Pssst... Tell 5, Pass It Along!

Dr. Oz: Mehmet C. Oz, M.D.

I've never been a fan of "talk shows", no matter the genre, not to mention the lackluster garbage most television networks produce of late.  Despite my usual lack of interest, the Dr. Oz Show has more than peaked my interest since the initial broadcast in the fall of last year (2009).  I can't get enough of the show.  I find it so adorable that all the women who join Dr. Oz from the audience on stage are so taken with Dr. Oz.  The admiration reminds me of stories I've heard from family about the fanfare that followed Elvis Presley, except instead of teenagers, these are mature women.  Okay, maybe not quite the level of crazed hormonal teenagers, yet it would appear that Dr. Oz, has become, a sex symbol to many.  I digress.  I wish I lived within a reasonable distance to be a patient at New York Presbyterian Hospital, moreover, the Complementary Care Center.  I first learned of the Complementary Care Center in one of the books I am currently enjoying, 'Healing from the Heart' by Mehmet C. Oz, M.D. with Ron Arias and Lisa Oz (1999).  Please take note, this book has a copyright date of 1998.  While the book is now twelve years old, it remains years ahead of Western medicine.  

I bought this book shortly after the myocardial infarction I had two years ago.  I am embarrassed that I only began reading it a couple of weeks ago.  It is an easy read as the saying goes.  I don't know why it took me so long to open; maybe I was scared of the reality.  'Healing from the Heart' is nothing to be frightened of though.  Reading it as a heart attack survivor has brought me comfort.  Every heart attack/disease survivor should read this book.  Dr. Oz isn't just concerned with the mechanics of Western medicine as evident in each chapter.  Factual medical information explaining the "biology of an MI" begins in chapter one, followed by the exploration/comparison of various non-traditional or "complementary medicine" as referenced by the author.  Dr. Oz clearly wishes to treat and benefit patients not only physically, but emotionally as well.  His writing should be required reading for all medical students.  The healing ideas discussed should be heeded by all persons wishing to enter into the medical field, and if not, I myself would never want that person as a physician.  


Please excuse me while I bird-walk over to the topic of health insurance.  It is well past the time that the Western world and insurance companies remain open minded about approaching health as complementary medicine describes - prescription pills and surgeries alone are not the answer.  Perhaps this is why insurance companies continue to deny therapies.  If these therapies were available, they just may heal people to the point that there is no longer the need for a battery of prescription medicine or unnecessary treatment(s)/surgery(s).  Where would the insurance companies be without repeat patients:  having only received traditional medical care, still lacking, universal, whole body and mind care!?  

Personally, I've explored some of the therapies shared in Dr. Oz's book prior to reading it.  While not coming out and labeling the various therapies discussed, it's clear to me that processes such as Reiki are described.  (I'm on page 129, so forgive me if I am wrong.)  When I met with a Reiki practitioner (or energy healer), I felt a tremendous improvement emotionally and physically.  Whether or not this was a placebo effect, what does it matter if overused Western therapies are not proving beneficial?  I honestly don't care if it is in my mind or an actual result of Reiki, I feel better!  I doubt others who experience chronic pain would (having benefited) state, oh no, this might not truly be effective treatment, and return to therapies that produce less satisfactory physical/emotional results.  The same can be said with acupuncture.  I found acupuncture to be very beneficial.  


Again, I fail to understand why insurance companies do not offer coverage for these types of medical therapies (at least mine doesn't).  I can only assume it comes down to their financial situation being more advantageous by having frequent customers.  Since this is the case, I'd like my frequent flyer card issued immediately.  I 'fly' the standard, repetitive, western medicine skies all too much not to receive a freebie or upgrade at some point.  No frequent flyer card available?  Okay, I'd much prefer to have my insurance company cover complementary medical treatments in the end anyway.  It's ridiculous the insurance hoops patients have to jump through to get the health care they desire.  It's a shame in a country that is supposedly so forward thinking.  Dr. Oz is a forward thinker (and that doesn't even give his approach justice).  I could go on about the book, but like many medical situations, suffering a trauma is pretty personal.  Interpretation (by reader) will be individual and personal also.  

If you are cardiac patient or have a loved one who is, don't pass up Dr. Oz's book.  If you want my copy when I'm done, let me know, I'd be happy to pass it along!  If you have television, don't pass up the Dr. Oz Show either, it could positively increase your lifetime.  Incidentally, I'd be irresponsible if I didn't mention talking with your own doctor prior to making changes to your health care.  Everyone is different and your medical providers should always be kept in the know.

Medtronic Failure

I feel I would not be a responsible patient if I did not comment regarding the recent failure(s) by Medtronic and the spinal cord stimulator I received in 2008. My spinal cord implant had been an overall happy story until a few weeks ago (less the physician form the get go). I should have listened to my instincts and at least switched to a new physician (I almost cancelled the surgery the day of, even after already receiving the I.V. I began having problems with the medical device (it had protruded); giving me the worst stinging/burning sensation at the implantation site. My 'pain specialist' doctor and Medtronic have not been helpful - they have been the complete opposite. It's as though they consider me an enemy and could care less now that the Medtronic implant is in (though failing). In addition to the shifting of the device, the battery has failed. It hasn't even been two years. I cannot impress upon others considering this life changing event to thoroughly research before going through with the surgery. I was utterly desperate after living with chronic pain for years - I would have done it differently had I known what I am experiencing now. I also had a blood clot form in my heart within three months of my surgery, thus suffering a myocardial infarction, of which I am lucky to be alive.  I am hopeful that my situation stems from an irresponsible physician and Medtronic representative. I truly hope that all who have the devices already implanted have continued success.

More Reasons To Walk, Not Only For Your Heart, But For Your Brain! From HealthDay News

With the American Heart Association's (AHA) National Start! Walking Day fast approaching this Wednesday (just two days away!), read the article below to learn about another great reason to start walking regularly.   Participate in National Start! Walking Day wherever you are this April 7th!  Check out the details here.  When it really comes down to it, all you need is yourself, 30 minutes and a pair of comfortable shoes!!! 

Exercise May Stave Off Mental Decline

Monday,January 11, 2010 (Healthday News)

FRIDAY, Jan. 8 (HealthDay News) -- Exercise appears to help prevent and improve mild cognitive impairment, two new studies show.

Researchers found that people who did moderate physical activity in midlife or later had a reduced risk of mild cognitive impairment and that six months of high-intensity aerobic exercise improved cognitive function in people with mild cognitive impairment.

Mild cognitive impairment is an in-between state between the normal changes in thinking, learning and memory changes that come with age and dementia, one of the studies explained. Up to 15 percent of people with mild cognitive impairment develop dementia each year, compared with 1 percent or 2 percent of the general population.

The first study included 1,324 dementia-free volunteers taking part in the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging. The participants completed a physical exercise questionnaire and were assessed and classified as having normal cognition (1,126) or mild cognitive impairment (198).

Those who said they did moderate exercise -- such as swimming, brisk walking, yoga, aerobics or strength training -- during midlife were 39 percent less likely to have mild cognitive impairment, while those who did moderate exercise later in life were 32 percent less likely to have the condition.

The Mayo team said exercise may guard against mild cognitive impairment through production of nerve-protecting compounds, increased blood flow to the brain, improved development and survival of neurons, and decreased risk of heart and blood vessel diseases.

The second study included 33 adults, average age 70, with mild cognitive impairment. Some were randomly assigned to do high-intensity aerobics for 45 to 60 minutes a day, four days a week. Others were put in a control group that had the same workout schedule, but did stretching exercises and kept their heart rate low.

After six months, the patients who did high-intensity aerobic exercise had improved cognitive function compared to those in the control group. The beneficial effects were more pronounced in women than in men, possibly because the body's use of and production of insulin, glucose and the stress hormone cortisol differed in women and men.

"Aerobic exercise is a cost-effective practice that is associated with numerous physical benefits. The results of this study suggest that exercise also provides a cognitive benefit for some adults with mild cognitive impairment," wrote Laura D. Baker, of the University of Washington School of Medicine and Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System in Seattle, and colleagues.

The studies appear in the January issue of the Archives of Neurology.

More information

The Alzheimer's Association has more about mild cognitive impairment.

cardiologist appt

went very well all things considered!

Geographic Primary-Stroke-Center Placement

I've noticed several comments from heart attack and/or stroke survivors lately regarding the lack of available facilities where they reside.  The article below (courtesy of International Media News Group http://egmnblog.wordpress.com ) peaked my interest; heck, there is a map included which would explain exactly why survivors are expressing frustration about lack of facilities.  Look at all of the gaping white spaces on the map pictured below - I'm very thankful to the writer, Mitchel Zoler, for making this information available:

The Uncoordinated U.S. Primary Stroke Centers

From the International Stroke Conference in San Antonio

The good news for U.S. stroke patients is that in March 2010, 685 certified primary stroke centers existed in America. The bad news is that no one makes sure they’re optimally placed to maximize coverage of the U.S. population.

The Joint Commission, a U.S. hospital accreditation organization, began certifying primary stroke centers in December 2003. The idea was that these centers would specialize in state-of-the-art stroke care and become the prime locations for acute stroke patients to receive care.

The concept has certainly taken root. According to Dr. Karen C. Albright, a neurologist at the University of California, San Diego, 524 certified American primary stroke centers existed by November 2008, and another 102 came on board during the following year, through late September, 2009. The pace for new center certifications has held steady, with another 59 centers added to the list during a little more than another 5 months.

Stroke patients who live in the white areas have a greater than 60 minute trip to their nearest primary stroke center (photo by Mitchel Zoler).

But according to Dr. Albright, many of the new centers added during Nov. 2008-Sept. 2009 were “in proximity to existing centers.” No person or group controls where new stroke centers open, and they’ve left big gaps of uncovered population. Based on the centers that existed last September, Dr. Albright estimated that roughly 63 million to 135 million Americans lived more than 60 minutes away from the closest primary stroke center (see map). The upper end number, 135 million, applied if all emergency stroke transport was by ambulance. The number fell to 63 million if all centers had helicopter transport available, but that’s a big if because in reality many centers don’t use air transport.

Some excellent models exist for better emergency-care coordination, most notably the way trauma care is integrated and delivered across the U.S., particularly by regional systems like the Southeast Texas Trauma Regional Advisory Council.  Recently, SETTRAC set up regional coordination of emergency stroke care in the Houston area.

Now all that has to happen is for this approach to spread through the rest of Texas, and then the rest of the United States.

—Mitchel Zoler

As a Patient, Advocate for Yourself!

Posted on Tue, Feb. 09, 2010

Cardiologist's advice about No. 1 killer of women

BY TERESA MEARStmears@mindspring.com

The leading killer of women isn't breast cancer or any other kind of cancer, but heart disease, which kills nearly twice as many women each year as die from all forms of cancer combined. During February, which is American Heart Month, many groups focus on women's heart health with screenings and the American Heart Association's ``Go Red'' movement to raise awareness. There was a time when women didn't respond well to treatment such as heart bypasses and stents, but that is changing, says Dr. Stratego ``Stacey'' Castanes, an interventional cardiologist who has been active in Miami-Dade heart health awareness events. ``One of the reasons we're doing better is patient education, women being advocates for themselves,'' says Castanes, who is in private practice and is also associated with the South Miami Heart Center. We talked to Castanes about women and heart disease. Her answers have been edited for space. Q: How is heart disease different in women than in men? A: The biggest difference is the symptoms, especially of heart attacks. The things that we classically describe to patients -- chest discomfort like an elephant sitting on the chest, radiation to the jaw and down the arm -- aren't quite the symptoms women feel. We still don't know how to describe the classic symptoms women feel. I've had women who were having a massive heart attack and they just felt as if all they needed to do was burp and it would get better. It fools everyone. My recommendation to women is if you're feeling bad enough to think that something's wrong and it's persistent and it continues to make you feel worse -- women still feel some kind of chest discomfort and some type of shortness of breath -- you should go to the emergency room. Q: What is the most important thing women can do to protect their hearts? A: The most important thing is exercise. Exercise can decrease your risk for breast cancer, treat depression, prevent heart attacks and strokes, control blood pressure, prevent adult-onset diabetes. The other important thing is having the same due diligence that women have for seeing their ob-gyn to seeing a cardiologist to determine their risk. Q: What are the risk factors for women? A: Smoking brings on heart disease, 10 to 20 years earlier. Strong family history of heart disease is a risk factor. Post-menopausal for women is a strong risk factor. Diabetes. High blood pressure. High cholesterol. The risk factors are basically the same for men. Q: Who needs cholesterol-lowering medication? A: There was an interesting study done in 2007 where they used criteria to determine if someone was low risk, intermediate risk or high risk for heart disease. Then they looked at patients who had reported a heart attack or stroke. The scariest part of the study was that 80 percent of the people, before their event, were considered low risk. Cholesterol is one of those things where there is no such thing as normal. Depending on the risk factors, you have to make the decision of whether to treat cholesterol. A cholesterol of 130 might be OK for one person but for another person who has a family risk of heart disease and is a smoker, that's not OK and that cholesterol needs to be treated. Q: Should women take a daily aspirin to lower their risk of heart disease? A: We have gone back and forth and been very confused throughout the years about what to recommend. For men it's very clear-cut. If you're in your 40s you should be on aspirin to prevent heart attack and stroke. Women tend to get heart disease later in life and there's an increased risk of bleeding with the aspirin. We initially didn't have clear-cut guidelines. Now the guidelines say if you're above 60 with one risk factor for coronary disease you should consider aspirin. If you have two risk factors, you should definitely be on aspirin. Q: What is the link between diabetes and heart disease? A: Basically we consider diabetes equivalent to heart disease. Diabetics are three to five times more likely to have coronary disease than their counterparts with all the same problems but not diabetes. Blood pressure needs to be very tightly controlled, even tighter than usual. Cholesterol needs to be tightly controlled. It seems that a lot of heart disease is linked to an inflammatory process. Diabetes is a constant inflammatory process. The endothelium, the tissue in the lining of the arteries, needs to work a certain way for the heart to function normally. Inflammatory states such as diabetes cause dysfunction of that endothelium, which results in coronary artery disease. Q: Why is blood pressure important? A: Blood pressure is important because it's so closely linked to increased risk of heart attack or stroke. On a very basic level, the endothelium gets pounded with these high blood pressures all day, which results in inflammation and damage to the endothelium. Q: What's your advice about diet? A: Physicians are always asked about diet, and the sad thing is we take less of a month of it in medical school. Nutritionists know this much better. One of the simplest things is that you should have as much color on your plate as possible. Yellow all over the plate -- pasta, corn, potatoes -- is not good.

---

© 2010 Miami Herald Media Company. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.miamiherald.com

Thank You for Spreading Heart Disease Awareness, Better Homes & Gardens!

Article (2004) below republished online at Better Homes and Gardens magazine, regarding nutrition and heart disease.  I love viewing media in non-health specific magazines regarding heart disease:  thank you for getting the word out to a larger audience!  From one heart attack survivor, thank you, Better Homes and Gardens!  

Now, a 'recipe':  I've always loved oatmeal.  I'd say 97% of my life, my mornings have begun with oatmeal.  Since my heart attack, I've made it even healthier by no longer having honey (I used to have honey - no butter, but tons of honey).  My favorite recipe now is to begin with Trader Joe's Pumpkin Pie Spice and add a hefty scoop of old fashioned oatmeal (not instant).  Add water.  Microwave for approximately 1 to 2 minutes (depending on amount of oatmeal).  While microwaving, dice up whichever fresh fruit is in season.  My favorite are pears!  Amazing flavor paired with the pumpkin pie spice.  Once the oatmeal is done, add the fresh fruit and sprinkle in a few dried cranberries for color & taste.  Last, top it all off with a few walnut pieces (or your favorite heart friendly nut).  Give it a try for what I consider a heart healthy breakfast.  You can even make it ahead of time and take to work and reheat (or eat cold if you are a diehard fan like me).  Try other fresh fruits - let me know what you come up with!!!

10 Superfoods for Heart Disease

Nutritious foods for lower cholesterol and a healthy heart.

By Dorie Eisenstein

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women and men in the United States. We all know a healthy diet can help reduce your risk, especially when coupled with regular exercise and maintaining a reasonable weight. But what really are the best foods to include on your weekly menu to keep your heart healthy and strong?

"When it comes to prevention, increasing total dietary fiber and unsaturated fats is the way to go," according to Linda Van Horn, PhD, registered dietitian (RD), member of the American Heart Association's nutrition committee, and professor of Preventive Medicine at Northwestern Medical School in Chicago.

Eating unsaturated fats, like omega-3 fatty acids and olive oil, can help to reduce triglycerides, which inhibit blood from clotting and our arteries from becoming clogged with plaque. And a diet rich in soluble fiber, which is often found in legumes and some fruits and vegetables, helps to lower your LDL cholesterol. Here are 10 foods that are rich in heart-healthy nutrients.

Sardines

Although these little fish tend to have a bad reputation, they are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, along with calcium and niacin. Try them fresh on the grill or use canned sardines packed in oil on salads, in sandwiches, or in sauces.

Recommended serving size: Fresh, 3 whole sardines: 281 calories Canned in oil, 3.5 ounces drained: 220 calories

Oatmeal

If you're looking for a comforting breakfast, start your day off with oatmeal for an instant boost of fiber. Oatmeal also has a low glycemic index, which helps to provide lasting energy and keeps hunger at bay. Look for rolled oats, and add some raisins, apples, and honey for flavor. Try to avoid instant oatmeal, since it is loaded with sugars that you don't need.

Recommended serving size: Raw, 1/3 cup: 113 calories Made with water, heaping 3/4 cup: 98 calories

Mackerel

Sick of salmon, but always eating it for the health benefit? Try mackerel instead. An excellent source of omega-3s, mackerel is also packed with the antioxidant mineral selenium, which may help protect the body from heart disease and cancer.

Recommended serving size: 3.5-ounce fillet: 220 calories

Walnuts

Women who are looking for an easy way to get omega-3s on the go can grab a small handful of walnuts for an afternoon snack. "Although they are high in fat, most of it is polyunsaturated fat, which is considered a 'good fat' and, thus, they are fine to eat in moderation," says Rachel Brandeis, a registered dietitian in Atlanta, Georgia, and spokesperson for American Dietetic Association. Add some to your green salad, or give chicken salad a nutrition boost by adding ground walnuts.

Recommended serving size: Shelled, scant 1/2 cup: 344 calories

Tofu

Tofu is made from soybeans, which have been shown to reduce cardiovascular disease risk by lowering LDL cholesterol, says Brandeis. A diet containing 25 grams of soy protein and 50 to 60 milligrams of soy isoflavones can reduce LDL cholesterol levels. Tofu usually absorbs the flavor of whatever else you're cooking with it, so add it to a chicken or beef stir-fry dish, salad, or chili.

Recommended serving size: Firm, 3.5 ounces: 73 calories

Plums/Prunes

Known for their laxative effect, prunes are an excellent source of fiber and iron, and regular consumption has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol in the blood. Prunes may also help protect you against colon cancer. If you're not a prune fan, plums are also a decent source of fiber and beta-carotene.

Recommended serving size: Plums, two: 34 calories Pitted prunes, five: 71 calories

Kidney Beans/Chickpeas

Like many legumes, kidney beans are a low-fat, high-soluble fiber protein source. These vitamin-rich beans also have a low glycemic index and are cholesterol-free. Add them to salads and chili, as they truly are almost a perfect health food. Both the canned and dried beans are equally high in fiber, but canned varieties are likely to have a higher salt content, so stick with dried varieties for maximum heart benefits.

Recommended serving size: Kidney beans, dry, 1/4 cup: 133 calories Kidney beans, canned, heaping 1/3 cup, drained: 100 calories Chickpeas, dry, 1/4 cup: 160 calories Chickpeas, canned, heaping 1/3 cup, drained: 160 calories

Barley

Whole-grain barley is rich in soluble fiber and insoluble fiber, which is good for combating constipation. A decent protein source, barley also contains a good supply of iron and minerals. Beware when choosing which barley to buy. So-called "pearl barely" lacks the outer husk, and thus, most of the nutrients are removed. Look for whole-grain barley cereals, or substitute whole-grain barley for rice and pasta side dishes once a week.

Recommended serving size: Dry, 1/4 cup: 151 calories

Published on BHG.com, October 2004.

Women's Heart Disease Awareness Still Lacking

Women's Heart Disease Awareness Still Lacking

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

More than 40 percent of women don't know it is leading killer, survey finds

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 10 (HealthDay News) -- Despite public awareness campaigns, almost half of all American women still don't know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, new research finds.

Even more concerning, only slightly more than half of women would call for emergency help if they were having heart attack symptoms, according to the latest survey for the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women public awareness campaign.

"We've made a lot of progress since 1997 [when the Go Red campaign first began], but we still have a long way to go," said lead researcher Dr. Lori Mosca, director of preventive cardiology at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City.

For example, she said, "Only about half of women knew what heart attack symptoms are."

Results of the study are scheduled to be published in the March issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

In 1997, when the survey was first conducted, just 30 percent of women realized that heart disease was the leading cause of death in women. In 2009, that number was 54 percent. However, that number is down slightly from 2006 when 57 percent of women said that heart disease was the biggest threat to their health.

Young women were more likely to believe that breast cancer was their biggest potential health threat. Thirty-four percent of women between the ages of 25 and 34 thought breast cancer was more of a threat than heart disease, compared to 22 percent of women over 65 who felt that way.

Racial disparities still exist, though the racial gap in awareness is narrowing, according to the survey. Just 43 percent of black women and 44 percent of Hispanic women correctly identified heart disease as the leading killer of women. However, those numbers were significantly increased from 1997, when the rates of awareness were 15 percent and 20 percent, respectively.

Other important findings from the new survey include:

• 
  

  Eighty-five percent of women said they had seen, heard or read about heart disease during the past year.

• 
  

  Only 53 percent of women said they would call 911 if they were having heart attack symptoms.

• 
  

  Just over half of women said the biggest barrier to taking preventive steps against heart disease were family and care-taking responsibilities.

Women are taking important preventive steps such as seeing their doctors and having their blood pressure checked. However, many women are relying on unproven strategies to prevent heart disease, as well. For example, 82 percent said they believed that fish oil would help them prevent heart disease, and 29 percent said aromatherapy could be helpful, according to the survey.

"Although there may be some benefit to alternative and complementary therapies, they pale in comparison to turning off the TV and going out for a walk," said Dr. Pamela Marcovitz, medical director of the Ministrelli Women's Heart Center at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Mich. "When people exercise even moderately most days of the week, they're incredibly more likely to be healthier and live longer."

Both Mosca and Marcovitz said that experts have to find new ways to get the message of heart disease prevention out to more people. Mosca said that having women tell their stories to other women at places like community centers could be helpful. She said it's also important to have information available in Spanish. Marcovitz said that social networking sites may also prove useful for spreading heart health messages.

Both doctors said that if you have chest pain -- and it may not always feel like pain; it could be pressure or a squeezing sensation -- that doesn't go away after a few minutes, you need to call 911. Women also may have more unusual symptoms, such as feeling nauseous or having jaw pain.

"If you're having symptoms, make the phone call," advised Marcovitz. "Take your symptoms seriously. Even if it's not a heart attack, you'll still get the right cardiology work-up."

Mosca echoed that advice. "Most women know something isn't right, but they don't want to bother anyone. We'd rather you called 911, even if it's a false alarm," she said.