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Looking for Health Answers on the World Wide Web
May 16th, 2012We’re all too familiar with the search for that quick answer for our myriad of health questions on the omnipresent Google or WebMD. I confess, I have gone there too. Not a day goes by in the day to day care of patients in my private practice, that I face the popular phrase, “Doctor, I looked it up on the internet.” A small percentage of patients, actually do find reliable, accurate and valuable information, though far too many find themselves more lost, confused and be ridden with fear after their search on the world wide web. Indeed, that may be the reason our anxious patients steadfastly come to us looking for clarification. The key entanglement here is within the name, World, Wide, Web.
World- Our health is directly linked to our community, our local environment. The food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, the environmental pollutants we are exposed to, and so forth. Looking for solutions to our health problems in a world that does not closely resemble that which we live in, can pose serious dilemmas.
Wide- The answers we find on the internet are wide, not specific. People don’t typically search by the name of the disease, they search by symptoms. ‘Blood in stool’, ‘worse headache of my life’, ‘lump in my throat.’ The reason being, they don’t know the name of the diseases associated with such symptoms. Generally, health websites such as Mayo Clinic, WebMD, Wikipedia, Medicinet offer a comprehensive discussion on a particular symptom. You’ll likely find a search for lump in throat produces a 15 item list of all the associated conditions, including lymphoma. Is that helpful? No. Is that scary? Yes.
Web- By definition, a web is a complex system of interconnected elements, especially one perceived as a trap or danger.1 Enough said.
So next time you notice that your health has changed in any way, keep your doctor in mind, not your computer. If it’s in the middle of the night, you’re too afraid to wake him or her up, and must imminently look up a question, go to a trusted site, such as Uptodate.com. There are no advertisers and no drug company propaganda. Only sound, reliable advice to most of your health questions. Spend no more than five to ten minutes reading the discussion, and don’t let yourself get entangled from one site to another. More beneficial though is to search this site after your visit with the doctor, once you have a diagnosis or two in hand, when you can learn more about your condition. Your doctor may already have reliable reading material on hand, don’t be shy to ask. This is a fine example of being a proactive participant in your healthcare decisions, which I guarantee will lead to better health outcomes.
Stay healthy and well.
Dr. Nasimeh Yazdani
The Big Office Move is Just Around the Corner
February 13th, 2012We are totally excited about our move to our new office, a premier medical building, located in the heart of the medical quad of Santa Monica. The suite which is located on the 7th floor is completely redone with impeccable design while keeping with the mission of Seaside Medical Practice to offer the best medical services in a state of the art facility. We are hoping for a smooth transition without missing a single day’s work, thanks to our hard working staff who have relentlessly strived to make it all happen.
Drop in after February 26th and see for yourself.
The Inflammatory Diet
February 13th, 2012Not until recently have researchers been able to directly link food to the immune system. A fascinating new article in New England Journal of Medicine, a premier medical science journal, “Diet and Intestinal Immunity,” outlines the findings of two studies linking dietary components of certain foods to intestinal immune receptors. The receptors, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) interacts with the particular food, sends a signal to the nucleus of the cells lining the intestinal tract, and stimulates or inhibits the genes responsible for triggering the immune system. The foods are cruciferous vegetables, e.g. broccoli, cabbage, and brussels sprouts. Laboratory animals with a defect in these receptors, are highly susceptible to infections, have increased vulnerability to immune activation, and altered composition of microflora of the gut. AhR is dampened in persons with IBD, irritable bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. These studies raise the question of, “is there such a thing as an inflammatory diet”?
Nutritionists say, “Yes, in deed.” Clinical nutritionist, Shereen Jegtvig wrote an entire book on an inflammation-free diet, SuperFoods for Dummies.
My basic recommendations for an anti-inflammatory diet are:
- The more colorful your plate, the better. Five to eight servings of fruits and vegetables per day. According to the study above, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and cabbage are essential.
- Use more plant-based proteins such as soy, nuts and legumes.
- Avoid highly processed foods, and packaged foods. At the grocery store, perimeter shopping is better.
- Eat more fish, at least 3 servings per week.
- Limit high fat meats. People who consume red meat everyday have lower life expectancy.
- Limit sugars, especially refined sugars and simple carbohydrates.
- Drink water, herbal teas, green tea and milk. Limit sodas and fruit juices with added sugar.
References:
Holiday Beauty Day 12-5-2011
November 8th, 2011The holiday season is just around the corner and we have the perfect idea to lavish yourself with beauty and health. For your events and gatherings look your best with facial rejuvenation and feel your best with vitamin giveaways. Click here Beauty Day
Hair Loss in Women and Men
November 8th, 2011I have been on a high protein, low carb diet for close to a year. Though the weight loss has been a dream come true, one of the biggest problems with my dietary modification is the hair loss! For the first few months, I thought I was imagining how much hair I was losing. Now, when I look in the mirror, I can see hair on my head, but also everywhere else.
Hair loss in both men and women can be very frustrating. The good news is that there are many solutions out there. Before looking to spend a fortune on over-the-counter remedies, consult with your medical provider first. After a discussion with your doctor, a thorough physical exam, and blood work, you may find that the cause for your hair loss is due to hormonal or vitamin deficiencies.
Natural remedies for hair loss include an adequate amount of protein intake, fish oil supplements, biotin, B vitamins and other important nutrients. Wash and condition your hair, but not daily as the essentials oils may be stripped unnecessarily from your scalp. Daily massage of scalp helps stimulate more blood flow, and healthier regrowth. Speak with your medical provider about starting topical minoxidil, which is very effective if started early. There are other prescription medications for hair loss as well, and referral to a dermatologist may be indicated. We know from experience that waiting too long will make it harder for success.
I personally use Seaside Medical Practice’s Skin, Hair and Nails Supplement. This patented formula of orthosilicic acid helps build stronger and thicker hair by stimulating collagen production, as well as promoting keratin and elastin synthesis. In 20 weeks, a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study of 50 women taking this supplement found that their hair strength and elasticity significantly improved over placebo.
See us if you’re concerned about hair loss and let’s devise a regimen to begin your hair regrowth as early as possible!
Summer Kick Off Beauty Event
July 19th, 2011NBC Channel 4 News Interviews Dr. Yazdani
October 13th, 2010Dr. Bruce Hensel, NBC Chief Medical Correspondent, presents a segment on growth hormone replacement therapy and its effects on joint repair after his major orthopedic surgery. He interviews experts in the field and addresses the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy, including testosterone replacement and human growth hormone. View segment here.
Medical Nutrition Therapy Now Available at Seaside
September 1st, 2010Please join Seaside Medical Practice in welcoming esteemed medical nutritionist and registered dietician, Ayleen Marganian, MS, RD, CN. Ayleen is a functional medical nutritionist with over 20 years of experience in the field of evidence-based nutritional therapy programs, including science-based nutritional therapy for common medical conditions such as, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, chronic fatigue, mood and sleep disorders, hormonal fluctuations, and food or environmental allergies.
It is our pleasure to bring to Seaside Medical Practice this unique and comprehensive medical resource. Our medical service offerings continue to grow because of the support of our patients, and we appreciate the trust you place in our growing team.
Seaside Medical Practice is on Twitter too!
August 19th, 2010…and don’t forget to follow Seaside Medical Practice on Twitter too! Lot’s and lot’s of ways to keep up to speed with your favorite medical practice from Santa Monica, CA!
Seaside Medical Practice is on Facebook!
August 19th, 2010Seaside Medical Practice is now on Facebook! Become a fan and start following us today!
