Covid Immunizations: The Life Savers And common fears surrounding them

The Life Savers

Statement by Ken Savage, DO, who is a board-certified, diplomat of the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians and physician at Nature Coast Health Care: “For those who know me, you know I love to talk about immunizations. That is because they are life savers. As medical providers, it is our duty to make recommendations to our patients on how to live long and healthy lives. Immunizations are one of the tools that help us achieve that goal. Currently, the top most life-saver is the Covid vaccine. Just about anyone can have access to it.”

Skepticisms about the Flu Vaccines & Solutions

  • Fear of Needles: Now we use tiny needles that the patient barely feel.
  • Fear of Side Effects: Mild flu-like symptoms after receiving the vaccination are common. Your body is preparing you to fight for when you get the real deal. In turn, hospitalization, intubation, or dying is less likely.

Continue reading “Immunizations: The Life Savers And common fears surrounding them”

Hypertension, The Silent Killer

Why it’s important to monitor your Blood Pressure

Tired of high BP getting in your way?

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension is also more commonly known as high blood pressure, which can cause multiple severe health complications if not taken care of immediately. Blood pressure is the force exerted against the walls of blood vessels by blood. The pressure is dependent on the resistance from the blood vessels and how hard the heart has to work. (Medical News Today)

What can Hypertension Lead to?

Obstruction of the Arteries

Increased pressure within arteries facilitates plaquing, known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the growth of cholesterol, fat, and other substances in and on the artery walls (Mayo Clinic, 2018). This obstruction of the artery, or blood clot, can turn into heart attacks (myocardial impairment), strokes, and amputations.

Blood Clots

The buildup can also restrict blood flow, eventually, leading to a burst producing a blood clot (Mayo Clinic, 2018). This clotting can cause acute compromises, making the person more susceptible to heart attacks and strokes. Continue reading “Hypertension, The Silent Killer”

Eat to Live: Whole Foods Plant-Based Diet

Are you struggling with your health or struggling with staying on the right track to accomplish a healthy lifestyle? There are plenty of great side effects that come with healthy living. You will start to sleep better, feel better about yourself, inspire creativity, and most importantly, fight off illnesses. The best place to start is within by watching what you eat, intake, and what you do with your body. At Nature Coast Health Care, we encourage our patients to take care of their health so that they can live a long, healthy, happy life.

Evidence suggests the closer you are to having a whole foods diet, the better off your health will be. Dr. Savage, DO is a board-certified, diplomat of the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians, and his favorite book that goes deep into whole foods plant-based dieting and recipes is, Eat to Live by Dr. Fuhrman. This book is one of the best books to read because it sets the bar high enough that anyone can reach it, has structure, and contains goals that are not impossible to achieve. Continue reading “Eat to Live: Whole Foods Plant-Based Diet”

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD): Risks of Alcohol Consumption

Who is Dr. McNerney?

Dr. McNerney, DO is an experienced board-certified osteopathic physician and medical educator. He has held a presidential position for the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, Distinguished Fellow of the college, and Emeritus Chairman of the American Board of Osteopathic Family Physicians. Dr. McNerney practiced Family Medicine for 20 years in Iowa before becoming the Clinical Dean of The Touro University College Of Osteopathic Medicine in California. He later assumed the role of Director of Medical Education of the Osteopathic Division of St. John Providence Health System. In both these roles He established multiple new residency training programs and new clinical rotations for medical students. Dr. McNerney moved to Florida in 2014 to continue his practice.

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) can often be linked to genetics giving it the name, “alcoholism gene.” NIH-supported researchers have identified genes that increase an individual’s risk for becoming alcohol dependent, as well as ones that protect against alcohol problems. For instance, some people of Asian descent tend to carry a gene variant that alters their rate of alcohol metabolism, causing them to have symptoms of flushing, nausea, and rapid heartbeat when they partake in drinking activities. Many people who experience these effects avoid alcohol, which helps protect them from developing AUD. As genetics can certainly influence our likelihood of developing AUD, the story is not as simple. Research has shown that genetics are responsible for about half of the risk for AUD. Therefore, they alone do not determine whether someone will develop AUD. Environmental factors and gene & environmental interactions account for the remainder of the risk. Continue reading “Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD): Risks of Alcohol Consumption”