Author: It

Traditionally, we think about men being the primary victims of heart disease, but each year, it claims the lives of hundreds of thousands of women. The older you are, the more likely it is that you will get heart disease. Healthy living at any age is the foundation for disease-free later years.

While some people are genetically predisposed to heart disease; high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, tobacco use, and second hand smoke are associated risk factors for this condition which can be reduced or controlled.

No matter what your age, there are ways that you can significantly reduce your risk for heart disease.

In your 20s, health isn’t on your mind, and you believe there will be plenty of time later to think about it. Wrong. Heart disease can develop at any age, so it’s crucial that you make health conscious-decisions that will benefit you now and in the long run. Avoid smoking and drinking excessively, and if sexually active, choose your birth control methods carefully.

In your 30s, life is a balancing act between family, work and yourself. But you’re not a kid anymore. Now is the time to build heart-healthy habits. If you avoid the conditions that put you at risk for heart disease until you turn 50, you may never develop heart disease. Check your family history, quit smoking, and avoid gaining weight.

In your 40s, it becomes even more important to make healthy choices. No matter what life brings, it’s important to stay happy and healthy so you can enjoy the years to come. Make healthy lifestyle choices now that will benefit you in the long run. Eat well, exercise, watch your weight, and get a checkup.

In your 50s, your body is changing and that affects your heart. Check with your doctor to see if your numbers are acceptable for cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, fasting glucose, and body mass index.

In your 60s, heart disease is more likely, but you have the power to prevent it. Smoking is the most preventable cause of death in the United States. It’s never too late to quit so…Stop Smoking Today! Keep an eye on body weight, continue to exercise, and have your blood pressure checked.

Consider taking vitamins and other supplements.

Your doctor can help you determine which ones can be of benefit to you. Vitamin E is believed to reduce the risk of a heart attack, as are supplements such as CoQ10 and L-carnitine.

Because so many of today’s typical diets lack fundamental nutritional elements, supplements such as Vitamin E, CoQ10 and L-carnitine, just to name a few, can add to one’s ability to control the risk factors of heart disease.

Schedule an EKG and Cardiac Risk Assessment Today

At NJ Primary Care, we offer on-site noninvasive vascular testing and Cardiac Risk Assessments which can help diagnose different cardiovascular problems right in our office.

Dr. Gahdvi can also determine what your risk is of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) through a routine exam. To make an appointment for a Cardiac Risk Assessment and EKG, contact us today.

If you are considering seeking professional help for weight loss, there are several types of healthcare professionals who can assist you. The choice of the right doctor depends on various factors, including your overall health, specific weight loss needs, and any underlying medical conditions. Here are some healthcare professionals you may consider:

1. Primary Care Physician (PCP): The road to weight loss should begin with a primary care physician, and allowing their team to guide your journey. Your PCP may decide to include a dietician to assist you with your goals, or even offer medical intervention if your situation demands it.
2. Registered Dietitian (RD) or Nutritionist: These professionals specialize in nutrition and can create personalized diet plans to help you achieve your weight loss goals. They can provide guidance on healthy eating habits, portion control, and nutritional requirements.
3. Endocrinologist: If you have hormonal imbalances or conditions such as thyroid disorders that may be contributing to weight gain, an endocrinologist may be the right specialist to consult.
4. Bariatrician or Obesity Medicine Specialist: These doctors specialize in the medical treatment of obesity. They can provide comprehensive weight management plans, including dietary advice, behavior modification strategies, and, if appropriate, medications to assist with weight loss.
5. Gastroenterologist: In some cases, gastrointestinal issues may contribute to weight problems. A gastroenterologist can assess and treat conditions affecting the digestive system.
6. Psychologist or Psychiatrist: Emotional and psychological factors can play a significant role in weight management. Mental health professionals can help address issues related to emotional eating, stress, and other psychological factors influencing weight.

Before making an appointment, consider discussing your weight loss goals with your primary care physician. They can help determine the appropriate specialist based on your individual needs and may coordinate care with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive support.  Always remember that a multidisciplinary approach involving diet, exercise, and medical guidance tends to be the most effective for sustainable weight loss. To learn more about our medical weight loss program or to schedule an appointment with one of our medical providers click here now.

It is a common understanding that when you are pregnant you eat for two, while forgetting it’s not the quantity but rather the quality of your meals. Knowing that diet isn’t the only factor that affects your health and in turn your baby’s is crucial. Paying special attention to routine events of life such as getting proper rest, exercising, managing stress, and managing existing medical conditions becomes even more important. The goal is to make yourself comfortable during this physically taxing time, and ultimately bring a healthy child into this world.

Getting Proper Nutrition:

Expecting mother need to consume approximately 300 extra calories per day, which are used in the baby’s growth. The most essential nutrients for you and your child are calcium, iron, and folic acid. These nutrients aid in the development of your baby’s bones, brain, blood, and spine. Consuming foods that contain a sufficient amount of essential nutrients may be difficult which is why doctors often recommend Prenatal vitamins..

Things to Avoid:

There are several things that we need to avoid during pregnancy. Some commonly known items to avoid are smoking, alcohol consumption, and recreational drug use. Some consumables on the list to avoid during pregnancy might surprise you.

Excess caffeine consumption is one habit that many expecting mothers have trouble with, but it is very important to control as it can increase the risk of miscarriage. Another surprise to many pregnant women is chocolate contains small amounts of caffeine, but you don’t have to give it up completely. Moderation is the key.

Pregnant women should also avoid certain types of fish. These include sharks, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. These often contain high levels of mercury, which can cause brain damage in your baby. Other foods to avoid include unpasteurized dairy and juice, foods containing raw eggs, and undercooked meat.

It is important not to take any medications during pregnancy without first consulting with your doctor. Even herbs and over-the-counter medicines can present a danger to your baby. Ideally, the only medication a pregnant woman should take is a good prenatal vitamin. If a situation arises where medication is needed, your trusted source for a list of pregnancy safe medication is always your doctor.

Pregnant women should also avoid contact with animal feces as they put themselves at risk of contracting toxoplasmosis. The disease usually causes no symptoms in the mother, but is known to have devastating developmental effects on the baby.

Staying healthy should be a priority at all times, but it becomes much more important when you’re pregnant. Keeping yourself in good health and avoiding certain foods and substances will help your baby grow strong and healthy.