.com/side-effects-hand-sanitizer-doctors/">https://www.eatthis.com/side-effects-hand-sanitizer-doctors/</a></p>   <p>FDA Expands List of Hand Sanitizers That Contain Toxic Methanol. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health-news/fda-says-avoid-9-hand-sanitizers-that-contain-toxic-methanol</p>   <p>Person. (2020). Why Hand Sanitizer Isn't As Good As Soap. Retrieved from https://www.franciscanhealth.org/news-and-events/news/dirty-truth-why-hand-sanitizer-isnt-good-soap</p>   <p>R. L. (n.d.). Hand Sanitizers: Understanding the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Retrieved from http://blog.richterhc.com/hand-sanitizers-understanding-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly</p>   <p>Show Me the Science – When &amp; How to Use Hand Sanitizer in Community Settings. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-hand-sanitizer.html</p>   <p>What you should know about hand sanitizer. (n.d.). Retrieved from <a href="https://www.mclaren.org/main/blog/what-you-should-know-about-hand-sanitizer-1254">https://www.mclaren.org/main/blog/what-you-should-know-about-hand-sanitizer-1254</a></p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/1.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/the-contraindications-of-hand-sanitizer-hand-products-that-could-be-causing-more-harm-than-good/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4212</ID> <title>6 Disease Trends You Should Be Aware Of During The Pandemic</title> <publishDate>2021-01-17 18:58:28</publishDate> <description> <h2>How is COVID-19 affecting our health? The good, the bad, and the ugly</h2>   <p>We can all agree that the coronavirus has had a sweeping impact on our lives. Everyone has learned to adjust their jobs, social activities, shopping and more. That doesn’t even factor in the looming fear of catching the actual virus. But, there are other ways the virus is having an impact that may not be as obvious.</p>   <p>In this <a href="https://theconversation.com/from-stis-to-malaria-here-are-six-disease-trends-we-should-heed-during-the-pandemic-143907">recent article</a>, six health trends are addressed that are worth our understanding: sexually transmitted infections, respiratory infections, insect-borne diseases, non-communicable diseases, alcohol and substance abuse, and mental health. A brief examination of these helps to paint an even bigger picture of just how much the world has changed as a result of the virus.</p>   <p>Sexually transmitted infections, or STI’s, are a common concern among the dating community without introducing the severity of catching COVID-19. While <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-safest-sex-youll-never-have-how-coronavirus-is-changing-online-dating-134382">dating apps</a> like OKCupid and others report a rise in connections made on their platforms by as much as 20%, early conversation topics have shifted almost exclusively to discussing the virus. Users are encouraged to avoid the usual next step of meeting in person, where a more common “courtship might involve a spate of love letters. Today, it’s video chats and direct messages.”</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/8-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4224"/></figure>   <p>While this might sound like an opportunity for a conservative cultural shift in the dating world, taking it slow to prolong the time people spend getting to know one another before things become physical, data suggests that promiscuity instead has simply shifted more towards the virtual. For the individual and exploring couples, every country has seen a steep rise in the purchase of sex toys, from 13% in the UK to “71% in Italy, and a whopping 135% in Canada”, all of which have been utterly dwarfed by Australia’s 350%. One can draw their own conclusions about what the regional data suggests.</p>   <p>We can see that the opportunity for people to become safer has a positive trend; there are fewer sexually transmitted diseases, but with new trends in virtual sexual experiences, including new ‘assisted’ items, it’s unclear what the final message is about one’s personal health and safety when people begin dating in the real world once again.</p>   <p> Perhaps the clearest positive trend from people’s caution regarding the coronavirus deals with respiratory infections. Seasonal flu can cause extremely high numbers of hospitalization and death, but fortunately the same things that protect individuals from getting COVID-19 are effective for other air-borne diseases. Social distancing, shelter in place, and washing one’s hands have all led to a dramatic drop in flu cases reported.</p>   <p>There are some issues with this, considering questions about accuracy in testing, and whether certain strains of flu are simply being misinterpreted as coronavirus cases. Wearing masks is believed to have helped reduce flu cases, but there are questions regarding effectiveness, where some in the medical community believe masks are primarily helpful in preventing those who are already infected from spreading the disease further, and others believe it is an equally strong defense.</p>   <p>Unfortunately, there’s a downside to the effect Covid has had on other respiratory infections, namely <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/24-03-2020-new-who-recommendations-to-prevent-tuberculosis-aim-to-save-millions-of-lives">tuberculosis</a>. With hundreds of thousands of annual deaths, aggressive programs have been dramatically reducing these numbers with preventative care, proper screening, contact tracing and sheltering measures to prevent the spread. These efforts have been dramatically impacted by limitations in the transport of supplies, people’s ability to travel for screenings, and access to the sick. The result has been a startling rise in new cases.</p>   <p>Similar issues have risen in regards to <a href="https://www.worldmosquitoprogram.org/en/news-stories/media-releases/dengue-outbreaks-more-likely-because-covid-19">insect-borne diseases</a>, where mosquitos are the primary villains, and outbreaks in malaria and dengue fever are rising quickly. Professor Scott O’Neill, Director of the <a href="https://www.worldmosquitoprogram.org/en/news-stories/media-releases/dengue-outbreaks-more-likely-because-covid-19">World Mosquito Program</a>, stated that ‘We’re facing a perfect storm where fragile health systems manage outbreaks of two diseases at once’. The results are not promising. Disease-fighting nets are not reaching their destinations, traps used to eradicate localized mosquito populations and direct patient treatment are all impacted. People are getting sick and medical systems are overwhelmed.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/2-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4217"/></figure>   <p>We can see the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on infectious diseases, but what about <a href="https://theconversation.com/from-stis-to-malaria-here-are-six-disease-trends-we-should-heed-during-the-pandemic-143907">non-communicable</a> issues like heart disease and cancer? Unfortunately, we see similar trends, where people are simply not getting tested for preventative measures, and those who are already coping with severe medical issues are finding access to standard care severely limited.</p>   <p>For decades, we’ve heard the message from the medical community loud and clear; get your blood pressure tested and under control, have regular <a href="https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-in-general/coronavirus/cancer-screening">cancer screenings</a> and be proactive, since there are solutions to many forms of heart disease, and cancer is best eliminated when caught early. But, when there is an immediate health threat like COVID-19, it affects these higher-risk patients exponentially more than the population with average health. The results are a rise in new cases of heart disease and a higher death rate in cancer patients, where the actual impact on new cancer cases has yet to be met with accurate data.</p>   <p>This should come as no surprise, but the coronavirus has brought with it a huge rise in <a href="https://nypost.com/2020/03/31/americans-drinking-crazy-amount-of-alcohol-during-coronavirus-lockdown/">alcohol and substance abuse globally</a>. Most of this data simply comes from the sharp uptick in alcohol sales, but data is also derived from social media. Everything from drinking games to discussions regarding substances and related activities, the message is clear that isolation has increased people’s use of chemicals, and removing the social element does little to reduce this. If anything, like dating, people have adapted their technology through screen shares, video conferencing and social media to add a new dimension to their use of alcohol and drugs.</p>   <p><br>Mental health issues affect millions of people around the world. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/jun/30/uks-mental-health-has-deteriorated-during-lockdown-says-mind">Recent data</a> sheds light on the impact of the pandemic on people’s state of mind. With a rise in new cases of depression and other issues, along with significantly worse symptomology for those already suffering a range of mental issues, data shows that “drivers of poorer mental health during the pandemic included not being able to see family, loneliness, not being able to go outside, concerns about the virus itself, and boredom.”</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/5-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4221"/></figure>   <p>Adding all of the concerns up, one can see a general fatigue in the human condition from redundancy and isolation. But, similarly we see a fatigue in the systems that are designed to keep the wheels of society rolling, from transportation of supplies to vital access to medical care, we find that it isn’t just resources, but the fact that the same protocols designed to protect us from infection will undoubtedly lead to lack of proper care and a shortage of available professionals to help. Appointments are missed, tests can’t be administered or processed, and even manufacturing is compromised.</p>   <p>One has to ask themselves, where is the balance between safety and the need for a modern society? What do you think; are the side effects of things like quarantine and sheltering in place just as big a risk as the virus itself? We’d love to hear your input, and in the meantime, be safe, and make a conscious effort to remain healthy.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/7-1.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/6-disease-trends-you-should-be-aware-of-during-the-pandemic/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4213</ID> <title>What Covid-19 Has Taught Us About Mental Health</title> <publishDate>2021-01-17 18:57:37</publishDate> <description> <p>Near the beginning of 2020, Americans everywhere enjoyed viral videos of Italian neighborhoods <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBByYjjvNzs">serenading each other from their balconies</a>, coming up with interesting ways to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBxMiTj1K18">work out</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sojiC9C5tY">many other humorous ways</a> of coping with the strict quarantine that was in place. But little did we all know that our own self-isolation period was about to (or was already) be in place, for much longer than most people anticipated.&nbsp;</p>   <p>What began as a few weeks of “stay-at-home” mandates or encouragements slowly turned into months of isolation, with no indication that quarantine mode will be ending anytime soon. While this practice may be assisting to “flatten the curve” and slow the spread of the virus, another area of heath is taking its own toll; only time will tell just how heavy this toll is.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Untitled-design-55.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4231"/></figure>   <p>An alert collection of individuals in the Department of Mental Health at the Johns Hopkins School Of Mental Health realized there was an important area that was sliding under the radar of the public eye: mental health. They began to research the implications and impact of not only Covid-19, but also isolation on the mental health of not only the United States, but worldwide. They analyzed data from six months of studies and surveys, and the results revealed are extremely concerning.&nbsp;</p>   <p>The<a href="https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(20)30274-9/fulltext"> American Journal of Preventative Medicine</a> discovered a significant increase in time spent consuming news and both social and traditional media. Over 6,000 individuals over the age of 18 answered questions about their mental state, time spent on social media and news outlets, and where they were turning to for information and socialization. Concerned citizens reported spending more time on media in order to fill free time, stay up-to-date on current events, and connect with friends and family. On average, people were spending twenty or more minutes on media than they had before being quarantined.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Along with reports of increased time spent on media and news came reports of increased stress and anxiety, and this was true for folks with and without a history of mental health struggles. More than a quarter of the participants with no previous experience of depression or anxiety indicated that they had experienced mental health struggles in the early days of the pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>   <p>The head writer of the study, Kira Riehm spoke to those who may take this to mean that we should avoid news and social media, saying, "These results do not mean that people should stop using social media or restricting media intake, rather, individuals should be thoughtful when engaging in information-seeking and should consult public health sources that disseminate evidence-based information, wherever possible."</p>   <p>It was also noted that one of the most positive ways of de-stressing and avoiding depression caused by isolation is spending time in communication with friends and family, and social media is a wonderful tool for this. Becoming aware of how much time one is spending mindlessly scrolling through feeds or engaging in controversial and intense media is a great first step to a more positive approach to social media. Secondly, intentionally reaching out to friends and family and setting up times to talk over the phone or video chat is one of the best ways to break out of isolation mode; in fact you may find yourself reconnecting with friends you haven’t spoken to in years!</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/5-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4221"/></figure>   <p>While stress, anxiety, and depression are all serious enough on their own, they are often just the beginning of a greater issue. Sadly, experts are noting a <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/media-spotlight/202006/are-we-facing-post-covid-19-suicide-epidemic">rise in the sucide rate worldwide</a>, and are expecting it only to increase. Three of the groups of people most at risk for Covid-related suicides are healthcare workers, patients who have tested positively or are waiting for test results from Covid-19, and those experiencing financial losses related to the economic impact of the pandemic.&nbsp;</p>   <p>We don’t have to wonder at the impact of a national economic crisis on sucide rates: we have history to look at. The Great Depression created an epidemic of suicides, not just by the financial failings but also the turmoil and uncertainty at the time.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Another one of the most reassuring constants and sources of comfort has been taken out of reach at this time; the closing of almost every kind of religious gathering has prevented believers of all religions to be uplifted by community and encouragement. Removing this tenet of gathering together has also removed a significant source of positivity as well as opportunities for communities to share concerns and note downward spirals of mental health in participants.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/4-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4220"/></figure>   <p>Additionally, because many healthcare providers have been told to switch over to different aspects of combating the virus, this has meant that “non-essential” health issues have gone unaddressed. This means that counseling, therapy, and other avenues of seeking help during a mental health crisis have been unavailable at a time when they have been needed the most.&nbsp;</p>   <p>The massive impact of Covid-19 on mental health and sucide rates will only continue to become more and more evident as time goes on. Thankfully, healthcare workers and others are becoming alert to this growing concern, and are taking steps to help those struggling mentally.&nbsp;</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/6-1.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/mental-health/what-covid-19-has-taught-us-about-mental-health/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4211</ID> <title>Eat This To Maximize Your Workouts!</title> <publishDate>2021-01-16 18:27:00</publishDate> <description><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_5 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_5"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_5 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <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"> <p>An overall healthy lifestyle begins when you put 80% of the effort into diet and 20% into exercise. Many experts (medical and fitness alike) have proven that it is possible to change your body composition with diet alone. That being said, it is the combination of diet and exercise working in tandem that promotes the best health. Continue reading to learn how you can get the most out of your activity by implementing healthy changes to your diet.&nbsp;</p>   <p>The best meals to eat before a workout concentrate on fueling your body and promoting muscle growth and recovery. This is achieved by eating foods rich in protein, healthy fats, and carbs. Now, you may be thinking that eating carbs before a workout is a contradicting suggestion as eating carbs tends to be dieting’s biggest “no-no.” But, in all honesty, your body needs carbs, especially when you’re working out.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Carbohydrates are the body’s easiest and quickest fuel source - not to mention the brain’s preferred source of energy. They are crucial for high endurance training and explosive strength. If you need to be quick on your feet or lift heavy objects, you need carbs. In fact, it can be difficult to complete an intense lifting or cardio session when your body is low on carbs. This is because the carbs you eat are used either for immediate energy (glucose) or a reserve energy source (glycogen). There are two main types of carbs that you can use to support your training.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/12.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4228"/></figure>   <p><strong>Quick carbs - </strong>Quick carbs come from simple sugars (juice, honey, sports drinks) that are digested quickly, resulting in immediate energy.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>Slow carbs - </strong>Slow carbs come from starchy or fibrous foods (whole grains, beans, pasta, potatoes), making them harder to digest and resulting in a source of long-lasting energy.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Healthy fats are also a desirable source of long-term energy. Similar to slow carbs, fat can take time to digest before becoming available for fuel. This results in most fat burned during exercising coming from stored body fat, not dietary fat.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Unlike carbs and fats, protein is not a good source of energy. However, it serves as another important factor in boosting your performance in the gym. Not only have studies shown that protein in the form of pre-workout consumption improves overall performance, but eating protein before exercise has been shown to increase muscle growth, recovery, increased strength, and lean body mass.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Likewise, after a workout, the foods you should be eating are full of protein, healthy fats, and carbs. This is because all three work to replenish lost nutrients and aid in recovery.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Through exercise, the breakdown of muscle protein is triggered. By consuming protein after a workout, you give your body the amino acids it needs to repair and build new muscle tissue. <a href="https://www.trifectanutrition.com/blog/post-workout-meals-what-to-eat-for-recovery">In fact, adding protein post-workout is how your muscles get stronger and potentially bigger, through a process called muscle protein synthesis (MPS).</a> It is recommended that you consume 0.14-0.23 grams of protein per pound of body weight after a workout.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/11-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4227"/></figure>   <p>The glycogen stores in your body are used as fuel when you are exercising. One of the benefits of consuming carbs after working out is replenishing these stores of energy. Additionally, insulin secretion, which promotes glycogen synthesis, is best stimulated when carbs and protein are consumed simultaneously. It is recommended that 0.5-0.7 grams of carbs per pound of body weight are eaten within 30 minutes after training to promote proper glycogen resynthesis.</p>   <p>And while consuming fat may slow down the absorption of your post-workout meal, it does not reduce its benefits. For example, a study done by <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16679981/">Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise </a>found that whole milk had a higher efficiency at promoting muscle growth after a workout than the fat-free alternative skim milk. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14978010/">Another study</a> found that even if you consume a high-fat meal after working out, the muscle glycogen synthesis was not affected.&nbsp;</p>   <h2>MEALS TO EAT BEFORE WORKING OUT</h2>   <p>Looking for simple but nutritious meals to eat before hitting the gym? Try one of these options.&nbsp;</p>   <ol><li>Chicken, rice, and steamed vegetables</li><li>A protein smoothie</li><li>An apple or other fruit with nut butter</li><li>Whole grain toast, peanut butter (or nut butter), and banana slices</li><li>Baked salmon, brown rice, and roasted veggies</li><li>Oatmeal, berries, and protein powder bowl</li><li>Scrambled eggs, veggies, and avocado</li><li>Greek yogurt, berries, and granola</li></ol>   <h2>MEALS TO EAT AFTER WORKING OUT</h2>   <p>Looking for simple but nutritious meals that help muscle growth and recovery? Try one of these options.&nbsp;</p>   <ol><li>Grilled chicken with roasted vegetables</li><li>Salmon with sweet potato</li><li>Tuna salad sandwich on whole-grain bread</li><li>Steamed trout with sauteed spinach and brown rice</li><li>Omelet with avocado spread on toast</li><li>Protein shake and a banana</li><li>A vegetable omelet with avocado and roasted potatoes</li><li>Quinoa bowl with pecans and berries</li><li>Oatmeal, almonds, protein powder, and berries</li></ol>   <p>Citations:&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/best-foods-to-eat-before-and-after-your-workout </div></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-embed"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/eat-before-workout </div></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-embed"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.planetfitness.com/communitypf/articles/what-eat-right-workout </div></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-embed"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.trifectanutrition.com/blog/post-workout-meals-what-to-eat-for-recovery </div></figure>   <p>Kerksick, C., Harvey, T., Stout, J., Campbell, B., Wilborn, C., Kreider, R., Kalman, D., Ziegenfuss, T., Lopez, H., Landis, J., Ivy, J. L., &amp; Antonio, J. (2008). International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: nutrient timing. <em>Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition</em>, <em>5</em>, 17. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-5-17">https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-5-17</a>&nbsp;</p>   <p>Elliot, T. A., Cree, M. G., Sanford, A. P., Wolfe, R. R., &amp; Tipton, K. D. (2006). Milk ingestion stimulates net muscle protein synthesis following resistance exercise. <em>Medicine and science in sports and exercise</em>, <em>38</em>(4), 667–674. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1249/01.mss.0000210190.64458.25">https://doi.org/10.1249/01.mss.0000210190.64458.25</a>&nbsp;</p>   <p>Fox, A. K., Kaufman, A. E., &amp; Horowitz, J. F. (2004). Adding fat calories to meals after exercise does not alter glucose tolerance. <em>Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)</em>, <em>97</em>(1), 11–16. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.01398.2003">https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.01398.2003</a>&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322692#what-to-eat-after-exercise-and-why </div></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-embed"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://greatist.com/fitness/50-awesome-pre-and-post-workout-snacks#pre-workout-vegan-snacks </div></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-embed"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/eat-after-workout </div></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-embed"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.self.com/story/what-a-registered-dietitian-says-you-should-eat-before-and-after-a-workout </div></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-embed"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.eatthis.com/what-trainers-eat-after-a-workout/ </div></figure> </div> </div>  </div>  </div>  </div> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/10-1.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/eat-this-to-maximize-your-workouts/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4210</ID> <title>Sandra Holtmeyer</title> <publishDate>2021-01-15 18:27:00</publishDate> <description> <p>From getting her Bachelor and Master’s in science, to serving 25 years as a Registered, Licensed Dietitian in the Healthcare Food Service Management industry, to appearing on radio and news stations to discuss nutrition, to…real estate pro? Sandra Holtmeyer’s journey from specializing in the healthcare field to rocking the real estate world proves that it’s never the wrong time to create and achieve new dreams. Now owner and founder of First Freedom Properties, LLC Real Estate Investing company; Co-Founder of Resolution Equities, LLC and St. Louis Equity Partners, LLC; author of Beginner’s Guide to Investing in Rental Properties; and more, Holtmeyer takes pride in her new passion. She loves sharing the details of her work with her healthcare colleagues, whom she encourages to take part in passive investments through the world of real estate.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/1-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4215"/></figure>   <p>“I probably came in differently than your typical stereotypical investor,” is how Holtmeyer describes her first start into the real estate world. “I got a divorce and bought a townhouse, and at the time I remember thinking, “This might make a good rental,” but I didn’t know,&nbsp; I had never done anything with rentals.” Holtmeyer describes how she had bought the townhouse in 2009 at the top of the market, but after 5 years when she was ready to move on, the market still hadn’t recovered in 2014. This meant she would’ve sold it for less than she had bought it. “I didn’t feel like selling it,” she explains, “So I decided to keep it as a rental property and sell it once the markets improved.” During this time, Holtmeyer started talking to people who were landlords and gleaned from them, starting what she thought would be a short-term project as she waited for the markets to recover. “I didn’t even know there were things like real estate investment groups...I didn’t even buy a book about it. I was really just talking to folks who did it and figuring it out the hard way.”</p>   <p>It wasn’t a walk in the park. “The first year I actually didn’t make any money on it.” She explains how her and her tenant had rolled utilities into rental. “When someone isn’t paying for their own water and electricity, turns out they use a lot more on it.” She broke even that year, but made adjustments and changes in the following year and soon had a cash flow of around $500 a month. “I thought, “Hey, this is a good gig!” so I duplicated that process and bought another rental property and a third and then I ran out of money!” At this point, Holtmeyer was still working in the healthcare field. But after talking with friends, realtors, and doing some research, Holtmeyer learned about wholesaling and a lightbulb went off. “I thought this was the answer and what I needed to do…I learned [more] about real estate and decided that was my best venture.” So after 25 years she took the dive and decided it was time to switch careers. “I saved up money and jumped ship. I started wholesaling and got into rehabbing, got my real estate license and…now I build passive income which is my retirement plan.”</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/21.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4216"/></figure>   <p>After Holtmeyer took the risk to “jump ship” she soon became the captain, finding passion and payoff in real estate. “I love landlording, as nerdy as that sounds,” she describes, “I love picking a place and making it a home for someone else.” Not only does she love the process, but she also finds a connection between her and her tenants that often hits ‘close to home.’ “I started my journey going through a divorce and most of my tenants are either going through a divorce too or some major life change and they need a place to live for a year or two or need to relocate…and I’m able to help them in the meantime and it helps us all. It’s a great fit.”</p>   <p>Holtmeyer says that changing jobs was pretty natural to her. “There are so many ways you can succeed when you switch careers when you look at your skillset.” Holtmeyer’s management abilities, people skills, and client retention expertise were some skills that helped make it easier to transfer from one career to the next. “Also, being humble enough to take coaching,” She stressed. “Admit that you need help, that’s a big leap. I still need mentoring…I’m continuing to learn.”</p>   <p>Now that she’s full swing in the real estate world, Holtmeyer describes her love for rehabbing. Rehabbing, which she clarifies isn’t the same as flipping, is when a house is improved, updated, and made better quality. Flipping, on the other hand, takes a house and renovates it, then sells it for a higher price with renovation costs making it worth more than the original price. And wholesaling, a third option, is “flipping” a house except without any renovations: “flipping the contract.” However, these terms vary state-to-state, so Holtmeyer explains that it’s important to know the differences in terms and what can/can’t be done in a specific state before endeavoring into real estate.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/21.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4216"/></figure>   <p>Holtmeyer’s research, hard work, networking, skillsets, and overall savvy all contribute to her success. “People always want to know how much money you can really make. Well, the financial highlights are the 2<sup>nd</sup> year in business, my first full calendar year in real estate I exceeded my former corporate income. I tell people that it really is possible to replace a 6 figure income by year 2.” She also goes on to clarify, “I mean, I’m not rich (I still have a million expenses!) but it can still be done. So I think that’s inspiring to people.”</p>   <p>The COVID-19 pandemic, of course, has been a curveball in everyone’s book. And real estate and Holtmeyer are no exception, with eviction laws, the market, and other factors in flux. “We’re still in shock of what’s happening, both positive and negative.” Holtmeyer details, “For landlords, it’s been difficult for many areas because evictions have come to a halt. Some tenants have funding resources and some haven’t. Some haven’t been able to get anything.” Receiving half-rent means that landlords are losing money each month on property already mortgaged, and Holtmeyer says that a lot of them are doing their best to accommodate. “A lot of people don’t realize a lot of landlords are literally dipping into their own pockets to help some of these folks.” Holtmeyer laments that there isn’t enough assistance for either tenants or landlords during this time, meaning it’s a losing game for everyone.</p>   <p>On the other side of the coin, agents and sellers are having record sales. “We’ve also seen a boom in the St. Louis Market and many areas of the country where home sales, because of low interest rates and low inventory, are crazy…Our sales and closings are up 30 percent over this time last year and we had a record year last year!” However, not all places are experiencing such a boom. Places like California, New York, and New Jersey, and Virginia (to name a few) are experiencing waves of people leaving the states, helping simulate the booms in more attractive areas like St. Louis. (<a href="https://moneywise.com/a/americans-abandon-states">https://moneywise.com/a/americans-abandon-states</a>) “So even though there’s COVID happening…the floodgates opened. [Everyone] is booked…but even that’s difficult for everyone because everyone is scrambling and it’s overwhelming. We don’t see an end [to the boom] until the ‘fed’ lowers interest rates.” Unlike other markets, such as restaurants and hotels, the real estate business is much more flexible during times like this, leading to both unique challenges and unique advantages to the job markets.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/31.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4218"/></figure>   <p>Holtmeyer emphasizes that doctors, healthcare workers, and others can dip their toes in the real estate waters too through many opportunities. “Doctors have investor mindsets. Many of them are business owners…but they may not have time to invest in real estate actively, like flipping houses or picking out granite or paint colors…but if they have money they would like to passively invest, I’m always looking for investors like that.” Holtmeyer explains that lines of credit loans and private money are great means to invest, and the money is secured by real estate. “They get a note that they’re a landowner. It all goes through a title company. It’s legal. It’s a physical address they can visit. And they know they can help their local economy and invest in real estate.” Additionally, Holtmeyer says a great draw is that she can typically pay 8-9% more than money sitting in an IRA. “And it’s a guaranteed rate of return, they’re guaranteed to make their money back whether I make the money or not.” Holtmeyer’s track record speaks for itself, and draws the attention of many private investors. “So if they want to find a way to passively invest secured by real estate with guaranteed returns…knowing there are people like me looking for private money and doing real work in the local market, that can be a tie in.” Holtmeyer says. She also adds that she loves working with the medical community, since she has history there: “I understand their work schedule and the dynamics they’re working in. It could be a real investment opportunity they may never have heard of.”</p>   <p>Holtmeyer is passionate about her job, and she’s optimistic that the best is yet to come. Money isn’t her sole motivator, but a reward that comes from a job well done and a people-oriented heart, as evidenced throughout her journey from working in health care to now working in real estate. One of her favorite things about real estate is how investing it is into the community, which for her, is remarkably rewarding. “We’re getting tax dollars back into the local economy. I enjoy the work, I enjoy the outcome...I love that it’s a vehicle that helps the community and individuals. And I can make a living doing it?? It sounds corny, but it works, and I love it.”</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/11-1.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/influences/sandra-holtmeyer/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4160</ID> <title>Strategies Top Psychologists Use to Stay Sane while Stuck at Home</title> <publishDate>2021-01-04 01:20:00</publishDate> <description> <p>On rainy days, everyone knows the feeling of looking out their window to see the gloomy skies and trickling raindrops and thinking, “There’s nothing I’d rather do than stay home and curl up in my favorite cozy blanket with a cup of tea and a good book.” Sadly, stay-at-home orders and quarantines that have gone on for months longer than anyone anticipated has shattered that cozy ideal for even the most introverted of homebodies.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Since mid-March, when California became the first state to declare a state of quarantine or “stay at home” order, mental health professionals have been aware of the hidden dangers of Coronavirus, and have been predicting upheaval far less tangible than the physical symptoms or economic issues caused by the pandemic. A group from John’s Hopkins Department of Mental Health began conducting a survey in order to grasp the enormity of the impact of Covid-19 on the mental health of American citizens. Over the course of six months, they amassed a collection of data that revealed concerning results.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Participants of the survey answered questions about their mental health that allowed the researchers to compare their mental state two weeks prior to the onset of the virus, and currently. Data showed that consumption of both social media and mainstream media had increased by over 150%, and that anxiety was rising concurrently. They discovered that this fact held true for participants with a history of mental health concerns and without.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Untitled-design-32.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4172"/></figure>   <p>Another survey conducted by Preventive Medicine asked almost ten thousand participants to share about their mental health. Data was gathered on how often contributors experienced feelings of anxiety, depression, nervousness, isolation, insomnia, and if these feelings contributed to a panic attack or other physical response.&nbsp;</p>   <p>15% of the participants reported experiencing at least two different symptoms-either anxiety, depression, loneliness, or insomnia, for three days of the week. 13% had three or more of the symptoms. More than a quarter of US citizens with no history of mental health struggles found their mental health to be a concern in the early days of the pandemic.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Sadly, not only did these studies reveal that people have been struggling with their mental health from the early days of the pandemic, but most have not been able to pursue medical help. Many healthcare organizations have streamlined their symptoms to focus on patients with Covid-19, or have put a hold on providing services, in the name of social distancing and reducing contact. People who truly need help are unable to use normal avenues because it was unavailable, or now doctors are overwhelmed with a backlog of patients.&nbsp;</p>   <p>So what can people do to stay sane while they’re stuck at home? Are there ways to boost your mental health while you wait for your counselling appointment? Absolutely.&nbsp;</p>   <p>One of the biggest things causing anxiety is all the uncertainty: how long things will be like this, if normality will ever return, and if you are coming down with the virus. While it is impossible to know how long social distancing and other preventative measures will be in place, it can be extremely helpful to familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of Covid-19. Even the most vigilant hypochondriac can become aware of what is a true concern and what is mind over matter. Additionally, coming up with and adhering to standards that feel personally comfortable to you, regardless of what friends and family have settled on can provide peace of mind.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Knowing where to get tested, what to do if you receive a positive diagnosis, and treatment options can also help relieve the anxiety caused by unknowns. Having a plan in place and knowing who to call can be an immense relief.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Another way to safeguard your mental health is to limit the amount of time spent consuming news updates via social media or news outlets. Interacting with friends and family through social media is a great way to use the tool of social media to have a positive, helpful experience to address feelings of isolation or loneliness, but this is a far cry from passively absorbing large amounts of information and news.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Finding ways to get out of the house and unwind safely is another great way to rejuvenate your mental state. Going for a hike, planning a picnic outing for you and your loved ones, or even renting a cabin somewhere is a wonderful way of getting outside your four walls and experiencing nature.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4164"/></figure>   <p>The most natural source of anti-anxiety medicine is right at your fingertips: endorphins! Getting your body moving by walking, running, or doing an at home workout not only gets those happy hormones going, but that movement will also help keep you in a non-sedentary state. This can have a positive impact on your body image as well. Fueling your body with nutritious foods, getting plenty of rest, and drinking appropriate amounts of water will allow you to have the energy and vitality you need to tackle your tasks while quarantined.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Finally, if you are a person of faith, staying connected with your religious organization has proven to have a significant impact for the better. Participating in streamed services, video chat meetings, and any other avenues of continuing to be involved as best as you can is one of the best things you can do for your mental health.&nbsp;</p>   <p>If none of these things are helping, do not hesitate to find a form of healthcare that is accessible for you.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/3.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/strategies-top-psychologists-use-to-stay-sane-while-stuck-at-home/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4159</ID> <title>What it Feels Like to Be In a COVID 19 Ward</title> <publishDate>2021-01-03 05:20:00</publishDate> <description> <p>Pandemic policy might not be conducive to healthy mental and emotional states, especially for those isolated in a COVID-19 ward. Before masks, social distancing, and quarantine, our society was already moving toward a screen-centric life, and away from many traditional communal routines. Noting the cell phone addiction in modern culture, Jane E Brody wrote a pre-pandemic article for the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/12/well/live/having-friends-is-good-for-you.html"><em>New York Times</em></a> titled,&nbsp; “<em>Social Interaction is Critical for Mental and Physical Health</em>”.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Ms. Brody likely had no idea how relevant this information would become in 2020, as COVID patients are condemned to lonely isolated experiences, sometimes left to die without the ability to say goodbye to loved ones. While there is <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2020/04/09/fact-check-coronavirus-patients-dying-alone-hospitals/5114282002/">no broad sweeping policy</a> keeping family and friends from saying goodbye to their COVID infected beloveds, most hospitals across the globe have instituted a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/29/health/coronavirus-hospital-visit-ban.html">no-visitor policy</a> during COVID.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>No Visitor Policies Create Increased Anxiety for Patients and Family</strong></p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/5.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4165"/></figure>   <p>These policies extend beyond the COVID ward, and apply to the entire hospital, as I learned first hand when my mother was admitted into the emergency room at MD Anderson last month during her cancer treatment. I was left to cry in the lobby, begging to see my mother, and met with a firm and sympathetic “no”. They did allow me to drop off flowers and photos to be hand delivered to her, but I was left feeling empty, defeated, and so very angry. I am one of the lucky ones, my mother is alive and here with us, and I have had the opportunity to hug her since she was discharged.&nbsp;</p>   <p>In other instances, families are not so lucky. Dr. Sumedha Tiwari, Sr. Registrar Department of Psychiatry Rajawadi hospital is working as a psychiatrist in a COVID ward in Mumbai, India. <a href="https://fit.thequint.com/mind-it/mental-health-in-a-covid-19-ward">She reports </a>the extreme distress and anxiety experienced by individuals who are diagnosed with COVID and forced to stay isolated away from their family and friends. In one instant a couple was brought in together, and the husband did not survive. Because the wife was infected, she was unable to grieve with the support of her family, and was left to mourn in isolation.</p>   <p>Dr. Tiwari also describes the trauma that many patients experience in the COVID ward when they witness other patients die in front of them. Not only are patients isolated, but they are experiencing added trauma in the hospital room, which can compound the level of anxiety they feel. Another Doctor in Mumbai <a href="https://fit.thequint.com/mind-it/mental-health-in-a-covid-19-ward">reports</a> watching patients beg to be released, pleading with doctors to not be “trapped” in the COVID isolation ward. She claims “one patient asked me, ‘why are we being shunned from society and being put literally behind bars’?”.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>Unintended Consequence of Isolation Induced Anxiety</strong></p>   <p>Could we possibly be creating more death, disease and illness through these no visitor policies? If historical medical research can give us any indication, the answer might be “yes”. A <a href="https://academic.oup.com/aje/article-abstract/109/2/186/74197">1965 study</a> conducted in Alameda County, California, concluded that people are three times more likely to die when they lack strong social ties. One of the most <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/12/well/live/having-friends-is-good-for-you.html">interesting conclusions</a> of this study is that people with unhealthy lifestyles who had strong social connections actually lived longer than people with healthy lifestyles who lacked social connection. In other words, our people help us to live longer.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Another study conducted by <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/the-health-benefits-of-strong-relationships">Harvard Medical School</a> concluded that men who have lower stress and stronger social connections were more likely to recover from a heart attack than those with high stress and isolation.&nbsp;</p>   <p>“With other important prognostic factors controlled for, the patients classified as being socially isolated and having a high degree of life stress had more than four times the risk of death of the men with low levels of both stress and isolation.”</p>   <p>It is worth noting that <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/12/well/live/having-friends-is-good-for-you.html">Harvard Medical School</a> has determined that…. “the life-enhancing effects of social support extend to giver as well as to receiver.”&nbsp; The benefits of social interaction to not only help the patient, but the family and friends who show up to support and comfort them.&nbsp; This means the pain and anxiety felt by the patients is going to impact their friends and family as well.&nbsp; I learned this the excruciatingly hard way from my first hand of experience with these policies as a visitor (mentioned above).&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>Why Mental Health is Important During a Pandemic</strong></p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/7.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4167"/></figure>   <p>In general, our mental health has a great impact on our physical health and longevity. Harvard Women’s Health Watch reports that “Dozens of studies have shown that people who have satisfying relationships with family, friends and their community are happier, have fewer health problems, and live longer.” Right now our society has become very focused on the physical symptoms of the COVID 19 pandemic. We have been focused on mitigating the spread of the disease through hand washing, mask wearing, and social isolation, while an unseen mental health crisis grows amongst us.&nbsp;</p>   <p>If the stress and anxiety factor is not taken into consideration, the impact on our survival through this pandemic may be huge. It is time for medical practitioners and institutions to take mental health into consideration, especially for patients and their loved ones during this pandemic. For all we know, more human interaction (with COVID safety protocols in place) is the antidote we need to reach greater recovery rates.&nbsp;</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/6.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/influences/what-it-feels-like-to-be-in-a-covid-19-ward-2/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4158</ID> <title>The Year Of Wall-E! These Robots Comfort COVID-19 Patients</title> <publishDate>2021-01-02 04:20:00</publishDate> <description> <h3>Help Wanted: Robot hospital workers with excellent communication skills</h3>   <p>One of the many challenging side effects of COVID-19 is the isolation that hospitalized patients suffer during quarantine. Separating patients from the general public, family and staff is a necessary part of preventing further spread of the outbreak, but it comes at an emotional and psychological cost.</p>   <p>Being separated from your loved ones is a harsh reality many have faced this year. In one hospital in Mexico City, there’s a staff worker who’s been hired specifically to help remedy the situation. Oh, and did I mention they’re a robot?</p>   <h3>A helping hand in Mexico</h3>   <p>This robot identifies itself as <a href="https://rappler.com/technology/features/robot-eases-loneliness-of-mexican-virus-patients">LaLuchy Robotina</a> as it travels room to room checking on COVID-19 patients. LaLuchy “moves around on wheels and has a camera and display screen enabling relatives and doctors to chat with patients or staff in full protective gear in the coronavirus ward.”</p>   <p><a href="https://rappler.com/technology/features/robot-eases-loneliness-of-mexican-virus-patients">The robot</a> "’...helps us with the mental health of the patient,’ said Sandra Munoz, who coordinates the hospital's strategy against the virus, which has killed more than 60,000 people in Mexico.” Staff and patients alike seem to be adjusting well to the idea of using robots in the hospital environment, especially since they’re solving real problems in coronavirus wards.</p>   <p>With an obvious aim at reducing the chances of infecting others during treatment, LaLuchy is just one example of a world-wide trend utilizing hospital robots, acting as an artificial therapist’s assistant of sorts, not just assisting the patients, but their relatives as well.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/9.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4169"/></figure>   <h3>Open source, opening communication</h3>   <p>Working towards similar goals is Italian researcher and robotics professor <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/news-from-around-ieee/the-institute/ieee-member-news/this-opensource-robot-is-helping-hospitalized-covid19-patients-stay-in-touch-with-loved-ones">Antonio Bicchi</a>, who has “developed a robot called LHF-Connect.” Bicchi has accomplished this using “... an open source and affordable robot that anyone can build”. Partly based upon iRobot software libraries, LHF-Connect is mobile and is controlled via remote.&nbsp;</p>   <p>The robot can be connected to patient schedules, so hospital staff coordinate with the LHF-Connect’s operator who remains safely out of the range of the infected patients. This allows family and patients to communicate without any risk to staff.</p>   <h3>Artificial animal therapy</h3>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/10.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4170"/></figure>   <p>In Texas, Sandra Peterson is integrating the use of “social” robots for a unique form of ‘pet’ therapy. As the Program Director of the University of Texas’ nursing department in addition to her own geriatric house-call practice in Dallas-Forth Worth, Peterson is able to see first hand the effect that COVID-19 has on those who are separated from loved ones throughout their illness.</p>   <p><a href="https://www.wired.com/story/covid-19-robot-companions/">Petersen’s</a> “bot of choice is Paro, an adorable, playful device from Japan that helps her patients feel less lonely.” She states:&nbsp; “The role of social robots like <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/covid-19-robot-companions/">Paro</a> is becoming more important, especially as we see this sector of our population targeted by this virus… It's built for a time such as this.”</p>   <p>At $6000, Paro weighs equal to an infant, and looks like a baby seal. Invented by roboticist Takanori Shibata, the chief research scientist at Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/covid-19-robot-companions/">Paro</a> may be helping Petersen’s patients, but it has also inspired some ethical hand-wringing about the role of robots in caretaking.&nbsp;</p>   <h3>More human than human?</h3>   <p>In the midst of this virus outbreak, it’s a perfect scenario to work out the deeper questions of ethics and the effect on patients and society. One has to wonder if similar worries over the emotional impact of wearing masks across society are all part of a greater conversation. One might say that the greater question is how we are to remain human in times that require a great measure of humanity?</p>   <p>The truth is, that we see wide-reaching evidence that humans form a very similar bond to A.I. companions like Paro as they do to pets, but Paro comes with the benefit of low maintenance that attendants tend to prefer over the real thing. Studies using Paro have even shown-short term memory improvements for Alzheimer patients in previous studies.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/11.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4171"/></figure>   <p>From nursing homes to COVID-19 wards, we see the growing use of robot assistants, helping caretaking and companionship, and the common thread for now, seems to be that it is “better than nothing” but still not a substitute for a real human presence.</p>   <p>There are numerous other digital companions entering the scene, from Japan to Israel, Atlanta to Mexico City, bringing the open market competition which helps lower the price and increase the range of options from seals to dogs and other artificially furry friends.&nbsp;</p>   <p>It seems that we’re all being thrust into the future at a quicker pace since the coronavirus came along. This presents a good opportunity to ask ourselves whether robots as caretakers, assistants, and emotional companions are a good idea, or whether they provide a temporary go-between while we seek ways to maintain human closeness on a safe, but more meaningful level.</p>   <p></p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/8.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/the-year-of-wall-e-these-robots-comfort-covid-19-patients/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4157</ID> <title>Reopening of Schools - Is it Safe?</title> <publishDate>2021-01-01 15:19:00</publishDate> <description> <p>As society moves toward the reopening of schools and businesses in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent government shut down, many people are left wondering if it is a safe decision.&nbsp; In late August of 2020<a href="https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2020/08/30/im-cautiously-optimistic-we-can-open-schools-businesses-ut-health-san-antonio-doctor-says-on-covid-19-trends/"> Dr. Robert Leverence of UT Health San Antonio</a> made a media appearance claiming he was “cautiously optimistic” about schools reopening in his community.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Dr. Leverence made this statement after looking specifically at the numbers of hospitalizations for COVID-19, as opposed to the new case numbers.&nbsp; This is because the new case numbers are dependent on how many tests are conducted, and can be impacted by small outbreaks in specific areas. When we focus on the number of people who are actually hospitalized, we can get a picture of how severe the outbreaks really are.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>   <p>In late August the data models indicated that there would be a small surge of COVID-19 infections once schools reopened, but nothing overwhelming like the <a href="https://time.com/5863324/july-fourth-coronavirus/">surge</a> that happened over the Fourth of July, which Dr Leverence <a href="https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2020/06/28/we-could-be-in-for-a-new-york-city-type-situation-ut-health-doctor-says-on-san-antonio-covid-19-spike/">predicted</a> the week prior in June of 2020. In fact, in Dr. Leverence has changed his opinion on the reopening of schools and businesses since the beginning of this summer, when <a href="https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2020/06/28/we-could-be-in-for-a-new-york-city-type-situation-ut-health-doctor-says-on-san-antonio-covid-19-spike/">he stated</a>, “ I don’t think it’s going to be safe to open up for...public gatherings later this fall. But we’ll find out. We’ll find out.”</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Untitled-design-31.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4173"/></figure>   <p>And we are finding out. San Antonio schools have opened their doors to students and the data shows that there have been a total of more than <a href="https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2020/09/24/san-antonios-3-largest-school-districts-have-reported-more-than-80-covid-19-cases-for-students-staff/">80 positive COVID-19 cases</a> in the San Antonio school district since their reopening in August of this year, an infection rate of .05%. The data indicates that teachers and staff make up 65 of the 86 confirmed cases, which shows that staff have been more greatly impacted by COVID-19 outbreaks than students.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Often children stay <a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/as-schools-reopen-amid-covid-19-pandemic-how-long-do-asymptomatic-children-remain-contagious-11599043219#:~:text=A%20new%20study%20published%20in,long%20after%20symptoms%20have%20cleared.">asymptomatic</a> when they are infected with COVID-19, and not all students have returned to in-person school, which might be contributing to these statistics. Ultimately, as Dr. Leverence indicated, the infection rates are not necessarily indicative of the true spread of the virus throughout the community.&nbsp; Children are less likely to show symptoms of the virus, and yet can still spread the virus through a process called “<a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/as-schools-reopen-amid-covid-19-pandemic-how-long-do-asymptomatic-children-remain-contagious-11599043219#:~:text=A%20new%20study%20published%20in,long%20after%20symptoms%20have%20cleared.">shedding</a>” for up to three weeks. This means that children can become the conduit to community spread, without showing a spike in infection rate through school statistics.</p>   <p>With some families choosing to use distance learning options instead of in-person education, these low numbers of infection could be attributed to behavioral choices made by the families and school districts themselves. That is exactly what Dr. Leverence said would make the difference between a large or small surge when schools reopened, human choices. According to Dr. Leverence, the behaviors we engage in (avoiding large crowds, social distancing, hand washing, etc…) are going to make the greatest impact on these COVID-19 numbers, and are the only measures that will keep the spread of the virus to a lower rate.&nbsp;</p>   <p>In fact, schools that rushed to reopen on the other side of the planet this summer showed the importance of these measures to stop the spread. Isreail schools <a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/former-israeli-coronavirus-task-force-chairman-it-seemed-safe-to-reopen-schools-but-then-came-the-outbreaks-2020-09-01">reopened</a> in May and there was not enough time given to administrators to prepare and implement new systems for all of the children. The result was mass COVID-19 outbreaks. One school alone had 197 positive cases between both students and teachers.&nbsp;</p>   <p>At the time, the Isreali government thought it was safe to reopen due to the decline in cases in May of 2020, despite the <a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/as-schools-reopen-amid-covid-19-pandemic-how-long-do-asymptomatic-children-remain-contagious-11599043219#:~:text=A%20new%20study%20published%20in,long%20after%20symptoms%20have%20cleared.">warning of experts</a>. Eli Waxman was the former chairman of the team advising Israel's National Security Council on the pandemic, and has stepped down from his position after the council refused to heed his warning about reopening the schools so quickly and abruptly. The experience in Israel has given us a lot to learn from. Rushing children into crowded environments where social distancing is not an option can put our entire community at risk.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Untitled-design-33.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4174"/></figure>   <p>The data coming from the San Antonio schools reopening shows a more positive outcome than what happened in Israel and three weeks later, it seems Dr. Laverence’s optimism has paid off - the numbers are in alignment with his data-backed predictions, but what does this mean for the reopening of schools and businesses across the nation?&nbsp;</p>   <p>Right now, every state is taking a&nbsp; different approach, so the results are going to vary. In the words of Dr. Leverence, “We will see. We will see. “</p>   <p></p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/1.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/reopening-of-schools-is-it-safe/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4120</ID> <title>How Personalized Medicine Will Revolutionize Future Health Care Markets</title> <publishDate>2020-12-30 15:57:00</publishDate> <description> <p>Technology has been rapidly reshaping the healthcare market for decades, but lately it’s become clear that the era of one-size-fits-all medicine is increasingly irrelevant in today’s customized culture.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>   <p>One of the fastest-growing markets in healthcare is personalized medicine, and it’s an area that investors should carefully prioritize when considering market growth for the next decade. Rapid advances in this field, also called precision medicine, because of its ability to precisely target and provide solutions for complex issues in individuals.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>What is personalized medicine? </strong>Precision, or personalized medicine provides for the customization of targeted treatments in patients, by using a wide body of data and diagnostics to provide the best care for each patient as an individual. This level of consideration given to the differences in individual’s prior medical histories, genetics, and more allows people to get the correct care for their unique circumstances, without wasting time and money on generalized treatments that are not optimally effective for people with different medical histories or genetic risk factors.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/2-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4122"/></figure>   <p>Personalized medicine involves and benefits a wide range of groups and industries, from patients, consumers and healthcare providers, to academic researchers, biopharmaceutical companies, and advocacy groups.&nbsp;</p>   <p>While the COVID-19 situation has upended many markets in the global economy, the field of personalized medicine is one that’s absolutely thriving under these new pressures. In fact, the field of personalized medicine has great potential for developing maximally effective treatments for COVID, because they can target specific genetic markers in individuals, and offer different solutions depending on their data analysis.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>This makes treatment plans more likely to be effective the first time, which saves time, money, and sometimes, the lives of our patients.&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p>   <p>The potential for precision medicine’s market growth will only increase, as the prohibitive costs of health care continue to pose challenges for both individuals and insurance payors.&nbsp;</p>   <p>In the keynote speech delivered by <a href="http://www.koreabiomed.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=9194">Jöerg Michael Rupp at the Global Bio Conference this September,</a> he remarked that the personalized medicine market has the potential to create a sustainable healthcare environment, because of how efficient it allows medical care providers to be in allocating viable resources.&nbsp;</p>   <p>He further commented that the abundance of data and diagnostic information within healthcare industries could be leveraged to provide even more statistical analysis, which will accelerate the implementation of additional precision medicine practices.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Analysis of information gathered from a variety of technology-based sources, including electronic medical records, mobile apps, and diagnostic surveys, can bring needed insights into the far-reaching effects of medical decision-making, including opportunity costs and overall marketable value of new treatments and medications as they apply to individuals.&nbsp;</p>   <p>As medical care providers work to increase the accessibility of personalized medicine, it will be necessary to collaborate with government regulators and policymakers to help implement widespread adaptation of new tools and technologies.<br><br>Insurance companies and healthcare regulations must evolve and shift toward managing smaller patient populations based on their genetic profiles, and new laws and policies will need to be created that incentivize new avenues of research, to further increase the acceptance and adoption of personalized medicine technologies.</p>   <p>Over time, this will further accelerate the market potential for personalized medicine as the emerging gold standard in modern health care.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/3-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4121"/></figure>   <p><strong>Why is the personalized medicine market so powerful, exactly?</strong> Because for many patients, a specific treatment or medication can be tailored to their unique genetic markers as well as their pattern or groups of symptoms. This means major savings not only in terms of cost, but also time and effort spent on finding a custom-tailored course of treatment for individuals. Instead of treating the diagnosis or symptom set, a doctor who practices personalized medicine is able to treat the individual persons in their care.<br><br>COVID-19 has taught us that healthcare solutions do not exist in a vacuum, and that any treatment, medication, or protocol must be able to withstand the test of value in terms of its socio-economic viability.<br><br>In terms of consistency, there is no single source or monitoring system to handle coronavirus testing - and <a href="http://www.bio-itworld.com/2020/05/06/lessons-from-personalized-medicine-can-supercharge-coronavirus-testing.aspx">digital automation would greatly streamline the process</a>, making it more straightforward to get fast, traceable answers. Personalized medicine requires a large amount of data inputs to work efficiently, but it’s clear that applying the rigors of automation to medical data sets results in dramatically more organized and actionable results for healthcare providers to work with.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Major benefits of the advances in personalized medicine markets&nbsp;</p>   <p>Thanks to advanced analytic techniques and AI, we are gaining new insights about the ways in which not only genetics, but the biological and environmental factors which affect expression of those genetics, influence a patient's risk of illness, as well as how they respond to certain treatments. This in-depth analysis allows us to further explore the field of preventive medicine, which is critically important to the future.</p>   <p>Additionally, personalized medicine greatly reduces the number of adverse drug reactions in patients, which is currently one of the top causes of death in the United States. Finally, applying personalized medicine technologies can unlock previously undiscovered uses for existing medicines, thereby finding new candidates for treatment.</p>   <p>The field of personalized medicine is expanding rapidly and in diverse directions, from biotechnology to diagnostic and remote treatment advances. The market potential for personalized medicine is undeniably oriented toward exponential growth during the coming years, and is quite possibly defining the newest horizons of quality health care.&nbsp;</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/1-1.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/how-personalized-medicine-will-revolutionize-future-health-care-markets/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4125</ID> <title>Drop in Preterm Births During COVID has Doctors Confused</title> <publishDate>2020-12-28 16:10:24</publishDate> <description> <p>A baffling new phenomenon is emerging in labor and delivery wards across the globe, and it’s something of a pleasant surprise to medical professionals: Since COVID-19, the <a href="https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/fewer-babies-are-being-born-premature-during-covid-19-1.5056815">premature birth rate in many countries has sharply dropped</a>, resulting in more full-term births and fewer costly and deadly complications.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>Premature birth is defined as a live delivery that happens before 37 weeks of gestation. </strong>Most common is late preterm (34-36 weeks); then mid-preterm (32-34 weeks); while births earlier than 32 weeks are considered very preterm, and those are associated with the most dangerous and deadly risks.&nbsp;</p>   <p>During pregnancy, your due date is understood to be an estimate, and a full-term birth can happen anywhere between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation.&nbsp;</p>   <p>According to data from the <a href="https://www.marchofdimes.org/mission/reportcard.aspx">March of Dimes, in 2018 the premature birth rate</a> in the United States had risen to over 10% of total births, and is generally expected to continue to rise. Globally, the rate of preterm birth is about 11%, and over 1 million children under the age of 5 die annually from complications due to preterm birth.&nbsp;</p>   <p><a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premature-birth/symptoms-causes/syc-20376730">The impact of premature birth affects both short-term and long-term development</a>. These challenges include breathing and swallowing issues, digestive and circulatory problems, as well as complications involving the brain, metabolism, and immune system. With such a vast collection of serious complications, there has been ample study devoted to decreasing the prevalence of preterm birth - and new insights into the phenomena of preterm birth will be of significant importance to overall public health.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>However, there is still much that the medical community does not understand regarding the issue of preterm birth.</strong> The most compelling risk factors for preterm birth include intrauterine infection or medical complications of pregnancy like diabetes and hypertension.&nbsp;</p>   <p>The <a href="https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/treatments-prevent-premature-birth.html">recommendations for reducing your risk of giving birth prematurely</a> include lowering your stress levels, eating a nourishing diet, avoiding known risk factors for infections and illness, and avoiding alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drug use.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>Since COVID-19 has contributed to a massive spike in global stress and fear, doctors initially expected that rates of premature birth would be on the rise--but in many areas, the opposite has held true!&nbsp;</strong></p>   <p>Interestingly, new reports from around the globe are showing rather drastic drops in premature birth rates beginning in April of this year, with independent news reports from NICUs in Canada, Australia, Ireland and Denmark, among other nations.&nbsp;</p>   <p>In fact, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/19/health/coronavirus-premature-birth.html">one hospital crunched the numbers and found</a> that between March and June 2020, there had been less than one-quarter the number of “extremely premature” infants born - which is a baffling and significant drop, the likes of which have not been seen during the entire twenty years prior.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>Many researchers are captivated by what other factors play into the potential for causing premature birth.</strong> They are currently designing studies around various hypotheses that may lend insight into our overall understanding of preterm birth, and therefore can be more proactive in its prevention.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Untitled-design-4.png" alt="" class="wp-image-4127"/></figure>   <p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7456271/">Possible speculation is underway as to what may be influencing the preterm birth rate drop</a>, including the increased vigilance around immune support and personal hygiene, thereby decreasing the prevalence of viral infections in expectant mothers. Another potential angle for research involves the increased incidence of working remotely or not working, which may lead to less stress in expectant mothers, thereby reducing their risk of premature birth.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Finally, expectant mothers are being exposed to significantly lower amounts of environmental pollutants due to less burning of fossil fuels during COVID, which is improving air quality in metro areas. Air pollution is one clearly defined risk factor in preterm birth.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>These and many other scenarios could </strong><a href="https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.03.20121442v1"><strong>potentially be co-factors in the decrease of preterm birth </strong></a><strong>that many hospitals and families are currently enjoying.&nbsp;</strong></p>   <p>While the correlations between preterm birth rates and stress, environmental pollutants, and maternal infection are more clearly defined, there are many other potential contributing factors to the rate of preterm birth that are not as well-documented.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Untitled-design-5.png" alt="" class="wp-image-4126"/></figure>   <p>For example, COVID could be reducing access to addictive and toxic substances, especially illicit drugs, for the most at-risk populations. During COVID, many expectant mothers are spending more free time at home, and this may correlate with an increase in home cooking (and therefore, better nutrition in expectant mothers), or more time for personal care.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Perhaps they are spending more time with family members, and less time commuting and working - and this could be a key factor in improving expectant mothers’ overall wellbeing. Other factors include a reduction - or increase - in time spent outdoors, and telemedicine instead of in-person prenatal exams.</p>   <p>As the pandemic continues to unfold, new trends may emerge, and as lockdowns and restrictions expire, it’s possible that we may see a tragic reversal of this trend. Hopefully researchers will uncover some helpful correlations in the data so that medical care providers will be better equipped to prevent preterm birth in the future.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Untitled-design-28.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/doctor/drop-in-preterm-births-during-covid-has-doctors-confused/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4052</ID> <title>World’s Most Famous Dentist Giving Back</title> <publishDate>2020-12-25 18:21:00</publishDate> <description> <p>Dr. Bill Dorfman is a man of many talents, achievements, and passions whose early experiences and willingness to overcome obstacles has led him to create many projects with deep roots to his family and foundation. Driven by his belief that helping people achieve a great smile is vital in boosting their self-esteem and promoting a happy life, Dr. Dorfman has spent 40 years in the dental industry, creating some of the brightest smiles and happiest lives.</p>   <p>Relating his decision to become a dentist back to an unfortunate accident during his childhood, Dr. Dorfman explains that it was as if the “writing was on the wall.” As a result of an accident at age 3, Dorfman lost his upper front baby teeth and required multiple surgeries to ensure the proper development of his adult teeth. During his many subsequent visits, his curiosity about the profession grew.</p>   <p>His dental career began in 1983 after graduating from the University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco as one of the youngest graduates ever to receive a doctorate degree. After completing a two-year residency program at a dental hospital in Lausanne, Switzerland, Dr. Dorfman moved back to the United States and began his own aesthetic and general dentistry practice in the Beverly Hills area.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/1-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4190"/></figure>   <p>At the age of 29, Dr. Dorfman had the opportunity to work with his first celebrity patient, Esther Williams, who was one of MGM's biggest silver-screen stars. Not only did this opportunity result in a lifelong friendship with Williams, but it also thrust Dr. Dorfman into the spotlight, which attracted other celebrity patients. In the following years, he worked with many celebrities, including Anthony Hopkins, Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman, Mark Walhberg, Kathy Bates, Eva Longoria, Katy Perry, Usher, and Paula Abdul — making him perhaps the only person who can say he has a professional relationship with Hannibal Lecter, Mia Thermopolis, and The Wolverine.</p>   <p>Because of his distinguished career in dentistry, Dr. Dorfman has also been a featured dentist on ABC’s “Extreme Makeover” and the Emmy Winning CBS talk show “The Doctors,” where he was a recurring guest co-host. Additionally, he is the author of The Smile Guide and the New York Times bestseller Billion Dollar Smile.</p>   <p>Dr. Dorfman also co-founded Discus Dental, Inc. through which dental products and equipment have been developed and distributed to over 100 countries. Some of these products include the ground-breaking Nite White, Day White, BreathRX, Brite Smile, and Zoom!</p>   <p>Dr. Dorfman helped grow Discus Dental from zero to over $1.3 billion dollars in sales. It became the largest global tooth whitening company before being sold to Philips in 2010.</p>   <p>But by far, his favorite passion project is founding and contributing to the LEAP Foundation (Leadership. Excellence. Accelerating Potential), a non-profit organization dedicated to building the next generation of leaders. Through LEAP, Dr. Dorfman helps bring together over 400 top student leaders from around the world to UCLA's campus for annual summer motivational programs. The LEAP Foundation, created to inspire and guide the next generation, is a week-long experience where attendees ages 15-25+ are exposed to interviews with celebrities and professionals who explain how they have built successful lives, careers, or companies.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/2-4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4258"/><figcaption>Dr. Dorfman and Kathy Bates</figcaption></figure>   <p>When asked what led him to founding LEAP, Dr. Dorfman replied, “I’ll go back to the beginning… There was this iconic insurance salesman from Hunt, Texas, whose nickname was Itsy Bitsy Walter Hailey. He was this little guy who was a powerhouse, and as it turned out, many of his clients were dentists.What he soon realized was that even though these guys were amazing dentists, they knew nothing about business or running a practice. It was a completely different skill set, one that was not taught in schools back then, so he started a program called Dental Boot Kamp where he and his partner, Steve Anderson taught dental teams how to work as a team, how to be productive, and how to be profitable.</p>   <p>[As a result of the program's success], some of the people that went to Dental Boot Kamp said, 'you know, I wish there were something like this for my high school or college kids to go to and learn these skills'.</p>   <p>So, Walter and Steve created a program and asked different people to come as mentors.”</p>   <p>Asked to be a mentor himself, Dr. Dorfman attended the program to talk about his dental career and experiences on ABC’s “Extreme Makeover” and being a New York Times Bestselling author. Touched by how impactful the program was for the students, he returned for numerous years before taking it over upon Walter’s passing. It was then renamed LEAP and remade into a non-profit organization.</p>   <p>“[LEAP] has nothing to do with dentistry. It’s about life skills and teaching things like public speaking, networking, study habits, and how to apply for a job. It’s very comprehensive, and kids who go through the program will tell you that LEAP changed their lives. It's really profound and one of the things that is so near and dear to my heart.”</p>   <p></p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/3-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4259"/><figcaption>Dr. Dorfman and Anthony Hopkins</figcaption></figure>   <p>Throughout his life, Dr. Dorfman has exemplified the key principles taught at LEAP's annual summer program. This establishes the importance of — and proven success behind — these principles and makes them extremely personal. Going back to his beginnings when he was nearing graduation from the University of the Pacific in San Francisco, Dorfman said that he began to assess his life and the next steps to be taken into a dental career. “Basically, I was in dental school about to graduate, and I'm 24 years old. I [started to think], you know, I've never traveled. I've never been anywhere or done anything except school. The idea of opening a practice and being tethered to it until I retire without ever really seeing the world scared me,” he admitted. That was until he heard about a clinic in Switzerland that accepted those with American licenses. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to practice dentistry while also traveling. The only problem was that the clinic only had one position open and somewhere near 400 applicants. Knowing that his chances of getting into the Switzerland program were slim, Dr. Dorfman began an initiative that would later become one of the founding principles taught at the LEAP Foundation.</p>   <p>For more information about LEAP please go to www.leapfoundation.com</p>   <p><strong>Willingness of Success</strong></p>   <p>“One of the things we teach at LEAP is that successful people are willing to do the things unsuccessful people are not willing to do,” said Dr. Dorfman, “So, I started sending letters of recommendation from every professor in my dental school that I was friends with, and the letters were stellar! Do you know how I know? I wrote them all!”</p>   <p>One of the important pieces of advice he passes on to the students who attend LEAP is that asking a professor to write a letter of recommendation can take up a lot of time in their already busy schedules. An alternative request is to offer to write the letter themselves and have the professor personalize it, which Dorfman's professors chose to do. On top of sending letters of recommendation, he started to call the Director of the Switzerland program every week. “Now that doesn't sound like such a big thing, but back then, in 1983, making long-distance phone calls was not as easy as it is today and VERY expensive,” said Dorfman. Regardless, he would send in another resume at the start of each week and call to follow up, make sure it was received, and talk with the Director. Then, one day, his persistence paid off, and something different happened.</p>   <p>“I tell my students that you will have life-defining moments, and sometimes you plan them, and sometimes you don't. This one was spontaneous. I don't even know where it came from, I was on the phone with [the Director], and I really felt that he wasn't interested at all,</p>   <p>so I said ‘can I take you to lunch?’"</p>   <p>Despite the reality of being in San Francisco and having no money to travel to Switzerland, he promised the Director that he would be there. The week after graduation, having borrowed the money, he traveled to Switzerland with the hope of being hired. “It worked!” Dorfman told Top Doctor Magazine, “Apparently, I was the only one out of 400 applicants that did what I did, and he hired me. It changed the trajectory of my life; I learned how to ski, I made amazing friends, I became fluent in French, and above all, it was an amazing experience.”</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-nkdqGfb1s </div></figure>   <p><strong>Copy Genius And Build Relationships</strong></p>   <p>When he returned to LA from his time working in Switzerland, Dr. Dorfman recognized that the area already had many established cosmetic dentists. To build his own practice, he would need to set himself apart.</p>   <p>As a result, he embarked on another initiative that would later become the second valuable lesson he teaches to the students who attend LEAP.</p>   <p>“I called five of the most successful dentists that I could find and asked if I could shadow them even though shadowing wasn't even a thing back then. They each said the same thing to me… 'You're not like other students”.</p>   <p>While most students would sit and watch the dentist drill on teeth, Dr. Dorfman would come into the clinic early and follow the entire process. From observing patient behavior entering the practice to how they engaged with forms, listening to the receptionists at the desk, following along with the doctor as he designed a treatment plan, and taking note of office managers, Dorfman learned what he wanted to implement in his own clinic.</p>   <p>“I took everything I learned from those five offices and put it into my office,” said Dorfman, “On top of that, I have my secret weapon, Sue Hartzler.”</p>   <p>Upon opening his dental office, Dr. Dorfman sent out announcements to everyone in his life at the time. Following up on one of the announcements inviting her to be a patient, Sue Hartzler, a former high school classmate, came into the office one day. In their conversation, Dr. Dorfman learned that she was working as a publicist - getting PR for her clients and helping them grow their businesses. He hired her, and within a couple of months, she had him listed in the Los Angeles Magazine as The Best Dentist in L.A.</p>   <p>“It was one of the greatest breaks [for me],” said Dorfman, “The second biggest break was meeting my future business partner and life-long best friend, Robert Hayman, at a charity event and creating Discus Dental with him.”</p>   <p>Through LEAP, Dr. Dorfman has communicated the importance of fostering successful business, mentoring relationships and the art of connecting in the entrepreneurial atmosphere. For example, the summer event for the program culminates on Friday with what is called the Mentor Workshop. At the Workshop, students get a chance to sit at a table with a mentor — people like doctors, lawyers, firefighters, artists, screenwriters, actors/actresses — and ask questions about their career and profession. Some of the past speakers at LEAP include Anthony Hopkins, Mark Wahlberg, Paula Abdul, Eva Longoria, Kathy Bates, Usher, Michael Strahan, Apolo Ohno, Hannah Brown, Bibop Gresta (the founder of Hyperloop), and many others.</p>   <p><strong>Give Back</strong></p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/4-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4260"/></figure>   <p>Believing strongly in the philosophy of “paying it forward,” Dr. Dorfman lives his life under the belief that no one should go through this world without making it better. When an individual's career has taken off, that person should give back to the community — a principle he has demonstrated many times over. Dr. Dorfman's words of encouragement and advice for the next generation of dentists is that they should help people no matter the difference that help might make. The one thing that Dr. Dorfman hopes people understand from looking at his life is that he is leaving a legacy of giving back because doing so brings him feelings of joy and gratitude.</p>   <p>When asked what he is most proud of, Dr. Dorfman replied, “I would say personally my 3 daughters. Professionally, the fact that together with Discus Dental, The Crown Council, and Country Singer Garth Brooks, we have raised over $44 Million for children's charities through the Smiles For Life Initiative; and finally LEAP. It's a program that teaches things that [students] don't learn in school. One of which is appreciation. We give them a pad called I Appreciate Notes, and they fill it in with things that they appreciate. Before the pandemic, out of 400 students, I would get 400 I Appreciate Notes. These notes would say things like “I really appreciate you and the team because LEAP changed my life.’ And I know that it did. It is definitely a life-changing experience, and 99% of the students say that. The reason why I say only 99% is because the 1% say 'LEAP saved my life'... LEAP isn't a one and done. We encourage the students to stay active and join mastermind groups and continue listening to our podcasts. It's a really beautiful family.”</p>   <p>When he isn’t working at Century City Aesthetic Dentistry, Dr. Dorfman spends his time working with LEAP, staying active with his strict fitness regime, skiing, and developing new products for the dental industry. He shared with Top Doctor Magazine that two new products will be launching in 2021. “I cannot tell you [specifics] about them; they are secrets! But one is what we’re going to call a category killer in take-home tooth whitening and the second is a really fun product that I’ve been working on for years that’s finally coming to fruition,” said Dorfman. Additionally, it can be expected that Dr. Dorfman will be returning to television networks as he is in talks with a TV talk show host about doing a recurring segment. If anyone would like to reach out to him, Dr. Dorfman is available on his Instagram page @drbilldorfman and responds to 100% of his direct messages.</p>   <p>In closing, Dr. Dorfman left us with his life mantra: “When life gives you an opportunity, don’t take it… master it.”</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/1-3.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/dr-bill-dorfman/</url> </article> <article> <ID>4046</ID> <title>In Motion Dentists</title> <publishDate>2020-12-24 18:00:59</publishDate> <description> <p>Dr. Wade Banner</p>   <h3><strong>Introduction</strong></h3>   <p>In the past year, we have seen the COVID-19 pandemic affect the lives of billions worldwide. Whether it was financial hardships, emotional and mental stress, physical health complications, or a combination of the listed, everyone has had to overcome crisis after crisis. But amidst this chaos, fear, and confusion, a common trend has emerged. As Bob Riley, the 52nd Governor of Alabama, said: "Hard times don't create heroes. It is during the hard times when the hero within us is revealed."&nbsp;</p>   <p>At Top Doctor Magazine, we believe that these heroes are the same brave, talented, and amazingly dedicated men and women who serve in the medical community. Through this trying time, doctors, nurses, and other medical experts have become a shining beacon in this dark time. They are our modern-day heroes, and these are their stories.&nbsp;</p>   <h3><strong>Introducing Dr. Wade Banner and In Motion Dentists</strong></h3>   <p>The Founder of <a href="https://inmotiondentists.com/">In Motion Dentists</a>, Dr. Banner, is a Board-Certified Dentist who has a passion for working with elderly, disabled, and special needs populations. Originally from Idaho, he moved to California in 2010 and attended the Western University College of Dental Medicine. During his fourth year of dental school, Dr. Banner became involved with a non-profit organization that served special needs and disabled patients. He shadowed the organization’s dentist for a year before going to work with them. In this time, he realized his passion for and ability to help these unique populations, and in 2014 In Motion Dentists was created. By Operating in both Los Angeles and Orange County, Dr. Banner is able to further his passion for helping those who need house-call dentistry.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Untitled-design-18.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4049"/></figure>   <h3><strong>How In Motion Dentists Is Responding To The COVID-19 Pandemic</strong></h3>   <p>During the early stages of the pandemic in March and April, In Motion Dentists limited services to emergency treatments only. Then, starting in June, Dr. Banner and his team began seeing an uptick in calls from patients desperately seeking dental services. Going back to an almost full-time workload in June, In Motion Dentists also saw a large demographic of patients coming from those who were uncomfortable going back into a traditional dental office. Answering the need for providing quality care to their patients, they were able to bring on a third doctor and two hygienists this year.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Like many other doctors and medical companies came to realize, it was difficult to find enough PPE during the earlier months of the pandemic. This was true for Dr. Banner and his team. However, as time has continued and manufacturers are able to answer the demand, getting PPE is less of a concern. Dr. Banner explained that adjusting to wearing all of the PPE needed to keep patients and staff safe was not all that drastic of a change. Since many of their patients are medically compromised, they were already wearing masks, gowns, and shoe coverings for each appointment. The additional PPE and disinfecting procedures for equipment and vehicles adopted in the last several months have been received widely by both staff and patients with appreciation.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Compared to most practices, Dr. Banner did not have to adjust his practice to the many unique sanitation rules, such as removing coffee makers and magazines from waiting areas. Due to their unique operating style, everything is done digitally. There is no need for physical in-office precautions. However, one important precaution that they take is asking patients, caregivers, and care-facilities if there are any COVID-19 outbreaks or sicknesses before arriving at the appointment.&nbsp;</p>   <p>"With doing house-call dentistry in general, the people that we hire have to be fluid in how they work because we're in a different situation at every appointment. ...The personalities of the people we hire are fairly easy-going and adapt well to changes," said Dr. Banner of his team.</p>   <p>Dr. Banner and his team are doing their part to stop the spread of the virus, protecting themselves and their patients. Before, during, and after patient visits, they are physically distancing, wearing masks, and washing hands, among other precautions. However, as Dr. Banner said, there isn't much more to be done beyond these particular measures. "COVID-19 is a virus, so if it's going to get you, it's going to get you," he said. His personal opinion is that the most important thing to understand is that this virus is real, poses a threat, and is not going away anytime soon, so doing your part to mitigate the spread is extremely valuable. Dr. Banner has not seen his family since last Christmas to protect both his pregnant wife and patient population. Taking trips, flying, and being in large gatherings are unnecessary risks that he is unwilling to take. "Measures have been directed by the CDC and the government, so adherence to those measures will help the spread," he said.&nbsp;</p>   <p>In Motion Dentists, with the approaching winter season, is investing in gowns, hand sanitizer, and protective equipment to keep them and their patients safe. With the approaching flu season, the pandemic presents a special opportunity for practices to reevaluate their safety protocols and be proactive in their preventative measures.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Copy-of-Exclusive-Interview-with-Santas-Elves-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4048"/></figure>   <p>For the New Year, Dr. Banner is already in the process of building a brick and mortar practice in which to see patients that want in-person dental visits. Many of the family members of In Motion Dentists’ current patients have expressed interest for this and will be among the first appointments made. Not only will having a physical practice allow In Motion Dentists to meet the needs of current patients and their family members, but it will also broaden their reach for new clientele.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Overall, Dr. Banner tries to keep his mind focused on what he can control, "My philosophy is that I worry about the things I can control and don't worry about the things I can't."&nbsp;</p>   <p>This year has been hard for all of us in many ways, yet we must continue to keep our eyes on the future and the areas in our lives we control.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Untitled-design-17.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/in-motion-dentists/</url> </article> <article> <ID>3959</ID> <title>Exclusive Interview with Santa’s Elves</title> <publishDate>2020-12-07 16:06:01</publishDate> <description> <h3><strong>How Santa and his elves are handling COVID-19 and still delivering presents this year</strong></h3>   <p>As this year has seen the rise of COVID-19 worldwide, we may all be feeling a little discouraged about the holiday season. Christmas may be looking a lot different from previous years, traditions may have to be altered, and overall we may be feeling anxious about how we will be able to celebrate during this pandemic.&nbsp;</p>   <p>However, the most important question is: will Santa Claus still be delivering presents around the globe? Because this question has been circling within the minds of everyone age one to ninety-two, we decided to take it upon ourselves to hold an exclusive interview with one of Santa’s top-level Elves.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Copy-of-To-Mask-or-Not-To-Mask-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3969"/></figure>   <p>Dingle the Elf has been working with Santa ever since he became old enough to apprentice for the toymakers. Years later, he has advanced through the ranks and now finds himself at the head of a medical task force put together specifically for navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Join us as we dive into exactly how Santa is going to be keeping himself and the world safe this Christmas.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Lillian: Welcome, Dingle! It’s so great having you here on Zoom to answer a few important questions regarding this holiday season!</p>   <p>Dingle: Thank you for having me; it’s a pleasure being here!</p>   <p>Lillian: Tell me, where is Santa in the process of getting ready for the big night?</p>   <p>Dingle: We have reached the point in the year where everything is running at full speed. Letters are coming in each day from all over the world, and the elves are busy creating those presents. This continues right up to the second Santa leaves on the night of Christmas Eve. Fueled by hot cocoa and candy canes, many elves are working extremely long days and nights. However, it is our pride and joy to bring Christmas to so many families, which is why we never mind working overtime.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Lillian: This year is, unfortunately, looking a bit different because of COVID-19. How are you and the other elves keeping safe and still getting the job done?</p>   <p>Dingle: Fortunately, here at the North Pole, the number of Coronavirus cases is nonexistent because we have no interaction with the outside world except Santa’s famous ride and the occasional zoom call to anonymous parties. Even so, we have built several extra warehouses in order to spread out and keep ourselves distanced. Santa created a special board of health supervisors that I have the pleasure of being part of, and we are taking every precaution possible. We have designed a special hand sanitizer using spearmint and stardust with an icicle base that has been incredibly successful in keeping away any extra germs. There has even been a special mixture made for dusting on the packages right before delivery. All in all, we are extremely confident in the measures we have taken to keep everyone safe.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/5.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3965"/></figure>   <p>Lillian: That’s wonderful! Congratulations on creating such a successful way of keeping the germs at bay. Is there any talk up in the North Pole of a vaccine being used or developed?</p>   <p>Dingle: The board of health supervisors has actually developed a medicinally charged hot chocolate that Santa will be taking during his sleigh ride. While he is immune to such human viruses, we are not taking any chances with such a big event. This hot chocolate contains spearmint and stardust as well, which both seem extraordinary when it comes to boosting the immune system and killing off bacteria.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Lillian: I’m so glad to hear that Santa is taking such vital precautions. Does your board have any concerns at all for the night of Christmas Eve? What are some words of comfort you can give to those who fear that Santa might not make it to their house this year?</p>   <p>Dingle: All I have to say is not to worry. We’ve considered everything and planned for every variable. The biggest problem we imagine is that many letters to Santa will be coming in late due to how backed up the mail system is, which is why we will have elves working on Christmas Eve to create and send expedited packages to Santa’s sleigh via delivery reindeer all the way up to the very last second before Christmas morning. As for COVID-19, we have sanitized all the packages and included other confidential safety measures installed directly on the sleigh to keep Santa and all the presents 100% COVID-19 free. We are prepared, and no one should worry about having to cancel Christmas. Santa will be coming just like every year before.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Lillian: I know for many, both young and old, that is incredibly reassuring to hear. Is there anything you would like to say in closing to all of those out there struggling with the effects of this global pandemic?</p>   <p>Dingle: All I can think of is, the hope we feel around Christmas does not have to be just a seasonal hope. Keeping the spirit of Christmas in our hearts the whole year round is critical, especially after such a hard year. That lasting hope is found in Jesus Christ, who is the very reason we celebrate Christmas. He was born in a manger and died for our sins so that we can have eternal life through him. The world might seem dark, but Jesus is the light that shines brighter.It can seem difficult to find hope to cling to, but no matter how dark the world gets, there is always hope. We will get through this together and come out on the other side stronger than ever. Oh, and you had better be good for goodness sakes.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Lillian: Wonderful; thank you so much for your time!&nbsp;</p>   <p>Dingle: Not a problem; it was my pleasure. Merry Christmas!</p>   <p></p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/4.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/exclusive-interview-with-santas-elves/</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/news/edna-hudson-a-frontline-hero/</url> </article> <article> <ID>3948</ID> <title>12 ways to celebrate the holidays during covid</title> <publishDate>2020-12-05 04:28:31</publishDate> <description> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Issue-116.3-Dr.-Kinder-Fayssoux.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3949"/></figure> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Untitled-design-14.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/12-ways-to-celebrate-the-holidays-during-covid/</url> </article> <article> <ID>3898</ID> <title>To Mask or Not To Mask</title> <publishDate>2020-11-30 20:26:38</publishDate> <description> <p><strong>Introduction</strong></p>   <p>Could the use of masks jeopardize your health and put you at further risk of contracting COVID-19? What does the data show regarding mask effectiveness? The answer boils down to whether face masks really work, and if not, then why mandate it?&nbsp;</p>   <p>The controversy of face masks has gone on long enough. Will you be brave and face the facts or continue to submit to a proposed false narrative?</p>   <p><strong>About the Face Mask Mandate</strong></p>   <p>As of November 2020, numerous governors are urging constituents to wear masks each time they go outdoors, to stores, and within their own homes when hosting guests. They are also attempting to order new quarantine mandates, business shutdowns, and strict public activities monitoring. Essentially, this proposed mask mandate would require that all constituents wear a mask at all times. However, these leaders are quoting statistics and facts that do not equate to a need for the level of response that they are enforcing. Also, there is no logical reason why people are being forced to live in fear of something that is not likely to cause serious harm. Currently, there is a 3% COVID-19 <a href="https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/">mortality rate</a> in the United States. That means 97% of those infected recover with minimal complications. With numbers such as these, why are governors mandating masks and quarantines? Also, how are they going to enforce such mandates on a national level? Many object to the mask mandate and have given clear evidence as to why masks pose a risk to a person's health.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>Should You Wear a Face Mask</strong></p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Untitled-design-12-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3913"/></figure>   <p>Health officials around the world have been urging the public to stop buying facemasks. The purchase of masks is depleting the supply for medical professionals who actually need them. Surgeon General Adams stated in a February tweet that the best way to protect yourself from the virus is to wash your hands regularly and to stay home if you are feeling ill. Regarding masks, Adams <a href="https://twitter.com/Surgeon_General/status/1233725785283932160">said</a>, "They are NOT effective in preventing the general public from catching #CORONAVIRUS, but if health care providers can't get them to care for sick patients, it puts them and our communities at risk!". Adams also said, "You can increase your risk of getting it by wearing a mask if you are not a health care provider." Coming straight from the Surgeon General's mouth, again, masks are not effective in preventing the general public from catching COVID-19. The only reason healthcare professionals are saying to wear masks now, despite other advice, is to prevent the spreading of the virus through droplets. However, there are limits to&nbsp;how this protection works.&nbsp;</p>   <p>The effectiveness of wearing masks solely revolves around the idea that the virus spreads from droplets and that masks do a good enough job of preventing the spread of droplets. A Danish study investigating the effectiveness of masks <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-facemasks/danish-study-finds-face-masks-provide-limited-protection-to-wearer-idUSKBN27Y1YW">reported</a> that "1.8% of the people wearing masks had been infected, while 2.1% of the people in the control group had tested positive." The study also concluded that mask use had minimal impact on protection. Masks are only equipped to stop large respiratory droplets from entering the mouth and nose. Early in the pandemic, Dr. Anthony Fauci <a href="https://www.axios.com/fauci-arent-wearing-masks-mandate-c67c3388-942f-48d1-90dd-24a7ca4f642a.html">said</a>, "There's no reason to be walking around with a mask. When you're in the middle of an outbreak, wearing a mask might make people feel a little bit better, and it might even block a droplet, but it's not providing the perfect protection that people think that it is. And, often, there are unintended consequences — people keep fiddling with the mask, and they keep touching their face." </p>   <p>Dr. Michael J. Ryan, Executive Director of The Health Emergency Program at the World Health Organization, backed up Fauci's statement saying, "Not having a mask does not necessarily put you at an increased risk of contracting this disease." Prominent leaders in the medical field, as quoted above, have all said at one point that wearing masks does little to prevent contracting the virus, and the lack of wearing masks does not increase your risk of contraction either. However, Fauci went back on his word and said, "Well, if people are not wearing masks, then maybe we should be mandating it." So, which is it; is Dr. Fauci for or against masks, and if many professionals are questioning the effectiveness of masks, why would he support mask mandates? Despite Dr. Fauci's conflicting beliefs, evidence suggests that wearing a mask does not provide the perfect protection people seek.&nbsp;</p>   <p>The Surgeon General, Dr. Fauci, and Dr. Ryan's statements, even though being from previous months, still hold tremendous weight today. The science behind COVID-19 and mask related research has not changed since then. The principles that medical professionals held then are still relevant today. Therefore, their statements should not be disregarded as mere "old news."</p>   <p><strong>The Science Behind "Why Not?"</strong></p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Untitled-design-5.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3912"/></figure>   <p>The chances of catching COVID-19 from quick passing interactions in public spaces is low. To contract COVID-19, you would have to sustain constant face-to-face contact with an individual for a minimum of <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/public-health-recommendations.html" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/public-health-recommendations.html">15 minutes</a>. Also, the person whom you are conversing with would have to be <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/public-health-recommendations.html" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/public-health-recommendations.html">symptomatic</a>. Wearing a mask changes very little, with few exceptions (i.e., the Danish study), such as wearing one on a plane or other similar situations. A mask mandate seems outrageous when the parameters for infection are so specific. COVID-19 is a unique virus because most of those infected experience no symptoms or little sickness, and a minimal number of people face the risk of serious outcomes.&nbsp;</p>   <p>No in-depth studies have been conducted to demonstrate whether a cloth mask or N95 mask affects the transmission of COVID-19. This means that recommendations, especially governmental, must be based on <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5779801/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5779801/">studies</a> of Influenza transmission. Why are government leaders pushing for a mask mandate when there is not enough evidence to support one? This means that governors are making mandates based on information that pertains to an entirely different illness, with no real empirical evidence to prove the effectiveness of prolonged mask use. However, what there is scientific evidence of are the risks of prolonged mask use.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Prolonged mask use has been correlated with headaches, increased airway resistance, hypoxia, carbon dioxide accumulation, and serious <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28278498/">life-threatening</a> health issues. The N95 mask is most commonly associated with headaches because they restrict breathing to a much higher degree than other masks. </p>   <p>A <a href="https://medcraveonline.com/JLPRR/effects-of-long-duration-wearing-of-n95-respirator-and-surgical-facemask-a-pilot-study.html" data-type="URL" data-id="https://medcraveonline.com/JLPRR/effects-of-long-duration-wearing-of-n95-respirator-and-surgical-facemask-a-pilot-study.html">study</a> conducted by Zhu JH, Lee SJ, Wang DY, et al., surveyed 158 healthcare workers who were asked about headaches with their N95 mask use. One-third of those studied reported headaches when using a mask and that the masks worsened their preexisting headaches. Sixty percent of those surveyed required pain medication to treat their headaches. Key evidence suggests that hypoxia and/or hypercapnia were the cause. Hypoxia can also inhibit the main immune cells that are used to fight viral infections. Mask use may potentially increase your chances of catching COVID-19 and increases the risk of having more severe symptoms. </p>   <p>Research has also <a href="http://scielo.isciii.es/pdf/neuro/v19n2/3.pdf">shown</a> that the longer a mask is worn, the greater the fall in blood oxygen levels. A reduction in blood oxygen levels can <a href="https://www.jimmunol.org/content/195/4/1372" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.jimmunol.org/content/195/4/1372">increase</a> inflammation, which may promote the growth and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15380510/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15380510/">spread</a> of cancer. Not to mention, repeated cases of hypoxia can cause heart attacks and strokes.</p>   <p> Apparently, researchers are working on a new N95 mask that is electrostatically charged and can be recharged after a few uses. To recharge the mask, it is placed between two plate electrodes with an application of a strong electric field. This mask is still under development, and medical professionals are debating the practicality of it. Critics say that it is unlikely that healthcare workers will want to dismantle their masks after each use for a recharge. As for health benefits, the electrostatic N95 is supposed to work the same as a regular N95, except it can be recharged; therefore, it presents the same health risks as other N95 masks.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Those most at risk from COVID-19 are also most at <a href="https://www.jimmunol.org/content/195/4/1372" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.jimmunol.org/content/195/4/1372">risk</a> of serious illness from prolonged mask use because a decrease in blood oxygenation reduces Th1 cell efficiency. Individuals with emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, COPD, and those who have had lung surgery are at risk of worsening their lung function by wearing masks.</p>   <p>When a person has been infected, every breath that they release expels the virus into the air. When wearing a mask, this expulsion is somewhat trapped within the mask and breathed in again. By repeatedly breathing in the virus, they <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32240762/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32240762/">increase</a> the concentration of the virus in their lungs and nasal passages. Those who have had the worst cases of COVID-19 were those who had the worst concentrations of the virus in their system.</p>   <p>Therefore, by wearing a mask while infected, you increase your chances of developing a serious case of COVID-19.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>Conclusion&nbsp;</strong></p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Untitled-design-13.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3910"/></figure>   <p>There is a substantial lack of evidence supporting wearing a mask of any kind, and imposing such a mandate puts more people at risk than it helps. The whole idea surrounding the efficacy of mask-wearing hinges on the absolute compliance of the people. Regardless of the evidence against wearing masks, Dr. Fauci wants forced mandates, "There's going to be a difficulty enforcing it, but if everyone agrees that this is something that's important and they mandate it, and everybody pulls together and says, you know, we're going to mandate it but let's just do it. I think that would be a great idea to have everybody do it uniformly." However, have the American people become too comfortable with compliance? With all of this in mind, are you going to support the prolonged use of masks or stand against it?</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/5XLDg5oFFZk </div></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/ndafeJrHYGA </div></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/ZLrrPkEVUp4 </div></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/jNJ6w6raVBQ </div></figure>   <p>Bibliography</p>   <p>Aggarwal BB. Nucler factor-kappaB: The enemy within. Cancer Cell 2004;6:203-208.</p>   <p>Axios. (2020). Fauci says if people won't wear masks, maybe it should be mandated. Retrieved from https://www.axios.com/fauci-arent-wearing-masks-mandate-c67c3388-942f-48d1-90dd-24a7ca4f642a.html</p>   <p>bin-Reza F et al. The use of mask and respirators to prevent transmission of influenza: A systematic review of the scientific evidence. Resp Viruses 2012;6(4):257-67.</p>   <p>Coldewey, D. (2020). N95 masks could soon be rechargeable instead of disposable. Retrieved from https://techcrunch.com/2020/09/14/n95-masks-could-soon-be-rechargeable-instead-of-disposable/</p>   <p>Coronavirus Cases:. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/</p>   <p>Cramer, M., &amp; Sheikh, K. (2020). Surgeon General Urges the Public to Stop Buying Face Masks. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/29/health/coronavirus-n95-face-masks.html</p>   <p>Ellis, R. (2020). Fauci Says Nationwide Face Mask Rule May Be Needed. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20201024/fauci-says-nationwide-face-mask-rule-may-be-needed</p>   <p>Garcia, C. (2020). Republican Maryland governor says no one has a 'constitutional right to walk around without a mask'. Retrieved from https://www.theblaze.com/news/larry-hogan-constitutional-mask-mandate</p>   <p>General, U. (2020). Seriously people- STOP BUYING MASKS! They are NOT effective in preventing general public from catching #Coronavirus, but if healthcare providers can't get them to care for sick patients, it puts them and our communities at risk! https://t.co/UxZRwxxKL9. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/Surgeon_General/status/1233725785283932160</p>   <p>Perlman, S., Jacobsen, G., &amp; Afifi, A. (1989). Spread of a neurotropic murine coronavirus into the CNS via the trigeminal and olfactory nerves.&nbsp;<em>Virology</em>,&nbsp;<em>170</em>(2), 556–560. https://doi.org/10.1016/0042-6822(89)90446-7</p>   <p>Perrett, C. (2020). The US Surgeon General once warned against wearing face masks for the coronavirus but the CDC now recommends it. Retrieved from https://www.businessinsider.com/americans-dont-need-masks-pence-says-as-demand-increases-2020-2</p>   <p>Public Health Guidance for Community-Related Exposure. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/public-health-recommendations.html</p>   <p>Shehade, H., Acolty, V., Moser, M., &amp; Oldenhove, G. (2015, August 15). Cutting Edge: Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 Negatively Regulates Th1 Function. Retrieved December 10, 2020, from https://www.jimmunol.org/content/195/4/1372</p>   <p>Staff, R. (2020). Danish study finds face masks provide limited protection to wearer. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-facemasks/danish-study-finds-face-masks-provide-limited-protection-to-wearer-idUSKBN27Y1YW</p>   <p>To Mask or Not to Mask. (2020). Retrieved from https://afa.net/the-stand/culture/2020/11/to-mask-or-not-to-mask/</p>   <p>Westendorf AM, Skibbe K, Adamczyk A, Buer J, Geffers R, Hansen W, Pastille E, Jendrossek V. Hypoxia Enhances Immunosuppression by Inhibiting CD4+ Effector T Cell Function and Promoting Treg Activity. Cell Physiol Biochem. 2017;41(4):1271-1284. doi: 10.1159/000464429. Epub 2017 Mar 8. PMID: 28278498.</p>   <p>Wu Y, Xu X, Chen Z, Duan J, Hashimoto K, Yang L, Liu C, Yang C. Nervous system involvement after infection with COVID-19 and other coronaviruses. Brain Behav Immun. 2020 Jul;87:18-22. doi: 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.03.031. Epub 2020 Mar 30. PMID: 32240762; PMCID: PMC7146689.</p>   <p>Zhu JH, Lee SJ, Wang DY, et al. Effects of long-duration wearing of N95 respirator and surgical facemask: a pilot study. J Lung Pulm Respir Res. 2014;1(4):97–100. DOI:&nbsp;10.15406/jlprr.2014.01.00021</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Untitled-design-6.png</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/to-mask-or-not-to-mask/</url> </article> <article> <ID>3907</ID> <title>A Tale of Two Crises: The Pandemics of COVID-19 and Struggling Primary Care</title> <publishDate>2020-11-30 20:13:38</publishDate> <description> <p>Small businesses across America are struggling. Amid lockdowns and COVID-19 fears, it’s easy for people to forget that many of those small businesses are primary care practices. The irony is not lost on the doctors, nurses and office workers who strive to keep America healthy. While they weigh risks to their own health in order to keep us well, the orders designed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus may in fact hinder the livelihood for the very people who are there in our defense. The economic impact of the systems that are designed to protect us may well have a lasting effect on those valiant heroes of the health care system.</p>   <h2>Small practices face the concern of having to close their doors</h2>   <p>As a protection against COVID-19, primary care and specialists alike are asking patients to postpone routine care indefinitely, and while there’s a rise in telehealth as a supplement, <a href="https://www.statnews.com/2020/04/29/save-primary-care-devastation-covid-19/">regular doctor visits</a> are at less than 20% of their regular numbers. <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/covid-19-physician-guide-keeping-your-practice-open">The CDC, the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS), and the American Medical Association</a> have all created guides for small health care practices to utilize in an effort to keep their doors open, while protecting the health of patients and staff. This includes input for following government compliance, handling infected staff, transitioning to telehealth, tele-triage, scripts for staff to follow, coordinating with local hospitals, limiting patient visitors, handling legal issues and more. While small practices try to comply with the same processes as large facilities, many are unable to sustain reduced costs, having to resort to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/15/health/Covid-doctors-nurses-quitting.html">closing their doors permanently</a>.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Copy-of-Copy-of-Is-The-New-Vaccine-Worth-to-You_-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3905"/></figure>   <p>More than 30% of primary care physicians worry that they don’t have the funds to keep their practices open beyond a single month of continued lockdowns, leaving as many as <a href="https://www.statnews.com/2020/04/29/save-primary-care-devastation-covid-19/">60,000 primary care practices</a> in the U.S. that will likely close or experience dramatic staff cuts. These are staggering numbers that can affect us all. That actual figures mean that more than “8 percent of the doctors reported closing their offices…” which is believed to be in excess of 16,000 practices. This is expected to exceed another 4 percent in coming months.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Many <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/15/health/Covid-doctors-nurses-quitting.html">doctors and nurses</a> are choosing early retirement over the risks to their own health, thinking of their future with their families over family practice. <a href="https://revcycleintelligence.com/news/could-covid-19-spell-the-end-of-independent-physician-practices">59% of physicians</a> anticipate COVID-19 to reduce the number of independent physician practices in their communities. While these numbers are devastating system-wide, losses in income are likely to be worse for specialists than primary care. <a href="https://sdaho.org/2020/08/27/16000-physician-practices-have-closed-due-to-the-effects-of-covid-19/">43 percent</a> of physicians have reduced their staff, while over 100,000 “have switched to a primarily telemedicine practice”.For those practices that don’t close, there is a high expectation of laying off more staff amid the uncertainty.</p>   <h2>We’re here from the government, and we’re here to help</h2>   <p>Some believe that the <a href="https://www.statnews.com/2020/04/29/save-primary-care-devastation-covid-19/">fragility of primary care</a> is that “most of these practices, and much of our health care system, rely on an outdated payment model: Each in-person visit with a patient generates a payment. Without in-person visits, there is little to no revenue.”&nbsp;</p>   <p>These fears for the small, independent health care business lead many to suggest a <a href="https://www.statnews.com/2020/04/29/save-primary-care-devastation-covid-19/">global budget</a> where “primary care practices would be paid a monthly fixed fee to care for their patients…” with bundled payments for everything from “surgical and cancer care to population-based global budgets for health care delivery systems.”</p>   <p>The <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/15/health/Covid-doctors-nurses-quitting.html">Paycheck Protection Program</a> has helped rescue most practices for now, but the call for large, sweeping shifts in the economic structure of the health system seems to be the only remedy people believe will rescue small practices from becoming a thing of the past.</p>   <h2>Large hospital facilities are the winners</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Untitled-design-12.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3906"/></figure>   <p>The coronavirus has changed health care on all levels, and in all areas, but large hospitals have a direct connection to government, and that comes with economic and systemic benefits, training, and protocols that all but guarantee they will be absorbing a large percent of future business from closing small practices. These independent family care and specialist practices have to fight for protective supplies like gloves and masks that are more readily available to large hospitals. While they are to follow the same procedures to protect the public health, they are treated the same as any small business when it comes to fending for themselves. It seems that even with technologies that are readily available for all, the large facilities are going to see an increase in governmental connectivity and protections to keep their systems entact, and thus keeping their employees on the payroll.</p>   <h2>Telehealth is the future of small practice</h2>   <p>For those independent practices that intend to fight to remain open until the bitter end, telehealth is the gateway from now into the future. It almost seems like an intentional push towards the future of medicine, but it took a global pandemic to make it obvious that it is time to lean heavier on technology. Telehealth is paid to small practices similar to in-person visits, and while <a href="https://www.statnews.com/2020/04/29/save-primary-care-devastation-covid-19/">Medicare covers telemedicine sessions</a>, doctors are paid roughly half what they earn for meeting with patients in person. With families staying home, telehealth is a solution, but one with many side effects of its own. More than 70 percent of physicians don’t believe that telehealth can continue without a rise in reimbursement.&nbsp;</p>   <p>The truth is, that physicians are facing some hard times ahead. Telehealth is a clear direction they will all need to consider, but there are no guarantees that they will be paid what is needed from this alone. It may be a combination of government intervention, future technologies and the success of vaccines that help the small practices to survive, but there is a strong possibility that the shift will be more severe, and more permanent. For some, the inevitable may be that in order to remain in practice, they will have to join larger facilities to reduce uncertainty.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Untitled-design-11.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/a-tale-of-two-crises-the-pandemics-of-covid-19-and-struggling-primary-care/</url> </article> <article> <ID>3871</ID> <title>Dr. Kinder Fayssoux introduces: A Better Way to Health, Happiness, and Longevity</title> <publishDate>2020-11-24 06:30:36</publishDate> <description> <p>By Brianna Connors</p>   <p>Dr. Kinder Fayssoux is a family medicine practitioner with Board Certifications in both Family Medicine and Integrative Medicine. She is also one of only 900 doctors worldwide who have a certification in Functional Medicine, which she received from the Institute for Functional Medicine. With thirteen years in the medical field under her belt, Kinder is currently practicing and teaching at Eisenhower Medical Associates and in her own private practice, Ohm and Oot Medical Wellness. Kinder’s passion is teaching and sharing her unique perspective on incorporating conventional medicine with a full-body, holistic approach for longevity.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Untitled-design-10.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3873" width="723" height="429"/></figure>   <p>Growing up in Northern California, Kinder was raised by her parents, who immigrated from India to the United States. They instilled in all five of their children the importance of getting a good education. As a result, school was always a priority in the household.</p>   <p>Kinder’s interest in the medical industry began at a young age, influenced by two uncles, both family practice practitioners, and her own mother, who was trained as a nurse. While her mother did not actively practice nursing at a clinic, she was the full-time caretaker of her husband, who was diagnosed with ALS when Kinder was 12 years old. Additionally, Kinder recalls her mother being very conscious about what her family was eating, doing for exercise, and looking after their health overall. Speaking to Top Doctor Magazine, Dr. Kinder reminisces that this was perhaps her first true introduction to Functional Medicine.</p>   <p>After graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Minor in Theatre from Santa Clara University, Kinder applied to get into medical school. When she was not accepted, she considered furthering her newfound love and interest in theatre. But when she presented the idea of trying her luck in Hollywood to her parents, they were quick to advise her that: “Good Indian girls don’t go to Hollywood, please stick to your smart plan…go to medical school.”</p>   <p>She applied a second time to medical school and was accepted to Saint Louis University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Whats-Your-Fever-Number_-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3872" width="544" height="544"/></figure>   <p>In the year between applying to medical school the first and second time, Kinder attended a post-baccalaureate program to better prepare for medical school. A former investment banker, Reginald Fayssoux, looking for a major career shift in which he could truly help people was also in the same post-bac program. Reggie and Kinder became fast friends and then began dating. When they were both accepted to medical schools, they remained committed to the relationship even though it was long-distance. Dr. Kinder believes that it was because they were both in medical school that they stayed together as most students end their relationships within the first year of training. Both understood the busyness and pressure the other was undergoing.</p>   <p>During her medical studies, Kinder gravitated toward specializing in family medicine, following in her uncles’ footsteps. This choice ended up being the perfect field of expertise for her. The diversity and ability to treat people anywhere from babies to grandparents is something Dr. Kinder loves.</p>   <p>“[Family medicine] is so fun and so diverse! You really get to know and see everything. To be able to see kids and adults and women and men is really cool.” - Dr. Kinder Fayssoux</p>   <p>While at the University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Kinder’s father passed away. His years-long battle with ALS and her mother’s devoted care for him are two factors that fueled Dr. Kinder’s desire to go into the medical industry. And after his passing, only strengthened her decision. In fact, after his passing, she briefly considered going into Neurology to help people and families going through what her father and their family had gone through. However, this proved to be a little too painful for her, and she stayed with family medicine. Upon graduation from medical school, Dr. Kinder completed her residency at Crozer Keystone Family Medicine Residency in Springfield, Pennsylvania.</p>   <p>During her residency, two important things took place that would shape Kinder’s life and career. First, she was introduced further to and found her love for the functional approach to medicine. And second, she and Dr. Reginald Fayssoux were married. At Crozer Keystone Family Medicine, one of Dr. Kinder’s attendings (a supervising physician to whom a resident must present their cases) was a woman she describes as ahead of her time and very much into lifestyle medicine. Unlike some of the other attendings, this woman would want her residents to find out what a patient was eating, how many greens or how much exercise they were getting, among other unconventional diagnosing questions. As a joke, the attending was referred to as the “dancing lettuce lady.” But as the attending proved - there are other ways to treat and help patients. In hindsight, Dr. Kinder now laughingly admits that she has turned into a slight version of the dancing lettuce lady as she has seen the benefits of lifestyle medicine even though she didn’t fully appreciate it during residency.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Whats-Your-Fever-Number_-1-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3875" width="499" height="499"/></figure>   <p>At the end of her residency, Dr. Kinder was pregnant with twins, and her husband, Dr. Reginald Fayssoux, was starting his Fellowship. They moved around for the Fellowship for a while before moving back to California. </p>   <p>Upon moving back, Dr. Kinder went to work as a Faculty member at the Eisenhower Health Residency Program. For the first four years there, she was involved in building the program and is now one of the attending physicians training residents in family medicine. Her niche is in teaching the residents to see outside of the box of conventional medicine. With her Board Certification in Integrative Medicine and certification in Functional Medicine, Dr. Kinder has extensive knowledge and a passion for helping people who want to shift their lifestyles and change their habits to improve their lives and health.</p>   <p>Like many other medical students and beginning doctors, Dr. Kinder remembers the advancement to when she could finally prescribe medications as a big, exciting moment. But after a while, that feeling gets old.</p>   <p>“It [medications] doesn’t make people better. Often, one medication leads to another medication, especially with things like hypertension and diabetes. The people who truly want to shift and change… that’s where you can really help people.” - Dr. Kinder Fayssoux</p>   <p>There are not many nutritional, lifestyle, or functional medicine approaches taught in conventional medical training in the States. This is not altogether a bad thing. Conventional medicine is critical - antibiotics and other standard treatments save many lives. The problem is that, as Dr. Kinder remarked, there is no balance with the preventative side of medicine where functional medicine can step inefficiently.</p>   <p>At the beginning of this year, Dr. Kinder started her personal practice Ohm and Oot Medical Wellness in Palm Desert, California. It is a continuation of what she has been doing for years with the Eisenhower Health clinic. Now, she can further her treatment plans to include peptides, IV nutrition, and supplements that may not necessarily be covered or approved by traditional medicine clinics. Additionally, she specializes in bioidentical hormones, weight management, longevity, genetic medicine, and the full spectrum of functional and integrative medical care. Her goal for the practice is to provide very customized and personal approaches that everyone can use. For her, it is all about optimizing your health in the future.</p>   <p><strong>“I truly believe that my biggest responsibility as a physician is to build relationships with my patients so that they can teach me about who they are and where they want to be with respect to their health so that I can help them figure out how to get there with as few medications as possible. If they are willing to put in the work and change their lifestyles, together, we can change their diseases.” - Dr. Kinder Fayssoux</strong></p>   <p>Dr. Kinder’s passion for teaching and Functional Medicine is combined in a multitude of ways. First, through her private practice. And second, with her teaching endeavors. One of her goals for the near future is to create online courses and webinars that can help people realize the benefits and possibilities that holistic lifestyle treatments can have on a person’s health. She believes that functional medicine should truly be the medicine of the future and hopes that it will one day be covered by insurance and available to the masses.</p>   <p>One of the ways in which she believes this can be accomplished is through RPM (remote patient monitoring). As the field of healthcare continues to ebb and flow for years to come, one thing will remain the same: people will need medical attention and care. Through RPM, many hurdles faced in medicine can be overcome, especially for chronic diseases and illnesses. In some chronic illnesses, Dr. Kinder says that many patients have more than one making optimization difficult.</p>   <p>“If we can provide a way for patients to keep their numbers under control, get access to the care they need, and monitor their symptoms, we can prevent things from happening in the future. Which keeps the patient healthier and saves everyone money.” - Dr. Kinder Fayssoux</p>   <p>RPM, like other Telehealth options, offers the highest caliber of quality for care. With remote patient monitoring, doctors can diagnose faster, monitor more efficiently, and with more assurance, enabling preventative care, not just reactionary. Access and availability are also increased as a patient can connect with a doctor practically anywhere, globally. All RPM devices are wireless and track a patient’s vitals in real-time. With this type of technology, it is possible to see when a patient is taking their medications, if the proper dosage is achieved, and watch the results. Of course, in some cases, person-to-person interaction is essential for healthcare needs. RPM can help facilitate appointment scheduling and provide the most accurate readings for a doctor to review.</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Untitled-design-9.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/doctor/dr-kinder-fayssoux-introduces-a-better-way-to-health-happiness-and-longevity/</url> </article> <article> <ID>3853</ID> <title>What’s Your Fever Number?</title> <publishDate>2020-11-23 18:25:36</publishDate> <description> <p>by <strong>Justin Miller</strong></p>   <p>&nbsp;Coughing, sneezing, chills, something is wrong. You are feeling miserable and reach for the thermometer. Upon taking your temperature, the device flashes with a number, 100.4. You have a fever and should consider seeking medical attention. Throughout the week, you already were not feeling well, but your temperature was a low 99. Because of this, you were not concerned. However, what if you were suffering from a fever the whole time and could have prevented your situation if you had taken 99 more seriously?</p>   <p>In 1868 a man named Carl Reinhold August Wunderlich set the usual temperature standard used today, 98.6. He believed that number was the proper temperature for all people. However, when he placed this number, the people of his time were very different from today. During the 19th century, people were much skinnier and dealt with various volatile illnesses. These illnesses, such as Pneumonia, Typhoid, Malaria, and the Plague, were prone to increasing temperatures to dangerous levels. These illnesses led to the fever classification of 100.4 which continues to be the standard today.&nbsp;</p>   <p>However, why in 2020 are we still using a standard set nearly 150 years ago, especially one that applies to a vastly different people group? There must be reform, and scientists, alongside entrepreneurs, are answering the call to find a solution.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/3-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3854"/></figure>   <p>In today's world, people are much heavier, and the base temperature runs lower than 98.6. <a href="https://notes.childrenshospital.org/rethinking-fever-new-study/">Haussman</a> (2018) said, "The assumption is that the normal temperature is 98.6 degrees and fever begins at 100.4. But we found that the average temperature is more like 97.7," he says. "And by defining a 'fever' as temperatures above the 99th percentile of normal, we found fever typically begins at about 99.5 degrees". Essentially, 99 to them is what 100.4 is to another, and society could have many feverish individuals on the streets and in businesses.&nbsp;</p>   <p>This is because people have slower metabolic rates due to increased weight. Our bodies use energy to keep organs functioning, which increases temperature. But, with a society of people who move less and burn less energy, temperatures decrease. There is also a lower rate of infection at this time, which goes in hand with how the centuries' changing plays into lower temperatures. One of the simple answers for lower temperature readings is new accurate thermometers. Unfortunately, authorities still refuse the research and hold firm to their belief in the 100.4 standards.&nbsp;</p>   <p>The overarching point is that people need to monitor themselves and determine their normal range. Not everyone will have the same temperature norms, which will extend into variations of fever standards. As for the global crisis, many individuals may be carrying the virus who believe they are not ill or contagious because of the current standard. This is serious and could be one of the leading causes for the continuation of mass infection rates.</p>   <p>If the usual standard were to adjust to 99.5, there would be a sudden surge in fever cases. The national standard of 100.4 should remain. However, somebody should institute an open standard for those who know their average temperature rates. Perhaps use 99.5 as the base model for warranting a physician visit, but nothing beyond that. So, take time to monitor your temperature for a week, discover your baseline, and recognize what temperature is an indication of sickness.</p>   <p>One man is doing just that, and his name is Bob Kocher, the CEO of Ideal Innovations Incorporated. Bob and his team are leading the charge to gain awareness regarding temperature norms. He and his team believe that the key to ending quarantine and reducing infection rates is recognizing 99 as the "soft" fever standard. The national average should not be changed to refrain from mass confusion. If the regular "soft" standard were to change, people would catch their illnesses much quicker.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/5.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3856"/></figure>   <p><strong>To further explain how this would work:</strong> Imagine you wake up one morning not feeling well and check your temperature; it reads at 99 degrees, and you know that something is off. Because you've heard that you should get checked for "the virus" at that temperature, you go and get a test. The test reads negative, but since you consider 99 a fever, you quarantine. A few days later, your temperature hasn't changed, so you go and get tested again. This time, it reads positive, and you initiate your two-week quarantine. Because you quarantined the first time due to the 99 degree fever, you reduced your infection rate and helped slow down the spread of "the virus."&nbsp;</p>   <p>Unfortunately, because authorities don't recognize the importance of 99 degrees, this situation isn't happening. Instead, people who have fevers of 99 that receive a negative test continue to live their lives as usual, not quarantining, and spreading the virus even further. It is imperative that the 99-degree standard gains awareness and serious consideration. This may be the defining moment in the fight against "the virus," It is up to you to fight and advocate for the change that we so desperately need. Will you heed the call?&nbsp;</p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/4-1.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/whats-your-fever-number/</url> </article> <article> <ID>3848</ID> <title>What does Thankfulness look like in a Pandemic?</title> <publishDate>2020-11-23 18:14:50</publishDate> <description> <p>By Brianna Connors and Lillian Myers</p>   <h3>How being thankful during a pandemic can actually keep you healthy</h3>   <p>Traditionally, November is a time of thankfulness, of gathering together with individuals we care about. For years to date, many have approached November with hearts filled with a little extra joy because no matter what happened the day before, we could come together and enjoy good food, fellowship, and hopefully a day of rest. Something everyone requires. However, this year, our festivities look much different.&nbsp;</p>   <p>For most of this year, we have faced never before seen conditions due to the global spread of COVID-19. There is not one household that has not felt the touch of COVID or the effects of pandemic restrictions. Families lost loved ones, individuals lost jobs, and, as a whole, society lost much of what it took for granted. As a result, it has been, for many, one of the hardest and strangest years to live through. And there is no doubt that this has affected us in more ways than one, especially when it comes to the spirit of thankfulness.&nbsp;</p>   <p>However, as many medical industry experts have pointed out, it is important now more than ever before to focus on being thankful for what we do have. Not only does this help calm rampant feelings of stress or uncertainty, but it has also been proven to boost one's physical and mental health. That's right. Being thankful is good for your health!</p>   <p>According to the <a href="https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/mental-health-and-wellbeing/thankfulness-how-gratitude-can-help-your-health">American Heart Association</a>, feelings of negativity and worry can lead to depression and are connected to <a href="https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/mental-health-and-wellbeing/thankfulness-how-gratitude-can-help-your-health">poor heart health, inflammation, and a weak immune system</a>. On the other hand, research shows that exercising a spirit of gratitude (or thankfulness) can have long-term effects on one's life. Lowering blood pressure or improving the immune system, for example. <a href="https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/September-2016/When-Looking-for-Happiness-Find-Gratitude">The National Alliance on Mental Health</a> reports that not only does gratitude lessen depression and boost self-esteem, but that it can also help reduce anxiety and substance abuse. With this in mind, here are some helpful ways in which to begin practicing a spirit of thankfulness as we approach a holiday season that will unsurprisingly feel much different than previous holidays.</p>   <ul><li>Write Down Things You'reYou're Thankful For</li><li>Count Blessings Instead of Sheep</li><li>Enjoy The Little Moments</li><li>Stay Connected</li></ul>   <h4>Write Down Things You'reYou're Thankful For</h4>   <p>While it may seem like there aren't many things to be thankful for right now, this exercise can be greatly illuminating in recognizing those you do have. You can start by sitting down and beginning to list things such as:&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>Something to do with your health:</strong> Even if you are struggling with an illness or physical disability, were you able to walk today? Are you able to wiggle your toes or fingers? Can your ears hear music? Can your eyes watch the sunset?&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>Something to do with money:</strong> Despite the financial strains this year has delivered to many peoples' doorsteps, there are still financial aspects to be thankful for. Were you able to eat today? Did you splurge a little and buy a Starbucks coffee? Are you able to buy a Christmas present for a loved one?&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>Something to do with relationships:</strong> Social interaction is integral to our well-being, as many<a href="https://academic.oup.com/aje/article-abstract/109/2/186/74197"> studies</a> and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3150158/">research</a> have proven. Even though we may not have spent as much quality time with our loved ones as in previous years, we can still find reasons to be thankful for relationships. Did you talk on the phone with a friend today? Did you get a text from your mom, dad, or sibling?&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>Something to do with technology:</strong> Due to lockdowns and social distancing, many families, friends, coworkers, and peers have been forced to isolate themselves and forego social interaction, at least in person. However, these limitations have given rise to innovations such as Zoom, Facebook, and Parler, helping us stay connected, continuing in online education, or even working remotely.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>Something that you are looking forward to:</strong> This year will not last forever, and neither will lockdowns or strict social distancing. As a result, it is imperative that we look ahead as both individuals and as a society. As George Burns, comedian, actor, singer, and writer, famously said, "I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life."&nbsp;</p>   <h4>Count Blessings Instead of Sheep</h4>   <p>Researchers at the University of Manchester in England conducted a study looking at how gratitude may affect a person's sleep. The <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19073292/">study concluded</a> that gratitude was linked to more positive thoughts and falling asleep faster for a longer, better sleep period.&nbsp;</p>   <h4>Enjoy The Little Moments</h4>   <p>While there is no doubt that people find great joy in the extraordinary moments of life, it is important to find value within the smaller, more ordinary moments. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1086/674724">Research has shown</a> that as people age, they tend to find more happiness from these little ordinary experiences. This suggests that while big accomplishments and other extraordinary experiences contribute to our overall satisfaction with life, we find more value from the everyday joys. Therefore, why wait to find happiness in the little things?&nbsp;</p>   <p>As our lives continue to be rocked by the pandemic's effect, it is the perfect opportunity to turn our focus to the minor joys. By training ourselves to enjoy the little moments in life, we are ultimately setting ourselves up to find more happiness. Which, in turn, <a href="https://link.springer.com/epdf/10.1007/s10902-006-9042-1?sharing_token=AYfbXHzPEhmDKYkkh3mej_e4RwlQNchNByi7wbcMAY51aZNSxzfUdh2lezF9jOh_C4kTVeMmmy_qthVkQAE93hAvb-8RFWl_FKlwDGmRbxMJarFpX4CE0gTnTAu08KOuw-cZprMaVrmGdzw8p1xC_QtOHFlin9AdEsM_Els4eFM%3D">will prevent illnesses and increase longevity</a>. By increasing our ability to enjoy the simplicities of everyday life, we are ultimately increasing our ability to enjoy our overall life.&nbsp;</p>   <h4>Stay Connected</h4>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Untitled-design-7.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3851"/></figure>   <p>One of the joys of the holiday season is connecting with family and friends; it is something we look forward to with the winter months' approach. However, as social distancing continues, we are all facing heightened feelings of loneliness and separation.&nbsp;</p>   <p>A <a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0190033">meta-analysis</a> covering seventy-seven thousand cases discovered the implications of loneliness on an individual's mortality. It found that our loneliness can ultimately decrease our lives' length, similar to that of already <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177%2F1745691614568352">well-established risk factors for mortality</a>. This is why staying connected during such a period of separation is vital to our overall well-being and longevity.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Connection is made possible because of all the different platforms we have at our fingertips. Various social media sites, forms of digital communication, and apps like Zoom are all tools that we can use to push loneliness away. We must use what we have to sustain connections through this greatly separated time. When it comes to staying connected, here are a few different ways you can engage across any distance:</p>   <p><strong>Use social media platforms: </strong>We truly are living in a world of innovation and opportunities. A mere fifty years ago, it was not possible for someone to upload a picture onto social media and instantly receive comments on it from people around the world. Through platforms like Facebook and Parler, it is possible to stay up-to-date on friends, family, and people of interest in real-time - a great way to remain actively connected to community.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>Venture beyond social media:</strong> While it is possible to form meaningful and long-lasting connections through the various social media platforms, it is incredibly important to move valued relationships past this stage. Move on to phone calls or video calls where you can hear the tone of voice and inflection of words, a crucial part of communicating that is lost online. Social media is great, but connections are better sustained over calls.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>Plan family or friend zoom nights:</strong> Because we cannot gather together in large groups, we should be using the tools we have to replicate gatherings to the best of our ability. Fun activities, book clubs, or even traditional holiday events like Thanksgiving Dinner can all be moved onto places like Zoom and still shared.</p>   <p><strong>Take the time to write snail mail:</strong> A fun and relaxing way to end the day or week is to take the time to write a letter. When was the last time you sat down with pen and paper and actually wrote to someone you loved? There's something so beautifully personal about receiving a letter.&nbsp;</p>   <p>As we enter into this Thanksgiving and Holiday season, set aside time to find a quiet spot with your favorite chair and write out what you are thankful for. Put down on paper the things that have kept you going during the pandemic. Start with the smallest thing you can think of, such as the comfort of fuzzy socks or the way leaves crunch under your feet, and then keep going. While it might be hard to look for the good in a life filled with so much confusion, it is vital to find at least one thing you can be thankful for every day. As the studies and research listed above have shown, thankfulness is good for your health and, as a result, should be a necessity for daily life. While we may not be able to celebrate Thanksgiving in the ways we normally do, we can still celebrate this holiday season by internalizing the spirit of thankfulness and finding joy in the simplicities. COVID may have taken over much of our lives this year, but we cannot allow it to take over our spirit and trap us within bitterness or negative thoughts. We might be stuck in a global pandemic, but we will always have something to be thankful for. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Copy-of-General-Bob-Dees-and-The-National-Center-for-Healthy-Veterans-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3849" width="520" height="520"/></figure>   <h4>Citations:&nbsp;</h4>   <p>Umberson, D., &amp; Montez, J. K. (2010). Social relationships and health: a flashpoint for health policy. <em>Journal of health and social behavior</em>, <em>51 Suppl</em>(Suppl), S54–S66. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/0022146510383501">https://doi.org/10.1177/0022146510383501</a>&nbsp;</p>   <p>LISA F. BERKMAN, S. LEONARD SYME, SOCIAL NETWORKS, HOST RESISTANCE, AND MORTALITY: A NINE-YEAR FOLLOW-UP STUDY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY RESIDENTS, <em>American Journal of Epidemiology</em>, Volume 109, Issue 2, February 1979, Pages 186–204, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a112674">https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a112674</a></p>   <p>Wood AM, Joseph S, Lloyd J, Atkins S. Gratitude influences sleep through the mechanism of pre-sleep cognitions. J Psychosom Res. 2009 Jan;66(1):43-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2008.09.002. Epub 2008 Nov 22. PMID: 19073292.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Amit Bhattacharjee, Cassie Mogilner, Happiness from Ordinary and Extraordinary Experiences, <em>Journal of Consumer Research</em>, Volume 41, Issue 1, 1 June 2014, Pages 1–17, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1086/674724">https://doi.org/10.1086/674724</a></p>   <p>R, V. (2008). Healthy happiness: effects of happiness on physical health and the consequences for preventive health care. <em>Journal of Happiness Studies</em>, <em>9</em>(3), 449–469. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-006-9042-1">https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-006-9042-1</a>&nbsp;</p>   <p>Rico-Uribe LA, Caballero FF, Martín-María N, Cabello M, Ayuso-Mateos JL, et al. (2018) Association of loneliness with all-cause mortality: A meta-analysis. PLOS ONE 13(1): e0190033. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0190033">https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0190033</a></p>   <p>Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., Baker, M., Harris, T., &amp; Stephenson, D. (2015). Loneliness and Social Isolation as Risk Factors for Mortality: A Meta-Analytic Review. <em>Perspectives on Psychological Science</em>, <em>10</em>(2), 227–237. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691614568352">https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691614568352</a></p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Untitled-design-8.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/what-does-thankfulness-look-like-in-a-pandemic/</url> </article> <article> <ID>3825</ID> <title>Dr. Louis Pierucci Spotlight</title> <publishDate>2020-11-14 10:00:10</publishDate> <description> <p>Born in 1928, Louis Pierucci was raised and spent most of his life in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area. His father, Dr. Pierucci, describes a real-life testimony to the American dream - having come from an Italian immigrant family, Mr. Pierucci was able to start a business and own his own home by the time Louis was born. Through this entrepreneurial spirit, the Pierucci family avoided excessive hardships that many others faced in the Great Depression of the 1930s. Dr. Pierucci remembers no excessive hardships as his family could afford adequate and fulfilling vacations to the New Jersey Shore or Poconos Mountains with his father’s fairly decent income. He was also given the advantage of a good, basic education, although, at the time, Dr. Pierucci confesses to not being a good student.&nbsp;</p>   <h4><strong>“All of the hardships I experienced, I created on my own. For instance, I was not a good student, as I never studied. I never flunked and would always pass, but I never studied.”&nbsp;</strong></h4>   <p>As he got older, Dr. Pierucci’s mother played a significant role in influencing his career path. She told him that he should either be a minister or a doctor. Believing that he would never qualify as a minister, Louis chose to be a doctor and enrolled in Juniata College in Pennsylvania to take his pre-med courses. It was here too that Dr. Pierucci admits to not truly studying as even the pre-med and mathematics courses he took came easily to him.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/General-Bob-Dees-and-The-National-Center-for-Healthy-Veterans-1-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3826"/></figure>   <p>After graduating from Juniata College with a degree in mathematics, Dr. Pierucci enrolled in Jefferson Medical College. It was during this time that two important things happened. First, Dr. Pierucci had the realization that being a doctor was to be his occupation for the rest of his life and that he better be good at it. As a result, he began studying and considers that this was the moment he became a true student. Secondly, while looking across the room one day, Dr. Pierucci saw a student nurse he instantly fell in love with. This nurse, Donna, would later become his wife of 67 years and the mother of their 6 children, grandmother of 15, and great-grandmother of 8. Speaking of their relationship, Dr. Pierucci relayed that their love affair was intense and lasting.&nbsp;</p>   <p>During his residency, Dr. Pierucci had the privilege of being trained by Dr. John H. Gibbons, Jr. and later working as a part of his group practice. Dr. Gibbons was the inventor and first user of the Heart-Lung machine in open-heart surgery. A junior in medical school at the time of the first Heart-Lung machine procedure, Dr. Pierucci would have the opportunity to operate the machine only a few years later. More of a research man than a thoracic surgeon, Dr. Gibbons, who had a worldwide reputation and was usually out lecturing, gave Dr. Pierucci the chance to meet some of the most outstanding surgeons in the country. Men such as Dr. Cooley and Dr. DeBakey piqued an interest in heart surgery, but eventually, Dr. Pierucci’s interest in vascular surgery won out, and for the majority of his career, this is where he functioned.&nbsp;</p>   <p>In addition to working with Dr. Gibbons for his residency, Dr. Pierucci went into the Air Force on the surgery team at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. As he recalls, it was two of the most interesting years of his life. Not only was it a hugely instructive period in his career, but also fascinating as the base came alive with the examining and approval of the Project Mercury astronauts.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Taken under the wing of the Chief of Surgery at the time, Dr. Pierucci was permitted to be part of the surgical team and operate despite being low-ranking. For instance, shortly after arriving, the Chief of Surgery told him: “I’ve done well over a thousand hernia repairs, and I’m going to show you how I do it, Lou, because I don’t want to do them anymore and you’re the man.”&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/General-Bob-Dees-and-The-National-Center-for-Healthy-Veterans-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3827"/></figure>   <p>Dr. Pierucci admits that even though he was still in his residency, he had seen many things that happen in thoracic surgery while the men he was with at the time had not seen much at all. This made him a valuable member of the surgery team and paved the way for recognizing his own skills and opportunities to gain prized experience.&nbsp;</p>   <p>At the age of 43 in 1972, Dr. Pierucci underwent his first open-heart procedure. And in 1986, in his own surgical group’s expert hands, he underwent two more procedures. Because of these surgeries, at the age of 65, he felt it wise to retire and enjoy life after 35 years of practice in the Philadelphia area.&nbsp;</p>   <p>A lover of horses and student of dressage, Donna Pierucci requested that their next home be a farm similar to the one they had in New Jersey. And in 1998, at an auction in the small town of Altavista, Virginia, one particular farm caught their eye. It wasn’t just a farm, but rather a beautiful little piece of everything. There are two high points on the acreage from where you can view the Blue Ridge Mountains. There is also a pond and stream, bottomland, cropland, and a river that encircles the property for about a mile and a half. They were able to have horses, and for 27 years, it was home for the Pierrucis.&nbsp;</p>   <p>In October of 2019, Donna Pierucci passed away from Alzheimer’s, and in the coming period of months, Dr. Pierucci had no real idea what to do with the property. When General Bob Dees and the National Center for Healthy Veterans approached with an offer and the plan for turning the Pierucci horse farm into a wellness center and equestrian therapy for Veterans, it seemed like a perfect fit. During their talks about buying the farm, General Dees related to Dr. Pierruci that one of the primary problems veterans face is suicide.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>“When I think of the Veterans who are going to be there [on the farm], I think the one thing they really have to seek is self-respect. General Dees said that one of their primary problems throughout the country is suicide, and when you think about it, who is it that commits suicide? It’s someone who has low self-esteem. You can create good self-esteem. You have to think you’re worth something. And this applies to both men and women.”&nbsp;</strong></p>   <p>Through the various programs and activities, Valor Farm will present to the Veterans living and working there, those who actively seek betterment and self-respect will have the opportunity to find hope. For some of the same reasons, the Pierruci family loved the farm; Dr. Pierucci believes that the Veterans who live and work on the soon-to-be Valor Farm will love it and find healing there.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Dr. Pierucci is now living with one of his daughters and her family in Florida.</p>   <p>Donate Today to Support the National Center for Healthy Veterans: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://newhorizonsfoundation.com/waystodonate?pid=2280-national-center-for-healthy-vete&amp;Itemid=105">https://newhorizonsfoundation.com/waystodonate?pid=2280-national-center-for-healthy-vete&amp;Itemid=105</a></p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Untitled-design-6.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/dr-louis-pierucci-spotlight/</url> </article> <article> <ID>3819</ID> <title>Major General (Retired) Robert F. "Bob" Dees and The National Center for Healthy Veterans</title> <publishDate>2020-11-14 07:30:33</publishDate> <description> <p>Lurking in the shadows of our communities is a hidden enemy. It creeps into the mind, poisoning it, convincing those who once stood strong that their strength has faded away. This enemy is suicide, and it has come for our veterans.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Suicide is on the rise among America’s veterans, with more taking their lives than active service military and civilian populations. Statistics show that roughly 22 veterans commit suicide a day, which is an alarming issue. Regardless of the great work being done to combat this, the statistics remain too high. At least, that was until one man decided to do something unique about it.</p>   <p>Thus enters Major General (Retired) Robert F. "Bob" Dees. </p>   <p>General Dees studied at West-point and served in the U.S. Army. While in the Army, he served as a General Officer Assistant Division Commander for the 101st Airborne Division. He then went on to Command troops in Korea with the 2nd Infantry Division and served as the Europe Deputy Commander 5th Corps in Europe, an organization of over 50,000. He finished his career as the US/Israeli joint task force missile defense commander and retired to Microsoft.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Untitled-design-5.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3822"/></figure>   <p>During his time in the service and after, General Dees struggled with the thought of how many veterans commit suicide. The numbers were far too high, and nothing seemed to be working to reduce them. So, he embarked on a journey to pioneer a way to create solutions for veterans.</p>   <p>Faith has always been a major part of General Dees’ life, and he recognized that it needed to be integrated into veteran programs. This is why he joined Campus Crusade Ministry for 5 years, wrote 3 books called the Resilience Trilogy, became Vice President for military outreach at Liberty University, and founded the Liberty University Institute for Military resilience.&nbsp;</p>   <p>What General Dees discovered was that there needed to be a comprehensive solution to proven best practices. This endeavor exists under the name of the National Center for Healthy Veterans. On his journey, he found a narrative regarding veterans: that they were broken, risky, dangerous, and never enough. However, this is a false narrative that does both the veterans and the nation an injustice. The fact of the matter is, veterans have tremendous talents and are a national treasure.&nbsp;</p>   <p>The goal of the National Center for Healthy Veterans is to produce healthy veterans. Healthy means physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, relationally, and overall wellness. Contrary to popular opinion, the VA is not the answer, but rather the private sector is. To achieve this, Bob Dees, along with partners, have founded Valor Farm.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Joe-Biden-the-self-proclaimed-President-Elect-2-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3823"/></figure>   <p>So, what is Valor Farm? Valor Farm is a property containing 390 acres that will serve as a rehabilitation and learning center for at-risk veterans. General Dees’ goals for the property are to aid the veterans on their journey back into community life so they are not there permanently.&nbsp;</p>   <p>There are a few key factors that play into this:&nbsp;</p>   <p>1. There needs to be a community notion—one of the primary factors in suicide and behavioral issues is isolation. Valor Farm will build tiny home villages with 20 tiny homes in each, with a small community center. This affords them a dignified place to live. However, the goal is not to have them be too comfortable because they need to learn to value community. The community center will be a hub where they can cook meals, do laundry, play ping-pong, and other recreational activities. This will allow them to relax and meet one another while healing.&nbsp;</p>   <p>2. The second factor is dignified work and economic opportunity. There will be plenty of work around the 390-acre property. Such work may include building and painting fences, growing vegetables, herding cows, woodworking, and caring for the horses. This work will give veterans a sense of purpose and dignity, which is needed on their path to better mental health.&nbsp;</p>   <p>3. Faith-based trauma recovery and life skills programs will be available to the veterans at Valor Farm. The faith-based trauma recovery, also known as REBOOT, is part of the best practice recovery programs; it’s also a curriculum taught at Liberty University. The life skills programs are empirically based and will focus on resilience. These will essentially teach them how to prepare for and navigate the storms of life. However, the most important aspect of this is to provide the training, coaching, and mentoring that will help them achieve their full God-given potential.&nbsp;</p>   <p>4. When entering programs such as The National Center for Healthy Veterans, participants are often in their situations due to financial issues. Valor Farm wants to offer economic opportunity to its visitors. Veterans will receive aid in the form of mentoring for future employment and entrepreneurship. There will also be a school that helps them become employed and start a business, where they are taught Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University.</p>   <p>5. Because of the size and value of the property, there will be faith-based equine therapy. As the saying goes, the horse has a brain the size of a walnut but a heart the size of a basketball. So, horses can sense you, and you can feel the horse sensing you. These horses particularly understand when people are stressed, have trauma, and need healing. They will encourage and nudge at the right time to help calm the spirit and heal from the inside out.&nbsp;</p>   <p>These ingredients combined will help return healthy veterans into American society.</p>   <p>A lot of the mentoring will come from working on the trails and sharing life, but they won’t be alone along the journey. Missionals will be living alongside the veterans. These men and women will include pastors, chaplains, and many others who will have a double occupancy single home in the villages to minister to the veterans.</p>   <p>It should be noted that within the next 3 years, there will be no medical staff at the farm. However, veterans will have access to veterans’ choice, which is a program where if there is no VA facility within 120 miles, the veterans may choose to visit this facility or any other local facility for help.</p>   <p>What people need to get out of this is awareness. Most people don’t understand the full breadth and depth of veteran issues and veteran potential. Unfortunately, people believe that the VA takes care of all the veterans and their needs. Facts dictate that the VA only touches about 30% and doesn’t even help all of that percentage. So, the key point is that 70% of all veterans are in the woodwork of communities and are unhealed.&nbsp;</p>   <p>As stated before, the goal is not to have veterans stay permanently, although some will, but rather to have them balanced in life, be skilled, be able to get and keep a job, and to fulfill their full potential not just at work but as a citizen and contributors of society. Above all, America needs them. They follow well, lead well, possess great skills, and be inspiring role models, coaches, team members, and business professionals. Veterans also thrive in community and like the idea of teamwork.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Veteran suicide is a tragedy in America that is multifaceted. We owe it to them and America to accomplish these initiatives because many hands make light work. Valor Farm is roughly a 6-year build that will cost around 39.5 million dollars to complete. This includes the wellness center, which will resemble a combination of a YMCA and a counseling center on steroids. This facility will use state of the art technology to aid pain, sleep, and other issues. It can also be used as a conference center. But how does this impact the overall community?</p>   <p>The economic impact assessment predicts that there will be a 60 million dollar economic impact over the next decade. Yet, there is more to it than monetary value. General Dees, in an interview, said, “Frankly, in our days of racial discord in the United States, the military is the greatest meritocracy that understands racial equality more than any other institution in America. When you go through basic training or are in combat, you quickly find that we all bleed the same red blood. With the folks on your left and right, you build trust and confidence that goes far beyond race, color, and creed, building human relationships.” Veterans understand that in unique ways and are valuable to our nation at large for that very reason. They will leave this facility positively impacting everyone and the communities around them.</p>   <p>Veterans are one of America’s greatest treasures. We owe it to them and ourselves to extend a branch of goodwill, offering a second chance at a better life. General Dees and Valor Farm will be key players in today’s economic climate to combat veteran suicide and produce real results for this epidemic. </p>   <p>Donate Today to Support the National Center for Healthy Veterans: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://newhorizonsfoundation.com/waystodonate?pid=2280-national-center-for-healthy-vete&amp;Itemid=105">https://newhorizonsfoundation.com/waystodonate?pid=2280-national-center-for-healthy-vete&amp;Itemid=105</a></p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Bob-scaled.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/general-bob-dees-and-the-national-center-for-healthy-veterans/</url> </article> <article> <ID>3814</ID> <title>Building Sustainable Systems and Giving a Spark of Hope to Help Vulnerable Populations in America</title> <publishDate>2020-11-14 07:18:20</publishDate> <description> <p>Joe Basel is the farm manager of Valor Farm for the National Center for Healthy Veterans. He attended the University of Minnesota, during which he was the Director of Sustainability at one of the largest dairy partnerships in North America. This opportunity opened the door for him to start looking into profitable and sustainable farming systems - something that he is planning on utilizing to benefit Valor Farm and its programs dedicated to veteran health.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Along with his wife, an investigative journalist, Joe was a part of a 500 staff organizational firm that worked with groups, people, and communities nationwide to improve and heal their communities. Through this, he recognized that every mid-to-large city needs the same thing: implementable plans to build affordable housing for vulnerable populations in the community. To fill this need, Joe and the firm began advising on the structure and building of tiny homes, which are 80% more affordable than the "affordable housing" commonly found in America. Not only is it more affordable, but as Joe and his firm found out, the design of tiny homes can actually facilitate healthier relationships amongst a community.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>"Every single part of what we are building [here at the farm] is under the idea of healthy relationships promoting a healthy community. Little things add up. Little things like no backdoors on the homes, but front porches that face each other and have space for multiple rocking chairs."</strong></p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Joe-Biden-the-self-proclaimed-President-Elect-1-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3816" width="841" height="841"/></figure>   <p>The current housing situation in the United States has been escalating since World War II when the common design for modern houses began. They no longer face each other or are oriented to where people get to see and know their neighbors. This is an extremely isolating system; however, for decades, it seemed that all was well. Then, at the beginning of this year, when COVID-19 hit and reality became digital and remote commuting, the situation was exacerbated to show just how detrimental it has become for society.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>"You don't need neighbors if you're okay," says Joe Basel. "You don't need neighbors if you're healthy or you have a great marriage. You don't need neighbors if your job is great and you have enough money. You need neighbors when you don't have a job or can't put groceries on the table. The bottom line is, you need other healthy relationships if you're going to be healthy in every part of your life."&nbsp;</strong></p>   <p>Addressing the social dilemma at hand, Joe explains that the housing arrangement and its destructive effects on relationships in communities is an American problem, not just a veteran one. But because of the dignity and respect owed to the men and women who have served our country, the National Center for Healthy Veterans has chosen to focus its efforts at Valor Farm, specifically on veterans.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Through the building of 100 tiny homes in four community groups of 25 each, Joe and those at Valor Farm hope to start readdressing this societal and relational issue. They plan to do this through two avenues: first, by arranging the homes to allow for interaction between neighbors without violating personal space; and second, putting communal activities such as doing laundry or watching TV in the community centers to promote healthy group interchanges.</p>   <p><strong>"We all suffer from less healthy relationships than the age of our grandparents. We may think we have more relationships because of things like social media, but we actually have less healthy, less trust-based relationships. But we also want to make sure each person [at the farm] still has dignity and the assurance of their private spaces in which belongings are safe and can take time for themselves. Both parts, community and dignity, are essential to the process of healing."&nbsp;</strong></p>   <p>Valor Farm is a prototype for what the National Center for Healthy Veterans wants to see built for other people, other communities, and other vulnerable populations across the nation. All of the individual programs and processes they are implementing have been done before in separation. And all have been based on scientific research and proven successful. However, this is the first time they will be combined.&nbsp;</p>   <p>The biggest difference the National Center for Healthy Veterans hopes to make in veterans' lives is providing a residential, on-site recovery program that can last as long as each individual needs. A big problem with intensives or counseling is that this is still a concept of isolation, and true healing is never done alone. Joe Basel and those at Valor Farm are promoting the atmosphere in which a veteran can take a break, breathe, and get healthy through their own personalized development plan, all the while surrounded by people who will support and help them get healthy.&nbsp;</p>   <p><strong>"When these veterans are ready and truly want to put in the work [of recovery], we will be here with all of the proven principles, a world class equestrian center, many diversified opportunities for dignified work on-site, and a tiny home for them to live in."&nbsp;</strong></p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Untitled-design-4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3817"/></figure>   <p>Valor Farm will be a valuable asset to the community, providing a safe and restoring environment for veterans, and establishing a precedent for helping vulnerable populations across the nation. And with Joe's vast experience in sustainable farming processes, it will be producing fresh agricultural products that will benefit both those living on the farm and local customers. Personally overseeing the construction of the tiny homes and all farm operations, Joe's goal and vision for Valor Farm is to see it give all who stay there or visit hope. The National Center for Healthy Veterans and, consequently, Valor Farm is about saving lives. While it might not look the same or function identically, Joe and his team want to inspire and encourage others to commit to helping people directly in a tangible way. </p>   <p>Donate Today to Support the National Center for Healthy Veterans: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://newhorizonsfoundation.com/waystodonate?pid=2280-national-center-for-healthy-vete&amp;Itemid=105">https://newhorizonsfoundation.com/waystodonate?pid=2280-national-center-for-healthy-vete&amp;Itemid=105</a></p> </description> <images>https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Untitled-design-3-1.jpg</images> <url>https://topdoctormagazine.com/news/building-sustainable-systems-and-giving-a-spark-of-hope-to-help-vulnerable-populations-in-america/</url> </article> <article> <ID>3811</ID> <title>Dr. Scalise</title> <publishDate>2020-11-14 07:10:27</publishDate> <description> <p>Dr. Scalise had a lifelong dream stemming from the Gemini and Apollo missions, to be an astronaut. Through his father's diplomatic connections, he could have easily gotten a letter from the Vice President's office to help pursue his dream. However, at the last minute, he changed what he felt interested in.&nbsp;</p>   <p>Son of a diplomat, born in Cyprus, Dr. Scalise, is no stranger to the international world. He lived in Singapore, Bolivia, Germany, and Iceland throughout his life, finishing his international journies in the United States for his high school years. Having traveled much and experienced the diplomatic world, Dr. Scalise fostered a special international-awareness.&nbsp;</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://topdoctormagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Untitled-design-2-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3808"/></figure>   <p>Like most people, Dr. Scalise was unsure of what his focus was. He landed a degree in Psychology due to his fascination with the human mind and behavior, when he was living in Nova and attending William And Mary, the second-oldest campus in the country. After graduation, he realized that he couldn't do a lot with a BS in Psycho