When you hear the words “high cholesterol” what do you think?  Do you think about an older man or perhaps someone who is obese? What about someone who never works out? Well, these stereotypes can be deadly!  The truth is, heart disease, which includes high cholesterol, is the leading cause of death for men and women, and you can’t just judge a book by its cover!  Did you know 1 in 2 women has high or borderline high cholesterol? February is American Heart Month and we’re talking about heart disease and its partner in crime, cholesterol.  These two things can be silent but oh so deadly! And yes my dear, looking and even feeling healthy doesn’t make you immune to high cholesterol.

The good news is I’m here to break down the facts and tell you what’s fiction as far as cholesterol is concerned. I’ll give you all the information you need to know so you understand why we have cholesterol, and how it works in your body, so you can understand how to take care of yourself and maintain great health!

First things first ….

What is Cholesterol:

Cholesterol is a waxy substance – a FAT. It’s found in all the cells of our body and ABSOLUTELY necessary for survival. You get cholesterol from two places; from what is made by your body and from the food you eat. Yes, that’s correct your body makes cholesterol. And you need it for survival. Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you digest foods.  We also get cholesterol from the food we eat. Here’s a Fact: You can actually not eat any food with cholesterol … and your body would still make cholesterol!

 

I’ve heart about Good and Bad Cholesterol, What are They?  

If you have ever had a lipid panel then you have had your cholesterol levels checked. This panel checks the following numbers and types of fats aka lipids. Your Total Cholesterol often referred to as TC is made of the following three components.

• Total cholesterol – TC
• High-density lipoprotein – HDL
• Low-density lipoprotein – LDL
• Triglycerides – TG

You’ve probably heard of “good” cholesterol – well that’s HDL. And LDL well it’s the “bad” cholesterol. The trouble with cholesterol primarily comes down to these two different lipoproteins LDL and HDL.

LDL is often referred to as “bad cholesterol” because it can cause a buildup of cholesterol in your arteries and other vessels. Essentially it clogs up your blood vessels, which can limit the flow of oxygen rich blood to the heart, and lead to a heart attack. Or a cholesterol plaque can rupture off of those clogged blood vessels and travel to the brain and cause a stroke.

On the flip side, HDL is “good cholesterol” because it is a very dense lipoprotein that carries cholesterol out of your vessels and back to your liver where it can be removed.

Now Triglycerides, are a type of fat often increased by sweets and alcohol. In order to figure out VLDL take TG and divide it by 5 (TG/5), that’s your number for VLDL.

Add up HDL + LDL + VLDL and you get Total Cholesterol

TC = VLDL + LDL + HDL

What the heck do my cholesterol numbers mean? Let’s decode what are healthy and unhealthy numbers:

You can’t look at someone and know if his or her cholesterol numbers are too high or too low.  This also means that even if you religiously go to spin class and can fit into your skinny jeans that YOU may still have high cholesterol.

Your goal should be for a Total Cholesterol (TC) of less than 200 mg/dL. Anything higher is rather undesirable and can increase your risk for heart disease almost twofold. The most desirable numbers for Triglyceride levels should be below 150 mg/dL, lower is better and less than 100 mg/dL is most optimal.

The preferred number for LDL is LESS than 130 mg/dL for someone who doesn’t have any risk factors for heart disease. If you have risk factors for heart disease then target levels for LDL should be below 100mg/dL.

HDL levels ABOVE 60mg/dL actually offer protection against heart disease. The higher the better!

This means: The higher the level of LDL cholesterol in your blood, the GREATER your chance is of getting heart disease. The higher the level of HDL cholesterol in your blood, the LOWER your chance of heart disease.

However, it is important to note that our cholesterol and triglyceride levels do not determine our entire risk for heart disease. There are many other risk factors that need to be considered such as family history, lifestyle and diet.  The good news?  You can control your risk and your cholesterol more than you may know!

 

How to Keep Your Health & Cholesterol in Check:

Controlling risk factors like smoking, managing and treating medical issues like high blood pressure and diabetes, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and eating a healthy diet, are the best methods in delaying heart disease.  Be aware of what you’re eating!  Put down the giant slabs of butter!  Use olive or canola oil as salad dressing to lower fat content and eat whole grains as opposed to simple sugars and starches to lower triglyceride levels.

Plant sterols help lower LDL cholesterol, but unfortunately they’re often added into things like margarine or spreads. Instead, opt to eat foods with high soluble fibers like oats, barley, beans, lentils, citrus fruits or peas. These work like plant sterols but you can get them naturally from food. Also, get trans fat out of your diet, avoid processed foods and eat whole foods with essential omega-3 fatty acids.

Exercise!  The heart is a muscle and needs to be used – hard and often!   Need some inspiration – join into my #ProjectProof campaign http://www.askdoctorv.com/proofproject/

 

I hope these tips keep your heart happy and healthy.

XO

Dr. V

 

 

 

 

Despite the recent, highly publicized incidents cruise ships are still a favorite type of vacation for Americans from coast to coast.  Nevertheless these hotels at sea where people play, eat and sleep in close quarters can also be a breeding ground for illness and infectious diseases. If this spring or summer your plans include sailing the seas let’s make sure you can do it safe and sound. You may be wondering:

 

• How can I avoid a situation like this past January’s illness outbreak that infected hundreds of people on a Royal Caribbean Cruise line? 
• Do I have to give up my plans for travel at sea all together?
• Just what is this highly infectious norovirus that is likely to blame for this outbreak and is responsible for 21 million other cases of cruise ship sickness in the US every year?
• What are some signs that I may have contracted the norovirus?
• How can I protect myself from the norovirus and other dangerous outbreaks in general?

Let’s get those questions answered! I’m here to give useful tips and advice pertaining to cruise ship travel health and wellness as well as shed light on the norovirus, signs you may have it, and offer preventative tips that are more than useful, and they could prevent a potentially serious health issue.

 

How does a cruise-lover avoid a situation like this past January’s illness outbreak that infected hundreds of people on a Royal Caribbean Cruise line? 

• Before booking a cruise do your research.  The CDC actually publishes report cards for cruises which means if you do your homework beforehand you can get some inside scoop on the health history of the vessel you’re choosing.  Get access to those reports here: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/inspectionquerytool/inspectionwith100score.aspx

• Also check out the cruise line’s medical team before you book as well and be sure it’s one with a complete staff and high standards!

• Speaking of pre-boarding health prep, let’s talk insurance!  Before boarding be sure you’ve got your insurance information on hand, and consider getting traveler’s insurance which can help bail you out of a medical crisis and help cover expenses you may run into.  Just be sure you go over the policy details before purchasing!

 

Do I have to give up my plans for travels at sea all together?

• Outbreaks like what we’ve seen on cruise lines lately are not abnormal when you consider you’re cramming thousands of people together in a tight space where it’s possible for germs and viruses to travel quickly.  That said DON’T put your life or activities on hold because of the dangers in any kind of travel opportunity.

• Instead of swearing off cruises all together I encourage you to do research, get educated and be prepared. Know precautions to take (which we’ll discuss shortly), and be prepared by doing research before boarding.

 

Just what is this highly infectious norovirus that is likely to blame for this outbreak and is responsible for 21 million other cases of cruise ship illness in the US every year?

• The norovirus is highly contagious and spreads from affected individuals via vomit or feces.  When you’re in close quarters like a cruise ship it can spread extremely quickly.

• Get this: each sick person can give off AKA shed billions of disease causing particles yet it takes only 18 of them to get you sick!  You do the math – a cruise ship can be a breeding ground for a fast spreading epidemic!  On top of that, the virus can take up to 12-48 hours to incubate before one sees signs of the virus, meaning you or someone you know may have it without seeming sick at first!  It can also remain present in your body even after you begin to feel better and live in your stool for up to 2 weeks. So again, knowing that it can often be “invisible” yet present is important!

 

What are some signs that I may have contracted the norovirus on a cruise or elsewhere else?

• The symptoms of this virus often resemble the symptoms of food poisoning in its early stages, so it can be overlooked when you first contract it or can be misdiagnosed.   Key signs are diarrhea and vomiting and of course feeling just terrible.

• If you do begin experiencing symptoms get in touch with a medical professional right away and begin hydrating right away!  Also be sure you stay inside and away from others and public spaces where you could spread it.

 

How can I protect myself from the norovirus and other dangerous outbreaks in general?

• Being educated and knowing the signs and symptoms are the first step!

• HAND WASHING IS KEY! Be sure you wash your hands after taking a trip to a bathroom or touching things others may have come into contact because although you’re healthy others may have left their germs behind! Hand sanitizer IS your friend.

• Be cautious about who and where your food is prepared.

• Dispose of any infected or soiled items with gloves and take other safety precautions.

• If you do get sick on a cruise don’t feel bad about contacting your own doctor and don’t rely solely on the cruise ship’s medical team! Your doctor knows YOU best.
• Watch what you eat and drink – Drink bottled sealed water. Also be mindful of your alcohol intake as the way people prepare your drinks or old dirty glasses can be a source of infection, and if you are too buzzed you may not be able to realize your judgment regarding a clean glass is impaired.

 

You don’t have to end your passion for cruises forever but you do need to proceed with caution in this situation, just like you would on any vacation you may take.

Bon Voyage!

Dr. V

 

 

 

‘Tis the season for holiday parties for family, friends and work, which means an abundance of mulled wine, spiked eggnog, champagne, beer and other spirits that always seems like a good idea – that is until “The Morning After” when you wake up looking about as pale as the snow thanks to a super-sized holiday hangover. Never fear, the doctor is IN and I’m here to share tips on how you can prepare and take care of your body before, during and after Christmas and New Year’s celebrations – including foods that actually help beat hangovers.

Consider Dr. V’s tips a Christmas present to your health and happiness! What to do Before, During & After you Head Out To Prevent a Wicked Holiday Hangover:

BEFORE:

• Plan ahead: This means hydrating before heading out and being sure you are hitting the parades and parties on a full stomach!

• Know how you’re getting home before you leave the house – have a plan that is safe and secure that you won’t have to think about while out celebrating. If you’re in a city that uses the Uber ride App get acquainted with it and get it on your phone prior to heading out to parties.

• Prepare for your arrival home and the morning after: eye cream and bottled water in fridge, alarm clock set for Monday!

• Avoid any holiday body glitter, hair color or anything else that will impress at a party but not the day or two after at the office.

 

DURING:

• Try to match each cocktail with a tall glass of water. An even more clever move is switching to soda water and lime (this way you don’t have to tell anyone it’s not a cocktail) which will allow you to feel festive while keeping yourself in check.

• Know what you’re drinking before you imbibe: some specialty drinks could be super tasty and also super alcoholic, something that could get you way too drunk before you know it!

• Be SURE you have a buddy system to keep you as well behaved as possible and to tend to you should you celebrate a bit too much – they can also make sure you have a safe trip home.

 

LATER THAT NIGHT:

• When you get home rehydrate with water or coconut water – get the Potassium, electrolytes and sodium back into your body!

• Prep your face for The Morning After – wash it, hydrate it, use your fabulous face creams!

• Sleep with an elevated pillow to relieve eye puffiness!

 

THE MORNING AFTER:

• More hydration, which includes water and also fruit juices like cranberry or apple juice to put some natural sugars back into your body.

• Eat a banana for a natural potassium boost!

• Wholegrain bread or toast is next – a great source of detoxifying B vitamins!

• Eggs for breakfast! When you drink too much, your body produces a toxic substance called acetaldehyde, which gives you hangover symptoms. Your body reacts by producing a counter-active chemical called glutathione. But that supply is quickly depleted. Eggs, however, are packed with cysteine (contained in glutathione), which can help to clean up leftover toxins in the process.

 

Happy Partying

 

XO

 

Dr. V

 

Healthcare is a hot topic this year. And come January 1st MYSELF and millions of other Americans will be dropped from their existing health insurance. Personally I find the whole situation of exploring insurance options overwhelming and it gives me a headache. And I have a medical degree and understand all the medical jargon the insurance companies use and make sure to ask a lot of questions most folks probably don’t think to ask. It’s a daunting process to be faced with finding new health coverage and a new doctor. And frankly, I am just too tired at the end of my day to wait while the healthcare.gov website spools and reloads for hours, or talk to someone on the phone from a health insurance company about the nuances of various plans. So my EZ fix solution will just be to get hitched. I told my boyfriend “Let’s get married Dec 31st so I can just get on your plan.” Just kidding …
Seriously though between today and Dec 31st if you are uninsured or underinsured here’s a couple tips to lower your healthcare costs while still getting the service and high quality care you need and deserve. There are several strategies that medical insiders know that can get you a significant reduction in the cost of everything from appointments to prescriptions! You may be able to reduce doctor’s appointment costs by up to 50%!? Hold onto your checkbooks and get ready to save money because the doctor is in! I’ve outlined some tips below that will keep your checkbook and wallet healthy!
Before I go any further I must say that prevention is the key component to maintaining best health, but here are a few tips to help you manage your healthcare costs because we never know what life is going to throw at us…
Tips:

1) Ask your doctor for a discount: That’s right! Like NIKE says, “Just do it!” ASK. It is often that simple, especially if you’re paying cash. This goes for labs and blood work as well. For uninsured or cash/self pay patients: Tell your doc you are paying out pocket. When you are not using insurance to pay the cost may be considerably less or you may be able to get on a payment plan. Discounts sometimes reach up to 50%!

2) Flexible Healthcare Spending account: This is an account where you designate a fixed amount of money to be taken from your paycheck every month pre-tax to be used throughout the year for medical expenses, i.e. eyeglasses, contacts, braces for your kid’s teeth, even a breast pump for a new mom. Sorry, ELECTIVE things like paying for Botox can’t be paid for using a Flexible Spending account though.

3) Discount Pharmacies:  Walmart, Costco, and Target are examples of places you can find free drugs, generics and lower cost presciptions. Check them out! Also many pharmacies have member rewards programs where after a certain number of prescriptions are filled or dollars spent you get a prescription for FREE!

4) Get prescriptions by mail-order in “bulk”: Buy a 3-month supply and you may only have to pay one co-pay. Often mail order offers more cost effective medications.

5) Ask for sample medications: If your doc wants to start you on a new medication ask if you could try some samples. This way before you pay for it you can see if it works for you, and also make sure you don’t have a reaction to it. Often your doctor may have samples available at the office free of charge. And also ask if they have any manufacturer’s coupons or discount card for the medication.

6) Don’t attend unnecessary office visits: Call your doctor if you have a minor ailment and ask if you really need to come back for follow-up – he/she may say no need and you’ve saved yourself an office visit charge. At the same time make sure you know your doctor’s cancellation policy and always abide by it. If you miss appointments, or show up too late the office may cancel your appointment AND charge you a no-show fee. Remember an appointment missed is a slot another sick person or patient couldn’t get.

7) Make use of your time and the doctor visit: Make a list of things you want to talk to your doctor about so when you come you make good use of time and also get all your questions answered. You want to use the 15-30 minutes you get wisely and get everything answered in order to avoid an appointment or charged call when you realize you forgot to ask about an ailment or health concern.

8) Workplace Prevention Programs: Check if your company offers free preventative care or gym membership, some even offer Weight Watchers programs from work!

9) Choose insurance coverage that is tiered for you: Customize your plan for things such as just getting hospital coverage or only using general medical insurance. Some plans such as Freelancers Union even let you mix and match options to find a plan that matches your need and budgets. That program is great for temps, freelancers, small biz owners and more! This is important especially for those shopping for health insurance in the new year.

10) Avoid the ER as much as possible: The EMERGENCY ROOM is for EMERGENCIES. Do not use it for primary care issues. That’s why you should have a primary care doctor – who knows your medical history and can get you into the office when issues arise. Substitute Urgent Care or local clinics and save on hefty emergency room bills and time spent waiting in the ER! Remember the ER handles sick patients – patients who have life threatening problems. If you’re going to the ER for a paper cut then you probably won’t be seen quickly.

It’s almost the end of the year. It’s time! If you have used up your deductible then GO and get your procedures and preventative care done. And if you’re looking for insurance keep me posted and let me know how your insurance hunt goes… I’m on the hunt for new insurance too.

XO

Dr. V

It’s official school has started. Parents you are probably swamped ALREADY .. here’s our Top 5 back to school basics and tips that will help you as you are dashing to drop off and pick up your kids from school. And even if you don’t have children, feel free to share these tips with your friends, and loved one’s who do….

1)   Encourage and support your child’s individuality … Even if your child wears uniforms they can be kicked up a notch with school-approved accessories, socks, shoes, or backpacks. SCHOOL- APPROVED is the key phrase here.

2)   Learn how to effectively treat lice: Grosss … Yes, I know, but if your child comes home with it YOU have to treat it before they can return to school! The CDC estimates 12 million kids in the US get lice every year. But there’s a new FDA approved treatment Sklice. It’s one wash NO comb 10-min prescription treatment vs the old skool wash and comb and repeat 7-10days later and or picking them out by hand.

3)   Talk to your kids about bullying ... Know what’s going on at school and with your kid’s friends. Ask questions, be comforting and supportive if they are being bullied, but don’t ignore or tolerate it! Many states have bullying laws, and schools have policies against this behavior. Take action, because bullying is all too common and can be deadly these days.

4)   Connect with your kid’s teachers … Parents meet your kids teachers, support them and reinforce the classwork, rules, and deadlines for assignments. Remember the adage … “It takes a village..” it’s true it’s a team effort.

5)   Get Good Sleep … Make sure your kids have a bedtime so they can get good sleep and have time for their mind and body to grow, develop and re-charge for the next day.

Wishing you a fabulous school year!

Dr. V

The pollen count is HIGH! This means you and 36 other million Americans will be suffering with runny noses, headaches, and watery eyes as you battle with seasonal allergies… This allergy season why not try HONEY, a natural remedy to cure your allergies and kick your OTC anti-histamine habit.

Yes, thick and creamy honey that is raw, unheated, and unfiltered could be the natural fix to your spring allergy suffering! Unprocessed honey has nutritious pollen, and enzymes and nutrients that can help you fight your allergies.

The honey most of us buy at the grocery store is heated and processed making it easy to spread and pour. However, by heating honey the nutritional benefits are lost.

So here’s what you need to ward off ragweed and other plants and grasses:

RAW   UNFILTERED   UNHEATED    HONEY …. that is grown within a 50mile radius of where you live so the honey is produced with the same varieties of flowers and plants you are exposed to everyday.

Eating the honey makes your body accustomed to the presence of the allergens that are causing your allergy symptoms and decreases the chances your body will fight back with an immune response. This process is caused desensitization. The amount of pollen in the honey is small enough that it shouldn’t cause a full-blown release of histamine and trigger your allergy symptoms.

You know your body best, if you feel as if your allergies are triggered by the honey or getting worse stop eating it and see your doctor. Also since the honey is raw it is not suitable for kids under 1yr as it can cause botulism.

Enjoy 2 teaspoons of honey a day for about 6 weeks and let me know how it goes …

Wishing you a sniffle free spring and summer!

Dr. V