New Year’s Thoughts from a ‘Boomer’ Doc

by Jane M. Orient, M.D.

The words of the year as 2019 ends appear to be “OK Boomer” and “woke.” To this Boomer, it appears that the younger generation is blaming us for all the Evil in the world, from their perch of “woke” moral superiority. They consider us to be out of touch and over the hill.

According to Merriam-Webster, “woke” means “aware of and actively attentive to important facts and issues (especially issues of racial and social justice).” It went from being a black activist watchword to internet slang.

It is apparent that there is a giant political divide in this country, partly but not entirely intergenerational. In my opinion, my generation bears a lot of blame, but probably not in the way that most Millennials think. Waiting for us to die and get out of the way is not going to solve the problem—particularly in medicine.

There is one indisputable advantage I have as a Boomer. I have had the experience of being young; my younger patients have not experienced growing old. I know exactly what that cross-stitched embroidery on my wall means: “Ve get so soon old und so late schmart.”

I was young and impressionable and passionately held some very ill-informed opinions. I did some stupid things—but did not do worse things because I had the benefit of learning something from older people’s experience.

I had the inestimable advantage, which so many young people today lack, of having a traditional extended family. My mother was at home, running my father’s contracting business. My grandparents lived next door. I played Scrabble with Grandma, and learned a little German from Grandpa. My father was home every night. I got some invaluable experience, not especially enjoyable at the time, by sweeping the floor and picking up bent nails at construction sites.

I got a nice head start because of my dad’s hard work. It put me through medical school debt-free. Most Millennials cannot have the same advantage. Their daddies could not have learned skills like carpentry at home, or built a house by themselves, starting with the surveying and ditch-digging with pick and shovel. “Protective” regulations would have prevented it. They cannot build up savings as I could, when one could earn real interest not cancelled out by inflation, and when much less of one’s paycheck was devoured by taxation.

Do Millennials have the same chance to get into medical school as I did? It depends. The admissions process in my day was generally meritocratic even if not entirely fair. Today, the main emphasis is “diversity.” Straight white males and Asians seem to face discrimination. A correct attitude is critical, while organic chemistry may not be required at all—never mind that the body is a chemical factory, built on carbon-based (i.e. organic) chemicals. The new doctors are different—not necessarily better.

Virtually all students will face a crushing load of debt, because of soaring tuition without any improvement in knowledge output. Unable to take the financial risk of declaring independence, and faced with new, ever-increasing re-certification requirements, young physicians will be enslaved to the opinions of their employers and specialty boards.

The Boomer generation is largely responsible. The Berkeley window-smashing “Free Speech” movement assured your ability to constantly fling obscene or profane words, while undermining cultural norms and traditional authorities. One institution after another—universities, the media, churches, professional organizations, charities, political parties, even businesses—surrendered to the radicals’ Marxist, holier-than-thou ideology.

Boomers also brought us the “entitlements” that are bankrupting government and mortgaging the labor of the younger generation. Most don’t care about robbing their grandchildren when this consequence is pointed out to them. State governments, professionals, insurers, and bureaucrats are also most concerned about getting their share of the loot.

The younger generation throughout its early years is trapped in age-segregated cocoons, surrounded by guilt-inducing, fear-inspiring indoctrination; immersed in virtual reality; isolated from natural family, their cultural history, opportunities to learn real-world skills, and dissenting opinions.

As C.S. Lewis pointed out, it is important to read old books because each generation makes different mistakes. It is critical for the generations to talk to each other—to break down the barriers of censorship and distrust, to seek universal truths, and to keep the flame of freedom alive. We need to be awake and in touch.

###

Jane M. Orient, M.D. obtained her undergraduate degrees in chemistry and mathematics from the University of Arizona in Tucson, and her M.D. from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1974. She completed an internal medicine residency at Parkland Memorial Hospital and University of Arizona Affiliated Hospitals and then became an Instructor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine and a staff physician at the Tucson Veterans Administration Hospital. She has been in solo private practice since 1981 and has served as Executive Director of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) since 1989. She is currently president of Doctors for Disaster Preparedness. She is the author of YOUR Doctor Is Not In: Healthy Skepticism about National Healthcare, and the second through fifth editions of Sapira's Art and Science of Bedside Diagnosis published by Wolters Kluwer. She authored books for schoolchildren, Professor Klugimkopf’s Old-Fashioned English Grammar and Professor Klugimkopf’s Spelling Method, published by Robinson Books, and coauthored two novels published as Kindle books, Neomorts and Moonshine. More than 100 of her papers have been published in the scientific and popular literature on a variety of subjects including risk assessment, natural and technological hazards and nonhazards, and medical economics and ethics. She is the editor of AAPS News, the Doctors for Disaster Preparedness Newsletter, and Civil Defense Perspectives, and is the managing editor of the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons.

First year of the Montreal Heart Institute's Diabetes Prevention Clinic supported by Sun Life Financial

Patients on the road to recovery from type 2 diabetes

MONTREAL, Jan. 13, 2020 /CNW/ - What if you were told you could reverse the course of type 2 diabetes through exercise and a healthy diet? That was the challenge this past year for patients at the Montreal Heart Institute's Diabetes Prevention Clinic supported by Sun Life Financial. The health team is thrilled with the progress achieved by its 180 participants during the clinic's first year.

  • 72% reduced their waist circumference by an average of 5 cm 
  • 80% lost weight, with patients losing an average of 3.72 kg (8 lb) 
  • 67% reduced their circulating insulin levels by an average of 29.54 pmol/L 
  • 77% reduced their glycated hemoglobin (average blood sugar over 3 months) by 0.6 % 
  • 64% improved their fasting glucose levels, with a drop of 7.6% 
  • 60% reduced their triglycerides by 9.5% 
  • 60% increased their good cholesterol (HDL) by 5%

"These are impressive results after just one year! I congratulate the patients who undertook this challenge and I thank the clinic's health care professionals who've helped guide them on their road to recovery," said Jacques Goulet, President of Sun Life Canada. "With so many Canadians affected by diabetes, Sun Life is committed to fighting the disease and its potentially serious complications. This initiative aligns with our purpose, which is to help our Clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. "

"Lifestyle is better than medication for treating diabetes, and doesn't involve the side effects frequently associated with medication. The clinic delivers the best tools to patients, so they can minimize complications related to their disease," said Dr. Martin Juneau, Director of Prevention at the Montreal Heart Institute and Diabetes Prevention Clinic supervisor.

A multidisciplinary team of health practitioners meets periodically with participants and gives them the tools they need to make healthy lifestyle changes and improve their health. This multidisciplinary program is offered at the Montreal Heart Institute's EPIC Center, thanks to a donation of $450,000 from Sun Life. 

A tailored program to meet growing demand
The Diabetes Prevention Clinic's mission is to turn the tide on diabetes through early detection and healthy lifestyle strategies. This program meets a growing demand for preventive services for patients with diabetes and prediabetes, chronic conditions currently affecting 1 in 3 Canadians. Cardiovascular disease is the most common complication and leading cause of death in patients with type 2 diabetes1. Fortunately, many studies show that type 2 diabetics who make lifestyle changes, including a high-quality diet, regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, no tobacco use and moderate alcohol consumption, reduce their risk of premature death from cardiovascular disease. 

Diabetes is the 5th-leading cause of premature death in the world. Hyperglycemia from the onset of diabetes has multiple adverse effects on cardiovascular risk factors, including atherosclerosis, hypertension and dyslipidemia. These issues, together with the damage hyperglycemia causes to small blood vessels, mean type 2 diabetes increases the incidence of coronary heart disease by 2 to 4 times2.

Sun Life in the community 
At Sun Life, we are committed to building sustainable, healthier communities for life and we're proud to hold the Caring Company designation from Imagine Canada. Community wellness is an important part of our sustainability commitment and we believe that by actively supporting the communities in which we live and work, we can help build a positive environment for our Clients, Employees, advisors and shareholders. Our philanthropic support focuses on two key areas: health, with an emphasis on diabetes awareness, prevention, care and research initiatives through our Team Up Against DiabetesTM platform; and arts and culture, through our award-winning Making the Arts More AccessibleTMprogram. Since 2012, Sun Life has committed $31 million globally to support diabetes awareness, prevention, care and research initiatives. In Quebec our sponsorship and donation initiatives also focus on home economics and financial education

We also partner with sports properties in key markets to further our commitment to healthy and active living. Our Employees and advisors take great pride in volunteering over 29,000 hours each year and contribute to making life brighter for individuals and families across Canada. 

About the Montreal Heart Institute
Founded in 1954, the Montreal Heart Institute constantly aims for the highest standards of excellence in the cardiovascular field through its leadership in clinical and basic research, ultra-specialized care, professional training and prevention. It houses the largest cardiovascular research center in Canada, the largest cardiovascular prevention center in the country, and the largest cardiovascular genetics center in the country. The Institute is affiliated with the University of Montreal and has more than 2,000 employees, including 245 doctors and more than 85 researchers.

About the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation
Founded in 1977, the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation raises and administers funds to support the Institute's priority and innovative projects and fight cardiovascular diseases, the world's number one cause of mortality. Its philanthropic events and the contributions of its donors have enabled this leading cardiovascular health care organization to become the largest cardiac research centre in the country. Since its creation, the Foundation has raised more than $283 million in donations. Its 27,514 donors helped make important discoveries and support specialists, professionals and researchers of the Institute to provide care at the cutting edge of technology to tens of thousands of patients in Quebec.

About the EPIC Center
The MHI's EPIC Center is the largest centre for cardiovascular disease prevention in Canada, with more than 5500 registered members. The Center has a bit more than 80 employees and is part of the Prevention Branch of the Montreal Heart Institute. The centre is for healthy people who wish to keep it that way (primary prevention) as well as for patients who had a cardiac accident (readaptation and secondary prevention). The staff includes physicians, cardiologists, internists, emergency physicians, a physiologist, visiting professors, nurses, nutritionists, kinesiologists and rescuers.

Montreal Heart Institute Foundation
Isabelle Pelletier
514 238-4178
Ipelletier.pr@gmail.com

Sun Life
Mylène Bélanger
514-904-9739
mylene.belanger@sunlife.com

http://observatoireprevention.org/2018/06/28/un-mode-de-vie-sain-reduit-les-complications-cardiovasculaires-du-diabete-de-type-2/
http://observatoireprevention.org/2017/02/02/complications-cardiovasculaires-diabete/
http://observatoireprevention.org/2018/06/28/un-mode-de-vie-sain-reduit-les-complications-cardiovasculaires-du-diabete-de-type-2/
http://observatoireprevention.org/2017/02/02/complications-cardiovasculaires-diabete/

SOURCE Sun Life Financial Inc.

FLU SEASON OFF TO “ATYPICAL” EARLY START

Influenzas B Strain of Flu Virus Makes Early Arrival This 

Flu Season

Influenza B Impacting Children More than Adults, Parents Need to Take Necessary Precautions Now to Protect Children 

MEMPHIS, TENN. – As flu season enters 2020, the influenza B strain of the flu virus has arrived earlier than normal making this year’s season off to an “atypically” early start, says Dr. Richard Webby, a member of the Infectious Diseases Department at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the World Health Organization’s Vaccine Composition Team.  

“Often we see the influenza B strain of the flu virus later in the season, sometimes following influenza A virus circulation – but this season, we see the influenza B strain arriving earlier than normal kicking off this year’s flu season ‘atypically’ early,” suggests Dr. Richard Webby, a member of the Infectious Diseases Department at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the World Health Organization’s Vaccine Composition Team. “Regardless of what strain of influenza you get, the best protection from the flu virus is the flu vaccine. It is still the most valuable and life-saving public health tool in preventing and spreading the flu.”

At this moment the Influenza Victoria B strain is the most dominant strain of the virus in the country and is impacting children more than adults.  The Victoria B Influenza strain appeared in Victoria, Australia some three  decades ago and circulates in humans along with another influenza b virus and two influenza A viruses-which is the reason most of our flu shots have four components.  

“We don’t know exactly why the Influenza B strain impacts children more than adults, but if we compare how much viruses have changed the B strain tends to change a little more slowly.  Therefore, it is possible that adults have the opportunity to build up more immunity over time to this particular strain and thus resulting in greater natural protection,” said Dr. Webby. 

Webby continued, “Because of the nature of the Influenza B strain’s greater impact on children and its early arrival, parents need to be extra cautious and take the necessary steps now, such as the getting their child the flu shot and going to their doctor early in the course of illness, to protect them from this potentially lethal strain.” 

Dr. Webby penned a recent guest piece in Newsweek alerting everyone to get the flu shot as it is the best protection from the flu virus. 

“It’s certainly not too late to get the flu shot. It is composed of both influenza A antigens and influenzas B antigens, which will help fight the flu and keep you healthy. While we are seeing an early B season, last year we saw what was almost two consecutive flu seasons involving different viruses. If that happens again, now would be a good time to get vaccinated in preparation for the second virus,” concluded Webby. 

"SOUND HEALING" NEW HEALTH TREND BRINGS ASMR TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Neuroscience Expert Shares Insight to this Unique Approach to Wellness By now you've probably heard of ASMR, (auto sensory meridian response) the massively growing trend that's all the rage on social media. In case you haven't, it's the sound-oriented videos of people doing various noise-making activities like whispering, nail tapping, food eating, and more. People around the world are bonding over the unexpected euphoric sensation they get from hearing certain noises. But can sound do more for us than just give us tingles? According to Neuroscience expert Dr. Patrick Porter, it certainly can and "sound healing" is a new wellness trend that brings ASMR to the next level. Sound Healing is an ancient practice that has been used to improve mental, physical, and emotional health. There are different types of sound healing including vibrational therapy, a method that uses vibrations from gongs and tuning forks to relax the mind and body. One of the most popular methods today is binaural beats, also known as brainwave entrainment or braintapping. This method uses auditory stimulation to synchronize and balance brainwaves so they align to the frequency of the beat. "Sound Healing isn't new, it's been used for centuries to help restore balance to the body. It can improve many facets of life, including emotional development, cognitive and functioning. It's also known to reduce stress and bolster the immune system..."..says Dr. Porter. Porter, who has devoted his career to researching the effects of sound and brainwave entrainment.  Sound healers say the healing effects occur because the body relaxes and blood pressure is lowered, which improves circulation and respiratory rates. It stabilizes the limbic system which is involved in motivation, emotion, learning, and memory.  The body is calmed, breathing becomes rhythmic, and the muscles relax. Though more research is needed, sound healing has been used to treat symptoms of a number of conditions, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, PTSD, dementia, autism and learning difficulties, behavioral and psychiatric disorders, and more. Given the fascination people have with ASMR, it's understandable why they are now turning to sound healing. Digital medicine in the form of sound healing is quickly becoming a go-to solution for enriching patient care. As more research results are published, sound therapy will become an essential part of healing protocols. With its ability to calm and relax, sound therapy helps the body stay stress-free so it can heal at an appropriate rate.Dr. Porter is sharing insight into the ASMR and Sound Healing trend. He has tips and actionable advice on how people can use sound to improve mental, physical, and emotional wellness in 2020. TALKING POINTS (FOR INTERVIEWS & ARTICLES):Sound Healing 101 - What It Is & How It WorksFascinating Science Behind ASMR 5 Ways Sound Can Improve Mental, Physical, & Emotional HealthTry-at-Home Wellness Tips Using Sound How to Biohack the Brain for a Happier Healthier Year ABOUT DR. PATRICK PORTER:

NAVIGATING THE NEW YEAR WITH ANXIETY 

The Gut/Brain Connection

As we head into the new year, many people start to take an interest in their overall health which may cause increased anxiety.  Holiday bills, back to school, and colder weather can all be stressors.  

Anxiety is the number one reported symptom currently being complained about in the United States.  Given that 90% of our feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin is produced in our gut, it’s no surprise that functional medicine research focuses on repairing gut health to treat anxiety and depression. 

Think about the last time you had “butterflies” in your stomach, says Elizabeth Katzman, a Functional Diagnostic Nutritionist and Health Coach.  “That’s a perfect example of how our thoughts affect our bodies, but also how our gut and brains are connected.  We can actually feel our thoughts from our brains, in our stomachs.”

By increasing gut health, we increase serotonin production and therefor decrease anxiety and depression.

Things like Elizabeth recommends drinking bone broth, taking glutamine, aloe, slippery elm, and marshmallow extract supplements can all help gut health.  There are also many useful supplements, and natural healing remedies, but every “body” is different.  

Elizabeth Katzman is a former lawyer turned health coach the, eventually a functional diagnostic nutritionist (FDN) who can speak on a variety of holistic health issues.  Through her affiliations, she is able to connect on the latest testing and analysis for gut health, toxin loads, bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, food sensitivities, hormones and more. Elizabeth then develops an actionable plan involving nutritional suggestions and supplements to move clients toward their goals.

Elizabeth is available for any interviews – view her site for more information on helpful health tips!  https://justathawt.com/

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Avicanna Announces Agreement with Medical Cannabis by Shoppers, a Subsidiary of Shoppers Drug Mart Inc., to Distribute Avicanna's Advanced and Evidence-based Medical Cannabis and Derma-Cosmetic Products Across Canada

Rho Phyto medical cannabis products and Pura Earth derma-cosmetics to be available exclusively in Canada online through Medical Cannabis by Shoppers in early-2020

/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF UNITED STATES SECURITIES LAWS/

TORONTO, Jan. 10, 2020 /CNW/ - Avicanna Inc. ("Avicanna" or the "Company") (TSX: AVCN) (OTCQX: AVCNF) (FSE: 0NN), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacturing and commercialization of plant-derived cannabinoid-based products, announced today that Medical Cannabis by Shoppers will be the exclusive Canadian distributor of the Rho PhytoTM medical cannabis and Pura EarthTM CBD derma-cosmetic product lines.  Medical license holders in Canada will be able to purchase a consistent supply of Avicanna's advanced and evidence-based products starting in early-2020, including the Rho Phyto line, which includes sublingual sprays, oil drops, gels, creams, tablets and capsules. 

"As a Canadian company, we are proud to be partnering with one of the country's largest and most trusted brands to bring our products to medical patients and consumers, who will benefit from our years of research and development in collaboration with some of Canada's leading scientific and clinical institutions," stated Aras Azadian, Chief Executive Officer of Avicanna. "We believe this partnership represents the future of the medical segment of the cannabis industry and what can be perceived as 'medical cannabis 2.0' due to its emphasis on the controlled dosing, data, quality, consistency and wide range of deliveries and cannabinoid ratios."  

In an effort to support the patient community, Avicanna and Medical Cannabis by Shoppers plan to collaborate to provide the Canadian medical community and patients with education, training and on-going support. 

About Rho PhytoTM

Rho Phyto is Avicanna's line of phyto-therapeutic medical cannabis products. The Rho Phyto products consist of cannabis plant extracts designed for medical use, but are not pharmaceuticals or drugs. There are a wide range of targeted delivery mechanisms for the Rho Phyto products, including tablets, sublingual sprays, oil drops, capsules, creams and gels, which will be supported by bioavailability and pharmacokinetic data. 

About Pura EarthTM

Pura Earth is Avicanna's derma-cosmetic line which utilizes a combination of purified cannabidiol (CBD) and other synergistic botanical ingredients designed to naturally regulate and nourish the skin. The Pura Earth product line was designed by Avicanna and optimized in partnership with the University of Toronto using Avicanna's proprietary formulations. 

About Avicanna

Avicanna is an Ontario corporation focused on the development, manufacturing and commercialization of plant-derived cannabinoid-based products through its two main business segments, cultivation and research and development.

Avicanna's two majority-owned subsidiaries, Sativa Nativa S.A.S. and Santa Marta Golden Hemp S.A.S., both located in Santa Marta, Colombia are the base for Avicanna's cultivation activities. These two companies are licensed to cultivate and process cannabis for the production of cannabis extracts and purified cannabinoids including cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). 

Avicanna's research and development business is primarily conducted out of Canada at its headquarters in the Johnson & Johnson Innovation Centre, JLABS @ Toronto. Avicanna's scientific team develops products, and Avicanna has also engaged the services of researchers at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto for the purpose of optimizing and improving upon its products. 

Avicanna's research and development and cultivation activities are focused on the development of its key products, including plant-derived cannabinoid pharmaceuticals, phyto-therapeutics, derma-cosmetics and Extracts (defined as plant-derived cannabinoid extracts and purified cannabinoids, including distillates and isolates), with a goal of eventually having these products manufactured and distributed through various markets.

Stay Connected

For more information about Avicanna, visit www.avicanna.com, call 1-647-243-5283, or contact Setu Purohit, President by email info@avicanna.com.

For more information about Medical Cannabis by Shoppers™ visit http://cannabis.shoppersdrugmart.ca, or call 1-844-633-2627.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to: the ability of medical license holders to obtain a consistent supply of product, Medical Cannabis by Shoppers maintaining its exclusivity with respect to Canadian distribution, the timing related to the expected availability of the products and the intention to collaborate on medical education, training and support.

Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information include: the ability of the parties to receive, in a timely manner and on satisfactory terms, the necessary regulatory approvals; the ability of the parties to satisfy, in a timely manner, the other conditions of the agreement; the ability of the Company to agree to terms with an acceptable manufacturer; changes to rules related to sale and distribution of cannabis products; and such other risks contained in the Company's long-form prospectus dated July 8, 2019 available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive.

In respect of the forward-looking statements and information concerning the anticipated benefits of the transaction and the anticipated timing for completion of the transaction, the Company has provided such statements and information in reliance on certain assumptions that they believe are reasonable at this time. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information or forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake an obligation to publicly update such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities laws. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks.

SOURCE Avicanna Inc.

4 Post-Workout Meal Ideas for Recovery and Energy

After finishing a workout, our body naturally craves energy. While protein bars and post-workout supplements are great workout recovery ideas, there's nothing like a good post-workout meal to fill that energy void. Here are four excellent post-workout meal ideas for recovery and energy. We're going to keep each meal simple. You can add things like sides and salads to meet your unique taste preferences.

Eating foods with the right combination of nutrients after your workout is critical. Our meal list targets proteins for muscle repair and carbohydrates to revitalize your energy. This post-workout meal will help improve muscle protein synthesis and revitalize your glycogen reserves. Burnt up glycogen during a workout is what makes you feel drained.

A lack of sufficient protein can contribute to your feeling stiff. Fat is not a bad thing if eaten in moderation. The meals we've chosen will boost your protein supplies for smoother recovery, plus help to restore your body's glycogen balance and therefore your energy.

Salmon and Sweet Potato

Fish is a staple of good nutrition for any healthy diet. It's also a great post-workout meal. This combination of salmon and sweet potato will get your body the protein it needs for recovery, plus tasty source of energy.

Turkey Burger and Cauliflower

Turkey is another meat high in muscle building protein. You also avoid some of the fat content inherent in red meat and pork. Building this meal around ground turkey will give your protein levels an excellent post-workout boost.

You add a nice touch to any burger meal, especially a turkey burger, by eating it on adelicious Kaiser roll. The best way to incorporate the cauliflower in this meal is to steam it lightly. Raw cauliflower is also an option, and one that's even healthier.

Lentil Burger with Salad

Our third meal will satisfy your needs if you adhere to a vegan diet. The lentil burger will boost your protein reserves and the salad will supply a host of nutrients to revitalize your energy. A nice supplement to this meal is a portion of chopped nuts and berries as a healthy dessert.

Chicken Sandwich Wrap with Fruit

The last meal on our post-workout meal ideas for recovery and energy is a simple sandwich wrap. Chicken is another meat source of protein that doesn't add empty fat calories. You can include lettuce and tomato to spice up your wrap.

Whole wheat wraps are also full of good carbohydrates to boost your energy. A serving of fruit, berries, peaches, or an orange will help reinvigorate your energy levels after your workout.

These are four excellentpost-workout meal ideasto enhance recovery time and revitalize your energy. You can add a healthy side dish of your choice for a little variety. There are hundreds ofhealthy post-workout mealsyou can eat. The focus should be on rebuilding your protein reserves and using a healthy source of carbohydrates to revitalize your energy.

INTERNIST WARNS OF THE HIDDEN DANGERS LURKING IN SOME DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS  AND HOW TO CHOOSE WISELY 

www.niketsonpal.com

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In our society of ever-increasing health consciousness, many people are exercising more, going vegan, drinking less, quitting smoking, and shying away from pharmaceutical drugs. Instead of taking prescription meds to sleep, to treat problems with menopause, infertility, weight loss, erectile dysfunction, etc., they are turning to "natural supplements" sold in vitamin shops, drug stores, and online. Their labels say they are safe and all-natural. But are they? Dr. Niket Sonpal, an internist and gastroenterologist at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, in New York weighs in on this timely topic. Researchers found that from 2007 to 2016, 776 products marketed as dietary supplements contained hidden active ingredients that are unsafe or unstudied. (credit: nbcnews.com) How does one choose safe supplements? Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate dietary supplements.

Speak with your doctor

If you are taking medication, pregnant, or breastfeeding. Many supplements can interfere with prescription drugs. Ensure that the supplement can be safely incorporated with your current medications. Consult with your doctor even if you are not pregnant before beginning any new supplement, especially if it is not something basic like Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, or Fish Oil.

Buy supplements from a reputable source.

Since supplements aren't regulated, many companies do not go through the process of quality control to ensure the label matches the product and that the ingredients in the bottle are pure. Large national brands are more reliable than mom and pop companies because they can afford quality control measures.

Look for third-party verification online.

Some third-party websites provide analysis of supplements, like Labdoor.com and Consumerlabs.com. These websites publish lists of the highest quality supplements.

Choose single-ingredient supplements.

Supplements that contain a single ingredient are more likely to contain the amount of the ingredient advertised on the label and less likely to have high levels of contamination. Companies selling "proprietary blends" do not have to report any ingredient amounts on their labels and should be avoided.

Be wary of certain types of pills

Exercise, weight-loss, and sexual-enhancement supplements. The products analyzed in a JAMA study fell into these three categories. Several of the weight-loss supplements actually contained an amphetamine-like drug called sibutramine, which is banned in the U.S., Asia, and Europe.

Be careful where you purchase your supplements

Big-chain drugstores, pharmacies, and supplement stores like GNC or the Vitamin Shoppe may act faster to pull recalled items.

If claims sound too good to be true, they probably are.

Be mindful of product claims such as "works better than [a prescription drug]," "totally safe," or has "no side effects."

Some can have fatal consequences.

Dr. Sonpal sees numerous patients who present with liver damage from using supplements that may alone be harmful or interact with other medications/substances.Taking the wrong supplement in the wrong circumstances could, in rare cases, even be fatal. There are multiple documented cases of patients with fulminant liver failure after taking dietary supplements. Just this month, a healthy 23-year-old Texas woman went into acute liver failure after taking four pills daily of a women's herbal supplement designed to help support hormonal balance, weight management, complexion, and fertility. Her doctor said that "while acute liver failure is rare, about 30% to 40% of cases are linked to herbal or dietary supplements." According to the National Institutes of Health, liver injury from medications, herbals, or dietary supplements has emerged as an increasingly important health problem in the United States."

Seek medical attention if you experience sudden symptoms after taking supplements such as:

Dizziness

Nausea

Shaking

Vomiting

Stomach Pain

Shortness of Breath

Anxiety

Diarrhea

Insomnia

About Dr. Niket Sonpal:


Dr. Niket Sonpal is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and Clinical instructor at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, Brooklyn who specializes in Gastroenterology. He is a graduate of the Medical University of Silesia – Hope Medical Institute in Poland. After completing his residency in Internal Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital, he was selected to be the 2013‐2014 Chief Resident at Lenox Hill Hospital–Northshore LIJ Health System. Dr. Sonpal has completed his Fellowship in Gastroenterology & Hepatology at Lenox Hill Hospital and continues his work in the field of medical student and resident test preparation. He now serves as the associate program director for the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Brookdale University medical center.

He is the co‐author for the best-selling Master the Boards: USMLE Step 2 CK, Master the Boards Step 3, And Master the Boards: Internal Medicine. He is also the Chief Operating Officer for Medquest Test Prep, Director of Medical Education for Picmonic Test Prep, and a recognized expert on medical test prep.

Six Ways to Be a Healthier, Sexier Valentine
 

The sexiest, most romantic day of the year is here again—are you in peak sexual condition? Whether you’re spending Valentine’s Day with a longtime partner or someone new, take steps to be a healthy valentine this year. Sex is a fantastic way to combat stress, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance emotional well-being, so both your body and your partner will thank you.

Dr. Dudley Seth Danoff, a urologist and author of The Ultimate Guide to Male Sexual Health, has an abundance of expert tips for staying in good condition so you can be your best in the bedroom. His advice is so essential because according to the Cleveland Clinic, 61 percent of men don’t regularly see a doctor—many are too embarrassed to ask their doctors about subjects like erectile dysfunction and prostate cancer, but failing to address these issues only makes them worse in the long run. Dr. Danoff’s advice has also helped men from all walks of life improve their sexual performance and confidence—when guys make healthy choices, they look better and feel better, and their increased self-esteem usually boosts their prowess in the bedroom. Many happy couples have reaped the benefits of Dr. Danoff’s expertise.

Dr. Danoff is known for his candid and good-natured style that makes it easier for men (and their partners) to talk about and handle a myriad of medical situations. With humor and anecdotal stories, the colorful doctor offers all men and women the knowledge and confidence to achieve the pleasure they deserve.

An author and requested guest on national radio and television shows, Dr. Danoff is a graduate of Princeton University and Yale University Medical School. He has taught on the clinical faculty of the UCLA School of Medicine for more than twenty-five years and is the founder and president of the prestigious Cedars-Sinai Tower Urology Medical Group in Los Angeles. Urologist to many Hollywood stars and the recipient of national and international honors, Dr. Danoff is also senior attending urologist at the Saban Los Angeles Free Clinic.

If you need an expert on men’s health issues or tips for having a healthy, active sex life at any age (and on any day of the year), Dr. Danoff is available for radio and television interviews and has numerous articles available for your immediate use on a variety of topics:

1. Invigorate Your Sex Life with Superfoods 
We all know poor food choices can negatively impact our health and our sex life. But men don’t necessarily need to overhaul their diet to significantly improve these areas of their life. Simple changes go a long way in boosting overall health and sexual stamina—and it’s never too late to start. Dr. Danoff discusses which foods to incorporate and which to avoid to feel and perform your best on Valentine’s Day.

2. The Best Aphrodisiac Might Not Be What You Expect
High expectations for sex and romance accompany Valentine’s Day, and the pressure often drives men to try various substances touted as performance boosters. Dr. Danoff shares his expert advice on what men should know about their health before taking any “magic pills” or other so-called performance enhancers. And he also reveals the secret of the best aphrodisiac of all—love.

3. How Men Can Stay Safe in Today’s Sexual Environment
Nothing kills the mood more effectively than the possibility of catching or spreading a sexually transmitted infection or disease. STDs are neither sexy nor romantic, but they’ve been increasing in recent years. The time to worry about STDs is not during sex—you need a game plan before you get into bed with your valentine. Dr. Danoff discusses some common STDs and how to prevent their spread so you can enjoy Valentine’s Day without worry.

4. How to Have a Healthy Valentine’s Day: Have Sex!
Sex not only is one of life’s great pleasures—and a way to express your love—but also provides excellent health benefits. Sex is good for your cardiovascular health, your mood, and your psychological well-being. It is a natural tranquilizer with no bad side effects, and it benefits circulation, stimulates the nervous system and the prostate gland, and clears up mental cobwebs by invigorating the whole body.

5. Five Healthy Sex Habits for Men in 2020
Staying healthy is a year-long commitment, and Valentine’s Day is the perfect time for men to renew their wellness resolutions. As Dr. Danoff says, “To make sure those resolutions stick, it’s important to understand why we set them in the first place.” Whether you’re looking to combat lower testosterone levels or head off prostate cancer, with Dr. Danoff’s sexual health tips, you can have your healthiest and sexiest year yet.

6. Valentine’s Day Is Not Just for the Young: 7 Ways to Stay Sexy as You Age
An ageless love life begins with a confident approach toward sex. Celebrate Valentine’s Day by exploring the possibilities—don’t let your age stop you. Adjust your sexual activities as your body changes, just as you adjust other activities, and as you age, learn to use your imagination to make up for any lack of physical strength with creativity.

Why Lifting Weights Increases Your Testosterone and Sex Drive

Exercise is good for your body on so many different levels. Increasing your testosterone levels works to enhance your sex drive as a whole. Here are some of the reasons that exercise and weight lifting are good for your hormonal balance.

Core Building Benefits

The more muscle mass that you have tends to correlate to you having a higher testosterone level. Weight lifting has been shown to benefit your fitness level and is good for developing your core muscles. Strong core muscles are what’s going to help you to burn any excess body fat. Another benefit of well-developed core muscles is that you don’t tend to put on extra weight in those troublesome areas that could be contributing to your decreasing testosterone levels.

Increased Energy

Exercise in general is good for helping to increase your energy levels. It can be disappointing to come home from work and just not feel like doing anything else. Weight lifting has been shown to increase your testosterone levels at least for a brief period of time immediately following the activity. This could be the boost that you need to get you through the end of the day. As you lift weights more often, you may find that you have more energy all of the time.

Medical Aids

Science is still trying to figure out why more men are experiencing low testosterone levels that are leading to you experiencing a low sex drive. Visiting an ED cliniccould give you the answers that you’re looking for to improve your sex life. ED doesn’t need to be the end of your ability to share intimacy with another person. There are medical treatments that can help you to overcome this obstacle without having to worry about the side effects of taking medications.

Balanced Workouts

As with anything in your life, having a balanced approach to your workout regimen is a good rule of thumb. For example, pairing weight lifting with strength training will work to increase your testosterone levels faster than just weight lifting alone. Making sure to eat a healthy diet may also work to your benefit. All of these little changes can help you to develop your muscle mass which will lead to you increasing your testosterone levels in a more natural manner.

Weight lifting is just one avenue that you can take in order to increase your testosterone levels and your sex drive. Use these tips so that you can improve the quality of your sex life.