Category Archive: Weight Loss

Does Boosting Your Immune System Really Improve Health?

Foods to Boost Immune SystemThe answer is a resounding yes!  A strong immune system is the body’s first defense for fighting bacteria and viruses.  The immune system protects the body from illnesses and infections.  Although the immune system is complex, there are some simple lifestyle choices people can make to boost their immune system for better health.

Diet– A balanced diet is beneficial to the immune system.  Supplements can be helpful, but our bodies can get the nutrients and vitamins needed from the foods we eat.  Foods rich in antioxidants are known to boost the immune system.  Examples include many dark colored fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, raspberries, kale, spinach, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes.  Many herbs and spices are good sources of antioxidants and can be used as seasonings.  These include oregano, turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger.  Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids enrich the immune system.  Excellent sources include oily fish such as tuna and salmon.  Some non-fish sources of omega-3 fatty acids are flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and soybeans.

Sleep– Quality sleep is an important immune system booster.  The amount of sleep we need depends on the person’s age.  Average adults need 7 to 9 hours sleep each day.  Preschoolers need 10 to 13 hours of sleep daily.  Teenagers need 8 to 10 hours of sleep daily.  The body produces proteins called cytokines when we sleep.  Cytokines target infection and inflammation.  The National Sleep Foundation cites chronic sleep deprivation as a factor in decreased immune system response.

Stress– Chronic stress and anxiety can depress the immune system, making it less effective.  While we may not be able to eliminate all stress, there are some ways to help manage it.  Slowing down, reducing our commitments, meditating, exercising, reducing caffeine intake, and spending more time relaxing with family and friends are ways to alleviate stress.

Additional good health practices that can help boost the immune system are thorough hand washing, regular exercise, and getting an annual flu shot.  Talk to your health care professional for other ways to keep your immune system working as it should.

Five Teen Health Concerns

Teen Eating DisorderAs children move into their teenage years, there are many health concerns that may affect them.  Teens deal with peer pressure and stress, issues of weight and body image, problems of drug and alcohol use, and questions about puberty, sex, and relationships.  They may be hesitant to discuss these concerns with parents or their family doctor.  Open lines of communication may help teens work through some of these concerns.  Here are five common health concerns of teenagers.

Eating Disorders and Obesity – Obesity is a significant concern for children and adolescents.  According to a report in American Pediatrics, obesity puts them at risk for diabetes and heart disease.  Overweight children and teens are less likely to participate in a sport or get adequate exercise.  Changes in lifestyle and diet can help promote weight loss and improved health. 

Many eating disorders develop during adolescence and can have serious health implications.  Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia (binging and purging), and binge-eating disorder.  It is important to seek treatment early.

Lack of Physical Activity – As teenagers spend more time on their Smartphone, computer, or watching TV, they tend to be less physically active.  Sedentary lifestyles lead to an increase in health issues including obesity, diabetes and heart disease.  Teens may need to be encouraged to exercise more or participate in a sport.  Parents can set a good example by being physically active themselves.

Sexually Transmitted Disease and Pregnancy – Teens need to be aware of the risks and complications of STDs and how to protect themselves.  Parents should ensure their teen has had the HPV vaccine to protect against human papillomavirus.  This common virus can cause cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, and the back of the throat.  Teens who are sexually active should understand the use of contraception to prevent unplanned pregnancy.

Drug and Alcohol Use – Alcohol use by teenagers can lead to other risky behaviors including drunk driving and unsafe sex.  Marijuana, cocaine, and amphetamines continue to be commonly abused drugs among teenagers.  In addition, abuse of prescription drugs, particularly painkillers, is on the rise.  Smoking among US adolescents has declined in recent years, just as it has in the general population.  Those who do smoke develop more respiratory illnesses.  Many teens are unaware that use of e-cigarettes or vaping is also unhealthy.

Suicide – The third leading cause of death for teenagers is suicide.  There are many contributing factors including family problems, loneliness, isolation, depression, and substance or alcohol abuse.  More males than females are likely to choose suicide, and many were reluctant to seek help.  Good family communication can help.

The Truth Behind Weight-Loss Shortcuts

There’s a saying in life: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Yet many consumers continue to hold fast to the dream of effortless and quick weight-loss solutions, despite their ongoing controversy.

Research behind weight loss and obesity is rigorous and full of debate, but for the most part, losing weight is a mathematical formula: fewer calories in, more calories out. Disease and genetic predisposition can of course complicate this formula, but there is no way to circumvent it altogether with quick fixes like diet pills and supplements.

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Poor Sleeping Habits May Be the Cause of Excessive Weight Gain

In our many years as a trusted family medical clinic in Lawrenceville, Georgia, our commitment to the health of all our clients has never wavered. From containing symptoms of the common cold to battling more serious diseases, from administering flu vaccines to dealing with a variety of women’s health issues – we have assisted our clients through it all. And one of the issues we see most frequently is obesity.  Click here to read more »

Best Ways to Boost Your Metabolism in The Morning

To get the most out of your daily burn and really rev-up your metabolism, start bright and early.  Click here to read more »

Avoiding An Unhealthy Heart During the Holidays

Surprisingly, during the holiday season, many people have to go to the hospital with heart related-conditions.

The holidays are associated with dinners, parties, cookies and treats — so it is not a surprise that health issues follow.  Click here to read more »

Stress-Free Is the Way To Be for Weight Loss

Obesity is a prevalent problem in this country. Millions of Americans are overweight and diagnosed with major illnesses each year that are the result of overeating and a general lack of exercise. Our Gwinnett physicians know that the mental and emotional harm can be just as damaging. It is not uncommon for overweight individuals to experience frequent bouts of depression and low self-esteem.  Click here to read more »

Benefits of Daily Exercise

Science has proven that there are countless benefits to exercising for even a short period every single day. Here are some of the most common benefits we see at our Lawrenceville family health center: Click here to read more »

Good Fats vs. Bad Fats

In the battle of the bulge, fats are perceived by many as the enemy. Beverages and food items that are labelled as “fat-free” or “low-fat” fly off the grocery shelves every day. Indeed, the diet food industry is a multi-billion dollar worldwide business.

But not all fats are created equal. The body needs certain kinds of fat to stay healthy and remain strong. Below is the inside skinny on fats.

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Advantages of the Center for Medical Weight Loss Program

Have you been struggling to lose weight? Does it seem like every diet and weight loss program you have tried has fallen short on its promises? If so, you are not alone.

Millions of people in the United States suffer from problems caused by being overweight and a number have reached dangerous levels of obesity. This places a great burden on your body and automatically puts you in a higher-risk category for developing life-threatening illnesses and diseases, especially cardiovascular ones such as diabetes and heart disease. The Lawrenceville doctors at Rodriguez MD can help with the Center for Medical Weight Loss program.

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