November is National Diabetes Awareness Month

Posted on November 3, 2014March 26, 2015 by Dr. Yael Varnado

It’s commonly known as “the suga” but Diabetes is anything but sweet. Almost 26 million Americans have Diabetes and 7 million don’t even know they have it. Even scarier 79 million Americans are pre-diabetic, meaning they are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. Testing for diabetes is especially important because early in the disease diabetes may have no symptoms.

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, so get your blood glucose level tested! Early testing helps health care providers not only find and treat diabetes before complications occur but also finds and treats prediabetes – which can delay or prevent Type 2 diabetes from developing. The best tests for diagnosis and control of diabetes are the blood glucose test, and the Hemoglobin A1C blood test. If you have diabetes keep your blood glucose controlled because, if blood glucose levels go uncontrolled, it can lead to complications that affect every part of the body from your brain to your toes. So stay healthy and keep your sugar in check!

Here’s a couple facts about diabetes we all should know:

Exercise can actually increase your blood sugar? Check your sugar 30min before and immediately after workouts.

Drinking alcohol even 2oz can cause dangerously low blood glucose levels in a diabetic person.

High glucose levels can prevent you from “getting it up” in the bedroom.

Obesity is the #1 risk factor for diabetes.

79 million people in the US have prediabetes and are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.

Having a family member with Type 2 diabetes increases YOUR risk of diabetes.

Infected gums can lead to bacteria in the bloodstream and can damage heart. Visit your dentist every 6 months.

Numbers don’t lie – HgbA1c levels reflect blood glucose control over the past 3 months. If you have diabetes aim to keep your HbgA1c < 7.

Wishing you great health

Dr. V

The Enterovirus Explained

Posted on October 23, 2014 by Dr. Yael Varnado

Over the past two months hundreds of children across the country have been affected by Enterovirus, known as EV-D68. Sadly there have been more than 600 cases reported and 5 children have died. Therefore, it’s no surprise that families are concerned and also confused about this respiratory illness. I’ve broken it down below in order to give you a better understanding about what Enterovirus is, and how to protect your family!

Enteroviruses are actually more common than one may realize – in fact there are over 100 different types and they infect over 10 million people every year. Each year the mix of viruses going around the country varies, and this year there is a higher number of EV-D68 cases than in the past.
This particular strain of Enterovirus, EV-D68, can cause a fever, runny nose, body aches and other cold-like symptoms. On the more severe end it can also cause wheezing and difficulty breathing.
The virus has this biggest impact on babies, kids, and teens who haven’t had exposure to it previously and therefore don’t have immunity to it.

Now that you know the facts abut Enterovirus and that it’s more prevalent than usual you are probably wondering about prevention and protection. Let’s dive right into how you can turn your awareness into action. First thing to note: it’s a respiratory virus, which means that the virus can be found in an infected person’s respiratory secretions, such as saliva and nasal mucus. This means it spreads from person to person when an infected person coughs, or sneezes. Here are some ways you can protect yourself and your family.

Wash your hands OFTEN and with soap and water for 20 seconds. To make sure you are washing long enough try singing the Happy Birthday song in your head while washing Fact: the CDC actually says that hand washing is the best way to protect yourself from viruses.

Avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at work and at home, including toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Stay informed. If you have questions or think you or your family member may be sick then talk to your doctor! There’s no need to be scared or hide your children. You are powerful and armed with knowledge of what the Enterovirus is and how you can protect yourself and your family from it!

Wishing you good health.

Dr. V

The Healing Power Found in Fall Fruits & Vegetables

Posted on October 23, 2014 by Dr. Yael Varnado

The fall season provides us with plenty of ways you can add powerful healing foods into your diet, all the while adding delicious additions to your meals. Here are a few of my favorites…

Apples

Fall is made for apple picking, apple cider, apple pie and more. And with more than 7,500 types of apples available you can pick your favorites and add them to juices, salads, snacks or just enjoy them “straight up”. Not only are apples delicious and low calorie, but they are also packed with antioxidants including flavonoids. What does this mean for you? Well for starters, it could lead to an apple a day really keeping the doctor away! These antioxidants may help prevent chronic illnesses and slow down aging. Also, food scientists at Washington State University recently published a study that showed compounds in apples – particularly Granny Smith apples – may help prevent disorders associated with obesity. No matter how you slice, dice or juice it – apples are a seasonal fruit that should be on everyone’s must-buy list!

Dr. V’s Recommendation: Try eating apples the next time you get a sweet craving – they will satisfy you without the guilt. Want another easy way to get your apple a day? Try a scrumptious apple, carrot and ginger juice. It’s the perfect way to start your day and the ginger gives the juice a great zing to get your blood pumping!

Root Vegetables

Root vegetables are taking up major real estate in farmer’s markets and grocery stores during this time of year and you’ll want to be sure you’re taking advantage of them because your body will thank you. When I say root vegetables I’m talking about: beets, sweet potatoes, carrots, rutabagas and turnips. These easy to prepare veggies are filled with vitamins, beta-carotene, potassium, flavonoids and anti-oxidants. I want to take a moment to highlight beets. Though they’re available all year round their “peak time” is fall. And when you add them to your dinner plate you’re bumping up the nutrients in your meal – nutrients that may help prevent heart and liver disease, and increase blood flow to the brain and potentially reduce the risk of dementia.

Dr. V’s Recommendation: Fall is the perfect time to make roasted root vegetables. They’re not only easy to prepare they are also delicious to eat. Simply clean and slice your root vegetables, mix them up with extra virgin olive oil and roast.

Brussel Sprouts

Before you groan about this green vegetable that you probably tried to avoid as a child; do a little bit of online research and you’ll see there are an abundance of amazing recipes that include this powerful cruciferous vegetable! Beyond the wide availability of yummy recipes you can include them in, brussel sprouts also contain powerful cancer-fighting glucosinolates compounds along with antioxidants, phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals.

Dr. V Recommendation: I like my brussel sprouts all sorts of ways: raw, roasted, shredded, sautéed, and whole, the opportunities are endless. Try this easy and delicious brussel sprout slaw by shredding and sautéing them with sliced shallots and olive oil, then mixing in cooked and chopped lean turkey bacon. If you want to avoid meat and include protein, top your prepared slaw with a fried egg. Lip smacking and healthy!

Wishing you good health

Dr. V

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on September 30, 2014 by Dr. Yael Varnado

Did you know? Breast cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in women behind lung cancer.

1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. The most significant risk factors for breast cancer are simply being a woman and getting older. While 77% of breast cancer is found in women over 50 years old more than 50% of women who have breast cancer have NO identifiable risk factors except gender and age.

The World Health Organization reports 1.2million women globally are diagnosed with breast cancer each year; and more than 200,000 women in the US are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Currently there are more than 2 million breast cancer survivors in the US.

October is Breast Cancer awareness month. Don’t forget to wear pink in support that NO woman should die from breast cancer! When found early it is and treatable disease. And the gold standard for early detection is a mammogram. And wait … for many millions of women in the United States a mammogram is FREE.

Breast cancer is not a single disease, but a family of diseases with different subtypes. Some of these subtypes are more aggressive than others. Breast cancer is less common in younger women such as those in their 20s and 30s but usually in this age group it is more aggressive and sadly the survival rates are lower. Unfortunately we are seeing a greater number of cases of young pre-menopausal women with breast cancer surfacing and many of these women have the more aggressive forms of breast cancer. Research is being conducted now to determine the genetic basis between these aggressive types of breast cancer. As a young woman make sure to do your part to prevent breast cancer by:

Educating yourself about your family history of breast cancer and risk for breast cancer
Get a yearly clinical breast exam by your OB/GYN or family doctor
Do monthly self breast exams – familirize yourself with your breasts

There are components of lack of access to medical care, nutrition, personal habits, and environmental exposure that can increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer. It’s most important to KNOW YOUR body better than anybody else does. Know whats normal for YOU and what’s not so feel yourself up and get to know your tatas!

Remember the KEY to SURVIVAL is EARLY DETECTION and TREATMENT!

Dr. V

#DrVRecommends: September Must-Haves

Posted on September 5, 2014 by Dr. Yael Varnado

Best Made First Aid Kit: Always be prepared. A great motto to live by and thanks to these Best Made kits you can do it conveniently and portably, ensuring you’ll never be without essential life saving tools. Not only is this kit packaged well (in a dust and moisture free kit) but it’s also well designed from an aesthetic standpoint. Be safe and stylish this September!

Mr Clean Magic Eraser Pads: Though these may not be magic in real life, the fact that they seem to tackle any stain or mark with ease makes me wonder…It’s also so simple – just add water under the tap and you’re ready to go. Clean everything from your walls to your sink to your floors to pesky stains on your appliances. With a new baby I am guessing I’ll be buying these in bulk!

Bite MD Stick: Summer may be officially over but scores of you will be camping, at bonfires, at evening sports games and more – and so will the bugs! Avoid irritating itching from bug bites the moment they start with this handy Bite MD Stick that works on bites and stings for loads of bugs, from mosquitos to bees to ants!

Babyganics Detergent: Just as important as what you put in your baby is what you put on it, and what you let touch his or her skin. As a new mom I’m thankful that I’ve discovered Babyganics Detergent, which is powerful enough to clean up baby’s clothes and bedding, but also free of perfumes and dyes.

Boscia Sponges: Boscia is one of the world’s first preservative-free and botanically based skincare lines and their cleansing sponges (including options like deep hydration clay, bamboo charcoal deep cleaning and more) will not only give you clean, smoother skin but also absorb debris and impurities without leaving any parabens or sulfates behind. Head over to Sephora and pick out your favorite!

Tan Towel: Whether you didn’t get enough summer rays as you wanted or perhaps prefer to avoid the sun all together, there’s nothing wrong with wanting a little bit of color and a sun-kissed glow to last into the fall. Get a bronzed glow back (that’s both long lasting and streak free) thanks to easy-to-use Tan Towel.

Archipelago Lavande Mason Jar Candle: Scented candles have the power to soothe and relax, and this lavender candle from Archipelago will keep that power burning for over 70 hours.

Earth’s nectar coconut curls leave-in: I’ve been wearing my hair loose and curly as of late and this must-have from Earth’s Nectar has helped me keep them soft, frizz and tangle free and easy to manage. Another bonus? It’s paraben free and filled with Coconut Oil, a true beauty must from mother nature!

Davines Oi-All-in One Milk: Speaking of protecting out hair, here’s another multi-benefit beauty must you’re going to thank me for! Get ready for a product that does everything from moisturizing and adding shine to protecting your hair as you style it with heat-based tools!

Curad Scar Therapy Advanced Gel Strips: Before you freak out about a cut or scratch (and how it could impact your well taken care of skin) snag one of these Curad strips that will not only hydrate and condition your skin, but also will improve the appearance of your scar’s color and thickness. Even cooler? It can be used on new and old scars, from multiple causes (surgery to acne to burns)!

Big News! My Most Special Delivery Has Arrived!

Posted on August 22, 2014 by Dr. Yael Varnado

Throughout the past year I’ve shared not only my health, wellness and medical advice and insight with you, but I’ve also shared a glimpse into my personal life. I’ve been touched and humbled as you’ve celebrated my work successes with me as Ask Doctor V has grown and I delivered my message of healthy living on a larger, national platform, just as much as you’ve celebrated my personal joys, including my wedding and pregnancy. It therefore seems quite fitting that I share this, my greatest achievement to date with you all, my entrance into Motherhood and the birth of our son, Stone Marcus Allen. On August 13^th our baby boy arrived and greeted the world, at 7 lb. 5 oz. and 21 ¼ inches he’s a healthy, handsome bundle of joy and we are blessed beyond belief.

Stone’s arrival isn’t the only announcement I have to share with all of you! Though I can’t reveal all of the details right now, my journey to motherhood has led me to discover the best and most useful must-haves an expectant mom should have in her arsenal to keep her happy and healthy throughout her journey, and soon you’ll be able to send them to all the pregnant ladies in your life – your friends, family – and even use yourself!

There is one more exciting delivery I’m expecting this fall that I can finally share with you all, and that will be my new Ask Doctor V website which will allow me to connect with all of you even more than ever and support and encourage you to lead happy and healthy lives.

Stay tuned to my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages for news on all of these arrivals and of course, photos of the lovely little man in my life.

Thank you for all your kind words, prayers and congratulations!

Dr. V

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Author: Dr. Yael Varnado

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month

The Enterovirus Explained

The Healing Power Found in Fall Fruits & Vegetables

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

#DrVRecommends: September Must-Haves

Big News! My Most Special Delivery Has Arrived!