Dad, He-Man, Superman. Whatever you call him, he's special!

Father's day is June 19^th, celebrate your father's good health with him!

Men's health in their 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's and beyond!

Father's day is June 19^th! 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!

20-30's

The 20's and 30's are the best time for a man to develop the right habits, such as:

• Getting regular exercise (at least 30 minutes a day, 3-4 days a week);
  
• Eating well by learning portion control, how to read nutrition labels, and eating your veggies;
  
• 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
  
• 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.
  

40's-50's

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

• 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;
  
• Have you tried Salmon with Tomato and Dill 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
  
• 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 Obagi's Award Winning NuDerm SPF50 sunscreen. Both are 33% off and available at avecinia wellness center during our Big June Sale!
  

60's and beyond!

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.

• Treating chronic disease conditions such as diabetes or hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) is imperative;
  
• 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;
  
• 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
  
• 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).
  

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!

Happy Father's Day!



For daily updates on news, information and more on health care and wellness, join avecinia wellness center's facebook page (facebook.com/avecinia) and follow avecinia on twitter (twitter.com/avecinia4health). avecinia wellness center is Fresno's premier integrative medicine and wellness center. We combine internal medicine and primary care with health management, weight management, acupuncture, aesthetics (Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse, Obagi and more) and massage therapy 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 primary care doctor in Fresno 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 Dr. Unaiza Hayat and/or Ali Kunkel, MPA, PA-C, 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!

Happy Mother's Day: Women's Health in their 30's, 40's, 50's and beyond!

Mother’s Day is May 8^th! 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 Page or call us at 559-450-7299 to learn more and RSVP!

In your 30's

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. 

Tips:

• Form a walking, workout or other exercise group. Doing activities in group help individuals stick to a regimen; 
• Watch your caloric intake. A snack here and there will add up; 
• Keep a log of your period to gauge irregularity; 
• According to homeopathic medicine, soy (from soy milk or Japanese diet) can help relieve symptoms of menopause.

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.

Tips:

• Drink plenty of water and incorporate into your daily habit; 
• 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 Obagi’s Nu Derm SPF 50 or Colorescience Pro SPF 50 Mineral brush; 
• Start using a moisturizer- some moisturizers will also have sunscreen in it.  We recommend Vivite’s Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30; 
• Talk to your doctor about using a serum with Vitamin C or Vitamin E. We recommend Obagi’s Professional C Serum or C-RX System.

In your 40’s

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.

Tips:

• During this time a mammogram every 1-2 years is an important preventative health tool; 
• Women consider incorporating a Vitamin D and calcium supplement daily to help prevent a decrease in bone density

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.

Tips:

• Drink plenty of water; 
• Dermal fillers can help give back lost elasticity.  Juvéderm® XC and Radiesse® are good fillers;
• Vitamin C serums help rebuild lost collagen; 
• 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 E-matrix Sublative Rejuvenation;

In your 50's

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.

Tips:

• There are different treatment options, ranging from non-pharmacological symptom management to hormone replacement therapy, depending of a woman’s symptoms and the severity.  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 www.avecinia.com to learn more about how we may be able to help you!

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.

Tips:

• Talk to your physician about dermal fillers and complementary skin rejuvenation systems such as Obagi’s NuDerm or Vivite’s Glycolic System;
• Sublative Rejuvination/IPL/Laser may be good alternatives to more severe surgical procedures.

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! 

For more information on women's health, visit these websites:

http://www.healthywomen.org/

http://www.helpguide.org/life/healthy_eating_diet.htm

http://www.womenshealth.gov/

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.

For daily updates on news, information and more on health care and wellness, join avecinia wellness center's facebook page (facebook.com/avecinia) and follow avecinia on twitter (twitter.com/avecinia4health). avecinia wellness center is Fresno's premier integrative medicine and wellness center. We combine internal medicine and primary care with health management, weight management, acupuncture, aesthetics (Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse, Obagi and more) and massage therapy 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 primary care doctor in Fresno 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 Dr. Unaiza Hayat and/or Ali Kunkel, MPA, PA-C, 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!