Patients Medical Health and Wellness Blog

Is Your Skin Winter Ready?

Kirsia Reyes — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 14:52:00 GMT

As winter is upon us, our skin gets drier. This is common and we see changes in our skin throughout the seasons of the year. With the cold, your skin needs better protection. And many times this means preserving the natural oils that protect our skin, or adding to them. So what should you be doing differently? Glad you asked.

Here are a few tips from our very own Top Dermatologist Dr. Rahat Azfar

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize- You really need to moisturize, it is best to apply moisturizer while your skin is still a little damp. This applies to your face, your hands, and the rest of your body. In addition to sealing in your own skin oils, the moisturizer will also help to protect your skin as a barrier to the cold, dry air. Because they are often more exposed, the hands can be especially affected by the cold than other parts of the skin. So, keep a good hand moisturizer around and use it often. Some of Dr. Azfar's recommendations are Cerave, Neutrogena, and Eucerin.
Limit Bath Time- When you've been outside and need to warm up, many of us hop in the shower and turn up the heat. We may even stay there until the hot water heater gives out. But, this is not good for us. The Hotter the water, the more it removes your skin's natural oils and barriers to damage from the enviorment. And, the longer you are in the shower, the more this happens. Also no rubbing and scrubbing the skin either in the shower or when drying off. Dr. Azfar recommends Dove soap as it contains more moisturizers than most other soaps.
Suncreen isn't just for summer- You still need your sunscreen in the winter! Even though the days are shorter and some of us are looking for sun to cure our effective seasonal disorder, those solar rays can still burn and cause long term sun damage. So continue to use your sunscreen. One of the easiest ways to do this is to use a skin care product or makeup with sunscreen in it. And if you are heading up to the mountains to ski, or down to the caribbean to escape the cold, get some high SPF broad spectrum sun screen, and reapply it often.
Skin Conditions- Some skin conditions may get worse during winter. If you have a skin condition such as eczema, Psoriasis or Seborrheic dermatitis, you can minimize the toll the next few months will take on your skin by preparing now. Consulting with your dermatologist prior to winter is always a good idea!
Avoid Allergens and Irritants- Particularly if you have eczema, try to avoid allergens and irritants that may trigger a flare up. Winter skin is very fragile, so avoid irritating fabrics ( like wool) and chemical- laden detergents, and use mild cleansers and moisturizers designed for sensitive skin.

It doesn't take too much to take care of your skin during the winter, but a little goes a long way. Just remember that your body's natural oils are your friends and what you do for your skin in the summer may not be what your skin needs in the winter.

Looking for a dermatologist that accepts your insurance? Click the button below to reserve your appointment.

Skin cancer prevention tips for summer...

Kirsia Reyes — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 18:53:00 GMT

When the summertime rolls around after a long and hard winter, New Yorkers can’t wait to grab their picnic baskets, towels, beach chairs and sunscreen to enjoy some fun times in the sun. However, there are a couple of things to think about: Preventing sunburns for one. And skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancer types. Morethan 3.5 million skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the United States; that’s more than all other cancers combined. The number of skin cancer cases has been going up over the past few decades.

The good news is that you can do a lot to protect yourself and your family from skin cancer, or catch it early so that it can be treated effectively. Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Most of this exposure comes from the sun, but some may come from man-made sources, such as indoor tanning beds.

Most skin cancers can be found early with skin exams. Both regular exams by your doctor and checking your own skin frequently can help find cancers early, when they are easier to treat.

Regular skin exams are especially important for people who are at higher risk of skin cancer, such as people with reduced immunity, people who have had skin cancer before, and people with a strong family history of skin cancer.

6 tips on how beat skin cancer this summer:

Get an annual skin checkup from a doctor and do skin self-checks every month to keep track of your brown spots and freckles. If you have a lot of brown spots, you might consider total body photography. This will provide your doctor with a photographic record of your moles and make it easier to spot any potentially dangerous changes.
Apply broad-spectrum, water resistant sunscreen. Look for sunscreens with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or more to all exposed skin when spending time outside, even if it’s cloudy. Reapply sunscreen after a few hours, and after activities where it may wash off your skin, such as swimming.

Wear protective clothing. Long sleeves, sunglasses and a hat can help protect you from the sun’s rays – and clothing labeled with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) is most effective.
Stay out of the sun during peak hours if at all possible. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. – so avoid being in direct sunlight whenever possible.
Be careful, especially at the beach. Water and sand can reflect and intensify the sun’s rays, so be extra cautious to avoid sunburn.
Avoid tanning beds. Tanning beds, like the sun, can cause skin cancer. If you want to look tan, consider using a spray or self-tanning product -- but continue to use sunscreen as well.

The American cancer society recommends annual skin checkups from a dermatologist.

Looking for a dermatologist that takes your insurance? Click the button below.

Your Burning Questions About Holistic Medicine - Answered

Kirsia Reyes — Thu, 15 May 2014 18:08:00 GMT

Navigating the health care system these days can be confusing, frustrating and -- for many -- just plain ineffective. Many people are looking for something more comprehensive than the care they are currently receiving and have thought about seeking out a different type of health care.

If you’ve ever considered seeing a holistic physician, chances are, you have some burning questions. Here are 4 of our most commonly-asked questions, answered for you by our holistic doctors at Patients Medical.

Q: How is holistic medicine different than conventional medicine?

A: While conventional medicine is great for emergencies and acute care of illness, it sometimes has a limited scope, addressing only one aspect of the person’s total health. For instance, someone who believes they have heart burn is given a prescription that eliminates the burning sensation, yet may cause other side effects and does not address why the heart burn is happening.

Holistic doctors look at the person as a whole, analyzing what the person eats, how they exercise and rest, emotional challenges, stressors, family history and many other factors that can affect a patient’s health. All of these factors are carefully discussed and considered when the doctor and patient come to an agreement on a treatment plan. The goal is to find the root cause of any imbalances and address them from the inside, out without harming other areas of the body.

So, to go back to the example of the person with heart burn, it is possible that they have a food allergy or sensitivity that is causing other, more serious problems internally. Or there may be an imbalance in the digestive bacteria that can be easily balanced. The holistic doctor prefers to hone in on the issue and heal it, using the most natural and gentle means, for the total good of the body.

Q: I’ve been to so many other doctors and no one’s been able to help me. What can a holistic doctor do that the others haven’t?

A: We hear this particularly from people with thyroid disease, hormonal imbalances or menopause symptoms, fibromyalgia and fatigue. These conditions have been very challenging for conventional doctors because they are not one-dimensional. They require a comprehensive use of state-of-the-art diagnostics and the latest treatment protocols that go deeper than the typical pharmaceutical.

Our doctors address diet, lifestyle, exercise, sleep, stress, and many other factors that affect the very sensitive balances of your body’s hormones, thyroid, adrenal system, brain chemistry and other areas that can only be tested, using leading-edge research and treatment protocols.

These are not techniques that are taught in medical school and require advanced training and certification by the individual doctor – something that most conventional medicine doctors either have no access to or have no interest in. Patients Medical doctors are passionate about finding the optimal treatment plan for every patient, no matter how challenging the case.

Q: Why are holistic doctor office visits so much longer than conventional doctors’ visits?

A: The holistic doctor needs to get to know you as a person in order to prescribe a treatment plan that will truly resolve your health issue - not just cover it up. Finding a plan that works for your lifestyle and personality as well as your health imbalance is an art as well as a science.

The doctor will draw upon a combination of diagnostics such as blood work, urine analysis, sonography or EKG, as well as a physical exam and an in-depth conversation. The doctor is interested in your perspective and values the information about your body and life that is helpful in finding the best treatment. This complete process cannot be done in 5-10 minutes, but rather takes closer to 30-60 minutes.

Q: Why don’t holistic doctors accept insurance?

A: Insurance companies have yet to recognize the time and effort it takes to create a relationship with a patient and get to the root cause of the health issue. While a conventional physician may accept medical insurance, he or she also may only be able to spend 5-10 minutes with each patient. At Patients Medical, we believe that the doctor can only give high quality care with the time and resources that he or she feels each patient needs – nothing less.

If you are fed up with your conventional medical care or are looking to augment your current physician’s treatment plan, call 212-679-9667

How Pranic Healing Changed My Life

Kirsia Reyes — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 21:47:00 GMT

I knew nothing about energy healing when Jeffrey V. Noble first joined our practice at Patients Medical, a few months ago. However, for some reason I felt intrigued and wanted to learn more. I wanted to see for myself if “this thing” really worked.

Having a pranic healing session is probably the best way to encourage lasting change in your life precisely because it produces such a subtle yet profound shift within you. Healing is change, and for those of us who fear change, it is the most digestible shift I have ever experienced. You find after a session that you move through the world a little bit differently than you did before. I’ve always left sessions with Jeffrey feeling very relaxed, confident that I was in capable hands, and later, feeling like a newer and more improved version of myself every single time.

Words cannot describe my gratitude and appreciation for Jeffrey and his spiritual healing abilities. He has opened so many doors for me emotionally and spiritually. It’s an amazing experience to actually feel the energy flow through your body as Jeffrey clears, cleanses and unblocks your chakras. His intuition is right on target, knowing the areas of your body that require healing energy. I highly recommend Jeffrey to anyone who is looking for emotional, physical or spiritual improvement in their life. You will thank the Gods for the new you! God Bless you Jeffrey.

In wellness,

Kirsia Reyes

February is Heart Month and We Aren't Talking the Candy Kind

Kirsia Reyes — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 17:03:00 GMT

February is National Heart Awareness month, and that’s not just a reference to Valentine’s Day.

This year don’t just give candy hearts and chocolates to your sweethearts, encourage them to take care of their health and their heart. And while you are at it, take a minute to remind yourself how important heart health is.

Here are a 6 tips on how to keep your heart happy and healthy:

1. Take responsibility for your health.

Choose to live a healthy lifestyle and prioritize your health over anything else. Listen to your body before rushing off to your doctor or pharmacy for a band-aid fix. Take control of your lifestyle and have discipline everyday. See more at: http://purelifebondi.com/take-responsibility-for-your-health/#sthash.W89CmzUp.dpuf

2. Know your risk.

If you already know you are at higher risk for a heart attack, pay extra close attention to lifestyle factors you can change to cut your risk. If you suspect you may be at risk, but don't know for sure, click here to learn the signs and symptoms of heart disease.

3. Don't smoke or expose yourself to second hand smoke.

A person's risk of heart disease and heart attack greatly increases with the number of cigarettes he or she smokes.The most crucial step you can take for heart disease prevention is to QUIT SMOKING.

4. Stay active.

Exercise is so effective at protecting your heart because it:

strengthens the heart muscle
lends to a healthy weight
maintains cholesterol and blood pressure at healthy levels
reduces arterial inflammation, which increases heart-attack risk

5. Learn how to manage your stress.

Stress contributes to cardiovascular disease and, if severe, can cause a heart attack or sudden death. There are plenty of options that help reduce stress including:

regular exercise
adequate sleep
striving for good relationships
laughing
volunteer work
Acupuncture

Contrary to popular belief, watching TV generally does not relieve stress, but can actually aggravate stress. Also, try to avoid negative situations and people who make you anxious or angry.

6. Eat healthy.

A heart-healthy diet can reduce your risk of heart disease or stroke by 80%. By understanding which foods and methods of cooking are healthiest for your heart, you may be able to prevent or manage heart disease and high blood pressure, and take greater control over the quality and length of your life. Click here for information and tips on nutritional guidelines, or request an appointment.

Do you want to accomplish all of the above but don't know where to start? Let us help. Dr. Rashmi Gulati, Patients Medical's Medical Director, is a healthy heart advocate who wants to help you prevent heart disease, or control it, before it controls you.

Suffering From Lower Back Pain?

Kirsia Reyes — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 18:47:00 GMT

If you have lower back pain, you are not alone. Nearly everyone at some point has back pain that interferes with work, routine daily activities, or recreation. Americans spend at least $50 billion each year on low back pain, the most common cause of job-related disability and a leading contributor to missed work. Back pain is the second most common neurological ailment in the United States — only headache is more common. . Fortunately, most occurrences of low back pain go away within a few days. Others take much longer to resolve or lead to more serious conditions.

The Good news is, Osteopathic manipulation helps relieve lower back pain. If you have chronic lower back pain, you may want to consult a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO).

Osteopathic Medicine includes the study of all branches of medicine and additional studies of surgery. It is a medicine based on the belief that disease and dysfunction in the body is mainly manifested in the musculoskeletal system. Doctors of Osteopathy are trained to use the musculoskeletal system to diagnose and treat multiple diseases, avoiding medication which may later have unfriendly side effects.

A large principle of Osteopathic Medicine is that the human body innately holds self-healing and regulating abilities. Doctors of Osteopathy are trained to uniquely develop treatment plans for each individual patient, based upon what the body and the patient tells them.

Osteopathic Medicine is not only used to treat multiple diseases and abnormalities in the body, but it is also used for prevention and for promotion of general wellness.

What is Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment?

A treatment used by Osteopathic physicians to examine and treat the body. Osteopathic physiatrists use their hands to examine a patient’s back, muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints for signs of an injury, impaired function, or disease.

Doctors of Osteopathy (DO) have a highly developed understanding of the relationship between the body’s function and the body’s structure. Dr. Yasha Magyar and Dr. Rafael Abramov are Doctors of Osteopathy in NYC at Patients Medical.

Many patients who choose to see an Osteopathic physiatrist are coming in for pain, either acute or chronic pain, or discomfort from an existing condition. The goal of OMT is to relieve pain and discomfort and avoid prescription pain medication and/or surgical intervention by reducing things such as muscle tension and joint restriction.

Osteopathic Manipulation can be helpful for:

back and neck pain
pain due to musculoskeletal abnormalities
asthma and other respiratory conditions
migraine headaches
arthritis
sports injuries
herniated discs
cancer pain
pregnancy related discomfort
carpal tunnel syndrome

Get rid of the pain today!

Hormonal Imbalance: Patient Testimonial

Samantha LaBarbara — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 15:37:00 GMT

Patient Testimonial: Cheryl F.

"I have been going to Patients Medical since 2011 when I went in with horrible menopausal hot flashes and insomnia that I was trying to deal with using valium in my desperation for sleep. I was in a horrible cycle of needing this narcotic to sleep but also realizing that it was a trap, and I didn't know any way out of it.

My initial appt with Dr. Gulati was cash, but my blood tests were all covered by my HMO, with an out-of-pocket co-pay of $40. It took a while to keep tweaking my hormonal balance, but I have had remarkable results.

I have NO hot flashes, I sleep like a baby and I am completely off valium. It does take patience to go through the process of getting the hormones back in alignment. There were times that I despaired of ever seeing the kinds of changes that I am now experiencing.

It definitely went through my mind several times that this could be a hoax. I went in desperate and expecting that one or two visits would fix me right up and I'd have the whole menopause thing licked! Unfortunately, my body was in a state of constant flux and it took a while for Dr. Gulati to get all of the ever-changing pieces of the puzzle to fall into place. My God, was it worth it.

I am on a supplement program, though Dr. Gulati has never insisted that I buy from Patients Medical, and her supplements staff have even referred me to Wilmer Chemists and Health Nuts for products. I have absolutely NEVER had the experience that anyone at Patients Medical was money grubbing. In fact, I told them right up front that I'm not a wealthy woman and I'm doing this on a credit card. Dr. Gulati said she understood and agreed to help me.

The supplement program has been very effective at restoring my energy levels so I can exercise and helping me achieve comfortable levels of relaxation in preparation for sleeping, which I now do WITHOUT narcotics. I am functioning great.

I truly believe in Dr. Gulati's talent and also understand people's fears that this is somehow a scam. It is unfamiliar territory for all of us seeking help with bio-identical hormone replacement therapy and I have no doubt that there are unethical "Dr.s" running around out there. Patients Medical is NOT one of them.

If anyone would like to speak to me more directly, I told Dr. Gulati that it was alright to give out my email contact through her office. I will do whatever I can to both repay Dr. Gulati, who has literally changed my life, and to get the word out about these services to other women who are suffering like I was.

Truly, Dr. Gulati is one of the most caring Dr.s I've ever had and it would be a shame if others didn't use her services."

Do you have a success story to share? E-mail us at media@patientsmedical.com and use the subject "Success Story". We look forward to hearing from you.

Overweight, Yet Malnourished?

Samantha LaBarbara — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 20:48:00 GMT

America's Malnourishment

Statistics show that an estimated 20% of Americans are clinically malnourished, another 70% are sub-clinically malnourished and the remaining 10% are adequately nourished. This may be surprising in a country where 34% of us are obese and another 60% are overweight.

Usually, when you think of malnourished people, you think of impoverished countries. But America’s abundance of food makes malnourishment seem impossible.

A recent study published in Public Health Nutrition conducted in Latin America reflects the plight of the obese yet malnourished in our own country. In the study, the population observed ate a high carbohydrate, high sodium diet. Most meals included white rice, potatoes, sugar and white bread.

Is Convenience Food Making You Sick?

Sound familiar? These happen to be the most common ingredients in fast food and convenience foods that you might find in your local deli, convenience store, grocery or vending machine.

The participants lacked fresh fruits and vegetables, high quality proteins and healthy fats – all vital for optimal nutrition. The participants were found to be low in a variety of vital micronutrients, including vitamins C and E, and were also found to have a significant epidemic of metabolic syndrome (40%), which is a chronic condition characterized by obesity.

If you are overweight, you may also be malnourished -- a dangerous combination. Serious health conditions such as cancer, chronic fatigue, hormonal/chemical imbalances, depression and digestive disorders can occur from malnourishment. And even if you take a daily multi-vitamin, there is no guarantee that your body is absorbing all the nutrients it needs. The only way to tell for sure if you have adequate nutrition is to consult a holistic physician who will run the necessary blood tests.

Reversing Malnourishment

Patients Medical’s integrative medical doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating malnourishment, poor nutrient absorption and other deficiencies that can lead to chronic disease if left untreated. Losing weight is the first step, and our team of integrative experts can help you – step by step – learn how to feed your body properly so that you can achieve your ideal healthy weight and attain optimal nourishment.

If you have been feeling run down, out of energy, blue and tired of trying to lose weight without any positive results, it’s time to partner with one of Patients Medical’s holistic physicians. Call 212-679-9667 and make an appointment or request that one of our new patient coordinators contact you with more information.

5 Ways to Keep Holiday Stress From Ruining Your Health (and Your Holiday)

Samantha LaBarbara — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 16:24:00 GMT

Are You Feeling the Holiday Stress?

If you are experiencing any physical symptoms that were not present before your holiday stress, you may need to address your anxiety before it leads to more serious consequences!

Stress is unavoidable, but it’s how you deal with your stress that can jeopardize the health of your body, mind and spirit.

Common symptoms of holiday health breakdown due to stress include:

depression
anxiety
moodiness
persistent cold or flu symptoms
decreased immune system function
indigestion or GERD
lack of focus or brain fog

Here are 5 ways that you can keep holiday stress from overwhelming you.

1. Slow down
When we are stressed, our “fight or flight” instincts are at work. If the stress persists, these instincts wear down and start to drain our adrenal and immune systems. By scheduling some time every day for fun and relaxation – even if it’s just a walk around the block or taking time to talk with a friend over lunch – you’ll find that your stress levels are greatly reduced.

2. Sleep
When we are sleeping, our body is able to remove toxins and replenish supplies needed by all organs. By skipping out on sleep, toxins build up, our mental acuity declines, and our immune system is taxed. Prioritize your 6-8 hours – it is way more important than any cocktail party!

3. Laugh
Remember the humor in all situations. One study found that regular laughter improved heart attack patients’ prospects by about as much as beta-blockers. Imagine what it can do for you! Try taking a step back and thinking of something ironic, or just downright hilarious. Even if nothing seems funny, watch a silly movie or crack some jokes.

4. Breathe
Meditation and breathing has been shown in numerous scientific studies to boost your immune system and create more focus and clarity during stressful situations. People under stress tend to make mistakes, which causes more stress. If you notice you’re stressed, take a moment take in a few deep breaths before you decide what to do next.

5. Eat well.
Drinking energy beverages, using caffeine excessively, indulging in too many alcoholic drinks, or consuming too much sugar may seem like a good idea when you’re tired or stressed, but this is the exact opposite of what you really need. By choosing whole, natural foods, drinking plenty of pure water and eating under non-stressful conditions that promote healthy digestion and assimilation, you’ll feel more focused and calm under pressure. You may even notice that you’ll keep off any extra holiday pounds you may have accidentally accumulated through poor eating and drinking!

Don't Forget About This Contributing Factor

Another major factor in dealing with stress is physical imbalance. If your hormones, thyroid, adrenals or brain chemistry are not supporting your total health, it’s time to get some support. Chronic imbalances can lead to major health disasters, which are easily avoided if treated early.

Don't Let Stress Ruin This Holiday Season
Patients Medical’s holistic medical doctors and staff of practitioners can help you diagnose and treat imbalances in your body’s major systems, but also helping you find ways of managing stress in ways that further your wellness.

If stress is ruling your life and sabotaging your happy holiday, call us and speak to one of our Patient Care Coordinators to make sure your stress is not affecting your health.

Call us at 212-661-4441 or, request a free 15 minute consultation below.

What Are You Thankful For?

Kirsia Reyes — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 18:58:00 GMT

What does Thanksgiving mean to you?

For some, Thanksgiving means a gourmet meal complete with turkey, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie (don’t forget the whipped cream on top). For others, it simply means FOOTBALL! And then there are those for which Thanksgiving means feeling truly thankful, remembering all that we have and taking the time to show how grateful we are by sharing our time with family and friends. And, of course, for many, Thanksgiving is all of the above!

Reflect on What YOU Are Thankful For

In the midst of all of the delicious Thanksgiving food, family, and football, we encourage you each to take a moment to mentally list the things about your life that you are grateful for.

Try to keep in mind that we can only enjoy what we have when we consciously take the time to appreciate it.

What does Thanksgiving mean to Patients Medical?

For Patients Medical's Thanksgiving blog, we could have written an extensive history of the turkey and the growth that the industry has seen over the years, complete with recipes and photos, but we decided to go in another direction.

We asked our staff what they are thankful for, and they were more than willing to speak up!
Here is a list of some of the things the doctors and staff members at Patients Medical are grateful for:

Family
Good health
The ability to heal others
Pumpkin lattes
Our jobs
Our faithful patients
Children
Faith
Chocolate
Netflix
Yoga
Life
Holidays
Doctors
Sunrise
Harmony
Every new day

What are You Thankful For?

Take a moment to tell us in one or more words what you are grateful for this Thanksgiving holiday in our comments section. Not only does it help raise your consciousness to the good in your life, but it helps everyone else as well!

Happy Thanksgiving from Patients Medical

May all the good things of life be yours, not only at Thanksgiving but throughout the coming year.
Happy Thanskgiving from Patients Medical!

Baby It's Cold Outside

Samantha LaBarbara — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 21:22:00 GMT

It’s that time of year again…winter in NYC! Most of us are planning our Thanksgiving feasts, beginning to shop around for Christmas trees, not to mention doing all of Christmas shopping, unless you are like me and wait ‘til the last minute.

Am I excited for all of this? Of course I am. What I am not excited about is the bone chilling weather that has unfortunately come our way! Instead of complaining all season about the cold, I thought I’d put together some healthy tips to help keep warm during these frigid months.

1. Move Your Body

Keeping active is the best way to keep warm and keep the blood flowing through your body, especially on the coldest of days. Be sure to start off with stretches and a warm up, since the cold weather decreases blood flow and can cause your muscles to cramp up.
In case you were wondering – my favorite NYC winter activity is ice skating… and if you didn’t know, Bryant Park’s Winter Village Rink is free of cost!

2. Eat Heat Producing Foods

Did you know that there are foods you can eat to promote heat production in your body?
Aside from the quick relief from delicious soups and hot drinks, here are a few foods that can help you stay warm this winter:

Ginger root contains ingredients that have thermogenic properties that help warm you up during the winter months. You can find ginger teas in most health food stores, but using fresh ginger in teas and meals is even better. Ginger is also great for fighting a cold.
Brown rice is a complex carbohydrate. Complex carbohydrates are more difficult for the body to digest, making it work harder and ultimately making the body warmer.
While there are many complex carbohydrates that we should stay away from, there are some, like brown rice, that are healthier alternatives.

Winter Fruits and Veggies are fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants are helpful at keeping the body warm.
Some of these include; Pomegranates, Strawberries, Cherries, Pumpkins and Sweet potatoes.

3. Use Warming Spices

Try including more of these spices in your dishes to warm you up:

Cayenne pepper
Cinnamon
Cloves
Cumin
Ginger
Garlic

Is The Flu Vaccine Right For You?

Samantha LaBarbara — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 02:46:00 GMT

Flu Shot: Do or Dont?

It’s that time of year again. Pharmacies and commercials promoting flu shots, making you feel bad if you haven’t gotten yours yet. But should you get a flu shot this year? Depending on whom you ask you’ll get a variety of answers. We’re here to arm you with information to help you make the best decision this flu season.

How is the flu shot made?

Government researchers predict which flu strains will be the most prevalent every year. According to Patients Medical’s very own Dr. Kamau Kokayi, “It’s a crapshoot”, in the sense that you don’t know if what you are getting is actually going to protect you. Typically, the vaccine includes material from two influenza A virus strains and one influenza B virus strain. Because the virus evolves rapidly, new strains quickly replace the older ones. The government acknowledges that in years where there has been a poor match, the flu vaccine offered very little protection.

What is in the flu shot?

There are several varieties of the vaccine available. Each vaccine can contain different ingredients. If you have allergies it is imperative that you consult with your healthcare provider before getting the shot. Some ingredients include (but are not limited to):

Egg protein
Formaldehyde
Polysorbate 80
Sodium Chloride
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
Potassium phosphate

How effective is the vaccine?

“The effectiveness of the vaccine is dependent on the overall state of health of an individual,” says Dr. Kokayi. “If your nutrient status is poor and you are stressed out and sleep deprived you are prone to getting some kind of viral infection, not to mention any other number of problems.”

How can I avoid getting the flu?

The key to staying healthy this flu season is to work with a regimen, that you are in control of, and see what works for your body. Botanicals and nutrients maximize the body’s immunity to help mitigate against lapses in our lifestyle. You don’t necessarily need to put a laboratory derived product in your body. Vitamin D3, Echinacea and Sambucus are a few nutrients that have been studied in preventing and treating the flu.

Here are some other tips to keep you healthy year round:

Wash your hands as often as possible, especially if you are exposed to sick people or public areas.
Get plenty of rest. There’s nothing like a good night’s sleep!
Stay well hydrated with high quality H2O.
Eat good foods! Nutritious food is great for your immune system.
Hit the gym. Don’t let the winter slow you down, and exercise often.
Take your vitamins and supplements. Vitamin D3, Echinacea, Sambucus and probiotics, to name a few.

What does the CDC (Center for Disease Control) Say?

While it is imperative that you speak to your physician to decide if the flu shot is necessary for you, we feel it is important to point out that the CDC says it is especially important for certain groups of people to get the flu shot including*:

People who are at high risk of developing serious complications (like pneumonia) if they get sick with the flu.
- People who have certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.
- Pregnant women.
- People younger than 5 years old (and especially those younger than 2), and people 65 years and older.
- People who live with or care for others who are at high risk of developing serious complications:
  - Household contacts and caregivers of people with certain medical conditions including. asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.
  - Household contacts and caregivers of infants less than 6 months old.
  - Health care personnel.

What does Patients Medical recommend?

The best course of action is to have a regimen designed to suit your specific health needs. Building up your immune system and promoting your health all year round is the number one way to avoid catching a nasty case of the flu, and many other viruses. Consult with a holistic physician to learn how to build up your immunities, and consult your doctor to decide if the flu shot is the right choice for you.

Dr. Kamau Kokayi, an MD at Patients Medical, specializes in Family Medicine, Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture and Homeopathy. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Kokayi is prepared to help you make the best decisions you can towards promoting your health.

*http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm

Sarah Has Joined The 20/20 Club

Samantha LaBarbara — Thu, 24 Oct 2013 15:41:00 GMT

Patients Medical’s own staff member Sarah had laser vision correction with Dr. Saimovici last week. Here’s how it went!

I’ve been toying with the idea of getting “LASIK” for many years now. After working with Dr. Saimovici for a few months and seeing his results I’ve finally decided to divorce my glasses and join the 20/20 club. It’s been a week since my surgery, and I’ve got some updating to do for you!

After a long talk with Dr. Saimovici about my vision and lifestyle we decided that a surface treatment called PRK would be the best procedure for me. To learn more about LASIK vs. PRK check this out.

On the day of my procedure I was a bag of nerves. Many people feel comfort in knowing the step by step process of exactly what is happening during treatments. I am not one of those people. Thankfully, largely due to the talented Dr. Saimovici, I made it through the procedure without a hitch.

Once it was time for me to get started I walked through the motions like every other patient.

Consent forms signed
Post operative instructions given
Review finalized prescription and treatment
Numbing eye drops administered
Surgical cap in place
Teddy Bear acquired for squeezing

It’s surgery time! And man is it strange to be on the other side of the laser. After much fidgeting on my part, Dr. Saimovici calmed me down by doing his best impersonation of me and what I say to patients to comfort them during procedures. We all had a good laugh! Strangely enough, all I needed was to hear my words through someone else’s mouth to remember that I was in the skilled hands of a person whom I trust with my vision.

I have assisted him with multiple procedures and seen his phenomenal results. I recalled all of the reasons why I was underneath the laser in the first place. The 20/20 club was calling my name. I was ready in every essence of the word.

Well, I have officially joined the 20/20 club.

Sarah is healing right on schedule and is very excited to not be wearing contact lenses or glasses anymore! She is also excited to share her experience with you. Stay tuned for videos from Sarah’s surgery, and some great “LASIK” tips she has to share with you.

Why I'm FINALLY Getting "LASIK"

Samantha LaBarbara — Wed, 16 Oct 2013 18:27:00 GMT

Patients Medical's very own staff member, Sarah, decides to go for "LASIK"

Glasses and contacts are technically considered medical devices. I consider them daily routine; they are an extension of my being. Without them I can’t read, text…recognize my sister if she’s 10 feet in front of me. Let’s not even consider driving in this equation, heck, I shouldn’t even be crossing the street without any vision correction.
It’s crazy to think that in less than 72 hours I will be able to do all of this, plus everything else in my life, without any contacts or glasses blocking my view.
Over the past 25 years I’ve made some pretty dubious glasses selections. Here’s looking at you gigantic purple and turquoise frames! Even with those bad choices thrown into the mix, glasses have become a part of my identity. The first thing I do every morning is find where I placed my glasses when I went to bed the night before. Glasses are what I’ve started and ended my day with everyday for 25 years. It’s like I’m married to my vision wear. Well…I’ve called my divorce lawyer, and his name is Dr Saimovici.

Ending the Marriage

The desire to end my marriage with glasses and contacts might seem a bit strange. Why change my routine? Why take out a daily piece of my life that has in some ways defined who I am? The answer is simple. I’m over it. I’m over crooked, dirty glasses, running out of contact lens solution or even contacts. But more importantly what it means is waking up and seeing the clock in the morning, applying makeup without using a NASA strength mirror, snowboarding this winter without worrying about a contact lens malfunction, and, well, this list could go on forever.
I’m looking forward to the freedom of crisp, clear vision everyday without worry. Waking up, opening my eyes, and seeing clearly is something that I’ve never experienced. It’s still so hard for me to imagine.

Check Back for Updates

Over the next few weeks I’d like you to join me in my path to clear vision. Check back for updates, and we’ll have plenty of fun videos and pictures to share along the way!

Why Dr. Harris is Pissed Off About Hormones

Megan Franzen — Fri, 04 Oct 2013 13:54:00 GMT

Recently JAMA published an article that has been reported on widely this week. The headline
of the News Release by MedicalNewsToday.com “Extended follow-up of hormone therapy trials does not support use for chronic disease prevention”. But Marcia A. Harris is pissed off about this. Why is she so upset?

“This release doesn’t give the whole story on women’s options for safe and effective hormone balancing. It is dissuading women from even thinking about balanced hormones as part of a long-term wellness protocol,” says Dr. Harris.

Dr. Harris is a holistic gynecologist at one of NYC’s premier integrative medical centers, Patients Medical. Every day, she helps patients relieve menopause symptoms and many other complaints using bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). But all these headlines about the WHI findings are not helping things.

Hormone Health is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

The goal of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) hormone therapy trials was to prove long-term health benefits for chronic disease prevention. When the results came in, the trial could not prove hormone replacement therapy had these benefits. It could only prove beneficial for relieving temporary symptoms of menopause like hot flashes.

But Dr. Harris wants women to stop thinking of hormone balancing as a short term strategy. “Hormone therapy’s goal is not necessarily to be used as a safeguard against chronic disease, however chronic disease prevention is naturally what happens when a woman’s hormones and whole body is in balance. Hormone balancing is incorporated into a total wellness protocol throughout life – not just during menopause. The 400 different functions in the body that hormones normally affect do not go away at any age.”

Synthetic Hormones are Bad, Bad, Bad

Also, there is the huge issue of the synthetic hormones used in the WHI study. This is no small issue, according to Dr. Harris. “Everybody is lumping all hormones together when they are thinking about hormone replacement therapy. But all hormones are not created equal. The hormones used in the WHI study were synthetic hormones. Synthetics are bad, bad, bad. They don’t chemically fit our bodies’ hormone receptors and are toxic. They increase your risk of cancer and many other diseases.”

“Bioidentical hormones are ‘biologically identical’ to the hormones our bodies make and so they fit our hormone receptors exactly. They are not toxic when used. Instead, they are actually protective. Where are the reports on the studies for bioidenticals?” asks Dr. Harris.

The synthetic hormones Dr. Harris is talking about is the Conjugated Equine Estrogen (CEE), or Premarin, and MPA (Medroxyprogesterone Acetate) also known as Progestin. These are not the latest or greatest forms of hormone replacement therapy on the market – not by a long shot. In fact, Premarin is actually made from the urine of pregnant female horses. Gross, right?

Bioidentical hormones are made from soy and yams. That sounds much better.

Hormone Prescriptions Customized for You, Specifically

Another benefit of using bioidenticals is the flexibility. Physicians who prescribe bioidentical hormones can test to see where each patient is deficient in the various types of female and male hormones (yes, both men and women have both female and male hormones!) and then create a prescription that suits the patient’s needs exactly. Compounding pharmacies customize the prescription, tailoring it exactly to the specifications that will balance the patient’s hormone levels to achieve the health goal. Synthetics cannot be customized.

“The bottom line is – don’t use that synthetic crap! The risks of using the synthetics definitely outweigh the benefits. People need to know that there are far better options.”

Dr. Harris also points out that the WHI study on hormones was flawed from the beginning. Not only did they not have a group of women using bioidentical hormones to be able to compare to those who didn’t take any hormones and those who used synthetics; the majority of the women participating had been post-menopausal for a long time, so any hormones taken never had an opportunity to have the protective effect of their own natural hormones. In other words, these women’s bodies had already deteriorated enough to negate any positive effects hormones may have had on chronic disease prevention.

A Doctor Who Practices What She Preaches

Dr. Harris is not only a fan of bioidentical hormones for her patients, she uses them herself. She reminisces on her own trials and tribulations with finding a way to remain balanced during the times when her menopause symptoms were raging - as well as a way to decrease her chances of breast cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease, stroke, dementia and the other things that WHI was probably hoping to find synthetic hormones could stave off. But they didn’t. And Dr. Harris went out and read the research on bioidenticals years ago, tried them, fell in love with their health benefits and subsequently started telling all of her patients about them.

Research on bioidentical hormones like the Arizona Study found that breast cancer and endometrial cancer rates went down for women who used this type of therapy. Research also shows that bioidenticals protect the heart and bones and do not increase incidence of dementia.

Why Doesn't My Doctor Know About This?

So why do synthetic hormones keep getting the big headlines while most women have never even heard of bioidenticals or – even if the patient has heard about their benefits, their doctors haven’t?

“Most doctors get the majority of their information from their pharmaceutical reps. Bioidenticals are customized, and big pharma hasn’t found a way to get into the business…yet. Therefore if the pharmaceutical reps aren’t pushing it, doctors may never hear about it, unless they are doing their own due diligence and reading the research themselves. And some doctors just aren’t.”

But Dr. Harris points to major celebrities who have come out as supporters of bioidenticals: Oprah, Dr. Oz, Suzanne Somers and Dr. Daniel Amen are among the most vocal proponents.

What should women do if they want to learn more about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy? “Do your own research. Find a doctor who really knows what they are doing with hormone balancing and cares about your total wellness – not just making your hot flashes go away. Get educated about your options and then work with a practitioner who will work with you on this.”

10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Your Plastic Surgery Consultation

Megan Franzen — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 18:38:00 GMT

Feeling 100% sure about your decision to get plastic surgery is key to facilitating your physical and mental well-being. Here are the 10 things you should ask yourself before your plastic surgery consultation to get clear about the services you're looking for. Answer these questions at least a week before your scheduled consult to get the best results and to make sure you feel comfortable with your surgeon.

What are your target areas? Choose one or two target areas and work with the surgeon on how they can be enhanced. It is very helpful to establish your goals in advance and share them with the plastic surgeon during your consultation.
Do I have a plan? If you've narrowed it down to three or five target areas, prioritize them. During your consult, we will help you create a plan for reaching your eventual goal, taking it one or two procedures at a time.
What have you done already? Have you tried other methods before deciding on plastic surgery? For example, if you love to eat pastries and hate to exercise, liposuction won't do much for you in the long-term. First, you need to make sure you've done all you can to have the body you want, then plastic surgery can be used to get you there.
Where is the surgery performed? Is it done in an outpatient office or a hospital? Will it require a hospital stay? The answers to these questions can help you decide between particular procedures and create your schedule accordingly.
How much downtime do I have available? Some procedures require at least a few days to a week off work to heal. Others are minimally invasive and can allow you to return to your daily activities immediately. Choose a procedure that works with your available healing time.
What is my budget? Create a budget and then begin to look at what various plastic surgeons have to offer. What are their credentials? Take a look at their before-and-after photos. Do you like what you see? If you don't feel confident about the surgeon you can afford, save a little more for one you can trust!
Why am I getting plastic surgery? Since we take a holistic approach to plastic surgery, we care about why our clients are coming to see us. We can only operate on patients who are doing it for themselves, and have realistic expectations.
What are the risks and complications? We would love to say there are none, but that's simply not the case. Be open to listening to the risks and complications. They are a reality with any procedure and you need to be aware of the possibilities before you commit to any particular procedure.
What do I need to do to prepare for surgery? Your surgery may require you to alter your diet, lifestyle habits, etc. a few weeks before and after the procedure in order to reduce the chance of complications and facilitate healing.
What is required after the surgery? Our holistic approach to plastic surgery offers a variety of holistic pre- and post-surgical treatments to make you feel better and have a more rapid recovery. You will also receive a list of post-surgical instructions depending on the treatment you choose.

Patients Medical has a holistic approach to plastic surgery, which means we take an active interest in our patients' health before, during, and after your procedure with our Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Adam Schaffer. From pre- and post-surgical treatments to providing natural plastic surgery options like fat transfer procedures, we make sure our clients are taken care of from the inside out.

7 LASIK Recovery Tips from Our Laser Vision Correction Pros

Megan Franzen — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 19:19:00 GMT

Congratulations on your decision to get laser vision correction surgery! Getting 20/20 vision
with LASIK eye surgery will soon liberate you from your corrective lenses, and there are a few things you can do now to make the first couple of days after the procedure a success!

Our LASIK surgeon, Dr. Liviu Saimovici and his team came up with these “Pro Tips” for you to follow.

Clear your schedule for the whole day after your procedure. Eyes heal best when they are closed so forego the movie marathon, catching up on computer work or re-connecting with your pals on text or email. Instead, make a list of everyone you haven't called in a while and talk to your friends and family with your eyes CLOSED. Also, these initial healing days are great for sleeping! So indulge in daytime napping – you have a great excuse.
Make sure you fill your prescriptions and read the instructions before your surgery. Your LASIK surgeon will give you a prescription for anti-biotic drops that you will need to fill. If you absolutely can’t do this before the procedure, have someone you trust with you to help you pick up the prescriptions and read the instructions to you. After you have the procedure, make sure to use the drops. Staying on track with consistent use of these drops will make your recovery more comfortable and timely. You may also want to use an over-the-counter preservative-free rewetting drop every time you feel like your eyes are dry or itchy.
Have a pal or family member with you when you go for your surgery. You will be able to see well enough to hail a cab or take public transportation immediately after, but driving is not allowed. So while having someone with you at the procedure to help you get home comfortably is not a “must have”, it’s definitely nice for those who can arrange it.
Do not wear any make up, moisturizer, sun block or hair products the day of your surgery. Also abstain from applying any of these products the night before your procedure and for a few days after LASIK or until your doctor says it's OK to use them again.
Get new makeup and makeup applicators. You’ll want to throw out the old and only use the new ones after you get the “all clear” to use products again. Old make up applicators/brushes/sponges carry potentially-harmful bacteria that you will want to avoid during the initial healing period after you have your surgery. If you can't buy new products, make sure to thoroughly wash your applicators with anti-bacterial soap and let them dry completely before using them again.
Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, ocean/lake water and sweat dripping in your eyes. All of these things could cause you to want to rub your eyes, which is a big “no no” after LASIK. These things also carry extra bacteria that you should steer clear of during the initial healing period. Again, your doctor will tell you when it's OK to get back in the pool or sauna.
Chow down on Vitamin C-rich food. Vitamin C is good for healing so stock your kitchen with oranges, grapefruit, red or green sweet pepper, kiwi, strawberry, broccoli, kale and sweet potatoes. You can also pick up a Vitamin C supplement to ensure you’re getting your fill. And if you're curious, the doctor can use the Biophotonic Scanner to instantly analyze your current nutrient levels.

We wish you a wonderful recovery process and great enjoyment of your life...without corrective lenses!

Not quite ready for LASIK yet? If you're still trying to figure out whether or not LASIK is right for you, come in for a free consultation with Dr. Saimovici, our LASIK surgeon. Request your appoinmtment by clicking the button below.

4 Reasons We Love Natural Plastic Surgery with Fat Transfer for Breast Augmentation

Megan Franzen — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 18:45:00 GMT

Most women don’t come to a plastic surgeon and say “I want something that looks fake.” On the contrary: You want something as natural looking and feeling as possible. And if you’re like many of our blog subscribers, you might love the idea of having perkier, fuller, and sexier breasts, but balk at the idea of putting implants into your body.

If this is how you feel, then breast augmentation using your own fat (known as fat transfer or fat grafting) is the ideal option for you.

Rather than worrying about whether or not saline or silicone implants look real, or how they will affect your body in the long term, breast augmentation via fat transfer uses your body's own fat cells, transferring them from an area of high concentration (like your hips, abdomen, thighs, or butt) to your breasts. The result is a 100% natural cosmetic procedure, and a guarantee that your new breasts can't pop, leak, or be rejected down the road.

Here are some of the reasons why women who never would have considered breast implants are lining up at Patients Medical for fat transfer breast augmentation consultations.

1. Fat transfer breast augmentation is 100% natural!

Many women would love to have sexier, fuller breasts, but they worry about implanting synthetic materials inside their bodies. While saline, silicone, and "gummy bear" breast implants have come a long way, and rarely cause negative side effects, we understand the desire to live as naturally as possible. Fat transfer is a natural plastic surgery solution.

During your fat transfer breast augmentation, Dr. Adam Schaffner will remove unwanted fat from one area of your body. These fat cells will be prepared and transferred to your breasts. In most cases, the outcome will be breasts that are fuller than you desire. By creating fuller breasts, you will have breasts that are perfectly sized by the time they are healed.

2. Minimal scarring!

The fat transfer procedure is done using a process called micro-lipoinjection. This is very different from the traditional incisions and stitches that are required for a traditional breast enhancement procedure using implants. The micro-lipoinjections require small incisions that usually leave no visible scar. You will receive minimal incisions in the areas of your body where the fat will be harvested, as well as a few locations around your breasts where the processed fat cells will be transferred. These small incisions will be closed using absorbable sutures that will leave a small blemish behind. In most cases, these very small scars fade within a few months.

3. You can enjoy natural breast augmentation before pregnancy, without risking your ability to breast feed.

Most women who plan to become pregnant and breastfeed avoid having breast augmentation due to the risk of complications down the road. There is also a chance that postpartum deflated and saggy breast tissue will make breast implants more visible, or can shift their location below the breast tissue, requiring a corrective surgery. Fat grafting is completely safe and bears none of these challenges. It is the equivalent of having been born with more fat tissue in your breast to begin with. Your breasts will expand, lactate, and contract in the same way as before your procedure. Once you are done having children, you may want to have another fat transfer procedure to restore fullness if you notice a change.

4. Get back to your life faster.

Another thing we love about fat transfer breast augmentation? The rapid recovery time. Although you’ll probably want to take a few days off, you won’t be out for a week or longer as with traditional breast implant augmentation surgery. And to ensure even more rapid and more complete recovery, we highly recommend that you take advantage of Patients Medical's holistic treatments to facilitate faster healing, reduce inflammation, and to minimize pain and scarring. These include:

Is your interest piqued? If so, we invite you to get more info or come in for a consult with Dr. Schaffner.

Mommy Makeover: Bounce Back from Your Postpartum Body Like a Celebrity!

Megan Franzen — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 18:06:00 GMT

For new moms, looking at popular magazines can be a real blow to the ego. Checking out celebrity moms such as Natalie Portman or Jennifer Garner looking svelte and perky in a sexy dress or a tiny bikini may leaving you pining for your pre-baby body. Of course these women all may have multiple nannies, personal trainers and healthy chefs, but they may have also received a Mommy Makeover Surgery from their favorite plastic surgeon.

Mommy Makeovers are a powerful step for women to regain their femininity, sexuality, and vitality after they have come through the amazing transformation of pregnancy and childbirth. While a Mommy Makeover is not a treatment for postpartum depression, it can certainly help a woman to get back in touch with her true self, and begin to adjust to her new, post-baby life and body. And while being a mom of young children certainly has its challenges, restoring your shape and contour can help you feel more fit and feminine.

What is a Mommy Makeover Surgery?

The term Mommy Makeover was coined to describe a series of cosmetic procedures that restore a woman's body to how it was before she had her baby. You can also use the opportunity to enhance a few key spots that you always wished were a little different. Typically, Mommy Makeovers include a combination of the following cosmetic procedures:

Fat Grafting: Fat grafting s a completely natural cosmetic procedure to remove unwanted fat from one area of your body and transfer it to another. It uses revolutionary stem cell therapy to treat fat cells and incorporate them into different regions of the body. It is most successful in re-plumping lips and cheeks, as well as boosting the breasts and buttocks.
Tummy Tucks: In addition to eliminating excess skin and fat tissue, tummy tucks can be designed to remove stretch marks. They can also be used to streamline your C-section scar so it isn't as obvious. Plus, the doctor can go in and tighten abdominal muscles that separated during pregnancy, so your ab workouts will be effective again. You can finally have the flatter stomach you have always wanted, even before you had your babies.
Breast Enhancement: Breasts can be one of the most dramatically affected areas after the postpartum period. Even women who have opted not to breastfeed can experience breasts that are saggy and deflated, or nipples that have changed shape and size. Breast augmentation can be used to lift, reshape, and alter the breasts to they look and feel the way you want them to.
Liposuction. We can use liposuction to efficiently remove unwanted fat so you can enjoy a more toned, fit, and youthful figure.
Facial rejuvenation. When you look in the mirror, do you see months - or years - of sleep deprivation staring back at you? Our facial rejuvenation treatments will use a combination of IV nutrient therapy, dermal fillers, and Botox to reduce the appearance of the wrinkles, frown lines, and droopy countenance that are the typical side effects of the stresses and challenges that go along with parenting.

Plus, our holistic physicians at Patients Medical can treat hormonal imbalances, and other physical and emotional issues that surround the postpartum days and months, as an addition to your Mommy Makeover procedures. The end result will be a body, mind, and spirit that is rejuvenated and ready to embrace the new you.

Am I a Candidate for a Mommy Makeover Procedure?

You are a fantastic candidate for a Mommy Makeover as long as you:

Are in good mental, emotional and physical health
Have waited at least six months after having your last child to see how your postpartum body recovers
Eat a well-balanced diet and exercise regularly
Understand that a healthy diet and regular exercise are the key to maintaining a fit, healthy, and toned body
Have a realistic image of what your post-Mommy Makeover body will look like

Please keep in mind that Patients Medical's fellowship-trained plastic surgeon, Adam Schaffner, MD, FACS cannot make your body look exactly like a specific celebrity’s or anybody else's. Your body is uniquely your own, and our Mommy Makeover will make it the very best it can be.

Relief from Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms - A Testimonial from Carol

Megan Franzen — Fri, 02 Aug 2013 21:01:00 GMT

When Carol, age 52, first walked through the doors at Patients Medical, a NYC wellness center, she was experiencing severe chronic fatigue. Her high-pressure job, combined with physical unrest, was leaving her depleted. Fortunately, after making an appointment at Patients Medical, having multiple consultations with Dr. Marcia A. Harris, and fully researching her options, Carol found relief from the debilitating symptoms of hormone imbalance through bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) pellet implants.

Typical symptoms of hormone imbalance can include:

Fatigue
Lack of interest or an inability to focus on the activities you enjoy
Insomnia
Weight gain
Hot flashes
Mood swings or unpredictable irritability

The right hormone imbalance treatment will restore your vitality  

Prior to the advent of BHRT, most women were stuck with conventional synthetic creams and medication(s), both of which are associated with negative side effects. In many cases, the side effects were more debilitating, or health threatening, than the original symptoms. These negative side effects are exactly what Carol was afraid of.  

When Carol first noticed her hormone imbalance symptoms, almost two years ago, she brushed them off and continued to power through daily activities. She didn't consider seeking hormone therapy because she blamed her stressful job. Then she noticed, "Things that typically I can kind of roll with, or address from a different perspective and solve easily, were really stressing me out. I felt like I had no reserves to deal with everything as effectively as I wanted to on the job."

Over time, she began to feel completely and utterly exhausted. That's when she contacted Dr. Harris, a holistic gynecologist in NYC.

Carol remembers her first appointment with Dr. Harris, "She showed me a chart and said, 'well, you’re not quite at the "crash and burn” point, but you’re an inch away'. And I realized that she was absolutely right. That was exactly how I had been feeling."

Like many women, Carol didn't want to jump on the hormone imbalance treatment wagon right away. She took notes from Dr. Harris, did her own research, and talked to Dr. Harris three more times.  

"I thought she was just going to give me cream so I could stop treatment if it wasn’t going well, or if I wasn’t 100% comfortable with it. I did lots of online research, which pointed to the effectiveness of the bio-identical hormones in pellet form, compared to pills or creams. It reached the point where I finally felt comfortable with the idea of the pellets."

Within a short time after the simple pellet insertion, subtle improvements have made a major difference. Carol is sleeping well and feels like her bubbly self again. Her libido is restored, and she says her general sense of being is "calm and grounded.”

Are you feeling as calm and grounded as you could be? If not, maybe you are suffering from Hormonal Imbalance. Find out if you need help with the survey below.

Testimonial from Cathy - A Hormone Imbalance Treatment Success Story

Megan Franzen — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 14:56:00 GMT

Just over three months ago, Cathy was experiencing typical symptoms of hormonal imbalance. At age 52, she was just in the throes of peri-menopause. Her mood swings were erratic. She could never be sure what might pop out of her mouth at work, at home, or with perfect strangers. Her hot flashes were so intense that she had to start putting her makeup on with a fan set on low so the makeup wouldn't melt the minute it touched her steaming face. And, to make matters worse, she was completely sleep deprived; not only did it take her a frustrating amount of time to fall asleep, her sleep patterns were erratic and she was lucky to sleep for two hours at a time.

Some of her other hormonal imbalance symptoms included:

Dry skin
Reduced libido
Heart palpitations
Blemishes
Joint pain

Cathy spoke with her regular OB/GYN about her menopause symptoms and was prescribed the traditional menopause protocol: a hormone cream and pills, but they weren't working. Her hormone imbalance symptoms were still out of control.

Fortunately, Cathy didn't accept that these were her only options. She did her homework on alternative menopause treatments and found Patients Medical.

Patients Medical takes a holistic approach to treating symptoms of hormonal imbalance.

Cathy walked into the office of Dr. Marcia A. Harris just four months ago. Dr. Harris is a holistic gynecologist in NYC who believes the best way to treat a woman's symptoms of hormonal imbalance is using a combination of conventional and alternative approaches. While conventional medicine looks at hormonal imbalance as a medical condition that needs a cure, holistic gynecology treats it as a rite of passage, and respects that resolving the issues of the mind, body, and spirit will restore a healthful balance.

After a thorough examination and consultation, Dr. Harris determined Cathy was a perfect candidate for bioidentical hormone pellet therapy.

Bioidentical hormones are made from natural plant extracts that are exact replicas of human hormone molecules, making them easier for your body to assimilate. During this process, small pellets, each about the size of a grain of rice, were inserted directly under Cathy's skin. "The procedure is less painful than having blood drawn," explains Cathy. Once the pellet is inserted, it consistently releases bioidentical hormones into your system - without the highs and lows you might find in other treatment methods.

Cathy has reaped the benefits of her bioidentical hormone pellets since February 1. She says, "Within 24- to 48-hours, my hot flashes had subsided and my moods were less erratic." Within the first week, she was able to get a good night's sleep. She can't believe it, "Now, when I lay my head down on the pillow at night, I am asleep before I count to 10!" Since then, the rest of her hormone imbalance symptoms have subsided.

Signs of hormone balance can catch you by surprise.

Having her mood back in control has helped to smooth out her relationships with family members, friends, and co-workers. She notes that just recently, a colleague said something that would have sent Cathy over the top before. Instead, she was able to handle the situation with grace. One of her co-workers even asked her, "Cathy, why are you so calm?" and she replied, "I got a pellet, honey. I got my hormones in check now."

Now, when she looks back, she realizes her symptoms of hormonal imbalance started five years before she really picked up on it. "You expect a certain number of symptoms, like lack of libido or hot flashes. But you don't expect others like food sensitivities, pre-diabetes, vision problems, and all the other problems...I'm not going to live with that for another 40 or 50 years."

Are your hormones getting the best of you? Download the FREE Hormonal Imbalance Survey below now to find out if you should seek treatment for your symptoms.

Why is PRK Better than LASIK?

Megan Franzen — Fri, 12 Jul 2013 18:48:00 GMT

For those considering laser vision corrective surgery, the big question may be “PRK or LASIK?” For many people, the choice may sound much like the question that you hear when you go to the grocery store: “Paper or Plastic?” Or perhaps a brand choice like “Starbucks or Dunkin?”

But it’s more than that. Much more. And now research is weighing in to help us decide.

In the June 1, 2013 issue of Ophthalmology Times, Lynda Charters authored an article “Biomechanical Changes Greater After LASIK: PRK Less Invasive, More Compatible in Patients with Suspected Keratoconus”. This article specifically addressed a subclinical eye condition called keratoconus, which is a degenerative disorder of the eye that causes the cornea to become cone-shaped.

The article states “The investigators…finding agreed with those of a Japanese study in which LASIK was found to be more detrimental to the corneal biomechanical properties than PRK.”

In “lay person” terms, doctors can’t always determine whether or not you will be affected by keratoconus. Therefore, the best thing to do is to err on the side of safety and choose PRK. The article also describes PRK as “less invasive” and touts it as having a greater effect than LASIK.

Most people know what LASIK is. But PRK has much less brand recognition. PRK stands for Photo Refractive Keratectomy and is similar to LASEK, Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy, EPI-LASIK or Advanced Surface Ablation. LASIK, PRK and LASEK are all laser eye surgery procedures that can be done by an ophthalmologist to correct a patient’s vision, with the goal being to ditch the contacts or glasses “for good”.

Where the LASIK procedure creates a flap in the cornea to correct the vision, PRK permanently changes the shape of the cornea, using a laser to ablate (remove by vaporization) a small amount of tissue at the front of the eye.

What does this mean for you if you’re trying to decide…PRK or LASIK? Some people shy away from PRK as it has just a couple days’ more recovery time than LASIK. This is a difference between most PRK patients going back to work after 3 days’ recovery time instead of 1-2. PRK may also include a bit more discomfort post-operatively than LASIK.

Dr. Liviu Saimovici, who is Patients Medical’s Surgical Director of the Laser Vision Center prefers PRK.

“LASIK gets better press. Everyone knows what LASIK is these days and patients call up requesting it specifically without knowing the difference. Their friends and family members have all had it and there is a certain trust with it, even if the patients don’t really understand the mechanics,” explains Dr. Saimovici.

“I am always looking for the best product or service for my patients. The one that will give them the best results for the longest duration, with the most minimal side-effects. For most of my patients, I recommend PRK precisely for those reasons. I think it will give them the most effective vision correction for the most years. We don’t see as much dry-eye after PRK. It is safer, with far fewer incidence of post-operative eye infections and other complications. And as the Ophthalmology Times article states, it’s protective against keratoconus complications, so that’s a huge benefit that no patient really knows to ask about.”

80% of adults who are nearsighted (myopic) are good candidates for PRK if they have good eye health - even if they have astigmatism.

“The best way to find out whether LASIK or PRK is right for you is to have a consultation with a highly-qualified and experienced ophthalmologist who specializes in both types of corrective surgeries. There’s no way you can make your mind up until you have been evaluated. That’s why I give free consultations to everyone who is even considering these types of surgery. This is your vision. You can’t cut corners. You must get the facts and discuss it with an expert,” warns Dr. Saimovici.

Are you ready to find out which method is right for you – PRK or LASIK?

Your Top 5 Questions About Nutrient IV Therapy Answered

Megan Franzen — Fri, 31 May 2013 18:47:00 GMT

Have you heard the latest buzz about intravenous therapy, or IV nutrient therapy? While
holistic practitioners have been using IV nutrient therapy to restore balance and health for decades, it is only recently that mainstream media has picked up on this growing health trend. Famous stars like Rhianna and her Party Girl Drip, Simon Cowell, and Madonna, are just a few examples of successful professionals who have discovered the benefits of IV nutrient therapy.

In order to help you learn more about this powerful healing tool, we thought we would answer the Top 5 nutrient intravenous therapy questions we hear from clients.

When and why is IV therapy used?

Nutrient absorption is a complex process, requiring the cooperation of our entire gastrointestinal tract and the liver. Even the slightest disruptions, such as inflammation, food sensitivities, infection, ulcers, or more serious conditions can hinder your body's ability to absorb nutrients.

This leads to a Catch 22. When you are unwell, and/or fatigued, your body needs additional nutrients for cells to function properly and heal. So, you increase your vitamin and nutrient intake. However, since your body can't properly absorb those nutrients, you're left increasingly malnourished and frustrated. This is where nutrient intravenous therapy comes in.

When your holistic physician uses nutrient IV therapy, s/he is able to get essential vitamins and minerals directly into your blood stream, which immediately revitalizes and replenishes the cells. Before prescribing IV therapy, your doctor will do a thorough physical examination and run detailed blood panels to see where your nutrient imbalances are. Using that information, along with your current and prior medical information, s/he will create an IV nutrient cocktail tailored specifically for your body's needs.

IV nutrient therapy is prescribed for a variety of conditions and has had tremendous success in treating:

Chronic fatigue
Cancer
Fibromyalgia
Parkinson's disease
High blood pressure
Lyme Disease
Suppressed immune systems

Chelation therapy is another form of intravenous therapy. It's used as a detoxification agent, most specifically to reduce metal toxicity.

Where is the IV placed for infusion treatment?

In most cases, nutrient intravenous therapy is administered through a vein in the arm. There are cases where patients have collapsed veins, or other medical issues, in which case we can use another vein to administer vital nutrients.

How does IV therapy feel?

Our doctors and medical assistants are highly trained, and very conscientious. Your IV therapy drip will be inserted carefully, and you should only feel a quick needle prick. You may feel a slight flushing, or a warm sensation, but this reaction is more rare and is not debilitating in any way. Many patients experience a satisfying boost of energy for the day or two after their injection.

What is Vitamin C IV therapy?

Vitamin C is a powerful healing agent. It reduces inflammation, facilitates the production of serotonin and other neurotransmitters, and is a stellar anti-oxidant. A Vitamin C infusion will use higher concentrations of Vitamin C, which can be difficult to take orally as it causes diarrhea and other digestive upsets in high doses. Vitamin C infusions are commonly used to treat cancer, depressed immune systems and for pre/post operative procedures such as plastic surgery, dental work, LASIK surgery, etc. It also has anti-aging properties.

How much does IV vitamin therapy cost?

Prices can differ depending on the protocol your doctor prescribes after analyzing the results of your lab work/consultation. These cocktails are uniquely designed for your body's needs. Prices can range from $150 for a more simple mixture, to $300 for a more complex cocktail.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Lyme Disease

Megan Franzen — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:13:00 GMT

Lyme disease is a rather seasonal disease, surfacing most often in the Spring and Summer when hikers and campers are most often in the forest. Chronic Lyme disease, however, is not a seasonal concern.

Once infected with the disease, some patients experience a long road of diagnostic testing that bounce from positive to negative and back again. Extended rounds of powerful antibiotics may be prescribed by conventional doctors which may yield relief temporarily, only for the patient to fall ill again months later with more severe symptoms, ranging from fatigue to neurologic symptoms including tingling, numbness in extremities, brain fog and more.

The sooner you treat this disease, the better your chances are for complete recovery.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is one of the latest and most effective treatments for Lyme disease. HBOT infuses extra oxygen into the body’s cells. This oxygen-rich environment is inhospitable to the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. According to a study done at Texas A&M University by William Fife, PhD, of 91 Lyme disease patients, 85% of those treated with HBOT showed significant improvement.

At Patients Medical, we have a monoplace soft chamber, which means that it is a personal size (accommodating one adult or one child with one adult) who rests comfortably within the chamber, wearing an oxygen mask. The oxygen saturation within the chamber and the pressure are adjustable. Our physicians will recommend the correct settings that correlate to the protocol for each patient’s medical condition.

Click here to read more about how we use Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Lyme disease in an article by our Medical Director, Dr. Rashmi Gulati.

Patients Medical has a unique protocol that is frequently used for those who suffer from chronic Lyme disease that incorporates Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, nutrient IV therapy, diet therapy and nutritional supplements. Chronic Lyme disease patients here have found great relief using the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy protocol.

Prevention is the best cure, however. So before your Spring Fever inspires you to enjoy the great outdoors, please keep in mind the those of us living in the Northeast are at the greatest risk for being exposed.

96% of the Lyme disease cases in the United States were reported within 13 states including

Connecticut
Delaware
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Minnesota
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
Pennsylvania
Vermont
Virginia
Wisconsin

And if you find that you've been bitten by a tick, it doesn't necessarily mean that you have Lyme disease. Time if of the essence and there is much you can do to decrease your chances of contracting the disease.

Only the blacklegged ticks transmit the bacteria that cause the disease so you're off the hook if you've not been bitten by that type of tick. And even if you have been bitten by such a tick, according to the CDC, it needs to be attached for at least 24 hours before they can actually transmit the disease to your body. Which means, if you're vigilant about checking yourself and your family for ticks after your hiking excursions and know how to properly remove any ticks found, you're chances are much reduced of suffering from Lyme disease.

However, once you've been diagnosed with the disease, it may be tricky to diagnose and treat. Dr. Kamau Kokayi, Senior Staff Physician and Lyme disease expert here at Patients Medical, recommends "See your physician immediately if you have the classic 'bulls eye rash' or if you find a tick that has been attached for more than a few hours and you are feeling fever, malaise, or any other mysterious symptoms. Also, if you remove the tick immediately, save the tick in a Ziploc bag so that it can be tested for Lyme disease as well. If the tick doesn't have Lyme disease, then you won't either." Click here to read an archived version of Dr. Kokayi's newsletter on Lyme diseas e.

Stomach Cancer Reversed with Holistic Oncology: Francis's Success Story

Megan Franzen — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:53:00 GMT

About 7 months ago, Francis was diagnosed with an ulcer, which was later diagnosed as cancer. She was referred to a surgeon at a large, famous cancer center in New York City. After laparoscopic testing, and a PET scan, the surgeon informed her that the next step was to surgically remove her stomach, adding aggressive chemotherapy to the treatment protocol. This would leave Francis with a feeding tube as her primary means of digesting food, subsiding on baby food for at least 6 to 12 months and being severely restricted to very small portions thereafter.

“Everything in my body told me ‘NO!’” relates Francis. “And when they told me about all the other side effects of the chemotherapy, I said ‘Definitely not’. I believe that quality of life is much more important than the length. ” At 73 years old, she did not care to live out the remaining years of her life in misery and bound to a tube.

It wasn’t just the devastation the aggressive chemo protocol would affect on her body that turned her off. It was the cold, wry bedside manner of the surgeon and staff. “They told me that on the bright side, I would lose at least 30 pounds.” Disgusted that they would make light of this life-altering decision, Francis decided to get a second opinion.

That’s when she came to Patients Medical. As a patient of another doctor on staff at the center, Francis’s son was already familiar with the “holistic” approach of the doctors in the group. Francis was referred to Dr. Gino Bottino, the Holistic Oncologist on staff, for her care.

Understanding Francis’s unique needs, Dr. Bottino created a customized holistic oncology treatment protocol, combining low-dose chemotherapy with Nutrient IV Therapy and Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation Therapy. He also created a diet protocol (plenty of healthy, whole foods with no sugar or beef, and reduced use of cooking oil among other things) that supported Francis’s treatment and recovery process.

Thanksgiving passed while Francis was in the midst of her low-dose chemo cycles at a friendly conventional medical facility away from Patients Medical. The technicians at this facility were amazed that she had not lost her hair or her appetite. She even joined her family for the Thanksgiving meal (while sticking to her therapeutic diet)!

After completing the recommended chemo, IV therapy and UV Blood therapy, Francis was almost feeling back to “normal”. In fact, she suspected she had completely recovered. Incredulous, her conventional medical physician wanted tests to validate her positive reports.

She had another PET scan, during which the technician could NOT find a tumor. Then she had an endoscopy during which they confirmed that the ulcer was gone. In amazement, a biopsy was ordered, during which they found NO CANCER!

Francis looks great and feels like she has a new lease on life. She is continuing IV therapy and her check-ups with Dr. Bottino as well as her UV Blood Therapy with Dr. Stuart Weg to completely restore and rejuvenate her whole body – not just to what is was before the cancer diagnosis…but BETTER than it was before.

Dr. Bottino is currently seeing patients on Tuesdays at Patients Medical. If you have cancer, we invite you to come in to see the doctor and get more information about the treatment protocols he would recommend for you.