Category : Seaside News
Chronic Kidney Disease, aka CKD
March 7th, 2012Kidney disease affects many of our patients here at Seaside Medical Practice. For the most part, chronic kidney disease does not cause any symptoms. Early in its course, the only way to detect it is by blood and urine tests. Once detected, you and your healthcare team will need to take important steps to control the progression.
One of the most effective ways to improve kidney function and delay the progression of CKD is to control blood pressure. A blood pressure of less than 120/80 is optimal for most individuals. You can improve your blood pressure by maintaining a low salt diet, consuming more servings of fruits and vegetables, limiting alcohol intake, and exercising on a regular basis. Stress reduction techniques are always helpful as well.
For diabetics, tight sugar control, and the maintanence of normal sugars, is a must when preventing worsening kidney function. Those with diabetes produce an abnormally high amount of pro-inflammatory cells called advanced glycation end-products. These occur in even in those without diabetes, during the regular break down of sugar in the body. Diseased kidneys in diabetics cannot efficiently remove these products and they therefore progressively accumulate. A high amount of these advanced gylcation end-products in the blood play a large role in inflammatory processes of diabetics such as vascular disease, atherosclerosis, heart attack, nephropathy, and retinopathy.
Patients with CKD should also watch their intake of protein per day. Some studies suggest that a rich protein diet burdens already diseased kidneys. Limiting the grams of protein one consumes can improve kidney function over time.
One of the most significant causes of CKD is chronic use of NSAIDs, such as Motrin, ibuprofen or Aleve. Avoid excessive and chronic use of these medications in order to maintain healthy kidney function.
Numerous studies have shown that regular monitoring by a nephrologist reduces the rates of morbidity and mortality of persons with CKD, and leads to appropriate timing of kidney replacement modalities and transplantation. The role of a nephrologist in the care of patients with CKD is paramount.
If you or a family member have been diagnosed with CKD, or have any concerns about kidney disease, please do not hesitate to call us and set up an appointment for consultation with a nephrologist. We are here to help and educate you as best we can!
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.
How Did Annick Do It?
January 23rd, 2012As patients check in at our front desk, some of our regular patients quietly wonder if we hired a new office manager. The truth is we did not. Our loveable and knowledgeable Annick is still with us, although she is a more petite version of herself!
We have been receiving a high volume of phone traffic and visitors coming in to specifically see Annick for “the scoop”. Her strategies are definitely working for her and she would love to share them with you.
So what did she do? It’s no secret. Annick has been faithfully following a low carb, high protein diet. Moreover, she would love to share her techniques with you!
We here at Seaside Medical Practice, would love for you to come by and talk to us about your weight concerns. Make an appointment with us, and Dr. Yazdani or Christine our Physician Assistant, will physically evaluate you before starting a diet and exercise program!
The Important Role of a Physician Assistant
December 30th, 2011Since I joined Seaside Medical Practice, I have frequently been asked about my profession as a Physician Assistant, aka PA. I hope to clarify some of our patients’ questions with a short and sweet version defining the important role of a Physician Assistant.
PA’s are formally trained, licensed healthcare providers who can assess patients through history taking, physical exams, order and interpret labs, order and interpret imaging studies, make diagnoses, and prescribe medications. Some work alongside surgeons in the operating room, perform aesthetic procedures, as well as work in a subspecialist role under the supervision of a physician.
The majority of students who enter PA school, do so after obtaining a college degree, and many have prior experience in the healthcare field. Formal training ranges between 2-3 rigorous years at an accredited Physician Assistant Program consisting of didactic and clinical education.
Generally, the first year of PA school spans topics such as Adult Medicine, Pathophysiology, Anatomy, and Physical Examination. The second year is more hands on. Students rotate in different specialties of medicine, with emphasis on Primary Care. After completing the program, students elect to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination to become a certified PA. Recertification is required after 6 years.
Similar to MD’s, Physician Assistants must continue life-long education. We are required to log 100 hours of Continued Medical Education achieved through pre-approved clinical and professional educational activities.
My first position as a certified PA was in Pain Management with an Anesthesiologist. There I was able to practice a blend of orthopedics, neurology, and psychology. My second position was with an Endocrinologist, or a doctor who specializes in hormones. There I specialized in diabetes controlled with insulin and thyroid disorders. Now, under direct supervision of Dr. Yazdani, a nephrologist and internist, I have an independent practice where I manage my own patients, assist the doctor in complex cases, and perform most of the aesthetic procedures in the office.
As you can see, a Physician Assistant complements the supervising doctor’s practice in a very unique and important way.
I hope this description gives you a better understanding of the Physician Assistant profession. If you have any other questions, you can find more information at www.nccpa.net, and as always, I’ll be happy to explain it all again in person.
–
Christine Soriano, Certified Physician Assistant
Apeele Review
December 5th, 2011The holidays are around the corner and the inevitable gathering of family and friends whom I haven’t seen for months, has me wanting to look my best! I had some unwanted acne scars and hyper-pigmentation that needed some lightening, so I decided to try the chemical peel we offer here at Seaside Medical Practice, called Apeele.
Apeele is our choice chemical peel because it is not as harsh as the other medical grade peels in the market, yet strong enough to make a significant improvement on smoothening of fine lines, and tone evenness of the face, neck and hands.
Day 1. My treatment was applied in the afternoon. I experienced mild stinging during the procedure, which was relieved right away with a small fan. Other than my face looking cleaner, I did not notice any significant difference.
Day 2. I looked at myself in the mirror and noticed what appeared to be a mild sun burn! I am naturally tan, and never burn, so I found this amusing. My face felt tight and sensitive. I applied the cream that came with the package of Apeele and felt better instantly. Before leaving the house, did the SPF 50 UVA and UVB sunblock as instructed, and stayed out of the sun.
Day 3. Talk about peeling! I did not realize the extent to which my skin would peel! The more I talked, smiled, and laughed as the day went on, the more my skin peeled.
Day 6. Peeling is almost complete. Skin felt dry, especially around my chin, though not as tender or red as before. I applied a bit of hydrocortisone cream for a couple of days to relieve the dryness.
Day 8. My peel is complete. My skin is flawless and brighter than ever. It’s as though I’ve had a deep skin cleaning. And I love being able to wear less foundation than usual!
The only thing I would do differently is have the peel done on a Thursday. Then I would have the weekend to peel in private! But looking at my skin now, and with all the compliments I’m receiving, Apeele was worth every dime!
Call us if you are interested in flawless, even-toned skin with the help of Apeele.
Christine Soriano, PA-C
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!
Mother’s Day Beauty Event Week
April 29th, 2011The best gift to Mom is the gift of beauty and youth.
During May 2-6, 2011, Seaside Medical Practice will honor our special mothers with these incredible offers.
Radiation exposure. Should we begin to worry?
April 1st, 2011A danger of radiation exposure thousands of miles away has been the hot topic of conversation and concern here in our Southern California communities. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported minimally higher levels of Iodine-131 in several state rivers, lakes, and rain water. They reassure us that “the very low levels of radioactive material currently being measured in surface water and rain water are far below those of public health concern.” The consequences of a nuclear reactor accident depend on several factors, such as population density, weather conditions and dietary habits. Additionally, the response to the accident by authority also plays an important role in reducing the adverse effects of such disasters. Estimates of acute and latent fatalities have been compared with other societal risks, such as cancer and they show much less overall risk. This is due to the fact that nuclear energy disasters are very uncommon, negating from its significant exposure risk.
The symptoms of acute radiation illness is nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. There are two sources, internal and external radiation. Internal radiation exposure is when radionuclides particles are ingested or inhaled, and occurs with close proximity, such as plant workers and firefighters who are first at the scene and responding to disaster sites. External radiation consists of beta-, gamma-, and neutron-radiation released from plume of radionuclides. These forms of radiation exert dangerous injuries to skin and viscera by causing lesions in DNA and other molecules within the cells. If you’ve been to the dentist’s office, you may have noticed the apron shield worn by radiology technician, the purpose being protection of germ cells (ovaries in women, scrotum in men) against radiation. The adverse effects of DNA mutation on germ cells are seen NOT in the person affected, but their offspring. Exposures to radiation on all other cells, (non-germ cells) are categorized into random and nonrandom. Nonrandom are dose-dependent and affect individuals similarly. With higher levels of radiation, there will be higher risk for diseases such as hypothyroidism, cataracts, sterility, and growth retardation. The atomic bomb detonation survivors experienced increased frequency of cataracts, as were higher rates of hypothyroidism seen in Marshall Island residents exposed to radioactive fallout as a consequence of Bravo atmospheric atomic test.
Random effects of radiation exposure are more elusive as data on dose and risk is more uncertain. Two of the most common long-term health consequences are thyroid abnormalities and cancer. When dispersed into the environment, radionuclides, Iodine-131 and Iodine-125, found in high concentrations in nuclear reactors, are absorbed and stored by humans in thyroid cells, causing mutations and cell death. Other cancers are leukemia, breast and lung, which can be seen as late as 10 to 30 years post exposure. Cesium-137 radioactivity has been implicated in non-thyroid cancers.
Debridement and decontamination is very crucial in the early stages of accident, and iodine treatment with potassium iodine should begin immediately in persons affected. Supportive care for bone marrow failure, skin injuries and visceral injuries are to be addressed on a case by case basis, and treatment plans set for evaluation for late complications.
All in all, it is safe to state, for our patients at Seaside Medical Practice and Santa Monica community at large, that we should not worry about radiation exposure as a result of the nuclear reactor spill in Japan.
References:
1. Champlin, R. et al. Radiation Accidents and Nuclear Energy: Medical Consequences and Therapy, Annals of Int Medicine, 11/1/1988
2. CDC Website; http://www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/isotopes/iodine131surfacewater.asp
December 3, 2010 “Beauty Through Rejuvenation Day”
November 25th, 2010Seaside Medical Practice and V2 Salon have joined together to host the first ever, “Beauty Through Rejuvenation Day,” offering various injectable and filler services including Botox, Dysport, Restylane, Radiesse, and Juvederm. Mark your calendars for special prizes and perks you won’t want to miss.
NBC 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.
