tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85106292097354886052024-03-19T04:05:58.100-07:00avecinia wellness centerWelcome to avecinia wellness center's blog! avecinia wellness center is Fresno's premier integrative medicine and wellness center. This blog will be updated regularly with the latest in health and wellness news, information and tips. Feel free to share this blog with your friends, family and loved ones and visit us at www.avecinia.com and join us at www.facebook.com/aveciniaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08058551969809405605noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8510629209735488605.post-61825379172009301072012-05-01T08:00:00.000-07:002012-05-01T09:01:20.702-07:00Skin care and skin cancer prevention!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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“Let the sun shine in…” Is not only a hit song from the musical “<b><u><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhNrqc6yvTU" target="_blank">Hair</a></u></b>,” it’s also what we all look forward to in May! But like all good things, too much can be bad. May is Melanoma Prevention Month and so here are some great tips (courtesy of the <b><a href="http://www.skincancer.org/" target="_blank">Skin Cancer Foundation</a></b>) for you to enjoy the sun and stay healthy! <br />
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<li><b><i>Seek the shade</i></b>, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun is strongest. An extra rule of thumb is the "shadow rule." If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation is stronger; if your shadow is longer, UV radiation is less intense;</li>
<li><b><i>Do not burn</i></b>. A person's risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, doubles if he or she had had five or more sunburns at any point in life. Severe burns not only significantly increase your chances of developing skin cancer, but can make you ill. For severe burns, see your doctor;</li>
<li><b><i>Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths</i></b>. UV radiation from tanning machines is known to cause cancer in humans. Indoor UV tanners are 74 percent more likely to develop melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, than those who have never tanned indoors. Tanning bed users are also 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma and 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma. The more time a person has spent tanning indoors, the higher the risk;</li>
<li><b><i>Cover up with clothing</i></b>, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. Clothing can be your most effective form of sun protection, so make the most of it with densely woven and bright- or dark-colored fabrics, which offer the best defense.</li>
<li><b><i>Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen</i></b> to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating. One six-ounce bottle of sunscreen should provide two full days of sun protection for prolonged outdoor activity; and</li>
<li><b><i>Examine your skin head-to-toe every month</i></b>. While self-exams shouldn't replace the important annual skin exam performed by a physician, they offer the best chance of detecting the early warning signs of skin cancer. If you notice any change in an existing mole or discover a new one that looks suspicious, see a physician immediately. To find out more about how to perform self-examination and spot a skin cancer, visit www.SkinCancer.org/selfexamination.</li>
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Being outdoors and active is always great for the body and by utilizing these tips you will be on your way to a fun and healthy summer! Be sure to visit <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" target="_blank"><b>avecinia</b></a> for a great selection of UV blocking SPF products such as Obagi NuDerm SPF 50 and our selection of Colorescience Pro Mineral Makeup and save 15% this month in honor of Melanoma Prevention Month. <br /><ul>
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Sign up for our <b><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=community&spg=event" target="_blank">pre-Mother’s Day event</a></b> on May 10th to learn even more about skin care and anti-aging and save on all of our great skin care and anti-aging products and services!<br />
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<i style="font-size: small;">This blog was written by Dania Abdul-Resoul, an intern at <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" target="_blank">avecinia wellness center</a>. Dania is a pre-physical therapy student at Cal State Fresno.</i><br />
<i style="font-size: small;">For daily updates on news, information and more on<a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" target="_blank"> health care and wellness</a>, join avecinia wellness center's <a href="http://www.facebook.com/avecinia" target="_blank">facebook page</a> and follow avecinia on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/avecinia4health" target="_blank">twitter</a> . avecinia wellness center is Fresno's premier integrative medicine and wellness center. We combine internal medicine and primary care with <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=hm" target="_blank">health management</a>, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=wm" target="_blank">weight management</a>, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ap" target="_blank">acupuncture</a>, aesthetics (<a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae#Botox-Fresno" target="_blank">Botox</a>, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae#Juvederm-Fresno" target="_blank">Juvederm</a>, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae#Radiesse-wrinkle-filler-Fresno" target="_blank">Radiesse</a>, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae#Obagi-Fresno-antioxidant-skin-care" target="_blank">Obagi</a> and more) and <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=mt" target="_blank">massage therapy</a> for a holistic approach to health. We use a robust electronic health record program and patient web portal to enhance our delivery of services and to help our patients reach their optimal well-being. To learn more, visit www.avecinia.com. If you are looking for a <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=contact&spg=newpatient" target="_blank">primary care doctor in Fresno</a> or the Central Valley and would like to become a part of the avecinia family, visit our website and click on new patient registration. Let <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=Physicians" target="_blank">Dr. Unaiza Hayat</a> and/or <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=staff" target="_blank">Ali Kunkel, MPA, PA-C</a>, become your trusted guides. Our Aesthetic, Weight Management, Acupuncture, Health Management and Massage Therapy services do not require us to be your primary care physician. Learn more at <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" target="_blank">www.avecinia.com</a>.We look forward to meeting you!</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08058551969809405605noreply@blogger.com01105 E Spruce Ave, Fresno, CA 93720, USA36.839583 -119.76266236.826874999999994 -119.782403 36.852291 -119.74292100000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8510629209735488605.post-30598231904900575732012-04-17T19:00:00.000-07:002012-04-17T19:03:40.838-07:00Pink Slime....ewwwwwWhen we turn our televisions on after a long day of work, and begin the daily process of de-stressing our bodies and minds as we unwind, usually many of us turn on the news, and ironically it can cause us more stress. Health is a common issue that arises throughout many news articles, where it seems as if every month there is an epidemic sweeping the nation or an outbreak of a super bug that is threatening our population. Lately, there has been talk about a substance in our meat called “pink slime” which is said to be a beef filler in order to achieve the “finely textured beef” these companies promise. In this avecinia health update blog, we will be discuss what “pink slime” is and whether it can cause us real harm!<br />
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To set the record straight, "pink slime" is <u>not unsafe</u>. That doesn’t mean it’s exactly safe or good for you either. This filler byproduct is made by running scraps from meat cuttings through a processor that removes the fat from the trimmings. The beef is usually treated with ammonia to kill bacteria such as E. Coli and salmonella, a process that has been a subject of suspicion and debate despite claims that it is harmless. According to Marion Nestle, a professor of nutrition and public health at New York University, the substance is safe but still raises issues, “It is not dangerous at all. The question is whether it’s socially acceptable,” says Ms. Nestle. “Humans don’t usually eat byproducts. Just because it’s safe doesn’t mean it’s acceptable.” The issue raised is not the question whether this product is safe or not, but whether labels should disclose that the product contains “pink slime” and then consumers would be able to decide for themselves if they’d wish to purchase it or not. "Pink slime" is found in retail ground beef, low-fat hotdogs, lunch meat, beef sticks, pepperoni, frozen entrees, meatballs, and canned foods. Until early this year, fast food chains such as McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Burger King used the filler in their beef products.<br />
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"Pink slim" isn’t an immediate risk, and there are no proven side effects from eating products that contain it (but eating a lot of processed foods can have its own detrimental health effects). This is definitely a reminder of how very important it is to know exactly what we are putting in our mouths. Reading labels on food products is a must and always try to choose organic products over processed. Hopefully this recent controversy has been a wake-up call to the reality of what these food industries are capable of. Take control of what you eat and be sure to ask your primary care provider, such as the <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=about" target="_blank">doctors and health experts</a> at <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=home" target="_blank">avecinia wellness center</a>, for any tips and useful suggestion on how to improve your diet for the best. <br />
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<i style="font-size: small;">This blog was written by Dania Abdul-Resoul, an intern at <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" target="_blank">avecinia wellness center</a>. Dania is a pre-physical therapy student at Cal State Fresno.</i><br />
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<i style="font-size: small;">For daily updates on news, information and more on<a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" target="_blank"> health care and wellness</a>, join avecinia wellness center's <a href="http://www.facebook.com/avecinia" target="_blank">facebook page</a> and follow avecinia on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/avecinia4health" target="_blank">twitter</a> . avecinia wellness center is Fresno's premier integrative medicine and wellness center. We combine internal medicine and primary care with <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=hm" target="_blank">health management</a>, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=wm" target="_blank">weight management</a>, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ap" target="_blank">acupuncture</a>, aesthetics (<a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae#Botox-Fresno" target="_blank">Botox</a>, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae#Juvederm-Fresno" target="_blank">Juvederm</a>, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae#Radiesse-wrinkle-filler-Fresno" target="_blank">Radiesse</a>, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae#Obagi-Fresno-antioxidant-skin-care" target="_blank">Obagi</a> and more) and <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=mt" target="_blank">massage therapy</a> for a holistic approach to health. We use a robust electronic health record program and patient web portal to enhance our delivery of services and to help our patients reach their optimal well-being. To learn more, visit www.avecinia.com. If you are looking for a <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=contact&spg=newpatient" target="_blank">primary care doctor in Fresno</a> or the Central Valley and would like to become a part of the avecinia family, visit our website and click on new patient registration. Let <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=Physicians" target="_blank">Dr. Unaiza Hayat</a> and/or <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=staff" target="_blank">Ali Kunkel, MPA, PA-C</a>, become your trusted guides. Our Aesthetic, Weight Management, Acupuncture, Health Management and Massage Therapy services do not require us to be your primary care physician. Learn more at <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" target="_blank">www.avecinia.com</a>.We look forward to meeting you!</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08058551969809405605noreply@blogger.com0avecinia wellness center, 1105 E Spruce Ave #202, Fresno, CA 93720, USA36.839583 -119.76266236.826879 -119.782403 36.852287 -119.74292100000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8510629209735488605.post-23203135864780758302012-04-01T09:00:00.000-07:002012-04-16T23:04:24.413-07:00Sneezing, sniffling, blurry eyes- oh what to do! How not to suffer from Spring allergies!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8CfqWRjFWV35BBfLk7ZK5YiPa2OXyiwxp9auSt3u6v97WBs9kCd5gJzP5q30jKTY4x5woV7TYG5Sq7AnucDSRF_DgAJXFK_mfsFleyWmPjePjBGDpRBeUAwzxU02LKthwWQ2FDB0Lg/s1600/achoo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8CfqWRjFWV35BBfLk7ZK5YiPa2OXyiwxp9auSt3u6v97WBs9kCd5gJzP5q30jKTY4x5woV7TYG5Sq7AnucDSRF_DgAJXFK_mfsFleyWmPjePjBGDpRBeUAwzxU02LKthwWQ2FDB0Lg/s1600/achoo.gif" /></a></div>As this year’s not-so-chilly winter draws to a close and Fresno is transformed into a beautiful oasis where the Fruitless Pear Trees line the streets, and the Sierra Mountains encompass your view in every direction; you take a minute to marvel at this gorgeous sight. As the cool breeze runs through your hair, your vision starts to become blurry from the tears swelling up, you can’t smell the lavender in the air and ACHOOO! You have a sneezing attack! It’s allergy season; and with all of this natural beauty comes this pesky menace that affects 1 in 10 Americans today. In our April health blog, we will be discussing a number of ways that will help protect you from your allergies so you won’t be spending your spring behind closed windows and doors. <br />
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So what exactly causes so many people to have these seasonal allergies? Allergies are an abnormal response of the immune system. In the spring, airborne pollens from trees, grasses, flowers, and weeds cause an allergic reaction in the form of short term inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the nasal passages when the body attacks pollen and histamines are released into your blood. The histamines trigger the runny nose, itchy eyes and other symptoms of allergies. Allergy season typically kicks off in the spring when certain trees or grasses pollinate, affects 40 million Americans and cost more than $1 billion to treat. Although it's usually not a dangerous condition, it can be very uncomfortable and, for some people, can severely disrupt daily activities.<br />
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There are several things you can do before allergy season starts to help you enjoy the spring even more and save yourself a trip to the doctor’s office:<br />
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<ul><li><b>Clean smarter</b>- curtains, carpets and upholstery all harbor pollen, so frequent vacuuming is recommended, especially if your vacuum includes a HEPA filter. Also try to dust more often as well, use a damp cloth or static-charged material that will be able to trap allergens instead of a standard feather duster or dry cloth. Wash your pillow cases more often, and put them in the dryer for at least 20 minutes every other night;</li>
</ul><ul><li><b>Breathe cleaner</b>- invest in an air filter which will help allergy and asthma sufferers breathe easier since they're are designed to trap smoke, pollen and other larger particles in the air; and</li>
</ul><ul><li><b>Eat healthier</b>- nutritionists suggest adding cayenne pepper and ginger to your diet during allergy season, where a spicy curry or hot salsa can help clear up congestion. Add a tablespoon of local organic honey to your morning routine- since bees pollinate from local trees and plants, it helps build up your immune system to the pollen. Also, Quercetin, a flavonoid found in in onions, apples and black tea has anti-inflammatory properties and can block histamines. Try to avoid melon, banana, cucumber, sunflower seeds, chamomile and herbal supplements containing Echinacea because these foods can aggravate allergies.</li>
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As always, discuss with your <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" target="_blank">primary care provider</a> what options may be the best fit for you. So now plan that weekend hike, picnic or day outside and enjoy it without the runny nose, sneezing, blurry eyes of past springs! <br />
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<i style="font-size: small;">This blog was written by Dania Abdul-Resoul, an intern at <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" target="_blank">avecinia wellness center</a>. Dania is a pre-physical therapy student at Cal State Fresno.</i></span><br />
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</i><br />
<i style="font-size: small;">For daily updates on news, information and more on<a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" target="_blank"> health care and wellness</a>, join avecinia wellness center's <a href="http://www.facebook.com/avecinia" target="_blank">facebook page</a> and follow avecinia on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/avecinia4health" target="_blank">twitter</a> . avecinia wellness center is Fresno's premier integrative medicine and wellness center. We combine internal medicine and primary care with <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=hm" target="_blank">health management</a>, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=wm" target="_blank">weight management</a>, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ap" target="_blank">acupuncture</a>, aesthetics (<a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae#Botox-Fresno" target="_blank">Botox</a>, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae#Juvederm-Fresno" target="_blank">Juvederm</a>, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae#Radiesse-wrinkle-filler-Fresno" target="_blank">Radiesse</a>, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae#Obagi-Fresno-antioxidant-skin-care" target="_blank">Obagi</a> and more) and <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=mt" target="_blank">massage therapy</a> for a holistic approach to health. We use a robust electronic health record program and patient web portal to enhance our delivery of services and to help our patients reach their optimal well-being. To learn more, visit www.avecinia.com. If you are looking for a <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=contact&spg=newpatient" target="_blank">primary care doctor in Fresno</a> or the Central Valley and would like to become a part of the avecinia family, visit our website and click on new patient registration. Let <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=Physicians" target="_blank">Dr. Unaiza Hayat</a> and/or <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=staff" target="_blank">Ali Kunkel, MPA, PA-C</a>, become your trusted guides. Our Aesthetic, Weight Management, Acupuncture, Health Management and Massage Therapy services do not require us to be your primary care physician. Learn more at <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" target="_blank">www.avecinia.com</a>.We look forward to meeting you!</i><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08058551969809405605noreply@blogger.com01105 E Spruce Ave #202, Fresno, CA 93720, USA36.839583 -119.76266236.8379945 -119.7651295 36.841171499999994 -119.76019450000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8510629209735488605.post-68418318804689669262012-03-15T15:22:00.000-07:002012-03-15T15:22:02.672-07:006 Powerful, natural supplements for healthier living!What did people use before the creation of modern medicine? Ancient Egyptian priest-doctors used moldy bread as antibiotic thousands of years before Fleming discovered penicillin. They also made sure that their laborers were fed a diet rich in radish, garlic and onion, which modern researchers have found to be extremely rich in Raphanin, Allicin and Allistatin-- also forms of natural antibiotics that would help prevent outbreaks of disease in crowded places such as work camps. Advancements such as these, not only in the Ancient Egyptian civilization, but also in the Greek, and Roman empires have been the building blocks for the amazing progressions in medicine we see today.<br />
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Lately it seems as if we are reverting back to our ancestral roots by beginning to look into natural means of healing. Western medicine is starting to shift towards the use of herbal remedies as alternatives to synthetic drugs. Most pharmaceuticals have a historical base in natural medicine where many are initially derived from herbal extracts. Therefore when deciding what to take when it comes to a person’s overall health; most people choose supplements over prescription drugs. <br />
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The definition of the word “supplement” is something added to complete a thing, make up for a deficiency, and to extend or strengthen the whole. Here is a list of many popular supplements (including those available at <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" target="_blank"><b>avecinia wellness center in Fresno, CA</b></a> including a brief description that may give you a better understanding of the many benefits these tiny capsules provide. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0stwfB6gyIxy1Q3S4iyvS1ts4PN-ymflr8qJg4eQepjDgrvozIVJR8UyT4JLP2_yDkeMSmATyLQxCAACV2eqvY0FLvTmEIoC2dkfbL6jaA_q_Zmh1zVaUlRV57zervVViG1kVKFL2DQ/s1600/evening-primrose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0stwfB6gyIxy1Q3S4iyvS1ts4PN-ymflr8qJg4eQepjDgrvozIVJR8UyT4JLP2_yDkeMSmATyLQxCAACV2eqvY0FLvTmEIoC2dkfbL6jaA_q_Zmh1zVaUlRV57zervVViG1kVKFL2DQ/s200/evening-primrose.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<li><b><a href="http://www.orthomolecularproducts.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=6759e0e6-0baa-4dfd-b3e2-3c7a2fe40b5e" target="_blank">Evening Primrose Oil</a></b> is used for conditions affecting women’s health, such as breast pain associated with the menstrual cycle, menopausal symptoms, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) as well as maintaining and promoting healthy skin. Learn more about the benefits of <a href="http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1006-EVENING+PRIMROSE+OIL.aspx?activeIngredientId=1006&activeIngredientName=EVENING+PRIMROSE+OIL&source=0" target="_blank">Evening Primrose Oil</a>. During March, Evening Primrose Oil is on <b>sale at avecinia </b>for just <b>$16.85 for 1300 MG 90.</b></li>
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<li><b><a href="https://athenanet.athenahealth.com/2399/25/globalframeset.esp?browserwidth=1280&browserheight=800http://www.orthomolecularproducts.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=d5b96119-bac1-45d8-bd00-b88f878544dd" target="_blank">Probiotic 225</a></b> has 225 billion CFU’s (concentrations of healthy bacteria), one of the highest concentration of is a potent bio-therapeutic agent ideally suited for the most challenging gastrointestinal tract cases. Effective in treating diarrhea, bloating, improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and more. Learn more about the benefits of <a href="http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-790-Probiotic+LACTOBACILLUS.aspx?activeIngredientId=790&activeIngredientName=Probiotic+(LACTOBACILLUS)&source=2" target="_blank">Probiotic and Lactobacillus</a>. During March, Probiotic 225 is on <b>sale at avecinia</b> for just <b>$40.47 per 15</b>.</li>
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<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEiKXcQanLzkehJtuuJLZp2kXMUNA_4cPvMbzdxltHvFiA67cldLNqhv_s9Uji0cmg4LkSllrYXAuJ4YF9ahuTKXXes3KTjc9LSsnMLBufLSaE5bcK74ahLuQMHVHGhNWckLpRj2v1w/s1600/fish-oil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEiKXcQanLzkehJtuuJLZp2kXMUNA_4cPvMbzdxltHvFiA67cldLNqhv_s9Uji0cmg4LkSllrYXAuJ4YF9ahuTKXXes3KTjc9LSsnMLBufLSaE5bcK74ahLuQMHVHGhNWckLpRj2v1w/s200/fish-oil.jpg" width="200" /></a>
<li><b><a href="http://www.orthomolecularproducts.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=74edf340-e3aa-41eb-b2be-20e5d277cf43" target="_blank">Orthomega</a></b> is fish oil that supports a healthy heart, skin, joints, eyes and immune system. These capsules also help to elevate mood and concentration in children. Orthomega is a powerful supplement that can significantly reduce your cholesterol, triglycerides and lowers blood pressure. This powerful concentration of <b>EHA (420 mg) and DHA (300 </b><b>mg)</b> means you only have to take 1 tablet a day instead of 2-4. Less fishy burps, easier to maintain and cheaper in the long run. Learn more about the benefits of<a href="http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-993-Omega+3+FISH+OIL.aspx?activeIngredientId=993&activeIngredientName=Omega+3+(FISH+OIL)&source=2" target="_blank"> fish oil and Omega 3</a>. During March, Orthomega is on <b>sale at avecinia</b> for <b>$18.12/60 ct or $31.09/120 ct.</b></li>
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<li><b><a href="http://www.orthomolecularproducts.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=d25d7ed2-cd67-462d-8201-3718e3060017" target="_blank">CoQ-10</a></b> contributes to energy production and good health by supplementing the energy requirements of the body. These capsules have the ability to increase cellular energy production and greatly benefits cardiovascular health. CoQ10 has been shown to help prevent heart failure, particularly after a recent heart attack. Learn more about the<a href="http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-938-Co+Q-10+COENZYME+Q-10.aspx?activeIngredientId=938&activeIngredientName=Co+Q-10+(COENZYME+Q-10)&source=2" target="_blank"> benefits of CoQ10</a>. During March, CoQ10 is on <b>sale at avecinia </b>for <b>$31.99/60 ct.</b></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIU-UvCzqFnfk54VJA_g_phDCSJj-JEY5yKR2BHpfthg0pQ_dzKFrFcTDfaih68QpPrH2i3DAz5hSV9cLDsbrFnjUh6OWxFMBbcTIJkLE8KOMTdM4bESQ6I-DRYGFU4f55Eh0l0I3aQw/s1600/gymnema-sylvestre-image.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIU-UvCzqFnfk54VJA_g_phDCSJj-JEY5yKR2BHpfthg0pQ_dzKFrFcTDfaih68QpPrH2i3DAz5hSV9cLDsbrFnjUh6OWxFMBbcTIJkLE8KOMTdM4bESQ6I-DRYGFU4f55Eh0l0I3aQw/s1600/gymnema-sylvestre-image.gif" /></a></div>
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<li><b><a href="http://www.orthomolecularproducts.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=715d7732-e3cd-44df-a488-96ed8308c4bf" target="_blank">Diaxinol </a></b>contains <a href="http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-313-BIOTIN.aspx?activeIngredientId=313&activeIngredientName=BIOTIN&source=2" target="_blank">Biotin</a> and <a href="http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-932-CHROMIUM.aspx?activeIngredientId=932&activeIngredientName=CHROMIUM&source=2" target="_blank">Chromium</a> and <a href="http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-841-GYMNEMA.aspx?activeIngredientId=841&activeIngredientName=GYMNEMA&source=2" target="_blank">Gymnema</a>. Biotin aids with the break down of fats and carbohydrates and with glycolysis in the liver and pancreas. Chromium helps facilitate the uptake of glucose into cells and Gymnema decreases the absorption of sugar from the intestine. This potent combination can significantly reduce blood sugar levels, especially when taken with other diabetes medication. During March, Diaxinol is on <b>sale at avecinia</b> for <b>$30.33/60 ct or $58.20 for 120 ct</b>.</li>
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<li><b><a href="https://athenanet.athenahealth.com/2399/25/globalframeset.esp?browserwidth=1280&browserheight=800http://www.orthomolecularproducts.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=715d7732-e3cd-44df-a488-96ed8308c4bfhttp://www.orthomolecularproducts.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=2" target="_blank">Chondro-Flx</a></b> contains the protective agent <a href="https://athenanet.athenahealth.com/2399/25/globalframeset.esp?browserwidth=1280&browserheight=800http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-807-GLUCOSAMINE+SULFATE.aspx?activeIngredientId=807&activeIngredientName=GLUCOSAMINE+SULFATE&source=2" target="_blank">Glucosamine Sulfate</a> which is a building block of both cartilage and joint fluids and <a href="http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-744-CHONDROITIN+SULFATE.aspx?activeIngredientId=744&activeIngredientName=CHONDROITIN+SULFATE&source=2" target="_blank">Chondroitin Sulfate</a>. Oral doses are shown to bolster the function of cartilage acting as a natural shock absorber for the joint. This is an effective formulation for Osteoarthritis. Glucosamine has not shown to affect the blood sugar levels of type 2 diabetics but blood sugar should be monitored closely. During March, Chondro-Flx is on <b>sale at avecinia</b> for <b>$31.00/90 ct or $54.03 / 180 ct</b>.</li>
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As always, it is recommended that you discuss with your <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=Physicians" target="_blank">primary care provider</a> if the use of supplements would be a positive step in the right direction towards healthier well-being.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Our March blog (<a href="http://avecinia.blogspot.com/2012/03/health-supplements-you-how-your-body.html" target="_blank">part 1 </a>and part 2) were written by Dania Abdul-Resoul, an intern at <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" target="_blank">avecinia wellness center</a>. Dania is a pre-physical therapy student at Cal State Fresno.</i></span><br />
<i style="font-size: small;"><br /></i><br />
<i style="font-size: small;">For daily updates on news, information and more on<a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" target="_blank"> health care and wellness</a>, join avecinia wellness center's <a href="http://www.facebook.com/avecinia" target="_blank">facebook page</a> and follow avecinia on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/avecinia4health" target="_blank">twitter</a> . avecinia wellness center is Fresno's premier integrative medicine and wellness center. We combine internal medicine and primary care with <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=hm" target="_blank">health management</a>, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=wm" target="_blank">weight management</a>, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ap" target="_blank">acupuncture</a>, aesthetics (<a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae#Botox-Fresno" target="_blank">Botox</a>, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae#Juvederm-Fresno" target="_blank">Juvederm</a>, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae#Radiesse-wrinkle-filler-Fresno" target="_blank">Radiesse</a>, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae#Obagi-Fresno-antioxidant-skin-care" target="_blank">Obagi</a> and more) and <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=mt" target="_blank">massage therapy</a> for a holistic approach to health. We use a robust electronic health record program and patient web portal to enhance our delivery of services and to help our patients reach their optimal well-being. To learn more, visit www.avecinia.com. If you are looking for a <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=contact&spg=newpatient" target="_blank">primary care doctor in Fresno</a> or the Central Valley and would like to become a part of the avecinia family, visit our website and click on new patient registration. Let <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=Physicians" target="_blank">Dr. Unaiza Hayat</a> and/or <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=staff" target="_blank">Ali Kunkel, MPA, PA-C</a>, become your trusted guides. Our Aesthetic, Weight Management, Acupuncture, Health Management and Massage Therapy services do not require us to be your primary care physician. Learn more at <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" target="_blank">www.avecinia.com</a>.We look forward to meeting you!</i><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08058551969809405605noreply@blogger.com01105 E Spruce Ave, Fresno, CA 93720, USA36.839583 -119.76266236.8379945 -119.7651295 36.841171499999994 -119.76019450000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8510629209735488605.post-35950363729445980232012-03-01T08:30:00.000-08:002012-03-01T08:30:00.940-08:00Health Supplements & You- How your body uses vitamins, nutrients and other minerals to stay healthy (part 1)Open a medicine cabinet these days and along with a variety of pharmaceuticals, you’re bound to find a variety of supplements. The war against the “evil co-conspirators” of age and diseases has grown to be a multi-billion dollar industry. From <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae" target="_blank">Botox® and fillers</a> to various types of diets and pills, you can always find something for every wrinkle, age spot, hurting bone and painful morning. However, the key is determining which products will actually aid you in your quest, rather than hold you back. This is an extremely broad topic to cover, so for this month we will be focusing on the use of supplements.<br />
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The way our bodies maintain a <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=about" target="_blank">strong defense against disease</a> primarily relies on the vitamins and minerals that we consume. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grain, dairy and protein should give the body all the necessary nutrients that it requires. However, many of us don’t have a balanced <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=wm" target="_blank">diet</a>. So if the consumption is less than the normal requirements, then we suffer from what is known as vitamin deficiency which can lead to the development of certain diseases. For example if you are experiencing depression, nausea, soreness of the mouth and/or dizziness, then you might have a vitamin B6 deficiency. This may be if you are pregnant or lactating, suffering from an extended lack of appetite, have a digestive illness, major illness or a serious injury or are getting less than 1600 calories per day. <br />
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However, like the old adage “too much of a good thing can be a bad thing” implies, one of the disadvantages of taking these supplements is the risk of overdosing. You cannot overdose by eating foods that contain these vitamins; but you can if you’re eating the foods and also taking the supplements simultaneously. For example, excessive amounts of vitamin B6 can result in symptoms such as numbness in hands and feet, walking problems, sense of position and vibration and even problems with memory and depression may occur. So before you start to “supplement” your diet with supplements, consult with your <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=Physicians" target="_blank">primary care doctor</a> to determine what may be your best treatment plan.<br />
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Understanding and educating yourself on your body and its needs is extremely important when assessing your overall health. Supplements can be an extremely useful with many beneficial qualities when used correctly and under the supervision of your doctor. In our next blog (on March 15th), we will go more in-depth about the different types of supplements available for the most common health concerns for both men and women.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08058551969809405605noreply@blogger.com11105 E Spruce Ave, Fresno, CA 93720, USA36.839583 -119.76266236.8379945 -119.7651295 36.841171499999994 -119.76019450000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8510629209735488605.post-73067471065260019112012-02-15T07:30:00.000-08:002012-02-15T07:30:03.530-08:00Heart Health and You- Part 2- Exercise!How strong is your heart? The healthy heart can produce enough energy in an hour to lift a one-ton car off the ground, and accumulate enough pressure to squirt blood at a distance of 30ft! Although most of us would like to think that our own heart has this ability; it’s not usually the case. In fact <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=hm" target="_blank">heart disease</a> is the number one cause of death in the United States today with a whopping 599,413 deaths per year. This number is especially concerning because although some people are more genetically inclined to develop a cardiac illness, for most of us it’s 100% preventable. Earlier this month, we discussed the many different <a href="http://avecinia.blogspot.com/2012/02/your-heart-and-you-celebrating-heart-in.html" target="_blank">foods and beverages that will aid you in your journey to becoming heart healthy</a> and in this second installment, we will be providing some simple and effective exercises that you can utilize in combination with your new and improved diet.<br />
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For most of us, getting regular exercise seems like a chore with no gratification. The idea of pain, sweat and tears without the instant gratification of seeing results isn’t very appealing when deciding whether or not to leave the comfort of your couch. However, any moderate-intensity exercise like swimming, jogging, Pilates or yoga is excellent for your fitness without feeling like you’re going to cough up a lung. Exercising your heart muscle means exercising your body: no need for a gym, just a bit of motivation and a good pair of walking shoes. If you “don’t have time” then fit shorter but more frequent periods of time, like 5-10 minute intervals several times a day throughout your day. Take the stairs, park your car further away from the door, and definitely count in those house chores such as mowing the lawn, vacuuming, or a short brisk walk around the block at lunch or for a break. The gaming console Wii also has several fun games such as Wii Sports or Wii Fit Step Aerobics – which is great exercise you can do with your kids-make it a family affair. <br />
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For adults that are 65 and older or anyone with chronic conditions or limited mobility, you still need the same amount of exercise as younger people but the activity can be less intense. Practice balance exercises to help prevent falls and injuries. Balance techniques are used frequently as exercises in yoga or more simple forms of balancing exercises such as walking heal-to-toe, standing on one foot, or standing up and sitting down without using your hands. Use good judgment and follow your <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" target="_blank">doctor’s advice</a>. <br />
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When these components are combined with a healthy diet, the outcome will hopefully be a much healthier heart and surely a much longer life. These tips make choosing to live a heart healthy life an accessible and reasonable goal to work towards so get started today! You are responsible for the health of your heart and the health of your life! Get the support of your family and<a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=Physicians" target="_blank"> primary care provider</a> and get that blood pumping!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Part 2 of our February blog was written by Dania Abdul-Resoul, an intern at <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" target="_blank">avecinia wellness center</a>. Dania is a pre-physical therapy student at Cal State Fresno.</i></span><br />
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</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>For daily updates on news, information and more on<a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" target="_blank"> health care and wellness</a>, join avecinia wellness center's <a href="http://www.facebook.com/avecinia" target="_blank">facebook page</a> and follow avecinia on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/avecinia4health" target="_blank">twitter</a> . avecinia wellness center is Fresno's premier integrative medicine and wellness center. We combine internal medicine and primary care with <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=hm" target="_blank">health management</a>, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=wm" target="_blank">weight management</a>, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ap" target="_blank">acupuncture</a>, aesthetics (<a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae#Botox-Fresno" target="_blank">Botox</a>, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae#Juvederm-Fresno" target="_blank">Juvederm</a>, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae#Radiesse-wrinkle-filler-Fresno" target="_blank">Radiesse</a>, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae#Obagi-Fresno-antioxidant-skin-care" target="_blank">Obagi</a> and more) and <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=mt" target="_blank">massage therapy</a> for a holistic approach to health. We use a robust electronic health record program and patient web portal to enhance our delivery of services and to help our patients reach their optimal well-being. To learn more, visit www.avecinia.com. If you are looking for a <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=contact&spg=newpatient" target="_blank">primary care doctor in Fresno</a> or the Central Valley and would like to become a part of the avecinia family, visit our website and click on new patient registration. Let <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=Physicians" target="_blank">Dr. Unaiza Hayat</a> and/or <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=staff" target="_blank">Ali Kunkel, MPA, PA-C</a>, become your trusted guides. Our Aesthetic, Weight Management, Acupuncture, Health Management and Massage Therapy services do not require us to be your primary care physician. Learn more at www.avecinia.com We look forward to meeting you!</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08058551969809405605noreply@blogger.com0Fresno, CA, USA36.7477272 -119.772366136.6460822 -119.9302946 36.8493722 -119.6144376tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8510629209735488605.post-62348359899211189142012-02-01T10:42:00.000-08:002012-02-03T17:58:25.953-08:00Your Heart and You- Celebrating the Heart in American Heart MonthAhh February a time for couples to bask in their love for each other and a time for singles to bask in their love for chocolate. However, no matter your current relationship status, February is also American Heart Month. No need for roses or a box of sweets for this holiday, just the simple act of staying heart healthy and acknowledging the importance and <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" target="_blank">well-being</a> of this organ is more than enough. So before we start talking about <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=hm" target="_blank">treatments and prevention</a>, let's take a little time to get to know what the heart actually does.<br />
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Every day your heart beats approximately 100,000 times, sending 2,000 gallons of blood surging through your body. Although it's no bigger than your fist, your heart has the mighty job of keeping blood flowing through the 60,000 miles of blood vessels that feed your organs and tissues. However, even when put into this perspective, the allure of fried foods and choosing to stay at home on a rainy day instead of going to the gym is far too strong for most of us to handle. So instead of completely uprooting your life style, read the whole blog for some simple and easy tips to ensure that your heart continues to do what it does best.<br />
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When it comes to your diet there are a number of specific foods that will benefit your heart over others. When looking at meat, Salmon and Tuna are always healthy alternatives packed with plenty of Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 aids in reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke while helping to reduce symptoms of hypertension, depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Brown rice is loaded with B- Complex vitamins which improves mood, gives you healthier skin and helps with immune and nervous system function. Brown rice is also an excellent substitute for white rice and bread. Of course all vegetables are healthy for you, but there are some in particular that will give your heart that extra boost. Vegetables such as: carrots, spinach, broccoli, sweet potato, acorn squash, red bell peppers and asparagus all provide many antioxidants and vitamins that help reduce blood pressure and strengthen the heart as a muscle. Similar to vegetabels, fruits also have the same nutritional value when it comes to staying heart healthy. Blueberries, pomegranate, kiwi and red grapefruit all provide a wide range of natural blood thinners, isoflavones, and help reduce the LDL (bad cholestrol) levels and raise the HDL (good cholestrol). Red wine containing polyphenols which help protect against cell damage, tea and soy milk are great when choosing beverages. Dark chocolate that is 70% or higher in cocoa provides you with something to sweeten your taste buds and keep you healthy! Dark chocolate contains a large number of antioxidants (nearly 8 times the number found in strawberries). Flavonoids help relax blood pressure through the production of nitric oxide, and balance certain hormones in the body.<br />
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Making small changes in your eating habits is the first step to becoming <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" target="_blank">heart healthy</a>. Utilize the tips we have provided and pace yourself so the body has time to adjust. Stay tuned for part 2 of this blog after February 14th where we will discuss the different types of excercises that will strenghten your heart without putting a strain on your body.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Our February blog was written by Dania Abdul-Resoul, an intern at <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" target="_blank">avecinia wellness center</a>. Dania is a pre-physical therapy student at Cal State Fresno.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>For daily updates on news, information and more on<a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" target="_blank"> health care and wellness</a>, join avecinia wellness center's <a href="http://www.facebook.com/avecinia" target="_blank">facebook page</a> and follow avecinia on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/avecinia4health" target="_blank">twitter</a> . avecinia wellness center is Fresno's premier integrative medicine and wellness center. We combine internal medicine and primary care with <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=hm" target="_blank">health management</a>, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=wm" target="_blank">weight management</a>, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ap" target="_blank">acupuncture</a>, aesthetics (<a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae#Botox-Fresno" target="_blank">Botox</a>, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae#Juvederm-Fresno" target="_blank">Juvederm</a>, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae#Radiesse-wrinkle-filler-Fresno" target="_blank">Radiesse</a>, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae#Obagi-Fresno-antioxidant-skin-care" target="_blank">Obagi</a> and more) and <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=mt" target="_blank">massage therapy</a> for a holistic approach to health. We use a robust electronic health record program and patient web portal to enhance our delivery of services and to help our patients reach their optimal well-being. To learn more, visit www.avecinia.com. If you are looking for a <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=contact&spg=newpatient" target="_blank">primary care doctor in Fresno</a> or the Central Valley and would like to become a part of the avecinia family, visit our website and click on new patient registration. Let <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=Physicians" target="_blank">Dr. Unaiza Hayat</a> and/or <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=staff" target="_blank">Ali Kunkel, MPA, PA-C</a>, become your trusted guides. Our Aesthetic, Weight Management, Acupuncture, Health Management and Massage Therapy services do not require us to be your primary care physician. Learn more at www.avecinia.com We look forward to meeting you!</i></span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08058551969809405605noreply@blogger.com01105 E Spruce Ave, Fresno, CA 93720, USA36.839583 -119.76266236.8379945 -119.7651295 36.841171499999994 -119.76019450000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8510629209735488605.post-25009706506920972682012-01-01T11:27:00.000-08:002012-01-03T09:20:49.877-08:00Achieving your goals in 2012- Resolutions to Success!<b>Setting goals- making a commitment to yourself this New Year!</b><br />
<b><i>Happy New Year!</i></b><br />
When the ball drops on January 1, 2012, the resolutions begin! They usually begin with good intentions but end with promises for the following year. If you find it difficult to keep your new year’s resolutions, try these steps to help you reach your goal!<br />
• <b>Score goals! </b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8sGHFFS0IM/TwCvKvYJ1pI/AAAAAAAAGkM/iRR_plOpywQ/s1600/field+goal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8sGHFFS0IM/TwCvKvYJ1pI/AAAAAAAAGkM/iRR_plOpywQ/s1600/field+goal.jpg" /></a></div>
o What do you think of when you think about a goal? Can you picture a soccer player kicking a ball into a net, or the placekicker of your favorite football team scoring the winning field goal of the big game? Now think of our resolutions as goals and instead of dreading the thought of accomplishing your resolution, you can think of working your way to the goal and scoring! The mind is a powerful tool and how we think about things influences how we react to them. Think about how you feel when your favorite teams scores and wins? Wouldn’t it feel even better if you felt that way about yourself?<br />
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• <b>Win-Win!</b><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P0-BmfvI0oo/TwCvjIa86OI/AAAAAAAAGkw/wjaWwgN0cCU/s1600/piggybank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P0-BmfvI0oo/TwCvjIa86OI/AAAAAAAAGkw/wjaWwgN0cCU/s1600/piggybank.jpg" /></a>o An important aspect of “scoring a goal” is the immediate and recognizable satisfaction of achievement. Let’s face it, we are a nation of immediate gratification. Instead of fighting or bemoaning that reality, accept it and make it work for you. So when the placekicker scores, the points can make a real difference. So what are going to be your points? How about trying something like this: If your goal is to lose weight (i.e., win the game), your real goals are the things you do to “win!” Set up to jars. In one jar, place a dollar or two for every week you don’t drink soda. In the other jar, put a dollar or two (the “points” of each have to be the same) each week you have a soda. At the end of the year, see which jar has more. If the jar for weeks without soda has more, you get to keep all the money and spend it any way you want. If the jar for weeks with soda has more, you have to give all your money to an organization you don’t support or a person you don’t like. If your jar with soda is empty, guess what, you most likely lost weight too (you could lose 1 pound per week by cutting three soda’s out of your daily diet, that’s 52 pounds in a year, maybe more, especially if you got some exercise and controlled how much you ate).<br />
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• <b>Can’t score goals without teamwork!</b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hq2KQ83btms/TwCv23fVAWI/AAAAAAAAGk8/2m9LJweqa3s/s1600/helpinghands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hq2KQ83btms/TwCv23fVAWI/AAAAAAAAGk8/2m9LJweqa3s/s1600/helpinghands.jpg" /></a></div>
o Just like in football, soccer and any other sport, winning takes teamwork. Let your friends and family know about your goals. Find a motivating partner. Find someone that you can motivate as well so you both of have skin in the game. Or join a support group such as <a href="http://www.facebook.com/diabetesfresno" target="_blank">DiabetesFresno</a>, Fresno's only free Type 2 diabetes support group open to everyone (meets the 2nd Saturday of every month at 11am at <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=community&spg=event#Fresno-Doctor-Type2-Diabetes" target="_blank">avecinia wellness center</a>, call 559-450-7299 for more information). Celebrate with your friends/support group/team when you “win!”<br />
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• <b>Write your goals down, make a game plan!</b><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i4mWwatVi4c/TwCwP1lQmxI/AAAAAAAAGlI/VRjUedrovVE/s1600/strategy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i4mWwatVi4c/TwCwP1lQmxI/AAAAAAAAGlI/VRjUedrovVE/s1600/strategy.jpg" /></a>o Your favorite sports team doesn’t win its games without a strategy, a game plan. Writing down your goals, and the steps you will take to achieve them, helps you visualize your achievement, gives you something to remind you of your goals, and helps you clear your mind because you don’t have to perpetually think about your goals. You can also use your written goals as a road map/checklist. It’s important that your goals be clear, and the steps that you will take to achieve your goal be doable/actionable. Use your written goals as a scorecard.<br />
Use the worksheet below to help you track your achievements and reach your goals!<br />
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Although setting your achieving your goals sounds like playing a game, it is the most important game of your life because winning means achieving a better life for yourself. So January 1st the clock will start ticking, are you ready to win?<br />
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Goal tracking worksheet:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FHYMt08lXhk/TwM4zDf1FBI/AAAAAAAAGlY/-dByxRiAuYI/s1600/Patient+Goals+Worksheet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FHYMt08lXhk/TwM4zDf1FBI/AAAAAAAAGlY/-dByxRiAuYI/s320/Patient+Goals+Worksheet.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">For daily updates on news, information and more on health care and wellness, join avecinia wellness center's facebook page (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/avecinia">facebook.com/avecinia</a>) and follow avecinia on twitter (<a href="http://www.twitter.com/avecinia4health" target="_blank">twitter.com/avecinia4health</a>). avecinia wellness center is <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=about" target="_blank">Fresno's premier integrative medicine and wellness center</a>. We combine internal medicine and primary care with health management, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=wm" target="_blank">weight management</a>, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ap" target="_blank">acupuncture</a>, <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae" target="_blank">aesthetics (Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse, Obagi and more)</a> and <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=mt" target="_blank">massage therapy</a> for a holistic approach to health. We use a robust electronic health record program and <a href="https://2399.portal.athenahealth.com/" target="_blank">patient web portal</a> to enhance our delivery of services and to help our patients reach their optimal well-being. To learn more, visit <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/">www.avecinia.com</a>. If you are looking for a <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=contact&spg=newpatient" target="_blank">primary care doctor in Fresno or the Central Valley</a> and would like to become a part of the avecinia family, visit our website and click on new patient registration. Let Dr. <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=Physicians#Dr.Hayat Index" target="_blank">Unaiza Hayat</a> and/or <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=staff" target="_blank">Ali Kunkel, MPA, PA-C</a>, become your trusted guides. Our Aesthetic, Weight Management, Acupuncture, Health Management and Massage Therapy services do not require us to be your primary care physician. Learn more at www.avecinia.com We look forward to meeting you!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08058551969809405605noreply@blogger.com0avecinia wellness center36.7477272 -119.772366136.6460822 -119.9302946 36.8493722 -119.6144376tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8510629209735488605.post-53810016755837892682011-12-01T13:41:00.001-08:002012-01-02T19:42:18.552-08:00Healthy Giving is Healthy LivingEver wonder why it feels good when you give a little bit of something to someone else? Whether it’s a smile, a helping hand, your time or some money, the act of giving has a profound positive effect on both you and the person you are sharing with. So do something good for someone else and you just did something good for yourself!
Saints, wise people, and religious leaders have all prescribed good deeds, charitable works and the act of giving unselfishly. Now science has the same prescription as well. In Oprah Winfrey’s Lifeclass <a href="http://www.blogger.com/(http://www.oprah.com/oprahs-lifeclass/Scientific-Proof-That-Charitable-Giving-Improves-Your-Health_1)">Oprah Winfrey’s Lifeclass</a>, 6 ways that giving can make a person healthy are discussed:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Simply contemplating generosity or giving was shown to boost protective antibodies in saliva; </li>
<li>Connecting to people through active listening and speaking with self reference was shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks; </li>
<li>Sharing in pain by reaching out to others in a similar circumstance actually reduces your pain; </li>
<li>Most people think that you can catch more colds by hanging out with more people, but the opposite is also true. As long as you practice good cold season courtesy (keeping your hands clean, sneezing in your inner-elbow instead of on someone), studies show that being socially active can help you stay healthier. Volunteering is a great way to give back and be socially active; </li>
<li>Did you know that giving love helps heal wounds faster? In a study, heals took a day longer to heal when couples argued; </li>
<li>A soothing touch is good for you and a friend. A study showed that giving massages also reduces the stress hormone cortisol and alleviates anxiety and depression! </li>
</ol>
So in reality, when you’re giving, you’re getting something more in return because your good health is your most valuable asset.<br />
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Another important aspect of giving is gratitude. Giving is the ability to share something you have with someone that does not have. Gratitude is the positive recognition of the ability to share or give. When you give, you can feel good, when you appreciate your ability to give, you can feel even better. A recent study conducted by the University of Texas Health Science Center reported that you can be 25% happier, healthier and more positive in general by simply writing down every night before you sleep 5 things you are grateful for. Being able to read this article, and sleep under a roof, are 2 things already. Try it and see how you feel in 10 weeks!<br />
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So in this holiday season and time of giving and gratitude, remember, good things happen to good people. When you’re giving and you’re thankful for being able to give and/or for the gifts you get, you’re getting more in return- a healthy, happy life!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">For daily updates on news, information and more on health care and wellness, join avecinia wellness center's facebook page (</span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/avecinia" style="font-size: small;">facebook.com/avecinia</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">) and follow avecinia on twitter (</span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/avecinia4health" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">twitter.com/avecinia4health</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">). avecinia wellness center is </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=about" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Fresno's premier integrative medicine and wellness center</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">. We combine internal medicine and primary care with health management, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=wm" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">weight management</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ap" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">acupuncture</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">aesthetics (Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse, Obagi and more)</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=mt" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">massage therapy</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> for a holistic approach to health. We use a robust electronic health record program and </span><a href="https://2399.portal.athenahealth.com/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">patient web portal</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> to enhance our delivery of services and to help our patients reach their optimal well-being. To learn more, visit </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" style="font-size: small;">www.avecinia.com</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">. If you are looking for a </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=contact&spg=newpatient" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">primary care doctor in Fresno or the Central Valley</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and would like to become a part of the avecinia family, visit our website and click on new patient registration. Let Dr. </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=Physicians#Dr.Hayat Index" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Unaiza Hayat</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and/or </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=staff" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Ali Kunkel, MPA, PA-C</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, become your trusted guides. Our Aesthetic, Weight Management, Acupuncture, Health Management and Massage Therapy services do not require us to be your primary care physician. Learn more at www.avecinia.com We look forward to meeting you!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08058551969809405605noreply@blogger.com0avecinia wellness center36.83946 -119.762702836.837871500000006 -119.7651703 36.8410485 -119.7602353tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8510629209735488605.post-516711789333612802011-11-01T17:37:00.000-07:002012-01-02T19:39:40.523-08:00Medicare Open Enrollment and Advantage Plans<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Did you know Medicare Open Enrollment is happening now through December 7th? Do you have a Medicare
Advantage Plan or wondering what one is? Medicare Advantage Plans are basically
private versions of Medicare. They
sometimes cover more services than Medicare A and B, such as include Medicare
Part D. However, sometimes they do not
cover all services provided by Medicare.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Federal Government
used to subsidize these private health insurance plans but the Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act is reducing this subsidy to save costs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">One of California’s
largest Medicare Advantage plans is pulling out of Medicare in 2012. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">As of 2012, Freedom Blue
Medicare Advantage Plan will no longer be available. If you are currently
covered through Freedom Blue, you should have been notified of the upcoming
change and your need to choose a new Medicare Plan. The Open
Enrollment period is October 15 – December 7, now is the time you can
change your Medicare health plan and Part D coverage and/or return to Original
Medicare. Coverage changes become effective January 1, 2012. We know this can
be an overwhelming task and want to help you understand what this means to you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Freedom Blue is a <b>PPO
plan</b>, which means you select an "in network" doctor from a long
list of providers. You don't usually need a referral to see a specialist
or an "out-of-network" doctor. However, if you see an out
of network provider, the PPO covers you at a lower rate than in-network
and you will have a larger coinsurance or patient responsibility amount. PPO is
the most flexible type of plan with the largest list of in network
providers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">With the termination of
Freedom Blue, there will no longer be a PPO Medicare Advantage Plan available
to Beneficiaries in Fresno County. The options available are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Traditional Medicare,</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> you can use any doctors and facilities
that accept assignment for Medicare. Most doctors and facilities do
accept Medicare assignment, such
as avecinia. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">HMO</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">, which <u>requires</u> you to use
only doctors and facilities that are contracted with that particular HMO.
You generally need a referral from your primary care doctor to see a
specialist. <i>Avecinia is not a contracted with any HMOs</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">HMO-POS,</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> similar to an HMO, you also have the
option to receive some services from doctors or hospitals that are not in the
plan's network, usually at a higher cost than a standard HMO plan. <i>Avecinia is not contracted with any HMO-POS
plans.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">**</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Some Medicare Advantage plans offer
Medicare prescription drug coverage, but other plans do not. Don't
forget to explore your prescription drug options.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">These plans all have
their pros and cons, and varying degrees of out of pocket costs. Make
sure that you educate yourself so you can choose the best plan for your health
and your budget. In our experience with
Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, we have found traditional Medicare the
easiest to work with. Traditional
Medicare may not offer all the services some Medicare Advantage plans offer,
but we have found that traditional Medicare is less likely to deny or request
prior authorization for benefits it does cover.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">A great resource to help
you better understand your Medicare choices is HICAP (the Health Insurance
Counseling & Advocacy Group - </span><a href="http://www.cahealthadvocates.org/HICAP/">http://www.cahealthadvocates.org/HICAP/</a>)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">. HICAP
provides free, objective information and counseling about Medicare. The Fresno representative is Wayne McMillen
at Clovis Senior Center. Appointments
can be made by calling 559-324-2750 (here’s a link to their October Newsletter
with an article by Mr. McMillen: </span><a href="http://www.ci.clovis.ca.us/SiteCollectionDocuments/SeniorServicesDivision/October2011Newsletter.pdf">http://www.ci.clovis.ca.us/SiteCollectionDocuments/SeniorServicesDivision/October2011Newsletter.pdf</a>)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">For daily updates on news, information and more on health care and wellness, join avecinia wellness center's facebook page (</span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/avecinia" style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">facebook.com/avecinia</a><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">) and follow avecinia on twitter (</span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/avecinia4health" style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">twitter.com/avecinia4health</a><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">). avecinia wellness center is </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=about" style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">Fresno's premier integrative medicine and wellness center</a><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">. We combine internal medicine and primary care with health management, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=wm" style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">weight management</a><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ap" style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">acupuncture</a><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae" style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">aesthetics (Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse, Obagi and more)</a><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> and </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=mt" style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">massage therapy</a><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> for a holistic approach to health. We use a robust electronic health record program and </span><a href="https://2399.portal.athenahealth.com/" style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">patient web portal</a><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> to enhance our delivery of services and to help our patients reach their optimal well-being. To learn more, visit </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">www.avecinia.com</a><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">. If you are looking for a </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=contact&spg=newpatient" style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">primary care doctor in Fresno or the Central Valley</a><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> and would like to become a part of the avecinia family, visit our website and click on new patient registration. Let Dr. </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=Physicians#Dr.Hayat Index" style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">Unaiza Hayat</a><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> and/or </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=staff" style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">Ali Kunkel, MPA, PA-C</a><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">, become your trusted guides. Our Aesthetic, Weight Management, Acupuncture, Health Management and Massage Therapy services do not require us to be your primary care physician. Learn more at www.avecinia.com We look forward to meeting you!</span>
</div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08058551969809405605noreply@blogger.com2avecinia wellness center36.83946 -119.762702836.837871500000006 -119.7651703 36.8410485 -119.7602353tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8510629209735488605.post-60352361424029043062011-10-01T23:09:00.000-07:002012-01-02T19:40:05.279-08:00Preventive Visits (Physicals) and what it means for you!<br />
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<span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="color: black;"><u>The Good news about Preventive
Visits/Physical/Well-Visits!<o:p></o:p></u></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="color: black;"><u><br /></u></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Have
you heard the good news- “Preventive Visits” are 100% free to you! That sounds
like great news doesn’t it? It is, but
it’s very important to know what “preventive” means so you can take full
advantage of the opportunity. The
easiest way to determine what is a preventive visit (versus diagnostic) is to
think of it as an information gathering visit to determine what your current
state of health and well-being is and how it corresponds to other people of
your age and gender. It’s best to do it when you are feeling well (thus the
common moniker “well-visit”), you don’t have any current or new health concerns
to discuss during the visit (thus no change in medication, no new prescriptions
are given, no normal screening labs are ordered), and /or no follow-up for a health issue
discussed during the visit is scheduled.
For example, during your Physical/Preventive/Well-Visit, your doctor may
notice that you are at risk for diabetes and have not been tested. Your doctor then decides to test you. That screening/testing
is part of your preventive visit. However,
if you are diabetic and you are at your Physical/Preventive/Well-visit and you
are having complications due to your diabetes that are addressed by your doctor,
that preventive/physical visit is now two visits: A physical/preventive visit
and a diagnostic care visit where you will be responsible to pay a
co-pay/co-insurance or deductible. The
same also applies if you are coming to your doctor and the doctor performs a
routine screening related to the visit that may have been covered as preventive
if you had come in for a preventive visit. The screen is part of your diagnostic care and
as such you will be responsible for the co-pay/co-insurance deductible for that
visit. So regular preventive care can help you stay
well, catch problems early on, save you money and may be potentially life-saving.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><b><u><span style="color: black;">So what can you expect during a Preventive/Physical/Well-Visit?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><b><u><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></u></b></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">The rules for what is
considered a preventive visit or part of a preventive visit and what isn’t are
set by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and your Health Insurance
company. As your health care provider, we are required
to submit accurate health records indicating the exact reason for your visit
and everything that was done and discussed during your visit. Each concern is
grouped into a visit code and a diagnostic code. That is how the different topics and health
concerns addressed at your visit are organized into “preventive” versus “diagnostic”
care. Any attempt to not accurately
account for everything puts you at risk and undermines our ethical
obligations. With that said, there isn’t
a set rule as to how a Physical is conducted. Each doctor or practice will
develop its own method of gathering necessary information (basically the
purpose of a Physical) to see what is your current state of health and
well-being.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Generally you can expect all, some or a variation
of the following (courtesy of <a href="http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/annual-physical-examinations">WebMD</a>):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black;">History:</span></b><span style="color: black;"> This is your chance to
mention any complaints or concerns about your health. Your doctor will also
likely quiz you about important behaviors, like smoking, excessive alcohol use,</span> sexual health<span style="color: black;">, diet, and exercise. The doctor will also check on your vaccination
status and update your personal and family medical history.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black;">Vital Signs:</span></b><span style="color: black;"> These are some vital signs
checked by your doctor:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/blood-pressure-causes"><span style="color: #3789b9;">Blood pressure</span></a>: less than 120 over 80 is a
normal blood pressure. Doctors define</span><span style="color: black;"> <a href="http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/default.htm"><span style="color: #3789b9;">high blood pressure</span></a></span> (hypertension) as 140 over 90 or higher.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="color: black;">Heart rate: Values between 60 and 100 are considered normal.
Many healthy people have heart rates slower than 60, however.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="color: black;">Respiration rate: Around 16 is normal. Breathing more than 20
times per minute can suggest heart or lung problems.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="color: black;">Temperature: 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit is the average, but
healthy people can have resting temperatures slightly higher or lower.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black;">General Appearance:</span></b><span style="color: black;"> Your doctor gathers a large amount of information about you and your
health just by watching and talking to you. How is your memory and mental
quickness? Does your skin appear healthy? Can you easily stand and walk?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black;">Heart Exam:</span></b><span style="color: black;"> Listening to your heart with
a stethoscope, a doctor might detect an</span> <a href="http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/tc/change-in-heartbeat-topic-overview"><span style="color: #3789b9;">irregular heartbeat</span></a>, a heart murmur, or other
clues to <a href="http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/default.htm"><span style="color: #3789b9;">heart
disease</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: black;">Lung Exam:</span></b><span style="color: black;"> Using a stethoscope, a doctor
listens for crackles, wheezes, or decreased breath sounds. These and other
sounds are clues to the presence of heart or lung disease.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black;">Head and Neck Exam:</span></b><span style="color: black;"> Opening up and saying "ah" shows off your throat and tonsils.
The quality of your teeth and gums also provides information about your overall
health. Ears, nose, sinuses, eyes, lymph nodes, thyroid, and carotid arteries
are also examined.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black;">Abdominal Exam:</span></b><span style="color: black;"> Your doctor can use a range
of examination techniques including tapping your abdomen to detect liver size
and presence of abdominal fluid, listening for bowel sounds with a stethoscope,
and palpating for tenderness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black;">Neurological Exam: </span></b><span style="color: black;">Nerves, muscle
strength, reflexes, balance, and mental state are assessed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black;">Dermatological Exam:</span></b><span style="color: black;"> Skin and nail findings could indicate a dermatological problem or
disease somewhere else in the body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black;">Extremities Exam:</span></b><span style="color: black;"> Your doctor will look for physical and sensory changes. Pulses can be
checked in your arms and legs. Examining joints can assess for abnormalities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Male
Physical Exam<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="color: black;">An annual physical exam for men might also
include:</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: black;">Testicular exam: A doctor can check each testicle for lumps,
tenderness, or changes in size. Most men with</span><span style="color: black;"> <a href="http://www.webmd.com/cancer/understanding-testicular-cancer-basics"><span style="color: #3789b9;">testicular cancer</span></a> notice a growth before
seeing a doctor.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-hernia-basics"><span style="color: #3789b9;">Hernia</span></a></span><span style="color: black;"> exam: The famous "turn
your head and cough" checks for a weakness in the abdominal wall between
the intestines and scrotum.\</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">Penis exam: A doctor might notice evidence of sexually
transmitted infections such as warts or ulcers on the penis.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://men.webmd.com/human-anatomy-the-prostate"><span style="color: #3789b9;">Prostate</span></a></span><span style="color: black;"> exam: Inserting a finger in
the rectum lets a doctor feel the prostate for its size and any suspicious
areas.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
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<b>Female
Physical Exam<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="color: black;">A woman's annual exam might include:</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: black;">Breast exam. Feeling for abnormal lumps may detect</span><span style="color: black;"> <a href="http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/"><span style="color: #3789b9;">breast
cancer</span></a></span> or benign breast
conditions. The doctor will also check the lymph nodes in the underarm area and
look for visual abnormalities of the breasts.</li>
<li><span style="color: black;">Pelvic exam: The pelvic exam allows examination of the vulva,
vagina, and cervix. Routine checks for sexually transmitted infections are
often done. A Pap test can screen for</span><span style="color: black;"> <a href="http://www.webmd.com/cancer/tc/cervical-cancer-topic-overview"><span style="color: #3789b9;">cervical cancer</span></a>. </span></li>
</ul>
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<b>Laboratory
Tests<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="color: black;">There are no standard laboratory tests during an
annual physical. However, some doctors will order certain tests routinely:</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span">Complete blood count</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span">Chemistry panel</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span">Urinalysis (UA)</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
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<span style="color: black;">Unless symptoms already suggest a problem, these
tests are unlikely to provide useful information.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">A</span><span style="color: black;"> <a href="http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/tests-for-high-cholesterol-lipid-panel"><span style="color: #3789b9;">lipid panel</span></a></span> (<a href="http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/default.htm"><span style="color: #3789b9;">cholesterol</span></a> test) is recommended every five years. Abnormal <a href="http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/goal-healthy-cholesterol-levels"><span style="color: #3789b9;">cholesterol levels</span></a> increase the risk for <a href="http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/heart_disease_heart_attacks"><span style="color: #3789b9;">heart attacks</span></a>and strokes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Physicals
Should Emphasize Prevention</b></div>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span">At age 50, it's time to begin regular screening for
colorectal cancer. People with immediate family members with colorectal cancer
may need to be screened before age 50.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span">For most women, age 40 marks the time to begin annual
mammogram screening for breast cancer.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span">Everyone should have their cholesterol (lipids) checked every
five years after age 20, according to the American Heart Association.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">When
making an appointment for a preventive service, make sure you inform your
physicians at the time you are making an appointment that it is for a covered
preventive service. Make the appointment when you truly are well so the
visit can focus on verifying your health and helping you manage your good
health. Check with your insurance
company which other services are considered “preventive” and thus have no
co-pay/co-insurance or deductible. For
example, most insurance companies are now fully covering a variety of
immunizations such as: Hepatitis A and B, Flu, Herpes Zoster, Pneumococcal and
more. All you have to do is come in
specifically for and only for a covered vaccination and it’s totally free to
you (your health insurance will be billed and your health insurance carrier
will cover your co-pay, co-insurance and any deductible). The best way for you to know which services
your plan considers “preventive” and free to you is to call your insurance
company and ask. Visit avecinia’s list of <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=insurance&spg=ins#Insurance-Fresno-Doctor"> health insurance companies</a> it is
contracted with to find your insurance company’s website/contact information. Generally, the preventive services listed
under the <a href="http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2010/07/preventive-services-list.html">Affordable
Care Act </a>will be covered services. Take advantage of this great opportunity to
save money and save your life today!<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">For daily updates on news, information and more on health care and wellness, join avecinia wellness center's facebook page (</span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/avecinia" style="font-size: small;">facebook.com/avecinia</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">) and follow avecinia on twitter (</span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/avecinia4health" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">twitter.com/avecinia4health</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">). avecinia wellness center is </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=about" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Fresno's premier integrative medicine and wellness center</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">. We combine internal medicine and primary care with health management, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=wm" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">weight management</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ap" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">acupuncture</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">aesthetics (Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse, Obagi and more)</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=mt" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">massage therapy</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> for a holistic approach to health. We use a robust electronic health record program and </span><a href="https://2399.portal.athenahealth.com/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">patient web portal</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> to enhance our delivery of services and to help our patients reach their optimal well-being. To learn more, visit </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" style="font-size: small;">www.avecinia.com</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">. If you are looking for a </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=contact&spg=newpatient" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">primary care doctor in Fresno or the Central Valley</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and would like to become a part of the avecinia family, visit our website and click on new patient registration. Let Dr. </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=Physicians#Dr.Hayat Index" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Unaiza Hayat</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and/or </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=staff" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Ali Kunkel, MPA, PA-C</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, become your trusted guides. Our Aesthetic, Weight Management, Acupuncture, Health Management and Massage Therapy services do not require us to be your primary care physician. Learn more at www.avecinia.com We look forward to meeting you!</span>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08058551969809405605noreply@blogger.com2avecinia wellness center36.83946 -119.762702836.837871500000006 -119.7651703 36.8410485 -119.7602353tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8510629209735488605.post-57067115805669716222011-08-31T17:26:00.000-07:002012-01-02T19:40:29.961-08:00Fall Allergies<br />
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<b><u>Fall in Fresno!<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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Fall is a beautiful time of the year in Fresno- the temperatures cool down, fruit is abundant and it’s time for a new year at school! We hope these tips will help you and your family enjoy Fall in Fresno to the fullest!</div>
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<b>Fall is Back to School time!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Fresno, Clovis and Central Unified school districts started school in August. This year the state of California required 7<sup>th</sup>-12<sup>th</sup> graders to have proof of TDAP vaccination. The TDAP vaccine lasts about 10 years. Another important vaccine to consider is the Flu vaccine. The flu vaccine changes every year and it’s a good idea to check with your primary care physician about getting this year’s flu shot.</div>
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When kids go back to school, they are bombarded with a variety of germs. Sometimes a sniffle or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes and nose can be an allergic reaction to dust, pollen, mold or some other allergen. Other times it can be the first sign of a cold. If the child has a fever, they may also be getting a flu. The best protection against either allergies or the cold is to remind your kids to wash their hands often (they don’t always have to use anti-bacterial soap though), avoid touching/rubbing their eyes and cough in their sleeves! If your child shows signs of trouble breathing, wheezing, coughing, you may want to make an appointment with your primary care physician to screen for asthma. Increased pollen counts, chalk dust, mold in schools may be potential allergens that can lead to asthma as well.</div>
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If your child has food allergies, going back to school is an important time to remind your child to be extra careful about sharing food that may contain items they are allergic too. It’s a good idea to update the school with a list of food allergies your child may have or provide them with such list if you haven’t already.</div>
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<b>Air Quality in Fresno and the Central Valley</b></div>
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In general, the air quality around Fresno and the Central Valley does tend to improve in the Fall. However, if you live near a farm, remember the fall is when many crops are dusted with pesticide (such as cotton crops).</div>
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<b>Tips on easing Fall Allergies</b></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal">Pollen is at its peak between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Visit the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology website at <a href="http://www.aaaai.org/">www.aaaai.org</a> to see what the pollen count is in your area;</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Avoid food allergies by packing your child’s lunch (it’s a healthier option too); inform the school about potential food allergies and check to see if they have Epi-Pens available;</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Before you turn on the heater (if you need to this Fall/Winter)- get your heat ducks cleaned of trapped mold and other allergens;</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Use a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter if you aren’t already with your heating system. </li>
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With a little precautions, you and your family can have a fun, fulfilling Fall in Fresno!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">For daily updates on news, information and more on health care and wellness, join avecinia wellness center's facebook page (</span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/avecinia" style="font-size: small;">facebook.com/avecinia</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">) and follow avecinia on twitter (</span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/avecinia4health" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">twitter.com/avecinia4health</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">). avecinia wellness center is </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=about" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Fresno's premier integrative medicine and wellness center</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">. We combine internal medicine and primary care with health management, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=wm" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">weight management</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ap" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">acupuncture</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">aesthetics (Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse, Obagi and more)</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=mt" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">massage therapy</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> for a holistic approach to health. We use a robust electronic health record program and </span><a href="https://2399.portal.athenahealth.com/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">patient web portal</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> to enhance our delivery of services and to help our patients reach their optimal well-being. To learn more, visit </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" style="font-size: small;">www.avecinia.com</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">. If you are looking for a </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=contact&spg=newpatient" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">primary care doctor in Fresno or the Central Valley</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and would like to become a part of the avecinia family, visit our website and click on new patient registration. Let Dr. </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=Physicians#Dr.Hayat Index" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Unaiza Hayat</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and/or </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=staff" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Ali Kunkel, MPA, PA-C</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, become your trusted guides. Our Aesthetic, Weight Management, Acupuncture, Health Management and Massage Therapy services do not require us to be your primary care physician. Learn more at www.avecinia.com We look forward to meeting you!</span>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08058551969809405605noreply@blogger.com01105 E Spruce Ave, Fresno, CA 93720, USA36.83946 -119.762702836.564693000000005 -120.2296218 37.114227 -119.2957838tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8510629209735488605.post-70326891842299478252011-07-31T02:27:00.000-07:002012-01-02T19:40:49.123-08:00How to stay cool when going back to school- Guest Blog by Corinne Soares, LCSW<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">How to stay cool when going back to school<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">When my son was born almost 6 years ago the transition into motherhood was a big one, but I handled it well by having a great support group and asking plenty of other mom's for advice. Then last year I transitioned again - into motherhood of a school age child. I am happy to say I survived my son's kindergarten year (with a few tears from both him and I of course) and now we are gearing up for first grade.<br />
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The first day of school will quickly be upon us and it can create stressful feelings in both parents and kids. I always feel it is better to be proactive rather than reactive, so here on some ideas on easing the transition back into school:<br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">1. Take the mystery out of the first day of school.</span></strong> If your child is attending a new school make sure they are familiar with the school. Take them on campus, show them their classroom, bathroom locations, administration offices and where drop off/pick up is. This can help ease any anxiety your child may have about how they will navigate their new surroundings. Many school's also have a 'meet and greet' with the teachers a week before school. I encourage you to attend these with your children so you can both meet their teacher and see their classroom.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">2. Stock up on supplies!</span></strong> With all the budget cuts in the schools it has left classroom supplies very limited. Be sure your child is stocked up on supplies appropriate to their grade level. This can also build some excitement in your children as they prepare their backpacks with fresh paper, binders, crayons and pencils. Also be sure you have a meal plan prepared. If your child will eat a hot lunch be sure they have money on their school account or stock your fridge with some of their favorite lunch items for cold lunch. </span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"><a href="http://familyfun.go.com/back-to-school/back-to-school-lunches-snacks/"><span style="color: windowtext;">Disney Family Fun </span></a></span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">offers some fun and fresh ideas for your kid's lunches and snacks.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">3. Start the school routine early.</span></strong> Summer vacation can throw kid's schedules off in a big way. As a parent I am often guilty of letting my kids stay up later during the summer time, causing my kids to go to bed later and have a hard time waking up in the mornings. One or two weeks before school starts begin to implement their school week schedule. Have your kids go to bed and wake up during their school hours so the first week of school isn't a shock to their system.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">4. Keep the learning experience strong, year around.</span></strong> Summer learning loss occurs when kids do not engage in educational experiences throughout the summer. </span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"><a href="http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/8146912/ns/today-parenting_and_family/t/stanch-your-kids-summer-learning-loss/"><span style="color: windowtext;">A recent segment on the Today show </span></a></span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">stated that kids can lose approximately 2.6 months of their grade level during the summer months. This can cause kids to feel very frustrated when school starts again and make homework a battle. With fun summer activities it can be hard to coax your kids into traditional learning activities, so make them fun! Many video games or phone's now have educational apps or programs kids can benefit from. You can also engage them in outdoor learning activities so kids don't have to choose between the outdoors or brushing up on their skills.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">5. Keep an open dialogue going with your kids and the school.</span></strong> As the school year begins talk to your kids about what they like about school and what they dislike. It is normal that your child isn't going to love everything about school. Build on the good points to keep your child motivated. If there are ongoing concerns be sure to communicate with your child's teacher to see if education services such as tutoring or an IEP is needed. Parents and teachers both want their kids to succeed so work together, not against each other.<br />
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So take a deep breath and put on a smile. Transitions can be bumpy but with the proper tools and right attitude, you and your child can make the transition back into school as smooth as possible and set the stage for a great school year.</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"><i>This special guest blog was written by Corinne Soares, LCSW. You can read more of Corinne's informative blogs here: <a href="http://therapistsdesk.blogspot.com/"><b>Notes from a Therapists Desk</b></a></i></span>. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"><i>Join Corinne and avecinia wellness center on August 16th at 6pm for a special, "Back to School" night at avecinia wellness center. Learn more tips and techniques to helping your family have a great school year, what Fresno Unified, Clovis Unified and the State of California are requiring for vaccinations and more! Call us at 559-450-7299 to learn more and RSVP!</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">For daily updates on news, information and more on health care and wellness, join avecinia wellness center's facebook page (</span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/avecinia" style="font-size: small;">facebook.com/avecinia</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">) and follow avecinia on twitter (</span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/avecinia4health" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">twitter.com/avecinia4health</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">). avecinia wellness center is </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=about" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Fresno's premier integrative medicine and wellness center</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">. We combine internal medicine and primary care with health management, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=wm" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">weight management</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ap" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">acupuncture</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">aesthetics (Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse, Obagi and more)</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=mt" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">massage therapy</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> for a holistic approach to health. We use a robust electronic health record program and </span><a href="https://2399.portal.athenahealth.com/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">patient web portal</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> to enhance our delivery of services and to help our patients reach their optimal well-being. To learn more, visit </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" style="font-size: small;">www.avecinia.com</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">. If you are looking for a </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=contact&spg=newpatient" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">primary care doctor in Fresno or the Central Valley</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and would like to become a part of the avecinia family, visit our website and click on new patient registration. Let Dr. </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=Physicians#Dr.Hayat Index" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Unaiza Hayat</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and/or </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=staff" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Ali Kunkel, MPA, PA-C</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, become your trusted guides. Our Aesthetic, Weight Management, Acupuncture, Health Management and Massage Therapy services do not require us to be your primary care physician. Learn more at www.avecinia.com We look forward to meeting you!</span>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08058551969809405605noreply@blogger.com0Fresno, CA, USA36.7477272 -119.772366136.6243557 -119.9122876 36.8710987 -119.6324446tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8510629209735488605.post-88279308620331872762011-07-01T09:25:00.000-07:002012-01-02T19:41:09.770-08:00Obesity in Fresno and You!<div class="MsoNormal">
The Central Valley has the highest overall rate of obesity in California (See <a href="http://www.healthpolicy.ucla.edu/pubs/files/Obesity_Map_PB_081810.pdf">Prevalence of Obesity amongst Adults Age 18 and Over</a>) and almost 1 in 3 kids in California are overweight or obese. Obesity amongst minority (ethnic and socio-economic) children is even more rampant. The cost of obesity, to families, employers, the health care industry and the government is approximately $21 billion (<a href="http://www.healthpolicy.ucla.edu/pubs/files/Diabetes_PB_FINAL.pdf"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Obesity and Diabetes: Two Growing Epidemics in California</i>, UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, August 2010</a>). Without serious efforts to address this growing epidemic, there may be no turning back. </div>
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It will take a collective effort, the effort of health care providers, parents, children and the community to start making a difference. The following are examples of things parents and children can do, health care providers and the community can do and an example of something being done right here in Fresno!</div>
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<u><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Parents and children</b>:</u></div>
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Parents are the biggest influences in their children’s lives. As a parent, you have the power to turn off the TV, select what you and your family will eat, structure how you will spend time with your kids and be healthy role models. Start with:</div>
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<li><b>Let your kids let it out, the energy that is</b>. Get your kids to play, run around, be physical for at least an hour a day. Avoid using restriction of play as a disciplinary measure;</li>
<li><b>Turn off the tube</b>. Not only does TV time decrease play time, the “foodless fridge” also inundates your kids with marketing for sugary snacks and other unhealthy food;</li>
<li><b>Get them to bed</b>. Create a sleep friendly environment and habits. <b>DO NOT PUT A TV OR COMPUTER IN THEIR ROOM</b>. Have quiet time before bed time. Talk to your doctor about including safe, natural sleep supplements such as melatonin in your diet. <a href="https://athenanet.athenahealth.com/2399/25/globalframeset.esp?browserwidth=1280&browserheight=800http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/lose-weight-while-sleeping">Studies</a> show that children and adults who sleep less than 8 hours have higher levels of hormones that make you feel hungry and lower levels of hormones that make you feel satisfied; and</li>
<li><b>Use the kitchen as family time by cooking healthy meals with your kids</b>. Not only will the family save money by not eating out, you can eat healthier, teach your kids good habits and bond with them all at the same time. Who knows, you may even inspire the next Martha Stewart or Emeril!</li>
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<u><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The community and you</b>:</u></div>
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The community you live in is a reflection of you. Unfortunately in Fresno and the Central Valley, we have the highest rate of obesity and diabetes in California. Studies indicate that higher rates of obesity and diabetes impact poorer areas more than wealthier areas. This can be due to more restricted access to gyms, inadequate food choices, and lack of health care. </div>
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However, the lack of financial resources cannot be an excuse. Here are some ways you and your community can work together to combat obesity: </div>
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<li>Here in the San Joaquin Valley, we have access to beautiful, natural gyms- our vast amount of parks, trails and other places to be physically active. Go for a walk with a loved one, make sure you wear sunscreen;</li>
<li>If a park is too far or it’s too hot, the community should ask for local schools to be open during the weekend so gyms can be used to hold free fitness classes. For example, a local business can sponsor a trainer to hold 30 minute aerobic classes on the evenings and/or weekends; and</li>
<li>Local government can help by restricting the number of permits for fast food restaurants in low-income neighborhoods and incentivizing more grocery stores or farmers markets to locate within those same neighborhoods. Sometimes people need help in making better choice.</li>
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Local business can work with the community to promote healthier living. That’s what we are doing. Recognizing the severity of the obesity epidemic in the Central Valley, avecinia wellness center (<a href="http://www.avecinia.com/">www.avecinia.com</a>) partnered with Marjaree Mason Center (“MMC”) (<a href="http://www.mmcenter.org/">www.mmcenter.org</a>) and donated the services of Registered Dietician Sunny Yingling, MS, RD to develop a nutrition program for MMC clients. The MMC serves over 86,000 meals, with more than half going to children, children who statistically are more likely to be or become obese. The program helps the MMC pick nutrient dense food items for its clients who then use recipes learned in classes taught by Sunny to bond with their children over meal preparation. This past June, we partnered with Granville’s Sageberry grand opening to raise money and awareness about childhood obesity and the nutrition program. Through the nutrition program, avecinia, other local businesses and MMC are able to make a small, but important, step in the fight against obesity. If you are part of a local business and would like to know how you can help make Fresno better, feel free to contact Aamer Hayat at aamer@avecinia.com.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">For daily updates on news, information and more on health care and wellness, join avecinia wellness center's facebook page (</span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/avecinia" style="font-size: small;">facebook.com/avecinia</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">) and follow avecinia on twitter (</span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/avecinia4health" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">twitter.com/avecinia4health</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">). avecinia wellness center is </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=about" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Fresno's premier integrative medicine and wellness center</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">. We combine internal medicine and primary care with health management, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=wm" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">weight management</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ap" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">acupuncture</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">aesthetics (Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse, Obagi and more)</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=mt" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">massage therapy</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> for a holistic approach to health. We use a robust electronic health record program and </span><a href="https://2399.portal.athenahealth.com/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">patient web portal</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> to enhance our delivery of services and to help our patients reach their optimal well-being. To learn more, visit </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" style="font-size: small;">www.avecinia.com</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">. If you are looking for a </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=contact&spg=newpatient" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">primary care doctor in Fresno or the Central Valley</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and would like to become a part of the avecinia family, visit our website and click on new patient registration. Let Dr. </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=Physicians#Dr.Hayat Index" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Unaiza Hayat</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and/or </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=staff" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Ali Kunkel, MPA, PA-C</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, become your trusted guides. Our Aesthetic, Weight Management, Acupuncture, Health Management and Massage Therapy services do not require us to be your primary care physician. Learn more at www.avecinia.com We look forward to meeting you!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08058551969809405605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8510629209735488605.post-84700010094213211962011-06-15T10:04:00.000-07:002012-01-02T19:41:31.880-08:00Your Health is Your Wealth! Managing the costs of healthcare.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8510629209735488605" name="LETTER.BLOCK9"></a><br />
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<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"><b>How to make more money by investing in yourself</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><span style="color: navy;">"<em>The greatest wealth is health</em>!"</span> <span style="color: navy;">I'm sure you've heard of that famous quote by Virgil.</span> <span style="color: navy;">In the past year, the health care debate was mentioned almost every day in the news and became part of our daily conversation.</span> <span style="color: navy;">As the economy tumbled, the costs of health care became even more apparent.</span> <span style="color: navy;">Job loss meant health insurance loss.</span> <span style="color: navy;">Employers started cutting costs by shifting health insurance costs to employees.</span> <span style="color: navy;">For the first time, people had to start including healthcare in their budget.</span> <span style="color: navy;">For a nation in which 1 in 3 individuals is overweight, 1 in 5 is obese and 1 in 10 have diabetes, these direct health care costs are expensive.</span> In a difficult economy or economic situation, you might be saying to yourself "Well, if I go see the doctor 2-3 times this month, that is going to cost me $300-$400 this month! I don't have that money!" <span style="color: navy;">What we don't seem to realize is that if we don't invest in our own healthcare now, these costs are only going to rise.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;">The perfect scenario to demonstrate the importance of investing in one's own health is a diabetic patient. Here are just some of the statistics that show how expensive having a disease can be:</span></div>
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<li style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: navy;">The average health care costs for treating a diabetic patient is $10,000 a year (<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=nscglzdab&et=1105366881878&s=0&e=001jNb6gKaRtbKX6GEMjAHKH86WzcYOuEdO_KsATvF2fRaYe8af7hFNXr98OiUPfMYJGKM0GcuUK7SyH0jf7JCuK_CMIa2IaLoyrW66pxrionHDXdAruJg5HZsHq9pejNjCfg01IB7XxU4uU8j-59soZLaFCjnFfuQBq2Frx2PQ70GPkJW9mdTUgw_3vTazHwtB" linktype="link" shape="rect" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" track="on">United Health Care</a>);</span></li>
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<li style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The average person with diabetes spends up to $900 a month for syringes, supplies, medicine and doctor's visits (<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=nscglzdab&et=1105366881878&s=0&e=001jNb6gKaRtbKX6GEMjAHKH86WzcYOuEdO_KsATvF2fRaYe8af7hFNXr98OiUPfMYJGKM0GcuUK7SyH0jf7JCuKwgFyWDqNonrjlASb-UvZiaEr9EFDuESVcMlfIyycZ9sr7xw5BzziwdAZY3KFNHcnqQL8O_jEDffBmdg5rh9IQUVyceQom5rCeM0Gs_nB_9c" linktype="link" shape="rect" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" track="on">The Cost of Diabetes</a>); and</li>
<li style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The 15 year risk for a heart attack for a person with poorly controlled diabetes is 16.9%. The costs over that period: $271,000 (<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=nscglzdab&et=1105366881878&s=0&e=001jNb6gKaRtbKX6GEMjAHKH86WzcYOuEdO_KsATvF2fRaYe8af7hFNXr98OiUPfMYJGKM0GcuUK7SyH0jf7JCuK1BvM9G4e--CxZbhULsbuca9VSEXVoU_x6d6bnJQ9n3ONiDVwIG27zo=" linktype="link" shape="rect" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" track="on">The High Cost of Diabetes</a> also a great website to see what happens if you don't take care of yourself; Your $15-$25 co-pay investment today will give you a $271,000 return "tomorrow").</li>
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<span style="color: navy;">Now, what does this mean to you? Well, if you are a diabetic patient, or someone that has other chronic disease such as high cholesterol, hypertension, or hyperthyroidism (which are other <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=nscglzdab&et=1105366881878&s=0&e=001jNb6gKaRtbKX6GEMjAHKH86WzcYOuEdO_KsATvF2fRaYe8af7hFNXr98OiUPfMYJGKM0GcuUK7SyH0jf7JCuK1Xc22y8Fmv6Wj-bjfnmGzpEFLhfjvF-39ix5E5hxwkotQGzAQLkEl_V8fckkC9KrbWyvD-ktE1zHH3LmBkXd3h7V8go7taLQ8ydDjjvd76lEIc_em_3gCncAuZtnrXUIA==" linktype="link" shape="rect" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" track="on">expensive diseases</a>), what could you do if you suddenly had $900 a month to do whatever you wanted or needed to do instead of spending on medicine, supplies and doctor's visits? Adding $900 a month to your monthly net income isn't a gimmick or get rich quick scheme. It can be done.</span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;">Let's look at our diabetic patient example (based on an actual patient): </span></div>
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<li style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: navy;">Prior to taking a proactive step, patient would come in every 2-3 weeks regularly or would only come in once every 3 months for medication renewal. Diabetes Medication alone cost him $500 a month;</span></li>
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<li style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">After agreeing to work with us to help him, the patient came in 4 times in the 1st month to jump start his plan which required initial longer, complex visits- Office Visit Avg $125- total $500</li>
<li style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">For the next 3 months after month 1, once the plan was in place and patient was proactively participating, we were able to reduce his visits to once a month. The once a month visits were to review his labs, check progress and start taking patient off of the diabetes drugs he no longer needed. At end of Month 2, patient reduced A1C to 5.7. Office Visit Avg- $100, total for 3 months- $300</li>
<li style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">In month 4, patient had lost significant weight and maintained his A1C at 5.7 and was no longer on any diabetes medication. Office Visit - $100. Savings from reduction in medication- $500.</li>
<li style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Month 5's appointment was 3 months after month 4. Patient no longer had to have regular, complex office visits. Office Visit - $100</li>
<li style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Next office visit in Month 8- $100</li>
<li style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>Next office visit, Month 11- $100</li>
<li style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>Total: $3,2000</li>
<ul>
<li style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Office Visits- $1,200</li>
<li style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Medicine- $2,000</li>
</ul>
<li style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Total if patient decided not to invest in his health: $6,300 to $6,500</li>
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<li style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Office Visits- Range from $300 to $500</li>
<li style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Medicine - $6,000</li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', 'ITC Avant Garde', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">As this comparison shows, by investing in your health, you can save 50% or more just in your first year. Imagine compounding the savings, or worse, the expense! Sure at first it may seem like it cost a lot more to do something about your health, but do the math, or talk to us about helping you do the math! We think you are worth the investment. We hope you do too!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;">As always, if you have any questions, feel free to email me at <a href="mailto:aamer@avecinia.com" rel="noreferrer" shape="rect" target="_blank" title="[GMCP] Compose a new mail to aamer@avecinia.com">aamer@avecinia.com</a>. If you would like to put together a plan, contact Colette Vaquilar, our Patient Specialist, at <a href="mailto:billing@avecinia.com" shape="rect" style="text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">billing@avecinia.com</a>. She will be happy to help you invest in your health! </span><br />
<span style="color: navy;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">For daily updates on news, information and more on health care and wellness, join avecinia wellness center's facebook page (</span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/avecinia" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">facebook.com/avecinia</a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">) and follow avecinia on twitter (</span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/avecinia4health" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">twitter.com/avecinia4health</a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">). avecinia wellness center is </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=about" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">Fresno's premier integrative medicine and wellness center</a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">. We combine internal medicine and primary care with health management, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=wm" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">weight management</a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ap" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">acupuncture</a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">aesthetics (Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse, Obagi and more)</a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> and </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=mt" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">massage therapy</a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> for a holistic approach to health. We use a robust electronic health record program and </span><a href="https://2399.portal.athenahealth.com/" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">patient web portal</a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> to enhance our delivery of services and to help our patients reach their optimal well-being. To learn more, visit </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">www.avecinia.com</a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">. If you are looking for a </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=contact&spg=newpatient" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">primary care doctor in Fresno or the Central Valley</a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> and would like to become a part of the avecinia family, visit our website and click on new patient registration. Let Dr. </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=Physicians#Dr.Hayat Index" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">Unaiza Hayat</a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> and/or </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=staff" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">Ali Kunkel, MPA, PA-C</a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">, become your trusted guides. Our Aesthetic, Weight Management, Acupuncture, Health Management and Massage Therapy services do not require us to be your primary care physician. Learn more at www.avecinia.com We look forward to meeting you!</span>
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</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08058551969809405605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8510629209735488605.post-58694740167114753662011-05-31T15:43:00.000-07:002012-01-02T19:42:37.317-08:00Dad, He-Man, Superman. Whatever you call him, he's special!<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Father's day is June 19<sup>th</sup>, celebrate your father's good health with him!<br />
</strong></span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><strong>Men's health in their 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's and beyond!<br />
</strong></span><br />
<span xmlns="">Father's day is June 19<sup>th</sup>! But fathers and other important men in our lives should be honored every day. A good way to honor them is to make sure they honor and value their health. The more they value their health, the more father's days we all get to celebrate. Unfortunately, many men don't value their health enough. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, only 50% of men 45 years and younger had a physical exam in the past two years. Men are also 30% more likely than women to be hospitalized for preventable conditions such as diabetes. Here are some important men's health issues and reminders for each age group!<br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><strong>20-30's<br />
</strong></span><br />
<span xmlns="">The 20's and 30's are the best time for a man to develop the right habits, such as:<br />
</span><br />
<ul style="margin-left: 37pt;">
<li><span xmlns="">Getting regular exercise (at least 30 minutes a day, 3-4 days a week);<br />
</span></li>
<span xmlns="">
<li>Eating well by learning portion control, how to read nutrition labels, and eating your veggies; <br />
</li>
<li>Giving up bad habits or not even picking them up-smoking is the number 1 cause of preventable death (lung cancer) and alcohol induced accidents are the leading cause of death in young men (alcohol also lowers male hormones, killing your sex life!); and<br />
</li>
<li>Saying "Hi" to your doctor! Get to know your doctor now so as you age your doctor can help you keep track of your health.<br />
</li>
</span></ul>
<span xmlns=""><strong>40's-50's <br />
</strong></span><br />
<span xmlns="">Most men reach their 40's having achieved their career goals, started young families and are looking forward to another 40- to 50 years of quality life. It's not too late to start good habits <br />
</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span xmlns="">Definitely start with exercise. The American Academy of Family Physician's Men's Health study showed that nearly 40% of men between the age of 45 and 54 don't exercise at all. However, they do watch at least 20 hours of TV a week! You can still incorporate 30 minutes of physical activity 3 to 4 times a day and have 18 hours of TV left; <br />
</span></li>
<span xmlns="">
<li>Have you tried Salmon with <a href="http://gitaskitchen.blogspot.com/2010/02/tomato-and-dill-rice.html">Tomato and Dill</a> rice? No? Maybe you've had an olive or two? If not, you're missing out on an easy way to incorporate a Mediterranean diet into your routine! Mediterranean diets are rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish and other lean protein which lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, depression, Alzheimer's and even prostate cancer. And go ahead and drink that extra cup of coffee- studies show that men who drink 6-8 cups of coffee (caffeinated or decaf) a day are less likely to develop prostate cancer then men who don't drink any; and <br />
</li>
<li>Now that you've become friend with your doctor, don't hold back. The more they know about you, the more they can help you age gracefully! A few important things to consider: Get a physical/preventive exam every 1-5 years; Learn about prostate cancer and ask your doctor if it's time to start getting regular exams; talk to your doctor about skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is the most common cancer among men over the age of 50! Make sure you wear a UVA/UVB broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15. Apply it 2-3 times day, especially when you're out on the golf course or are spending a day outside. Try Colorescience Protect Aftershave moisturizer with SPF 20 or <a href="http://www.self.com/beauty/2011/05/healthy-beauty-awards-sun-slideshow">Obagi's Award Winning NuDerm SPF50 sunscreen</a>. Both are 33% off and available at <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/">avecinia wellness center</a> during our <a href="https://athenanet.athenahealth.com/2399/25/globalframeset.esp?browserwidth=1440&browserheight=900https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nZ9KXIy-ZACZUSEzrTeJOw?feat=directlink">Big June Sale</a>!<br />
</li>
</span></ul>
<span xmlns=""><strong>60's and beyond!<br />
</strong></span><br />
<span xmlns="">65 is the new 50 and 85 is the new 65. If you've been living a healthy life since your 20's and 30's, this is certainly true. Even if you haven't, there's still hope for you. But you are going to have to work for it. <br />
</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span xmlns="">Treating chronic disease conditions such as diabetes or hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) is imperative; <br />
</span></li>
<span xmlns="">
<li>If you have Medicare, take advantage of several free, preventive services now offered. Start with your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit. This is a great opportunity for you to discuss your current health, your health concerns for the next 5 years and more; <br />
</li>
<li> If you are retired, this is the perfect time to take up new hobbies. Staying physically and mentally active keeps your body and mind healthy and happy. A good exercise routine can help you double your hand grip strength in 3 months. Hand grip strength is a good indicator of long term survival; and <br />
</li>
<li>Staying fit can also help you have an active sex life. 15-25% of men over 65 years of age experience erectile dysfunction (ED). ED can be caused by alcohol use, smoking, certain medications, anxiety, depression, obesity, diabetes and heart disease. It's also an early warning sign of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). <br />
</li>
</span></ul>
<span xmlns="">With the proper attention to your health and well-being, you can live into your 100's and your loved ones can celebrate more fathers' days with you. Think of all the gifts you can get!<br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><strong>Happy Father's Day!<br />
</strong></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><strong><br /></strong></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-size: x-small;">For daily updates on news, information and more on health care and wellness, join avecinia wellness center's facebook page (</span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/avecinia" style="font-size: small;">facebook.com/avecinia</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">) and follow avecinia on twitter (</span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/avecinia4health" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">twitter.com/avecinia4health</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">). avecinia wellness center is </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=about" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Fresno's premier integrative medicine and wellness center</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">. We combine internal medicine and primary care with health management, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=wm" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">weight management</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ap" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">acupuncture</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">aesthetics (Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse, Obagi and more)</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=mt" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">massage therapy</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> for a holistic approach to health. We use a robust electronic health record program and </span><a href="https://2399.portal.athenahealth.com/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">patient web portal</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> to enhance our delivery of services and to help our patients reach their optimal well-being. To learn more, visit </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" style="font-size: small;">www.avecinia.com</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">. If you are looking for a </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=contact&spg=newpatient" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">primary care doctor in Fresno or the Central Valley</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and would like to become a part of the avecinia family, visit our website and click on new patient registration. Let Dr. </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=Physicians#Dr.Hayat Index" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Unaiza Hayat</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and/or </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=staff" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Ali Kunkel, MPA, PA-C</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, become your trusted guides. Our Aesthetic, Weight Management, Acupuncture, Health Management and Massage Therapy services do not require us to be your primary care physician. Learn more at www.avecinia.com We look forward to meeting you!</span>
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08058551969809405605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8510629209735488605.post-52220242629236000772011-05-01T22:27:00.000-07:002012-01-02T19:42:56.537-08:00Happy Mother's Day: Women's Health in their 30's, 40's, 50's and beyond!<div class="MsoNormal">
Mother’s Day is May 8<sup>th</sup>! We dedicate this blog to celebrate our wonderful mothers and all the incredible women in our lives. The blog discusses common hormonal and skin health issues for women in different age groups and some tips to help them live happy, healthy lives! If you are in the Fresno, California or Central Valley area, we invite you to our special event “Celebrating You: Women’s Health in your 30’s, 40’s and 50’s and beyond!” to learn more about these health concerns and others! Visit our Facebook Event <b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=147625415303644">Page</a> </b>or call us at 559-450-7299 to learn more and RSVP!</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">In your 30's<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Physiologically, women in their mid to late 30’s may have a decrease in metabolism; function of the ovaries and of estrogen production. To offset a decreased metabolism, it is important to include or increase exercise on a regular basis. A few women in their late 30s may begin to experience peri-menopausal symptoms. If you notice hot flashes, night sweats and fatigue, see your doctor about menopause. </div>
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<b>Tips:</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Form a walking, workout or other exercise group. Doing activities in group help individuals stick to a regimen; </li>
<li>Watch your caloric intake. A snack here and there will add up; </li>
<li>Keep a log of your period to gauge irregularity; </li>
<li>According to homeopathic medicine, soy (from soy milk or Japanese diet) can help relieve symptoms of menopause.</li>
</ul>
Women in there 30’s will notice fewer breakouts, however the first signs of aging will begin to appear. The skins natural process of exfoliation decreases and expression lines form. Uneven pigmentation and brown spots may become more apparent, especially in women with lighter skin. There will be a decrease in moisture in the skin and roughness may develop. It is important during these years to have a good skin care regimen and stick to it. <br />
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<b>Tips:</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Drink plenty of water and incorporate into your daily habit; </li>
<li>Find a good sunscreen, something that is broad spectrum with SPF 20 or higher and use it regularly if you are not already. We recommend <a href="http://www.obagi.com/patients/product-line/nu-derm"><b>Obagi’s Nu Derm SPF 50</b></a> or <a href="http://www.colorescience.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=82"><b>Colorescience Pro SPF 50 Mineral brush</b></a>; </li>
<li>Start using a moisturizer- some moisturizers will also have sunscreen in it. We recommend <a href="http://www.viviteskincare.com/Products/Default.aspx?categoryid=2&productid=15"><b>Vivite’s Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30</b></a>; </li>
<li>Talk to your doctor about using a serum with Vitamin C or Vitamin E. We recommend <b><a href="http://www.obagi.com/patients/product-line/professional-c-serum">Obagi’s Professional C Serum</a></b> or <b><a href="http://www.obagi.com/patients/product-line/obagi-c-rx">C-RX System</a></b>.</li>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">In your 40’s</b><br />
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Symptoms of peri-menopause begin to occur in a around the mid to late 40s. This is a transitional period when a woman’s body shifts from regular ovulation to infertility. During this time the menstrual cycle becomes irregular and women may have a lighter or heavier flow. Hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances can occur.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Tips:</b></div>
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<li>During this time a mammogram every 1-2 years is an important preventative health tool; </li>
<li>Women consider incorporating a Vitamin D and calcium supplement daily to help prevent a decrease in bone density</li>
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During this time collagen breaks down causing a significant loss of elasticity in the skin as well as continued moisture loss. Photo-damage (Sun) becomes more obvious, including blotches, freckles, and age spots. Eyelids may have droopiness and/or puffiness develops under the lower lids. Signs of skin changes may be more apparent on the chest as well.</div>
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<b>Tips:</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Drink plenty of water; </li>
<li>Dermal fillers can help give back lost elasticity. <b><a href="http://www.juvederm.com/views/what-is-juvederm/?cid=ppc_gg_juvederm">Juvéderm® XC</a> </b>and <a href="http://www.radiesse.com/"><b>Radiesse®</b></a> are good fillers;</li>
<li>Vitamin C serums help rebuild lost collagen; </li>
<li>A chemical peel, microderm abrasion, or IPL/Laser resurfacing can help lift off dead skin and produce new, younger looking skin. We recommend Vivite’s Glycolic Peel or Obagi’s Blue Peel Radiance for peels and <b><a href="http://www.syneron.com/products/ematrix">E-matrix Sublative Rejuvenation</a>;</b></li>
</ul>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">In your 50's</b><br />
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A loss of estrogen contributes to the loss of elasticity and some women find they bruise more easily. The average age for menopause to occur is 51, and is defined as an absence of a menstrual cycle for 12 months. For most women it occurs over 1-3 years however some women have symptoms for many years. Irregular periods will be present along with other common symptoms. These symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, skin flushing, moodiness, vaginal dryness, headaches, and a decreased interest in sex.</div>
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<b>Tips:</b></div>
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<li>There are different treatment options, ranging from non-pharmacological symptom management to hormone replacement therapy, depending of a woman’s symptoms and the severity.<b> </b>Speak with your primary care provider which type of therapy may help you best. If you don't have a primary care provider, visit us at <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/"><b>www.avecinia.com</b></a> to learn more about how we may be able to help you!</li>
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Women in their fifties with notice a decrease in facial fat and muscle causing loose and sagging skin. There is also an increase in uneven pigmentation and a decrease in skin thickness.</div>
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<b>Tips:</b></div>
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<li>Talk to your physician about dermal fillers and complementary skin rejuvenation systems such as <b><a href="http://www.obagi.com/patients/product-line/nu-derm#tab-1">Obagi’s NuDerm</a></b> or <b><a href="http://www.viviteskincare.com/Products/Default.aspx?categoryid=1&productid=1">Vivite’s Glycolic System</a></b>;</li>
<li>Sublative Rejuvination/IPL/Laser may be good alternatives to more severe surgical procedures.</li>
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Aging is a natural process that is different for every person physically and emotionally. It is important to be aware of the different changes you will see when looking in the mirror as well as internal changes. Practicing preventative health care beginning at an early age through diet, exercise, and stress management is important to prevent health issues that effect women such as cardio-vascular disease, skin, breast and other cancers and more. Live a long, healthy, prosperous life. You deserve it and others are counting on it! </div>
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For more information on women's health, visit these websites:</div>
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<a href="http://www.healthywomen.org/"><b>http://www.healthywomen.org/</b></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.helpguide.org/life/healthy_eating_diet.htm"><b>http://www.helpguide.org/life/healthy_eating_diet.htm</b></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.womenshealth.gov/"><b>http://www.womenshealth.gov/</b></a></div>
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This blog was written by Melissa Moore, RN. Melissa is currently an extern at avecinia wellness center and will graduate in May with her Masters in Nurse Practitioner degree from California State University, Fresno.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">For daily updates on news, information and more on health care and wellness, join avecinia wellness center's facebook page (</span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/avecinia" style="font-size: small;">facebook.com/avecinia</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">) and follow avecinia on twitter (</span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/avecinia4health" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">twitter.com/avecinia4health</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">). avecinia wellness center is </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=about" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Fresno's premier integrative medicine and wellness center</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">. We combine internal medicine and primary care with health management, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=wm" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">weight management</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ap" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">acupuncture</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">aesthetics (Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse, Obagi and more)</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=mt" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">massage therapy</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> for a holistic approach to health. We use a robust electronic health record program and </span><a href="https://2399.portal.athenahealth.com/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">patient web portal</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> to enhance our delivery of services and to help our patients reach their optimal well-being. To learn more, visit </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" style="font-size: small;">www.avecinia.com</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">. If you are looking for a </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=contact&spg=newpatient" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">primary care doctor in Fresno or the Central Valley</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and would like to become a part of the avecinia family, visit our website and click on new patient registration. Let Dr. </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=Physicians#Dr.Hayat Index" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Unaiza Hayat</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and/or </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=staff" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Ali Kunkel, MPA, PA-C</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, become your trusted guides. Our Aesthetic, Weight Management, Acupuncture, Health Management and Massage Therapy services do not require us to be your primary care physician. Learn more at www.avecinia.com We look forward to meeting you!</span>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08058551969809405605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8510629209735488605.post-17811002594567500472011-03-31T22:30:00.000-07:002012-01-02T19:43:12.621-08:00Common Foot Pain Problems, Conditions and Treatments<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Spring and summer is a beautiful time around Fresno, Visalia and the rest of the Central Valley and a great opportunity to take hikes around Yosemite, go for walks on the many trails or around the parks, and generally explore the beauty everywhere.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Enjoying the vast beauty can become painful and onerous by common foot conditions such as Plantar Fasciitis and Heal Spurs.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Over the years </span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The Bone Store’s </span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">kind, courteous and knowledgeable staff has helped many people, from Sacramento to Los Angeles and all over California, with a vast array of painful foot problems with their large selection of foot orthotics and footwear, accompanied with several other products that benefit your wellness needs. As this month’s guest blogger for </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/">avecinia wellness center</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, the experts at </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The Bone Store</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"> explain the most common foot conditions, causes and available treatments so you can truly enjoy the coming months! And remember to check out their April special- up to 30% off Orthotic/Arch Support Sandals!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Plantar Fasciitis</span> <o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation caused by excessive stretching of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue which runs along the bottom surface of the foot, attaching at the bottom of the heel bone and extending to the forefoot. When the plantar fascia is excessively stretched, this can cause plantar fasciitis, which can also lead to heel pain, arch pain, and heel spurs.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xGmMgnc5YN9RY867MmfwlghlRVT6uelQI2RjaNbK_x0fsSWoHpOYBbs2KF0R6_7wwa44mSiYmomt5XhwiW8rjyPTCtlyOjs9TvAYtpzZAd3uBglAs8w4wp7d2AU8RDxS5kzSxEmkCw/s1600/Planta+Fasciitis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xGmMgnc5YN9RY867MmfwlghlRVT6uelQI2RjaNbK_x0fsSWoHpOYBbs2KF0R6_7wwa44mSiYmomt5XhwiW8rjyPTCtlyOjs9TvAYtpzZAd3uBglAs8w4wp7d2AU8RDxS5kzSxEmkCw/s320/Planta+Fasciitis.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">Cause</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Plantar Fasciitis often leads to heel pain, heel spurs, and/or arch pain. The excessive stretching of the plantar fascia that leads to the inflammation and discomfort can be caused by the following:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Over-pronation (flat feet) which results in the arch collapsing upon weight bearing <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">A foot with an unusually high arch <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">A sudden increase in physical activity <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Excessive weight on the foot, usually attributed to obesity or pregnancy <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Improperly fitting footwear <o:p></o:p></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Over-pronation (flat feet) is the leading cause of plantar fasciitis. Over-pronation occurs in the walking process, when a person's arch collapses upon weight bearing, causing the plantar fascia to be stretched away from the heel bone.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">With Plantar Fasciitis, the bottom of your foot usually hurts near the inside of the foot where the heel and arch meet. The pain is often acute either first thing in the morning or after a long rest, because while resting the plantar fascia contracts back to its original shape. As the day progresses and the plantar fascia continues to be stretched, the pain often subsides.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Treatment and Prevention<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The key for the proper treatment of plantar fasciitis is determining what is causing the excessive stretching of the plantar fascia. When the cause is over-pronation (flat feet), an orthotic with rear-foot posting and longitudinal arch <st1:personname w:st="on">support</st1:personname> is an effective device to reduce the over-pronation and allow the condition to heal.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">If you have usually high arches, which can also lead to plantar fasciitis, cushion the heel, absorb shock and wear proper footwear that will accommodate and comfort the foot.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Other common treatments include stretching exercises, plantar fasciitis night splints, wearing shoes that have a cushioned heel to absorb shock, and elevating the heel with the use of a heel cradle or heel cup. Heel cradles and heel cups provide extra comfort, cushion the heel, and reduce the amount of shock and shear forces placed during everyday activities.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Every time your foot strikes the ground, the plantar fascia is stretched. You can reduce the strain and stress on the plantar fascia by following these simple instructions: Avoid running on hard or uneven ground, lose any excess weight, and wear shoes and orthotics that <st1:personname w:st="on">support</st1:personname> your arch to prevent over-stretching of the plantar fascia.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">Heel Spurs<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The heel bone is the largest bone in the foot and absorbs the most amount of shock and pressure. A heel spur develops as an abnormal growth of the heel bone. Calcium deposits form when the plantar fascia pulls away from the heel area, causing a bony protrusion, or heel spur to develop. The plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue located along the bottom surface of the foot that runs from the heel to the forefoot. Heel spurs can cause extreme pain in the rear-foot, especially while standing or walking.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">Cause</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Heel spurs develop as an abnormal growth in the heel bone due to calcium deposits that form when the plantar fascia pulls away from the heel. This stretching of the plantar fascia is usually the result of over-pronation (flat feet), but people with unusually high arches (pes cavus) can also develop heel spurs. Women have a significantly higher incidence of heel spurs due to the types of footwear often worn on a regular basis.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The key for the proper treatment of heel spurs is determining what is causing the excessive stretching of the plantar fascia. When the cause is over-pronation (flat feet), an orthotic with rearfoot posting and longitudinal arch <st1:personname w:st="on">support</st1:personname> is an effective device to reduce the over-pronation, and allow the condition to heal.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Other common treatments include stretching exercises, losing weight, wearing shoes that have a cushioned heel that absorbs shock, and elevating the heel with the use of a heel cradle, heel cup, or orthotic. Heel cradles and heel cups provide extra comfort and cushion to the heel, and reduce the amount of shock and shear forces experienced from everyday activities.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Always remember, if these problems persist, consult your primary care physician or foot doctor (podiatrist).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Warm weather is right around the corner and The Bone Store would like to assist each and every one of you with proper foot care with their April promotion. During the month of April, purchase a pair of our Orthotic/Arch Support Sandals and receive up to 30% off select styles. There are several foot conditions that can hinder and interfere with the many enjoyable activities and vacations that families will be embarking on in the upcoming months.</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">If your feet don’t feel good, you don’t feel good</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;">. </span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Experience healthy feet, let The Bone Store assist you. <o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The Bone Store is located at 343 E Shaw Avenue, Fresno (Ph: 559-226-7500) and at 5410 W Cypress, Suite 101, Visalia (Ph: 559-739-7500).<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">For daily updates on news, information and more on health care and wellness, join avecinia wellness center's facebook page (</span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/avecinia" style="font-size: small;">facebook.com/avecinia</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">) and follow avecinia on twitter (</span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/avecinia4health" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">twitter.com/avecinia4health</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">). avecinia wellness center is </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=about" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Fresno's premier integrative medicine and wellness center</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">. We combine internal medicine and primary care with health management, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=wm" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">weight management</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ap" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">acupuncture</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">aesthetics (Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse, Obagi and more)</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=mt" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">massage therapy</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> for a holistic approach to health. We use a robust electronic health record program and </span><a href="https://2399.portal.athenahealth.com/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">patient web portal</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> to enhance our delivery of services and to help our patients reach their optimal well-being. To learn more, visit </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" style="font-size: small;">www.avecinia.com</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">. If you are looking for a </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=contact&spg=newpatient" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">primary care doctor in Fresno or the Central Valley</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and would like to become a part of the avecinia family, visit our website and click on new patient registration. Let Dr. </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=Physicians#Dr.Hayat Index" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Unaiza Hayat</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and/or </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=staff" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Ali Kunkel, MPA, PA-C</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, become your trusted guides. Our Aesthetic, Weight Management, Acupuncture, Health Management and Massage Therapy services do not require us to be your primary care physician. Learn more at www.avecinia.com We look forward to meeting you!</span>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08058551969809405605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8510629209735488605.post-91760218059266368572011-03-01T07:50:00.000-08:002012-01-02T19:43:36.701-08:00Beauty Isn't Just Skin Deep!<div class="MsoNormal">
What is between 16 and 21 feet, hosts up to 50 million different living organisms and some parts regenerate every 27 days? Your skin! </div>
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Your skin is one of your most vital organs. It protects your inner organs from radiation, bacteria, and other harmful agent. It reflects your physiological and psychological health, and can be the difference between a bad day, a good day and a great day. </div>
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The two most common skin problems, acne (both pubescent and adult) and sun damage/aging (wrinkles, discoloration, sunspots, cancer) have been around since the beginning of time. So have various skin protection and healing remedies. Ancient Egyptians used soaps made from animal oil, vegetable oil and salts. Fenugreek was used to create soothing face masks and Cleopatra used to bathe in milk to help exfoliate and rejuvenate her skin. In ancient Greece, masks of honey were used to treat acne. Today, you can buy or make many of these ancient remedies or turn on the television to see the latest therapy.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What causes Acne?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Acne is a part of the normal pubescent experience. Some teens exhibit more acne than others because their body is creating more of the oils that trap bacteria (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">P.</i>Acnes) residing in hair follicles in the skin. This trapped bacteria continues to grow and produces the pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. In much the same way, almost 50% of adult women and 25% of adult men experience acne as well. A hormonal change, such as when starting a birth control pill, hormone imbalance due to stress and/or poor nutrition, or other factors are usually related to an increase in acne. It’s important to remember though that there is no direct relationship between the food you eat and acne. However, because the skin is the bodies largest organ, eating well keeps your skin healthy, just like any other organ.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Treating Acne!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Having acne can be stressful, treating it doesn’t have to be. Once the root cause of acne is identified, treating it can be as simple as following the right plan for you. Because acne starts by bacteria being collected deep in hair follicle roots, it’s important that any acne treatment utilized is able to penetrate deeply into the skin to get to this bacteria. The next important step is to help the skin control how much oil is produced/applied and trapped on the skin. The sebaceous glands produce oil and overactive ones produce more. In some cases, certain cosmetics include excess oil that is then trapped in follicles as well. A good cleanser can help control how much oil is present on the skins surface and how much gets trapped in the hair follicles. However, you don’t want a cleanser that simply over dries your skin. Oils are essential to helping your skin look and feel healthy. </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I look too old for my age!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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If acne isn’t the issue but skin discoloration, sunspots and the appearance of fine lines and the development of wrinkles has you looking and feeling older than you are, then you may need something to help heal your skin. If you spend a lot of time in sun, like to tan (outdoors or in a sun tanning bed), live in an area with poor air quality or a lot of pollution or smoke, free radicals associated with these environmental factors accelerate the skin’s aging process. Free radicals are unstable molecules that attack nearby stable molecules to steal their electrons. By stealing electrons, they create more unstable molecules, thus, for example in your skin, break down the collagen in your skin that normally gives you that youthful resilience. Normally your body can develop anti-oxidants to help control free radicals but when excessive environmental factors overwhelm your system, your body needs help. </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Nature to the rescue!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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One effective, natural way to battle excessive free radicals and the damage they cause is using Vitamin C. Not only is Vitamin C a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, it is crucial to the production of collagen and therefore helps produce collagen where it has broken down. </div>
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Sure you can eat a lot of Oranges to get your Vitamin C, but in order to effectively treat and reverse the breakdown of collagen and its effects on the skin, you have to be able to apply Vitamin C directly to the skin and let it be absorbed. The best type of Vitamin C for this is stabilized ascorbic acid (you can tell how stable a Vitamin C serum is by seeing how quickly it oxidizes or becomes brown and crusty near the containers opening). Serums can come in concentrations from 5% to 20%, with 5% being ideal for sensitive areas and 20% being the most effective at reducing brown spots, discoloration, fine lines and other signs of damage caused by free radicals. </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How can avecinia wellness center help you?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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We have developed two new services to help you address acne or the early signs of aging:<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“Clear”</b> is a combination therapy designed to diagnose and treat the cause of Acne. We start with a 30 minute consultation session to understand your diet and nutrition habits and determine whether their might be an hormonal issue to address. Then you get a combination treatment of 3 Obagi Radiance Treatments and a 3 month supply of Obagi Clenziderm Acne Treatment. The Radiance and Clenziderm treatment work together to cleanse your skin of dead skin and bacteria and get you back on track to clear, smooth skin. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGXi126xwINWP7yNv_quPAkSHDsK45zJKqIQyyaotVAGnW6hHWDtIqKSMaVIxAIVOZHpTUb6fN8KXtkeUZQw6d48Er7217Xdc-nS2NXx6mHwdZBTAvRdkeCbd43ilySqs12-tZJW7aQ/s1600/Before+and+After+Clenziderm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGXi126xwINWP7yNv_quPAkSHDsK45zJKqIQyyaotVAGnW6hHWDtIqKSMaVIxAIVOZHpTUb6fN8KXtkeUZQw6d48Er7217Xdc-nS2NXx6mHwdZBTAvRdkeCbd43ilySqs12-tZJW7aQ/s320/Before+and+After+Clenziderm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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“<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Glow”</b> is a combination therapy designed to refresh and revitalize your skin. We start with 3 Obagi Radiance peels and a 20% Obagi Professional-C Serum. Obagi’s Professional- C Serum is rated by Allure as a “Beauty Best Buy” and is consistently rated as one of the best Vitamin C Serums available. Obagi’s Professional C-Serum is specifically designed to be more stable and penetrate deeper into your skin to help reduce the visible and not so visible signs of aging. The “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Glow” </b>package also comes with Obagi’s new SPF 50 sun protection moisturizer to help you protect your new, refreshed skin. The sun screen protects you from both UVA and UVB particles as the Professional C Serum corrects damage caused by free radicals and repairs collagen.<br />
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Call us today to come in and find out what may work best for you! Starting a healthy skin care regimen now can get you the healthy, beautiful skin you want before the summer!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiju7w_ydfiHqdme3bfPmE8SaRSxIkK7E49QhtL5afOHXG0sLkOYNVcjMDIJJkof_9sIASqMG1VQoJC0Fgt2V2p4ViOUFDAQXUI4oiYgvvTcZhxw8_pU1hp0-BHqogqg574xY5L9FPD2A/s1600/Professional+C+Serum+Before+and+After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiju7w_ydfiHqdme3bfPmE8SaRSxIkK7E49QhtL5afOHXG0sLkOYNVcjMDIJJkof_9sIASqMG1VQoJC0Fgt2V2p4ViOUFDAQXUI4oiYgvvTcZhxw8_pU1hp0-BHqogqg574xY5L9FPD2A/s1600/Professional+C+Serum+Before+and+After.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Visit our website at <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/">www.avecinia.com</a> to see our prices and our sales. Call us today to make an appointment and be ready for a beautiful new you for the summer! This article was reviewed by Dr. Unaiza Hayat, MD.<o:p></o:p></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">For daily updates on news, information and more on health care and wellness, join avecinia wellness center's facebook page (</span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/avecinia" style="font-size: small;">facebook.com/avecinia</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">) and follow avecinia on twitter (</span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/avecinia4health" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">twitter.com/avecinia4health</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">). avecinia wellness center is </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=about" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Fresno's premier integrative medicine and wellness center</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">. We combine internal medicine and primary care with health management, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=wm" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">weight management</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ap" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">acupuncture</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">aesthetics (Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse, Obagi and more)</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=mt" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">massage therapy</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> for a holistic approach to health. We use a robust electronic health record program and </span><a href="https://2399.portal.athenahealth.com/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">patient web portal</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> to enhance our delivery of services and to help our patients reach their optimal well-being. To learn more, visit </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" style="font-size: small;">www.avecinia.com</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">. If you are looking for a </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=contact&spg=newpatient" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">primary care doctor in Fresno or the Central Valley</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and would like to become a part of the avecinia family, visit our website and click on new patient registration. Let Dr. </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=Physicians#Dr.Hayat Index" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Unaiza Hayat</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and/or </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=staff" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Ali Kunkel, MPA, PA-C</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, become your trusted guides. Our Aesthetic, Weight Management, Acupuncture, Health Management and Massage Therapy services do not require us to be your primary care physician. Learn more at www.avecinia.com We look forward to meeting you!</span>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08058551969809405605noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8510629209735488605.post-23380690546934535152011-02-01T01:53:00.000-08:002011-02-01T01:53:05.593-08:00Heart Healthy for American Heart Month<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Heart Health<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">From the beginning of time, the heart has held, well….. a special place in our heart. The ancient Egyptians believed the heart was where the soul lived, where wisdom came from, where memory was stored and where emotions sprang forth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was considered the most important of the body’s organs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ancient Greeks had similar beliefs about the heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet now, cardio-vascular disease is the number 1 cause of death globally (approximately 29% of all global deaths <a href="http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs317/en/">http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs317/en/</a>) and the leading cause of death for both men and women in America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2006, more than 1 in 4 Americans <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>died of heart disease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2010, heart disease cost the United States approximately $316.4 billion in health care services, medications and lost productivity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In California, the leading cause of death (35%) is due to Heart Disease and Stroke.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal">However, just as the ancient Egyptians and Greeks valued the heart, you can too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>February is American Heart Month and it’s the perfect time for a heart tune-up! Our health blog this month will help you recognize the risks and symptoms of heart disease and give you simple, easy to follow tips to help you become heart healthy! And if you are planning on being at the Central Valley Go Red For Women Fashion Show and Luncheon (Friday, February 11, 2011 <a href="https://ahafresno.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/20102011CentralValleyGoRedLuncheon/tabid/234136/Default.aspx">https://ahafresno.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/20102011CentralValleyGoRedLuncheon/tabid/234136/Default.aspx</a>) stop by our booth to say hi!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Risks</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">High cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, cigarette smoking, elevated Body Mass Index or BMI (overweight or obesity) and physical inactivity are major risk factors for heart disease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best way to mitigate all of the risk factors for heart disease is by addressing elevated BMI <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(being overweight/obese) and your first step in addressing that risk is by… well, taking a few steps. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reducing your weight by just 10% can significantly decrease your blood pressure, lower your blood cholesterol and reduce your risk of diabetes.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Symptoms<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">It can be difficult to “catch” cardio vascular disease because the build-up of cholesterol or rise in high blood pressure is usually gradual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is usually at the time of an event (such as a heart attack) that a person knows they have a disease. The most common symptom or sign of cardiovascular disease is angina or chest pain. You may feel tightness, burning, or swelling in your chest with angina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, these symptoms can also occur with heartburn, so you must consult your health care provider if they occur.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are also having heart palpitations, dizziness, nausea and excessive sweating, it is more likely to be a cardio vascular event such as a heart attack. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">During a heart attack, symptoms may last 30 minutes or longer and are not relieved by rest or oral medication.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To learn more and print a handy symptom guide, visit Mayo Clinic’s Heart Disease <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heart-disease/DS01120/DSECTION=symptoms">Symptom Guide</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u>If the symptoms are severe, immediately call 911.</u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Prevention - </b><b>So how do you get started on a heart healthy lifestyle?</b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 42.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->First, speak with your primary care provider about your concerns!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 78.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->At avecinia wellness center, we have a strong history of addressing our patient’s heart health issues and can work with you to develop a heart healthy plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also partner with other great health and wellness providers, such as <a href="http://www.fitnessstudio108.com/">Fitness Studio 108</a>, to help you get the most comprehensive attention to your heart;</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 78.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We offer many resources on our <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/">website</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/avecinia">facebook page</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can also log on to your <a href="https://2399.portal.athenahealth.com/">Patient Portal</a> and research any of the questions you may have.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 42.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Use the web to learn more!</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 78.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->If you don’t know where to go, visit our “<a href="http://www.facebook.com/avecinia?sk=app_6009294086">Your Health</a>” link on our Facebook page for a list of trusted resource.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 78.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Or <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>visit one of these health related web resources:</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 114.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -114.75pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The American Heart Association’s <a href="http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Tools-For-Your-Heart_UCM_308455_Article.jsp">Tools for Your Heart Health</a> site</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 114.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -114.75pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/index.htm">Heart Disease</a> site</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 114.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -114.75pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The Mayo Clinic <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heart-disease/DS01120">Heart Disease</a> site</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 114.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -114.75pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>iv.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/cvd/Pages/default.aspx">The California Heart Disease and Prevention Program</a> site</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 78.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Use the web to track your progress. Keeping a log is a proven way of remembering where you started, how you’re doing and measuring <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>your success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The American Heart Association has a several different progress trackers <a href="http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Keep-Track_UCM_318041_Article.jsp">here</a>.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 42.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Get your friends and family involved!</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 78.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The more, the merrier. Having the support of friends, family and loved ones makes it easier to overcome any challenges and more fun to celebrate the achievements!</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 114.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -114.75pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Take a 30 minute family walk together at least every other day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Use the time to unwind, connect, and encourage family fitness.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 114.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -114.75pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Cook dinner together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having more meals at home saves lives and money -Food at restaurants usually have higher fat content and portions are much larger than necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cooking at home allows you to control the amounts of fats, oils, and sugars used.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s also a great way to learn and teach healthy eating habits. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s a great link to heart healthy cooking:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/heart-disease-eat-right">WebMD</a></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 114.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -114.75pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Share your plan with your family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let them know you are serious so they can help you on the difficult days and keep you on track.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ready to get healthy?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">We recognize it may not be easy to take the first steps necessary to live a heart healthy life. But it’s not impossible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To see how incorporating physical activity and a healthier diet can change your life, view this report by Christina Lusby of KSEE 24 on <a href="http://www.ksee24.com/home/Diabetes---CLU-105559323.html">Bob Tharp</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bob lost over 80 pounds, has his diabetes under control, and is saving $500 a month all by incorporating physical activity and a proper diet into his routine with the guidance of avecinia wellness center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bob and avecinia are now working on developing a diabetes management support group for Fresno and Central Valley residents. We plan on having our first, free meeting in March!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To learn more about our program or join the mailing list, email us at <a href="mailto:wellness@avecinia.com">wellness@avecinia.com</a> with Diabetes Support Group in the subject line. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Get started today though by at least having an honest conversation with yourself, your loved ones, and your primary care provider on why you want to become heart healthy!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08058551969809405605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8510629209735488605.post-37149793846497744692010-12-31T02:03:00.000-08:002012-01-02T19:44:08.854-08:00Medicare's Annual Wellness Visit<div class="MsoNormal">
Healthcare Reform was a hot topic in 2010 and continues to be as we start the new year! There are many benefits introduced by the reform and one very important one that is set to start January 1<sup>st</sup>, 2011 is Medicare’s new Annual Wellness Visit! You may be asking yourself, “What is an Annual Wellness Visit?” and “Is it worth it for me to come in when I’m not sick?”- the answer to the second question is easy- YES! If you want to know what an Annual Wellness Visit is, read on!</div>
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The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Annual Wellness Visit</u></b><u> </u> is Medicare’s answer to providing a preventive (or well check) visit with a few extras that research has found helps you live healthier, happier lives. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">AND IT’S ALL FREE </b>for Medicare patients (if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, verify with your insurance provider that they too will cover your co-pay and deductible for Medicare’s Annual Wellness Visit)! Prior to enacting this new law and benefit, Medicare did not cover the physical portion of a preventive visit and only covered certain screening tests. More importantly, it did not give physicians and their patients a chance to sit down and talk about their general health, well-being and what the future may hold. Now, by scheduling and attending your Annual Wellness Visit when you are not sick, you can get the following along with a wellness visit:<br />
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<li><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Measurement of individual height, weight, Body Mass Index (“BMI”) , blood pressure (“BP”), and other routine measurements as deemed appropriate, based on the beneficiary’s medical/family history</i>;</li>
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<li>Measuring your BMI, blood pressure and other vitals gives us a quick picture of your current health. We can tell if you are at risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other health concerns just by a few simple, but vital, pieces of information.</li>
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<li><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Establishment of individual’s medical, family and social history;</i></li>
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<li>Knowing your most up to date family, medical and social history helps us determine if there are genetic or other reasons your risks may be greater than the average person.</li>
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<li><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A list of prescription medication;</i></li>
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<li>By reviewing your current list of medications, we can make sure you are not being prescribed too many medications or medications that have negative interactions with each other. Our Athenahealth Electronic Health Record program will in most cases have a current list of medications if you have been getting them from a pharmacy and using your insurance.</li>
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<li><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Establishment of a list of current providers and suppliers that are regularly involved in providing care to the individual</i>;</li>
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<li>Knowing who else you are seeing and for what health issues allows us to better coordinate your care and get in touch with the right physician if we need to.</li>
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<li><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Detection of any cognitive impairment that individual may have (review of risk of depression, mood disorders, Alzheimer’s, etc.);</i></li>
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<li>A simple questionnaire helps us determine if there might be potential mental health issues we should plan for while we can. </li>
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<li><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Review of individual’s functional ability and level of safety;</i></li>
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<li>This will help us make sure that you are not in any danger of hurting yourself.</li>
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<li><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Establishment of a list of risk factors and conditions for which more intervention is recommended or is under way;</i></li>
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<li>Knowing and understanding the health risks you may be facing can save you the trouble of unnecessary visits to the hospital or even worse when it is too late.</li>
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<li><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Personalized health advice and possible referral/follow-up for other covered preventive services such as weight-loss consultation, smoking cessation, diabetes management consultation; cholesterol management consultation, high blood pressure consultation, fall prevention and/or nutrition.</i></li>
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<li>Medicare realizes the importance of prevention and along with providing for a free Annual Wellness Visit, is also offering free services designed to help prevent, manage and reduce the most common health concerns for patients your age.</li>
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<li><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Establishment of a written screening schedule/checklist for the next 5-10 years as recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force;</i></li>
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<li>Knowing when to get proper screening is just as important as knowing what types of screening you may need.</li>
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<li><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(<b>Not a part of the Annual Visit as of 1/3/2011 but it is a discussion we recommend you have with your primary care physician during your Annual Wellness Visit</b>)Voluntary advanced care planning if desired (verbal or written information regarding the patients wishes in case an injury or illness causes the patient to be unable to make health care decisions at that point)</i></li>
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<li>This is an important but often over-looked aspect of your health and well-being. Knowing what you would like done, or not done, when it comes to important health decisions is good for your family, your provider and you. Why wait until you can’t make that decision to have someone else make it for you?</li>
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Each year after your initial Annual Wellness Visit, your provider should follow up with you with another wellness visit where your list of medications, providers, risk factors are updated and your current health and well-being are re-evaluated. If you can make your follow up wellness visit right after your Annual for the same day 12 months later, you won’t have to remember about making it later. </div>
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<b><u>What does this all mean for you/Why you should make an appointment for your Annual Wellness Visit?</u></b></div>
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A stitch in time saves nine. This time honored adage has never been truer when it comes to your health and well-being. Preventive medicine, that is medicine and services that help you from being sick or help you manage your current conditions so they don’t get worse, is the most important thing you can do to save your life, save your money, help your family, and even help the overall health care system and the American economy. For example, if during your Annual Wellness Visit, it is determined that you have or are at risk for Diabetes and then you take advantage of the free Diabetes Management services, you are more likely to control or not even get Diabetes. Controlling or not even getting Diabetes can save you hundreds of dollars a month just in prescriptions. We have had patients save over $500 a month by getting their Diabetes under control. If you don’t control your Diabetes and end up in the hospital because you need to be put on dialysis, your bill can be in the thousands. That can be money in your pocket and money the hospital and government can save. </div>
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Other benefits of getting your annual wellness visit and the yearly follow up are:</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>It’s an opportunity for you and your health care provider to discuss your health during a time when you are not in for a sick visit and therefore are not worried about a how you’re feeling at the moment;</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>Planning out what visits you might need, based on your health condition and risk factors, in the beginning of the year can help you make sure you have the time to take care of the things you need to take care of;</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>It’s an opportunity have an open and honest discussion with family members (after your visit, you should meet with family members to discuss what you and your health care provider discussed during our annual visit such as your current health, risks, additional screenings that might be necessary, and what you would want done in case of an emergency);</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">IT’S FREE!</b></div>
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So make your appointment today! You can call our office at 559-450-7299 to make an appointment or make an appointment request through the patient portal (go to <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/">www.avecinia.com</a>, then click on “My Account” to access your patient portal). When making an appointment, make sure you ask that it is for your Annual Wellness Visit (as long as you have not had your Welcome to Medicare Visit in the past 12 months or you are not new to Medicare within the past 12 months). Your appointment will be for approximately 25-30 minutes (including time to fill out some questionnaires). Although we have a list of your current medications, providers, family, personal and social history in our Electronic Health Record program, bring a list so we can confirm the information is accurate. During your visit, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire that will become part of your Personalized Prevention Plane. If you would like to fill this questionnaire out with the help of someone prior to the visit, just ask us and we can mail, email or fax it to you or you can download a copy from the Patient Portal under “Medical Forms” (the forms will be called Medicare Annual Wellness Visit Forms). </div>
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We are excited that Medicare is offering this incredible, valuable opportunity for you without any cost to you! We highly recommend you make your Annual Wellness Visit appointment as soon as possible, or if your family member or loved one is with Medicare, have them make an appointment as soon as possible (or make it for them if you are their care taker). See you soon!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">For daily updates on news, information and more on health care and wellness, join avecinia wellness center's facebook page (</span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/avecinia" style="font-size: small;">facebook.com/avecinia</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">) and follow avecinia on twitter (</span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/avecinia4health" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">twitter.com/avecinia4health</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">). avecinia wellness center is </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=about" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Fresno's premier integrative medicine and wellness center</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">. We combine internal medicine and primary care with health management, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=wm" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">weight management</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ap" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">acupuncture</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">aesthetics (Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse, Obagi and more)</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=mt" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">massage therapy</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> for a holistic approach to health. We use a robust electronic health record program and </span><a href="https://2399.portal.athenahealth.com/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">patient web portal</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> to enhance our delivery of services and to help our patients reach their optimal well-being. To learn more, visit </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" style="font-size: small;">www.avecinia.com</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">. If you are looking for a </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=contact&spg=newpatient" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">primary care doctor in Fresno or the Central Valley</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and would like to become a part of the avecinia family, visit our website and click on new patient registration. Let Dr. </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=Physicians#Dr.Hayat Index" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Unaiza Hayat</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and/or </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=staff" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Ali Kunkel, MPA, PA-C</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, become your trusted guides. Our Aesthetic, Weight Management, Acupuncture, Health Management and Massage Therapy services do not require us to be your primary care physician. Learn more at www.avecinia.com We look forward to meeting you!</span>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08058551969809405605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8510629209735488605.post-39363758531969610532010-12-01T10:08:00.000-08:002010-12-01T10:08:23.389-08:00Top “Five” Fitness Tips For The Holiday’s!<b>Annie Malaythong- Health Coach Studio 108</b><br />
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Holiday season is here! With family gatherings and holiday parties filled with baked goods, foods and alcohol it’s hard to stay on track. Let’s face it; we all worry about putting on “winter weight.” But what exactly are we doing about it? It’s time to be realistic. It would be a shame for you not to enjoy your family and friends and all the goods. So, let’s set realistic health and fitness goals to keep you on track! Here’s to a healthy 2010 and to a better 2011!<br />
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<ol><li><b>Realistic Fitness Action Plan</b>- Write out a “top 3” daily “Active To-Do” list to keep you feeling accomplished and productive with your fitness. Again, emphasize the “realistic.” If you currently are doing nothing for your fitness here’s an example:</li>
<ol><li>Walk for 15 minutes today. (Anywhere)</li>
<li> Stretch for 5 minutes.</li>
<li>Perform 3 different exercises that you are confident with.</li>
</ol><li><b>Spice it up! </b>Spicing up your workout can do wonders for your mind and body. Try doing something different. Studio 108 in Fresno offers unique classes such as Thai Budokon, Self-Defense Classes, Mind/Body/Stress-Free Yoga, or (30 minute) Express Cardio Intervals. If you’re not a group exercise person, try a personal trainer or a fitness specialist to mix it up. Mixing up your workouts and spicing it up will keep you motivated throughout the holidays and keep your body guessing. This will result in a longer fat burn</li>
<li><b>Easy on the Alcohol -</b>Alcohol consumption packs on additional calories. Think of every 8oz alcoholic drink as roughly 30 minutes of additional cardio.</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Understand your Calories IN vs. Calories OUT- </b>Check out your BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate). The number of calories you’d burn if you stayed in bed all day. That number represents how many calories you need to consume just to maintain life without working out or being active. If your calorie intake is more than calories being burned, you are more than likely progressively gaining weight. Staying active is the key!</div></li>
<li><b>“Cheating” moderately- </b>We all know sugar, sugar and sugar is the main ingredient for the holidays. If you can’t stay away or are tempted, try keeping your sugar intake to a minimum. A great trick is to fill up your sweets in the palm of your hand and limit choices to one “sweet palm” for the whole day. Example:</li>
</ol><ul><li>“I have choices of apple pie, cookies, toffee, pumpkin pie, etc...”</li>
<li>“I can only fit 2 pieces of toffee, and ½ of a pumpkin pie in the palm of my hand. I will limit my sweets to only these two options for the WHOLE day.</li>
<li>“I will not attempt to stack, mash, crumble, combine or overflow my palm. For every additional serving of a “sweet palm” is another 1,000 calories which is roughly two hours of cardio for an average 150lb person. Or for every three “sweet palms” is one extra pound of pure body fat. “ * Eating balance meals focusing on macronutrients will avoid cravings and keep you feeling full longer.*</li>
</ul><div>Moderation, balance and keeping active are key to a healthy you. Setting realistic goals, using some or all of the steps above, is a great way to start and stay on your fitness and well-being plan. Share it with your family and friends so you don't have to do it alone! Happy holidays and Happy New Year!</div><div><br />
</div><div>This blog was written by Annie Malaythong, Health Coach, <a href="http://www.fitnessstudio108.com/">Fitness Studio 108</a>. Annie is owns Fitness Studio 108 and was previously the Director of Fitness at Gold's Gym (Central Fresno). Annie is a spokesperson and Nutrition Specialist for "Run For The Dream" Project Child Obesity Campaign, has been on<a href="http://www.kmph.com/"> KMPH 26</a> and <a href="http://www.ksee24.com/">KSEE 24</a> and can be seen beginning December 29th on MTV's "I Used To Be Fat". avecinia wellness center works with Fitness Studio 108 to help our patients achieve their optimal well-being. Our individual weight loss and management program incorporates fitness and nutrition provided by experts at Fitness Studio 108. To learn more about avecinia wellness center and Fitness Studio 108's weight loss/management program, visit <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/">www.avecinia.com</a></div><div><br />
</div><div>avecinia wellness center is Fresno's premier integrative medical and wellness center. We combine primary care with health management, weight management, acupuncture, massage therapy and aesthetics to provide a holistic approach to your health and well-being. We use a state of the art electronic health record program and patient portal (by <a href="http://www.athenahealth.com/">athenahealth</a>) to help deliver our unique services to our patients. Learn more by visiting our website at <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/">www.avecinia.com</a> or "like" us at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/avecinia">www.facebook.com/avecinia</a> or follow us on twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/avecinia4health">www.twitter.com/avecinia4health</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08058551969809405605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8510629209735488605.post-86937474879454182962010-10-31T22:38:00.000-07:002010-10-31T22:40:31.287-07:00Healthy Holiday Eating Strategies<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Thanksgiving, and thus, the holiday season is rapidly approaching! It’s an exciting time of family, friends, giving, and, oh yes, FOOD! Many start worrying about their weight and their waistlines, especially those who are working on lowering that number on the scale.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">According to the National Institute of Health, the average weight gain during the holidays is only about 1 pound. That’s right, about 1. The problem is that most Americans don’t ever lose that pound of weight gain and it begins to add up over the years, increasing the risk for many chronic diseases.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Don’t panic. It’s important to recognize that you can enjoy holiday foods (it’s part of the fun!), but you want to stay balanced in the meantime. You don’t have to be afraid with a few strategies in mind:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></div><ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1;"><span style="color: windowtext;"><b>Don’t attempt to diet</b> and lose weight, instead try to <b>maintain </b>your weight. (This is a more realistic goal and will help you to feel successful through the holiday season) If you continue to lose weight, that’s great, and you can certainly continue to do so by maintaining healthy eating behaviors you’ve developed, but keep your expectations realistic.</span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1;"><b><span style="color: windowtext;">Exercise</span></b><span style="color: windowtext;"> to compensate for the extra calories you might be consuming, and to help relieve holiday stress. (This could be a walk with friends and family or outside playing with the kids)</span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1;"><span style="color: windowtext;"><b>Don’t skip meals</b>, trying to “save up” for that big holiday meal. (This will contribute to ravenous hunger, causing you to overeat.)</span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1;"><b><span style="color: windowtext;">Limit</span></b><span style="color: windowtext;"> alcohol as much as possible. (A mixed drink can have as much as 500 calories per cup!)</span><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: windowtext;">Calorie content of drinks: </span><o:p></o:p></li>
</ol><ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo3;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Beer: approx. 140 – 200 calories per 12 oz. </span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo3;"><span style="color: windowtext;">1.5 oz. shot of liquor: 115 – 200 calories </span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo3;"><span style="color: windowtext;">4 oz. wine: 60 – 160 calories </span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo3;"><span style="color: windowtext;">8 oz. margarita: approximately 400 calories </span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo3;"><span style="color: windowtext;">8 oz. egg nog: approximately 350 calories </span><o:p></o:p></li>
</ul></ol><ol start="5" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1;"><span style="color: windowtext;"><b>Put your snacks </b>& appetizers on a small plate instead of a large one and limit your trips to the buffet. Wait <b>20 minutes </b>before getting another plate of food. (It takes 20 minutes for your brain to get the message that you are full.)</span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1;"><span style="color: windowtext;"><b>Take smaller bites</b> and eat slowly. Try taking time to <b>enjoy your food and the conversation with the people around you. </b></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1;"><span style="color: windowtext;"><b>Substitute butter</b> and margarine with plant sterol based products like Benecol and Take Control.</span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1;"><span style="color: windowtext;"><b>Try a healthy recipe </b>for popular dishes such as Mashed Potatoes:</span><o:p></o:p></li>
</ol><ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5 medium russet potatoes (medium white or red potatoes can also be used)</span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 green onions, white and part of green, finely chopped</span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/3 cup fat-free half and half (low-fat milk or whole milk can also be used)</span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/4 cup fat-free or light sour cream</span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 tablespoon butter (or no- or low-trans fat margarine or plant based sterol product)</span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/2 teaspoon minced or crushed garlic (optional)</span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Salt and pepper to taste</span><o:p></o:p></li>
</ul></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt; mso-outline-level: 3;"><b><span style="color: #799a41; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Preparation:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 2.25pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1. Pierce each potato several times with a fork and microwave the potatoes on HIGH until they are tender throughout (about 20 minutes depending on your microwave.) You can also bake or boil the potatoes until tender if you prefer. Let potatoes cool a few minutes.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 2.25pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> 2. Peel off skins (and discard) and add the potato flesh to a large mixing bowl along with the green onions, fat-free half and half, sour cream, butter or margarine, and garlic.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 2.25pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3. Beat on low speed until fairly smooth and blended. Add salt and pepper to taste.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt; mso-outline-level: 3;"><b><span style="color: #799a41; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yield:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 2.25pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6 servings<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt; mso-outline-level: 3;"><b><span style="color: #799a41; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nutritional Information:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 2.25pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Per serving: 187 calories, 5 g protein, 37 g carbohydrate, 2 g fat (1.2 g saturated fat, 0.6 g monounsaturated fat, 0.1 g polyunsaturated fat), 6 mg cholesterol, 3.5 g fiber, 55 mg sodium (not including salt to taste).<o:p></o:p></span></div><ol start="9" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1;"><span style="color: windowtext;"><b>Forget the </b>“all-or-nothing” mindset. Instead, focus on “sometimes” and “for special occasions” to consume certain foods and beverages. Depriving yourself of special holiday foods isn’t a healthful eating strategy. </span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1;"><span style="color: windowtext;"><b>Remember </b>that it is a <b>holiDAY</b>, not a holiWEEK! Make the special occasions special!</span></li>
</ol><div>Have a Happy Thanksgiving!</div><div><br />
</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">This blog was written by Sunny Yingling, MS, RD. Sunny is one of avecinia wellness center's trusted resources and we refer many of our patients needing diet and nutritional counseling to Sunny. Sunny is a Professor of Nutrition at Clovis Community College and can regularly be seen on Central Valley Today on <a href="http://www.ksee24.com/features/central-valley-today/96837329.html"><u><b>KSEE 24</b></u></a>. Sunny also works with our friends at <a href="http://www.fitnessstudio108.com/"><u><b>Fitness Studio 108</b></u></a>. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment with Sunny, you can email her at <a> <a href="mailto:sunnymarie3@hotmail.com">sunnymarie3@hotmail.com.</a> <br />
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avecinia wellness center is Fresno's premier integrative medicine and wellness center and your partner in optimal well-being! We invite you to join us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/avecinia"><u><b>facebook</b></u></a> and follow us on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/avecinia4health"><u><b>twitter</b></u></a></a> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;"> </div><div class="MsoListParagraph"><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08058551969809405605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8510629209735488605.post-54342191412608208022010-10-01T18:10:00.000-07:002012-01-02T19:45:07.328-08:00Health Care, Wellness and the Affordable Care Act of 2010<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">As the valley’s premier Integrative Medicine and Wellness center, avecinia wellness center is committed to your care and well-being. As such, we are committed to helping empower you so you can make the best choices when it comes to your healthcare and well-being. Your choice in health insurance should never effect your decisions about improving your health and well-being. However, since the cost of health insurance is an important factor, it is vital for you to be well informed so you can make the best choice for you and/or your family. We hope the following information helps guide you towards better health and well-being.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">In March of 2010, the President signed into law the hotly debated Affordable Care Act. Whether you agree with the act or not, it is now the law and many of its provisions and benefits kicked in September 23<sup>rd</sup>. But they only apply to new plans, or plans that begin on or after September 23, 2010. Here is a summary of these benefits, benefits to come and how they affect you (we categorize them by who they affect). As always recommended, call your insurance provider, employee benefits manager, or a licensed Health Insurance Broker if you have questions about your plan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">For everyone:</span></u></b></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"> </span></span> </span></span><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Preventive Care</span></i></li>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">Plans starting on or after September 23, 2010 will cover all your costs for a Preventive Care visit. That means you do not have to pay a copayment, co-insurance or any deductible for preventive health services such as recommend screenings, vaccinations and counseling. <b>Keep in mind</b> that coverage is only for in-network providers, and is only applicable if the preventive service is the primary purpose of the visit. If the preventive service is in addition to other services, your plan may require to pay for the visit. If you have questions, please call your health insurance provider to verify which services are considered preventive and are free to you (i.e., you have no copay, co-insurance or deductible). When making an appointment for a preventive service, make sure you inform your physicians at the time you are making an appointment that it is for a covered preventive service. If you need to discuss any service or health issue outside what your health insurance plan covers as a preventive service, your provider has to submit that information to the health insurance plan and you may be billed for the visit because it is no longer considered a preventive visit. </span></li>
</ul>
<li><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">An End to Pre-Existing Conditions for Children</span></i></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Health Insurers cannot deny children (under 19 years old) health insurance because of preexisting conditions. A ban on adult discrimination will take effect in 2014. That means if your plan went into effect after September 23, 2010 and in November your child is hospitalized because of a severe asthma attack. Your new plan cannot deny payment for the hospitalization due to your child’s “pre-existing condition.” <b>Keep in mind</b> that insurance companies are now reducing the number of children only plans. When looking for an insurance plan, make sure it covers your kids!</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Coverage for young adults under the age of 26</span></i></li>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">Under the Affordable Care Act, if your plan covers children, you can now add or keep your children on your health insurance plan until they turn 26. This applies to your kids even if they are married or can get insurance from their employers group plan. Your child does not have to be living with you or be financially dependent on you. <b>Keep in mind</b> that you must enroll your children within the open enrollment period. </span></li>
</ul>
<li><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Doctor Choice & ER Access</span></i></li>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">The Act helps preserves your choice of primary care physician within your health insurance plans network. It also prohibits health insurance plans from requiring a referral before you can see a OB-GYN in your network. <b>Importantly</b>, the Act prevents health insurance plans from requiring higher copayments or co-insurance for out-of-network emergency room services and it prohibits plans from requiring prior approval before seeking emergency room services from a provider or hospital outside of your plan’s network. <b>Keep in mind</b> that you will still be responsible for the difference between the amount billed by the out of network provider and the amount paid by your health insurance plan.</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Insurance Cancellation</span></i></li>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">Health Insurers cannot retroactively rescind (declare your policy invalid from the date you started your policy) your insurance policy for an honest mistake or missing information that has no bearing on your health. That means if your plan went into effect after September 23, 2010 and you are later diagnosed with cancer, your health insurance provider cannot rescind your plan because you left out your hospitalization for a broken arm 6 years ago. <b>Keep in mind</b> that intentionally falsifying or misleading the insurance company still gives them cause to rescind your policy. Your health insurance provider has to give you 30 days notice before it can rescind your policy so you can appeal the decision or find new coverage.</span></li>
</ul>
<li><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Appealing Health Plan Decisions</span></i></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">You now have the right to appeal your health insurance providers denial of payment, service or treatment. If your plan upholds its denial, you have the right to ask for an independent review. <b>Keep in mind</b> that your state may have additional rules/regulations that effect your appeal. For more information in California, click<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> </span><a href="http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0100-consumers/0020-health-related/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b>here</b></span></a>.</span></li>
</ul>
<li><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lifetime and Annual Limits</span></i></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lifetime limits on most benefits are prohibited on plans issued or renewed after September 23, 2010. Annual Limit are being phased out as well. No plan that begins after September 23, 2010 can set an annual limit lower than $750,000. By January 1, 2014, no annual limits will be allowed on most covered benefits. <b>Keep in mind</b> that the ban on limits only applies to essential services. Some plans may be eligible for a waiver if complying with the ban on the limit would mean a significant decrease in benefits or increase in premiums.</span></li>
</ul>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">For Medicare:</span></u></b></div>
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<li><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Preventive Care</span></i></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">Medicare must now pay for 100 percent of the cost of annual physicals and other preventive care visits (see above for more information).</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Seniors Receive “Donut Hole” Rebate</span></i></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Seniors with Medicare prescription drug coverage that have reached their coverage gap in 2010 will get a 1 time tax free $250 rebate. Beginning in 2011, Medicare recipients will receive 50% off of covered brand-name drugs while in the “donut hole.”</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Stronger Medicare Anti-Fraud provisions</span></i></li>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">Visit <a href="http://www.stopmedicarefraud.gov/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b>www.stopmedicarefraud.gov</b></span></a> to see how you can help curtail Medicare fraud.</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">For Businesses:</span></u></b><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Small business tax credit for providing health insurance</span></i></li>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">Small business with less than 25 employees may be eligible for a tax credit of up to 35% to offset the cost of providing health insurance to their employees. If you are a small business owner, check with your accountant to see if you qualify or how you can qualify.</span></li>
</ul>
<li><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Wellness Program Grants for Small Business</span></i></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Small business with less than 100 employees may be eligible for grants to cover Wellness Programs that started after March 23, 2010. Grants will be available in 2011.</span></li>
</ul>
<li><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Early Retirement Reinsurance Program</span></i></li>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">The Act provides $5 billion in financial assistance to employers and unions to help them maintain coverage for early retirees age 55 and older who are not yet eligible for Medicare.</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
</div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">To learn more about the provisions of the Affordable Care Act, visit<u> </u><a href="http://www.healthcare.gov/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b>www.healthcare.gov</b></span></a>. To learn more about Medicare, visit<u> </u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><a href="http://www.n4a.org/">www.n4a.org</a>. </span></b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">This video is a helpful summary</span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Choosing an Health Insurance Plan</span></u></b><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">If you are purchasing a health insurance plan on your own or your employer gives you the option to select from a variety of health insurance plans, visit the California Department of Insurance <a href="http://interactive.web.insurance.ca.gov/ppo/front"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">PPO Ratings</span></b></a> to learn which plans had the best rankings. According to the Department of Insurance, <a href="http://www.aetna.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Aetna PPO</span></b></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">, </span></b><a href="http://www.cigna.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">CIGNA PPO</span></b></a> and <a href="https://www.healthnet.com/portal/home.do"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Health Net of California PPO</span></b></a> rated the highest as rated by their members across a variety of standards. As a practice, we have noticed that Aetna, CIGNA, and <a href="http://www.uhc.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">United Healthcare</span></b></a> provide coverage for a wide range of services, have less administrative burdens, and are more consumer friendly and oriented than other health insurance companies. You can also contact a licensed Insurance Broker who will help guide you through the insurance maze and help you find the plan that best fits your needs. A broker will do this for you for free because they get a commission from the insurance company. Overall, insurance companies pay the same amount of commission so a licensed broker should not be swayed towards one policy or another but should help you find the solution that is best for you. If you are looking for a broker or have questions in general, contact Shane Moore at Valley Employee Benefits & Insurance Solutions. He can be reached at (559) 325-2500 or by email at shane@valleyemployeebenefits.com. If you have other questions, please call or email avecinia wellness center’s insurance specialist, Colette Vaquilar at (559) 450-7298 or billing@avecinia.com. Visit <a href="http://www.avecinia.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">www.avecinia.com</span></b></a> and "like" us at <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/avecinia">www.facebook.com/avecinia</a></span></b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">For daily updates on news, information and more on health care and wellness, join avecinia wellness center's facebook page (</span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/avecinia" style="font-size: small;">facebook.com/avecinia</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">) and follow avecinia on twitter (</span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/avecinia4health" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">twitter.com/avecinia4health</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">). avecinia wellness center is </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=about" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Fresno's premier integrative medicine and wellness center</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">. We combine internal medicine and primary care with health management, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=wm" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">weight management</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ap" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">acupuncture</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=ae" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">aesthetics (Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse, Obagi and more)</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=services&spg=mt" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">massage therapy</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> for a holistic approach to health. We use a robust electronic health record program and </span><a href="https://2399.portal.athenahealth.com/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">patient web portal</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> to enhance our delivery of services and to help our patients reach their optimal well-being. To learn more, visit </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/" style="font-size: small;">www.avecinia.com</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">. If you are looking for a </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=contact&spg=newpatient" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">primary care doctor in Fresno or the Central Valley</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and would like to become a part of the avecinia family, visit our website and click on new patient registration. Let Dr. </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=Physicians#Dr.Hayat Index" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Unaiza Hayat</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and/or </span><a href="http://www.avecinia.com/?pg=aboutus&spg=staff" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Ali Kunkel, MPA, PA-C</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, become your trusted guides. Our Aesthetic, Weight Management, Acupuncture, Health Management and Massage Therapy services do not require us to be your primary care physician. Learn more at www.avecinia.com We look forward to meeting you!</span>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08058551969809405605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8510629209735488605.post-73848035237738569162010-09-01T12:11:00.000-07:002010-09-01T12:11:37.271-07:00Massage Therapy<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Massage therapy has a long history in cultures around the world. In fact, references to massage appear in writings from ancient China, Japan, India, Arabic nations, Egypt, Greece (Hippocrates defined medicine as “the art of rubbing”), and Rome.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Massage became widely used in Europe during the Renaissance. In the 1850s, two American physicians who had studied in Sweden introduced massage therapy in the United States, where it became popular and was promoted for a variety of health purposes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Today people use many different types of massage therapy for a variety of health-related purposes. In the United States, massage therapy is often considered part of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), although it does have some conventional uses.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The term “massage therapy” encompasses many different techniques. In general, therapists press, rub, and otherwise manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the body. They most often use their hands and fingers, but may use their forearms, elbows or feet.</span></span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div></span></span><div><div class="WordSection1"><div class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Benefits Of Massage </span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </strong></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People use massage for a variety of health-related purposes, including to relieve pain, rehabilitate sports injuries, reduce stress, increase relaxation, address anxiety and depression, and aid general wellness.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Massage is useful for all of the conditions listed below and more:</span></div><div class="Level1"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alleviate </span><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">low-back pain</span></span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and improve range of motion;</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ease medication dependence;</span></li>
<li><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enhance </span><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">immunity</span></span></strong><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system;</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Exercise and stretch </span><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">weak, tight, or atrophied muscles;</span></span></strong></li>
<li><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Help </span><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">athletes</span></span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts;</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Increase </span><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">joint flexibility;</span></span></strong></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lessen </span><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">depression and anxiety;</span></span></strong></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Promote tissue regeneration, reducing </span><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">scar tissue and stretch marks</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">; </span></strong></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b></b>Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving </span><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">circulation;</span></span></strong></li>
<li><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reduce </span><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">post surgery adhesions and swelling</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">;</span></strong></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong></strong>Reduce </span><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">spasms and cramping</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">;</span></strong></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong></strong>Relax and soften injured, tired, and </span><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">overused muscles</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">;</span></strong></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong></strong>Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller; and</span></li>
<li><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Relieve</span></span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> migraine pain.</span></li>
</ul><div class="Level1"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A Powerful Ally</span></strong></div><div class="Level1"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </strong></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Regardless of the adjectives we assign to it (rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reasons we seek it out (stress relief, pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen. Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can help manage stress. This translates into: </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Decreased anxiety;</span></li>
<li><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enhanced sleep quality;</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Greater energy;</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Improved concentration;</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Increased circulation; and </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reduced fatigue.</span></li>
</ul></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Furthermore, the emotional balance bodywork provides can often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Consequently, the medical community is actively embracing bodywork, and massage is becoming an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At avecinia wellness center, our approach to incorporating massage therapy into your health care and wellness is unique in Fresno. Our highly trained therapists, Bethany Clague and Michael Greene work with our providers, Dr. Unaiza Hayat and Ali Kunkel, MPA, PA-C to coordinate care in instances where massage therapy is deemed useful. By incorporating massage therapy and coordinating care, you can be assured that you receive the best, specific care to match your needs. Make your appointment today to see either Beth or Mike. In September, a basic, 25 minute massage is only $30 (save $10). </span></span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Written by Michael Greene)</span></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08058551969809405605noreply@blogger.com1