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I have diabetes and have been told I should not eat fruit. Is that true?

leavittmd@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Paul J. Leavitt, M.D.) — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 10:39:00 EST

Diabetes and FruitThat's a great question. The answer is no. When it comes to people with diabetes and fruit, blood sugar levels are not so much about what fruit you eat, but how much of that certain fruit you eat. Many people believe that people with diabetes should not eat fruits because they are too sweet or have too many carbs. Certain fruits do have more sugar than others, but that does not mean you should stay away from them if you have diabetes. Blood sugar levels are more affected by the total amount of carbohydrates you eat than the source of carb or whether the source is a starch or sugar. To the body, they are both sugar. To our eyes, candy bars and baked potatoes seem very different, but our bodies treat the sugar in both of them the same.A serving of fruit contains 15 grams of carbohydrates. The size of the serving depends on the carb content of the fruit. The advantage of eating a low carb fruit is that you can eat more of it. But whether you eat a low carb or high carb ...

Back to School: Don't Let the Flu Catch You

leavittmd@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Paul J. Leavitt, M.D.) — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 17:13:00 EST

Now that their kids are back in school, many parents are dreading the upcoming cold and flu season.More and more moms and dads are asking the question, "How can I keep my kids healthy this school year and prevent them from getting colds and flus?"The way to avoid colds and flus is actually very simple. It starts weeks or even months before the dreaded cold and flu season hits, but it's never too late to start building up your immune system.There are two factors in the cold causing process. The first is the exposure to the bacteria or virus. Generally speaking, there is nothing we can really do to prevent our kids from being exposed. In a school cafeteria, bathroom, or classroom, every child will be exposed to every bug, but only a small percentage usually get sick. Why is this? The reason has to do with the second factor in the cold causing process: susceptibility. Keeping your child’s immunity strong enough so they do not succumb to always there infectious bugs in ...

Summer Skin Protection Tips

leavittmd@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Paul J. Leavitt, M.D.) — Sat, 06 Jul 2013 12:53:00 EST

Be Sun Smart Skin Protecting Tips for SummerEnjoying Summertime fun almost always includes spending time in the sun. It's important to remember that ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can reach you on cloudy days as well as bright and sunny ones. UV rays can also reflect off of surfaces such as sand, water, snow and cement. Tanning by using a tanning bed, booth or sun lamp, can also expose users to UV radiation.Worst Hours for Sun DamageBetween 10:00am and 4:00pm are the most dangerous for UV exposure outdoors in the continental United States.What to Do to Protect the Skin You're InFind Shade especially during the hours listed aboveCover up wear clothing to protect exposed skinDon a Hat Wear a hat with a wide brim to provide shade for the face, ears, head and neckSport Shades Wear sunglasses that wrap around and shut out as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possibleSunscreen Up Use sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and both UVA and UVB prote...

Alzheimer's Dementia--Understanding, Preventing and Living with this Disease

leavittmd@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Paul J. Leavitt, M.D.) — Sat, 06 Jul 2013 13:15:00 EST

What is Alzheimer's?Alzheimer's is a form of dementia (also known as Alzheimer's Dementia) that occurs when portions of the brain's neurons (the brain contains approximately 100 billion of them) become damanged and fail to form communication networks. The reasons for this are still unknown. Damaged cells spread and eventually become destroyed, causing irreversible brain damage. While no cure is on the horizon, Alzheimer's is no longer brushed off as a normal part of aging as has happened in the past. Today's physicians are identifying symptoms and treating patients earlier on, thanks to increased awareness and understanding of Alzheimer's dementia.Risk Factors for Alzheimer'sAge is still the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Only four percent of cases are diagnosed in individuals under 65, and are believed to be genetic in nature. Diet and lifestyle choices can play an important role in determining risk factors. Connections have been seen...

Asthma Attacks in Children

leavittmd@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Paul J. Leavitt, M.D.) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 09:19:00 EST

Spot the Symptoms and Take ActionCoughing is the primary symptom of asthma. Children who have asthma often start coughing after running, laughing or crying. They seem to cough more at night and have colds, bronchitis and other upper respiratory infections more frequently than children who do not have asthma. Other symptoms include wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.When having an asthma attack, children may have trouble talking or they may panic, becoming very anxious. Younger children may complain of stomachaches, headaches or scratchy, sore throats when their asthma is worsening. Other signs include lethargy or reduced energy, running out of breath, being unable to talk, neck muscles tightening or clenching with each breath, chest sucking in with each breath, and lips or nail beds turning grayish or blue.If your child is having an asthma attack:Remain calm.Follow your child's emergency asthma action plan. (Talk with your family doctor ahead of time about what rescu...

Top 10 Symptoms of Diabetes

leavittmd@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Paul J. Leavitt, M.D.) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 18:12:00 EST

Wondering if you could have Diabetes?Be sure to pay attention to the subtle and not so subtle warning signs.For some people, the signs of diabetes can be obvious. Symptoms such as frequent urination, always feeling tired or run down, and excessive and near constant thirst can be hard to miss. But for other people, warning signs of diabetes are more subtle and much easier to miss. In fact, many people do not have any symptoms at all. Usually a routine blood test is what first alerts them to having diabetes. Getting regular blood work is important, because the sooner you know that you have diabetes, the sooner you can take control of it, make wise decisions, and reduce complications.Diabetes Warning Sign #1: Feeling FineFor many people, especially in the early stages of diabetes, they feel fine. Maybe not great, but no different than how they have been feeling for awhile. Experts estimate that approximately 7 million people have undiagnosed diabetes. Some people don't have alarmingly...

Ask Dr. Leavitt-- I'm dieting and exercising, but I'm still having trouble losing weight. How can I boost my metabolism?

leavittmd@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Paul J. Leavitt, M.D.) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:55:00 EST

You are definitely not alone. This is an issue I hear about quite often in my practice. The key to success for your weight loss is to look at it from each angle. First, it's important to get your thyroid checked with a simple blood test. You will need to look at the full thyroid panel, not just T4 or T3. Your family doctor can help you with this. Your weight depends more on the number of calories you eat and how much physical activity you get than your metabolism, but it is true that it is more difficult to lose weight if your metabolism is not working properly. If your blood test does show you to have a slow thyroid, or have hypothyroidism, your family doctor can help you with ways to boost your level.Focus on the factors you have control over. Make sure you are eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise. Other areas that are important to provide an body environment conducive to weight loss are getting good sleep, positive stress management, and having a good support syste...

Ask Dr. Leavitt--What is hypothyroidism?

info@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Paul J. Leavitt, M.D.) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 13:02:00 EST

Hypothyroidism is a disorder of the thyroid gland, which islocated in your neck. The thyroid produces hormones thyroxine or T4 and triiodothyronine or T3, thataffect how the body works (for example, controlling metabolism). With hypothyroidism, also commonly known as slow or sluggishthyroid, the gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism affects both men and women. It canhappen at any age but is more common in adult women.Symptomsof HypothyroidismMild hypothyroidism may not cause symptoms. Most people do not have all the symptoms listed below, but quite oftenmay have several of the following:Poor appetite and difficulty with bowel movements (constipation)can lead to gaining or losing weightAnemia or low red blood cell or iron countBecoming paleFeeling cold quite oftenInability to sweatFrequently feeling tiredProblems with mental abilities, including poor memory and feeling depressedTrouble sleeping at nightNumbness and tingling in hands and feetHair changes, such as h...

Is it Heartburn or Something Else? How to Tell the Difference

info@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Paul J. Leavitt, M.D.) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 09:39:00 EST

Onecommon symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is heartburn like pain. But a number ofother conditions can causethat burning feeling in your chest.Most often, your family doctor will be able to identify whether you have heartburn or GERD by doing simpletests.Nine other conditions that can cause heartburn like painAngina chest pain caused by lack of blood flow to the heart,can feela lot like heartburn.The biggest clue is if you get heartburn when you are doing strenuous or moderate activity.Also if you are over age50and get heartburn—especially if you have neverhad this kind of pain before—increases suspicion of angina. Suspicions arealsoraised for those who areyounger but have heart risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, or a family history of heart diseaseGallstones a stone blocking your bile duct can cause pain,normally in the middle or upper right side of the abdomen. Pain may be cramping, dull, or sharp, and often happens minutes after you eat.If y...

Ask Dr. Leavitt: I have High Blood Pressure. How can I lower it?

info@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Paul J. Leavitt, M.D.) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 21:43:00 EST

Researchers have found people with even slightly elevated blood pressure, called prehypertension, are at a 50% higher risk of stroke than people who have normal blood pressure, known as normotension. This is just one of the many reasons getting to goal, reaching your blood pressure goal, is so important.Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is life threatening because it can lead to stroke, heart attacks, heart failure, or kidney disease. The goal of hypertension treatment is to decrease high blood pressure and protect your body, including blood vessels and organs. Reaching normal blood pressure level has been associated with risk reduction in stroke (reduced an average of 35% 40%), heart attack (20% 25%), and heart failure (more than 50%), according to research.What are the defined levels of high blood pressure?Normal blood pressure: less than 120/80 mmHgPrehypertension: 120 139/80 89 mmHgHypertension: greater than 140/90 mmHgStage 1 Hypertension:140 159/90 99 mmHgStage 2 Hypertension...

Ask Dr. Leavitt--I was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism. What can I do to feel better?

info@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Paul J. Leavitt, M.D.) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 22:22:00 EST

Hypothyroidism is a condition that happens when the thyroid does not make enough hormone. The thyroid gland isin the front of the neck just below the voice box. It releases hormones thatregulate metabolism.The most prevalent cause of hypothyroidism is inflammation of the thyroid gland, which damagesglands cells.Hashimoto's thyroiditis, when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, is the most common example of this inflammation. Some women can develop hypothyroidism after pregnancy (known as postpartum thyroiditis).Common causes of hypothyroidism include:Congenital (birth) defectsRadiation treatments to the neck to treat different cancers, which may also damage the thyroid glandRadioactive iodine used to treat an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)Surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland, done to treat other thyroid problemsViral thyroiditis, which may cause hyperthyroidism and is often followed by temporary or permanent hypothyroidismEarly symptoms include:Being m...

If You Have Diabetes--Get Your Flu Shot

info@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Paul J. Leavitt, M.D.) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:37:00 EST

People dealingwith diabetesshould get a fluvaccine every year. You should get the flushot fairlyearly inthe Fallbecause it takes about two weeks to start working.Flu season can last until early Spring, sothere are benefits of gettingyour flu shot until February. And if you haven’t alreadydone so, a pneumoniashot is also recommended. This can be done any time during the year. One pneumoniashot is generally needed in a lifetime.Some conditions may require an additional pneumonia vaccine.Why It's ImportantDiabetes can weaken the immune system causing people with diabetes to be more likely to catch the flu and also to catch more severe cases of it. People with diabetes are six times more likely to be hospitalized with flu complications. People who have diabetes and get the flu or pneumonia are about three times more likely to die from it.MoreWays to Protect Yourself this Flu SeasonEncourageclose family and friendsto get their flu shot.Flu ishighly contagious so keeping otherswell...

Ask Dr. Leavitt--I have gout. What foods should I avoid?

info@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Dr. Paul Leavitt) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:35:00 EST

Gout is an extremely painful form of arthritis. This condition is chronic in nature with severe, brutal acute attacks. Gout has long been associated with diet, particularly eating too much meat, seafood (shellfish) and alcohol. Because of this, treatment for gout used to involve severe dietary restrictions, which made the gout diet hard to stick with. Now that newer medications are available to treat gout, the need for a strict gout diet has been reduced, although following the guidelines is highly recommended.The gout diet resembles the healthy eating plan recommended for most people in many ways. Besides helping maintain a healthy weight and avoiding many chronic diseases, this diet may contribute to better overall management of your gout.How doesgout occur?Gout occurs when high levels of uric acid in your blood cause crystals to form and accumulate around a joint. Your body produces uric acid when it breaks down purines. Patients with gout either under excrete or over produce uric a...

Prediabetes: What is it and how can I reverse it?

info@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Paul J. Leavitt, M.D.) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:35:00 EST

Being diagnosed with prediabetes is not the end of the world, but it is a wake up call to get in better health. Prediabetes has other namestool metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, syndrome X. If you have any of these terms, it is important to do something about it now.Before people develop type 2 diabetes, known as diabetes mellitus, they usually have prediabetes or impaired fasting blood glucose. Blood sugar levels> 100 mg/dL (5.5 mmol) but< 126 mg/dL (7 mmol)are consideredprediabetes.Prediabetes means that your blood sugar level is higher than normal, but it's not yet increased enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. Still, without intervention, prediabetes is likely to become type 2 diabetes in 10 years or less. And, if you have prediabetes, the long term damage of diabetes — especially to your heart and circulatory system — may already be starting.There's good news, however. Prediabetes can be an opportunity for you to improve your health, becaus...

Living the Sweet Life--How Sugar Bites Back

info@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Paul J. Leavitt, M.D.) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 09:31:00 EST

Added sugar is a big concern;Here is what you can do to cut back and ramp up your healthMost Americans get more than 22 teaspoons — or 355 calories — of added sugar a day, which far exceeds USDA guidelines and American Heart Association recommendations.Lots of peopleare eating and drinking more sugar than ever because it is added to so many foods and beverages.Added sugar is most likelya majorfactor in the rise in obesity and other health problems.What exactly is added sugar, what makes it so dangerous and what can we do about it? It does not mean you have to avoid sugar at all costs.Sugar occurs naturally in some healthy foods, including fruits. However,it is added to many other foods and beverages. Desserts, sodas and energy/sports drinks are the top sources of added sugar in most American diets. Foods high in added sugar do nothing to help your health. In face they do little more than add extra calories to your diet. And they pave the way forpotential health problems. Wi...

Ask Dr. Leavitt--Does smoking really cause wrinkles?

info@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Dr. Paul Leavitt) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:33:00 EST

Is it true that smoking causes wrinkles?Yes. Premature wrinkles are great reasons to quit smoking, and the sooner the better.Smoking can speed up the normal aging process of your skin, contributing to wrinkles. These skin changes may occur after only 10 years of smoking.The moreyou smoke and the longer you smoke, the more skin wrinkles you arelikely to have — even though the early skin damage from smokingcan be difficult to see at first.Smoking does notcause wrinklesjust on your face. Smokingis alsoassociated with increased wrinkling and skin damage on other parts of your body, including your inner arms. You can prevent worsening of wrinkling by quitting smoking now.How does smokinglead towrinkles? The nicotine in cigarettes causes narrowing of the blood vessels in the outermost layers of your skin. Thisreduces blood flow to your skin. With less blood flow, your skin does not get as much oxygen and important nutrients, such as vitamin A.Many of the over 4,000 chemicals in tobacco...

Ask Dr. Leavitt--I have abdominal pain that hasn't gone away. What could it be?

info@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Dr. Paul Leavitt) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:36:00 EST

For a while now, I have had abdominal pain. I thought it would go away, but it hasn’t. What could it be?Sometimes new patients to my practice say they have lived with abdominal pain for years. They have been told it is in their head or that it is part of getting older. Nothing could be further from the truth. Abdominal pain can be somewhat tricky to deal with, but with a good history and physical examination, the cause of the pain can be found.Think of your abdomen as a tic tac toe board. Right upper pain can be gallstones or a liver mass. Middle pain can be a stomach ulcer, inflammation of the pancreas or gastritis. Left sided pain can be diverticulitis or sometimes constipation. Pain along the sides can be either a kidney infection or renal stones. Lower abdominal pain can signify appendicitis on the right side and sigmoid spasms on the left. Generalized pain can sometimes be celiac sprue, irritable bowel syndrome, or Crohn’s disease. Ulcerative colitis usually starts fro...

Ask Dr. Leavitt--I was recently diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. What can I do to change my health for the better?

info@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Dr. Paul Leavitt) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:02:00 EST

My resolution this year was to take better care of my health. I was diagnosed last year with metabolic syndrome. What can I do to fix this?Metabolic syndrome is simply insulin resistance and inflammation within the body. It is also known as pre diabetes or syndrome X. The American Heart Association defines metabolic syndrome as having an elevated waist circumference, high triglycerides, reduced good cholesterol (HDL), hypertension (>130/85), and elevated blood sugar.Common risk factors are stress, obesity and sedentary lifestyle. . You are not alone as many people deal with this syndrome and the good news is it is reversible. Positive changes include daily physical activity, reduced caloric intake, finding new outlets to handle stress, losing excess weight and limiting sugar, salt, and fat in the diet.A great way to track your progress is to sit down and talk with your family doctor as you begin your lifestyle changes. Get your complete blood work done and discuss your plan to achie...

Ask Dr. Leavitt--I have high blood pressure. What is normal blood pressure and how can I get there?

info@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Dr. Paul Leavitt) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:03:00 EST

I’ve been told I have high blood pressure. What is normal blood pressure and what can I do to get there?High blood pressure, or hypertension, is elevated arterial blood pressure in your system.Normal blood pressure is <120/80mmHg.Prehypertension is 120 139/80 89mmHg.Stage 1 hypertension is 140 159/90 99mmHg.Stage 2 hypertension is >=160/100mmHg.Persistent hypertension is one of the risk factors for stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and arterial aneurysm, and is a leading cause of chronic kidney failure. Moderate elevation of arterial blood pressure leads to shortened life expectancy.Dietary and lifestyle changes can improve blood pressure control and decrease the risk of associated health complications, although drug treatment may prove necessary in patients for whom lifestyle changes prove ineffective or insufficient. Here are some excellent ways to lower your blood pressure:Eliminate or effectively handle stressReduce salt intakeEat a heart healthy balanced di...

Ask Dr. Leavitt--How do I find out if I have Alzheimer's?

info@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Paul J. Leavitt, M.D.) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:09:00 EST

It seems the older I get, the more I keep forgetting. What can I do to find out if I have Alzheimer’s?Alzheimer’s dementia and memory loss in general are very common areas of concern for patients in my clinic. Many have family members or friends who have Alzheimer’s dementia and want to do everything they can to avoid memory loss. Several types of blood tests are available to check for memory loss.Genetic risk factors, including the apoE gene, E4, can be tested for Alzheimer’s dementia. Other risk factors for memory loss include sleep apnea, depression, alcohol or drug abuse, certain types of cancer and cancer fighting treatments, smoking and cerebral vascular disease.High homocysteine levels can indirectly lead to memory loss, as well as low estrogen levels in women and low testosterone levels in men. It is important to sit down and talk with your family doctor to discuss and assess your memory loss, to make sure you are utilizing preventative measures, such as...