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We’re right in the middle of cold and flu season, with the Omicron variant of COVID-19 looming ahead, and pollen season due to following right after. It’s more important than ever to recognize the differences between COVID-19, the flu, allergies, and the common cold. Misunderstandings about the symptoms lead many people to mistakenly think they just have a cold, when they are really spreading something more sinister.

Don’t be left in the dark about your symptoms. Use this convenient chart to determine which illness you are afflicted with so you can fight it effectively. (more…)

It’s common knowledge that our hormones change as we get older, but do you know exactly what changes occur?

Hormones are produced by the endocrine system and then secreted into the bloodstream. From the bloodstream, the hormones are distributed throughout the body into various organs and tissues.

As we age, the levels of certain hormones rise and fall as our organs and tissues begin slowing down. The following changes are common in most people:

• The pituitary gland, which both stores and produces hormones, reaches its maximum size at age 20, then gradually becomes smaller with age.

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Are allergy symptoms driving you crazy during the winter months? You’re not alone. One allergy specialist with the Mayo Clinic estimates that 5-20% of Americans have some type of winter allergy. That’s up to 65 million people!

What are Winter Allergies?

Winter allergies are simply allergies that are more prevalent in the colder months. These allergies include: (more…)

Over 50 million people in the United States each year experience allergy symptoms. That’s over 15% of the population! It’s no wonder that allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic illness here as well. Allergies are also the most common medical condition in children. Many adults walk around feeling “blah”, foggy, and congested (like a cold that never goes away), without even realizing these symptoms are caused by allergies. 

The cost of allergies is not just in human suffering. The AAFA estimates that almost $45 billion is spent on allergy care each year. That’s a huge chunk of change! (more…)

Your immune system is your body’s best weapon against harmful pathogens, like the COVID-19 virus. Without your immune system, you would be left vulnerable to infection by the same germs repeatedly.

Many products and methods claim to boost the immune system, but more research is needed to prove these claims. For example, ginger, garlic, and yogurt are commonly claimed to improve immune system function.

However, research does support that living a healthy lifestyle is good for every part of your body. Avoid COVID-19, the common cold, the flu, and any other cold-weather bugs that come around with these tips:

• Relax

Meditate, unwind, and destress every single day for your best physical and mental health. Stress is a leading cause of medical issues in the United States, so don’t skip this very important part of self-care. (more…)

We’re coming out of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and heading full-speed into cold and flu season. Many people mistake COVID-19 symptoms with the common cold or influenza, making disease transmission more likely. While the precautionary measures for each condition are similar, knowing the difference in symptoms is important to identify COVID and quarantine quickly. Use this handy chart to tell if your symptoms are due to COVID-19, the common cold, or the flu. (more…)

COVID. It’s a word that invokes a range of emotions for people, from fear to agitation to indifference. No matter what taste the pandemic has left in your mouth, we can all agree that we’re ready to get back to our normal lives without nasal swabs, social distancing, and face masks. 

While that dream is still a ways away, the quickest way to get there is for everyone who can get vaccinated. Even though vaccines are available for everyone 12 years of age and older, some people still have hesitations about vaccine safety and effectiveness. It’s time to debunk the myths… COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and the absolute best way to end this pandemic as quickly as possible.

As of August 30, 2021, over 350 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been given in the United States. Of all those millions of doses, very few people suffered serious side effects. The exact numbers depend on which side effect is being discussed. For example, according to the CDC as of September 14th, “anaphylaxis after COVID-19 vaccination is rare and has occurred in approximately 2 to 5 people per million vaccinated in the United States.” To put that into perspective, you have about the same chance of being struck by lightning. (more…)

Florida residents are lucky to have medical marijuana in their treatment arsenal against a variety of conditions. By obtaining a Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR) Identification card, patients with debilitating conditions can enjoy the many benefits medical marijuana has to offer. 

To qualify for medical marijuana or low-THC cannabis in Florida, you must have one of the following conditions:

• Cancer
• Epilepsy/seizures
• Glaucoma
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Acquired immunodeficiency virus (AIDS)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Crohn’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Other conditions similar to those above
• Terminal illnesses
• Chronic nonmalignant pain that hasn’t responded well to other treatments

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Up to 47% of the United States population struggles with embarrassment or unhappiness due to the dreaded double chin, which is also known as submental fat. This buildup of fat beneath the chin occurs because of genetics, poor diet, or lack of exercise. By changing diet habits and engaging in regular physical activity, many people can reduce or eliminate their excess chin fat. For patients who cannot get rid of their submental fat with diet and exercise, and don’t want the risks of surgery, Kybella may be the answer.

What is Kybella?

Kybella is an injectable treatment for excessive submental fat. Made of deoxycholic acid, Kybella is injected directly into the chin deposits to disintegrate the fat cells. Once the fat cells are absorbed by the body, you’ll never have to worry about the fat deposit returning. This makes Kybella a great long-term solution for a stubborn double chin. (more…)

Almost half of all postmenopausal women report having received hormone replacement therapy, or HRT. Both women and men seek HRT to deal with the symptoms associated with a decline in hormones in the body. So, how do you know if you need HRT? If you’re an otherwise healthy adult, but have any of the following conditions or symptoms, hormone replacement therapy may be for you:

Hot flashes & Night Sweats

Hot flashes, or a sudden warm feeling in the upper body, are probably the most recognized symptom of menopause. During a hot flash, your face may redden and you’ll begin sweating profusely. The exact cause of hot flashes is unknown, but declining hormone levels related to menopause appear to be correlated.

Night sweats are just hot flashes while you are sleeping. Sufferers will awaken drenched in sweat and with an intense warm feeling. Night sweats are also not fully understood yet, but hormone levels seem to play a role. (more…)