Podcasts about healthcast

See all the Healthcasts at https://www.biobalancehealth.com/healthcast-blog You can convince yourself of a fairy tale that the US government provides us with excellent advice on how to be healthy—for instance, what the percentages of each food group should be, like the food pyramid or the food plate. However, time has shown that they aren't focused on our health with their recommendations; rather, they are attempting to promote the food produced in the US. It's all about money. We now understand that the government-approved food pyramid has contributed to an increase in obesity, illness, and diabetes over the last 60 years, primarily because its main goal was to promote grains in the form of cereals to children. This has led to the unfortunate situation we face today, characterized by rising rates of diabetes and obesity.  To make matters worse, iodine has been removed from bread and other foods, leaving many Americans with hypothyroidism.   The allowed food additives extend shelf life (and profits) but diminish human longevity. Ultimately, the government should not dictate our dietary choices! Supplements are substances like minerals, vitamins, peptides, and glandulars intended to enhance the inadequate American diet; however, medical societies and the FDA do not endorse their use. Nonetheless, we need them to improve nutrition, prevent disease, and provide the building blocks for bones and muscles, as well as to counteract the chemicals present in our water, food, and air mandated by the government. Supplements help protect us from the poor advice and environmental pollution we encounter in everyday life. Environmental regulations and processes have resulted in increased illnesses, such as hypothyroidism, due to the addition of fluoride to our water instead of solely to our toothpaste.  Fluoride depletes iodine levels in our breasts and thyroid, contributing to conditions like breast cysts, breast cancer, and hypothyroidism. Regarding water—are you aware that the water treatment managed by our local governments incorporates harmful chemicals into our drinking water, which may be carcinogenic, in an effort to prevent lead from leaching from very old pipes? This system is outdated because most of the population uses copper or plastic pipes, and lead has not been used in construction for more than 50 years. The anti-lead chemicals that are added can adversely affect our health. That is just the tip of the iceberg. Other examples of how our government prioritizes profit over the health of its citizens include allowing big pharma to price necessary medicines beyond the reach of the average person, all to enhance the stock value of these companies. The price of the same drug from the same manufacturer in other countries is significantly lower than for its own citizens. It should be the other way around. Even then, we are sicker and heavier than any other first-world country. Since you are not here to learn about politics, this serves as my segue into discussing the current denigration of the importance of vitamins and mineral supplements for our health. Just consider this:  the average diet consists of processed foods lacking any nutritional value. Fast food contains additives that encourage us to eat more rather than less; portion sizes have increased, and the consumption of whole foods has declined over my lifetime. These are the most compelling reasons I have for taking nutritional supplements that we used to get from our diets before the 1960s. Since we know our patients are consuming chemicals that harm their health, my goal as a preventive medicine doctor, along with my nurses and nurse practitioners, is to keep our patients healthy, even when the government does not!   You should heed our recommendations for specific supplements tailored to your individual symptoms and future health. Public health aims to make the group generically “healthier” by governmental standards, but medical care should prioritize our patients, striving for each individual to live a long, disease-free life. However, we face significant misinformation in this battle! Why don't mainstream medical groups recommend supplements? Their reasons include a focus on illness rather than wellness, making them more reactive than preventive in perspective. Additionally, most doctors lack training in nutrition and are often unhealthy and overweight. Another factor is that they primarily deal with medications and surgeries, which is what they typically recommend. In the twenty-first century, we all need supplemental nutrition.  I don't have a single patient whom I believe is getting everything she needs from her diet without supplements. Supplements include minerals, vitamins, herbs, select foods, and animal glands that help maintain health and prevent illness by compensating for what modern food may lack. The supplements recommended by your BioBalance Health doctor and NPs are tailored to meet various individual needs, so please read about why we prescribe these supplements specifically for you. Supplements add to the nutrients that are missing from our modern diet.   What health benefits can supplements offer? Act as alternatives to medication Enhance the activity of deficient hormones as people age Stimulate the production of hormones Provide the right form of a vitamin that you need and can't get from food Replace the minerals that are lacking in locally grown foods and water Supplements can replace the natural components of drinking water Supplements provide minerals and vitamins that prevent diseases like hypothyroidism. Supplemental animal glandulars are successful at reversing deficiencies that are not available in FDA-approved drugs. Preventive medicine physicians recommend supplements for various reasons: To improve your nutrition To mitigate genetic abnormalities such as elevated homocysteine levels. To counteract chemicals in the environment To treat medical conditions with no known medications To supply certain minerals that are deficient in your area of our country To treat abnormal hormone levels like low thyroid To treat certain symptoms and conditions that have no other solution To prevent future disease To stimulate the production of certain hormones to take the place of a prescription drug To detoxify your liver and gut To improve the absorption of nutrients in the gut To supply minerals and vitamins for osteoporosis To improve your mental health by improving the bacteria in your gut Assist in weight loss My goal is to educate people honestly about the tools they can use to maintain their health and extend their lifespan.  A few words of caution should be added to complete this lesson. Please avoid using the cheapest vitamin or mineral supplement on Amazon unless your doctor has prescribed that specific brand.  Many supplement companies are not “Medical Grade, ” meaning they are not tested and approved by agencies that ensure you receive an effective supplement with your purchase.  Amazon has been found to sell vitamins packaged in reputable brand bottles that contain capsules with none of the expected supplements inside! BioBalance Health and BioBalance Skin provide tested medical-grade products, ensuring you take the right supplements for the desired effect.  We cannot expect the same quality from most supplements available online. Avoid taking a supplement just because someone else is using it; you might not need it, or worse, it could have negative effects. Trust experts to evaluate what you truly need and what you can do without. When you have a consultation with a BioBalance doctor or NP for your yearly visit, please bring a list of your medications and supplements to discuss with them. Please do not call our RN or email your list for their opinion. Evaluating your needs and aligning them with your supplements requires time.

See all the Healthcasts at https://www.biobalancehealth.com/healthcast-blog The summer of 2025, the US has experienced record heat. Most Americans have been under a severe heat warning for months, which has caused me to review the symptoms, prevention and treatment for Heat Stroke.  This summer's heat was unusual, however it may recur in the future, so we must learn to deal with the effect of prolonged exposure to dangerous heat. Heat stroke is not classically a stroke as you know it, however heat stroke is a condition of a different kind, but no less deadly.  The conditions that can lead to heat stroke are listed below. Please think of these signs of Heat Stroke before you go outside in severe heat. At Risk Conditions for heat Stroke: High ambient temperature High body temperature (body temp of 104 or more) High humidity, Prolonged sun exposure (more than an hour at a time) Dehydration Loss of electrolytes through sweating which can result in heart attacks, seizures delirium and can lead to death. The hot weather we have been experiencing has been prolonged and has  all the qualities described above that may lead to heat stroke: Temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, High Humidity (over 50%), Bright sunshine, causing body temp to rise rapidly and continue for a long time even after a person has gone inside to cool off in air conditioning. You Should be aware of the beginning signs of heat stroke so you can remove yourself from the heat before it becomes an emergency, and you can protect your family from heat stroke. The early signs/symptoms of heat stroke include: Heavy sweating/ or no sweating at all Thirst Weakness of muscles Headache And Dizziness When you develop these symptoms, please listen to the signs your body is sending you and seek a cool place inside away from heat and sunlight. If the symptoms don't resolve quickly, then take the steps below to prevent progression of symptoms to result in heat stroke. Lie down (heat stroke can cause you lose consciousness and hurt yourself if you pass out) Drink cool but not cold water continually Drink Electrolytes (preferably products that contain Potassium, and sodium, chloride, magnesium) with every other 12oz of water. If you don't have electrolytes, Gatorade can be substituted for electrolytes (It is only Potassium). If you are unprepared and away from civilization, put several shakes of salt into a glass of cool water and drink it. Apply icepacks on the areas of the body that can cool you quickly: Underarms, groin, and neck. This will cool your body down faster than just sitting in a cool space. Don't be alone. Ask someone to sit with you in case you pass out or seize, and they can call 911 to take you to the ER. They can also make sure you continue to drink water and take electrolytes. If you feel your headache or weakness getting worse call 911 yourself. That is a late sign of Heat Stroke. Lastly, Heat stroke can make a person act out, with a temporary personality change. The affected person can hit and push the people trying to help him or her. That means they are in the late stage of heat stroke, and they need IV fluids a cooling blanket and Medical help. Remember, heat stroke can be deadly, and immediate action must be taken. If you or someone else has the following symptoms, then Call 911: passes out or seizes, gets confused and wanders around, acts out and hits or pushes has a rapid heart rate, has a bounding pulse, has either hot dry or very damp skin, complains of a headache or dizziness, nausea, vomiting rapid shallow breathing, like panting Often, they will complain of feeling cold and they shiver even though the temperature is very hot. Don't Wait!  call 911! In these cases, tell the 911 operator that you suspect heat stroke. So how do you prevent heat stroke? There are many ways to prevent heat stroke, if you recognize the conditions outside will put you at risk. First determine whether you are at high risk (below are the risks). Anyone can get heat stroke but people with the following conditions will develop heat stroke faster and more severely than healthy young individuals. The following conditions should best be treated by staying in a cool area inside away from the sun. Know the Symptoms of heat stroke and follow the directions listed above. Prepare yourself for heatstroke by carrying electrolytes more water than you think you will need, plastic zip locks to put ice in if needed High Risk Medical Conditions and Medications  Previous History of a Heat Stroke The biggest risk for heat stroke is having had it in the past.  People who have a history of heat stroke should be extra careful to avoid going outside or exercising in the heat and humidity.  They should stay inside during the heat of the day or on days that put them at risk. If you have almost had a mild form that you acted promptly and were able to avert the severe symptoms, that still makes you at risk for heat stroke. Heart Disease or other Circulatory medical conditions Diseases of the circulatory system place you at risk for getting a more severe form of heat stroke more quickly, so limit your time in the heat. Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Imbalance, from genetics or medications Disease of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems that cause excessive fluid loss due to sweating or increased body heat can cause you to develop heat stroke with less time in the heat and sun.  These conditions affect your ability to sweat, which is the way humans cool themselves down. Patients with these diseases don't sweat to cool yourself down like other people.  Stay inside until the temperature and humidity is safer. Age above 50 We all know that we are not as physically able as we age, even if we use testosterone pellets, so older age is a risk factor. Please limit your time outside in dangerous conditions to one hour at a time with 10 minutes or more inside a cool place before going back outside.  Medications that put you at risk for heat stroke when exposed to heat and humidity You may be unaware of the risk that some medications have when it comes to heat stroke.  Medications are part of our lives and most of the time we don't think about them causing problems or side effects, but many types of relatively safe medications can cause you to have heat stroke when the other folks around you are completely normal. My Experience with Heat Stroke I was playing golf in August in St. Louis, when the starting temperature at 8:30 am was 88 degrees F, and the humidity was 65%.  Being me, I thought to myself,” Well I'm in good shape because I have minimal body fat and good muscles, I should be able to golf with 3 other women even in this heat.” That day the humidity increased to 80% and the temp was over 90. Then the Pro announced that we had to stay on the cart path.  Well that makes golf a lot harder…,it takes twice as many steps  during a round and it requires even more exertion than walking the course and dragging a bag behind you….but I'm not a quitter (but clearly I was not thinking about being sick and taking my life in my hands)…which means I was stupid! I want all of you to be smarter than I was! Right away I started sweating profusely so much so that I had to change my golf glove three times in 6 holes. I still felt ok, but I couldn't hit the ball as far as usual, and I continued to sweat.  Despite 7 bottles of water, 2 with electrolytes, I started getting a headache, and then I couldn't make contact with the golf ball. My balance was off….” Uh-oh,” I thought, “it's happening”….At that point I knew I had to go inside but was far away from the club house.  I continued one more hole and I was dizzy and had poor balance….so I quit, and I drove the cart back to the club house not finishing the 9 holes. I sat inside, drank water took another packet of electrolytes and put ice packs under my arms and laid down in the women's locker room until my headache was bearable, but I knew I was not going to be productive the rest of the day. It took 24 hours of lying down in a cool room, drinking quarts of water and taking electrolytes, putting ice around my neck and head, and doing nothing else! I kept thinking “why did the heat and humidity affect me and not the other 3 women?” We are all in good shape for our ages 60-70, and we all exercise and lift weights as well as play golf a few times a week, so I thought about what my risk factors were. Finally, I checked out all the medications and supplements I am on and found that  some of them  put me at risk!  This incident made me look up the all the meds that can impact people and increase their risk of getting heat stroke. Medications That Increase Risk of Heat Stroke Diuretics- Spironolactone is a diuretic given to all women who take T pellets to prevent facial hair and acne. It can cause dehydration in hot weather unless enough water, and electrolytes are taken to replenish body fluids. Other reasons for taking a diuretic is hypertension, heart disease, swelling, and poor circulation.  eg Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and Maxide are diuretics. Beta Blockers- such as Metoprolol, Propranolol slow down the heartbeat and reduce blood pressure.  The actions of Beta blockers slow the cooling mechanism of the body. Antidepressants- There ae many types of antidepressants but the “Serotonin-reuptake-inhibitors” such as Lexapro, and Wellbutrin can increase the risk of Heat Stroke, but the mechanism is not known. Amphetamines like ADD medicine, Sleep Apnea drugs, and old-fashioned weight loss pills speed up the heart rate, increase baseline body temperature and decrease the body's ability to cool itself. Thyroid Replacement-Thyroid replacement increases the heat produced by muscle tissue therefore it increases body temperature. This causes a patient on thyroid to have fewer degrees to get to a critical body temperature. I will leave you with the warning that hot weather can kill you and knowing the signs and symptoms of Heat Stroke is the first step toward helping yourself and others avoid the worst consequences. If you have medical conditions or take medications that increase your risk of developing heat stroke you should spend most of your time indoors staying cool when heat and humidity is highest. I will leave you with the warning that hot weather can kill you and knowing the signs and symptoms of Heat Stroke is the first step toward helping yourself and others avoid the worst consequences. If you have medical conditions or take medications that increase your risk of developing heat stroke you should spend most of your time indoors staying cool.

See all the Healthcasts at https://www.biobalancehealth.com/healthcast-blog WHAT YOU WILL LEARN: How to SCULPT YOUR MUSCLES AND TIGHTEN YOUR SKIN after weight loss! How to decrease VISCERAL FAT A new way to IMPROVE MUSCLE MASS by 30% for strength and beauty in 4 weeks DECREASE SUBCUTANEOUS FAT by 25% in 4 weekly treatments INCREASE MUSCLE DEFINITION with Emsculpt Neo A way to REHABILITATE AFTER SURGERY PRE-TREAT BEFORE SURGERY: Improve your post op joint surgery condition by increasing muscle around the joint HOW TO RECOVER Quickly AFTER CHILDBIRTH A Way to IMPROVE CORE AND PELVIC FLOOR STRENGTH How EM-Sculpt-Neo works Most of you know me as the expert in Bioidentical Hormone Pellet Replacement, but I am also expert in Skin and body care.  If my patients have problems that your PCP has not been able to solve.  I will refer you for new therapies, cutting edge treatments that work to treat your problem. The most common problem that my patients complain of is loss of muscle mass and changes in body fat that make them look old.  I found a treatment that is not a laser, but the Emsculpt Neo uses safe and effective magnetic energy plus RF treatment to reduce fat and build muscle in a 30-minute painless treatment. Today I am going to talk about a painless treatment that we offer at my medical spa, BioBalance® Skin that has just been approved by the FDA for rehab after joint surgery.  The magnetic energy (HIFEM) combined with RF energy increases muscle size and strength by 30%, dissolve fat by 25%, as well as tightens skin with the same treatment! EM Sculpt Neo is a 30-minute treatment that uses magnetic energy to make your muscles contract and is equal to thousands of crunches for 30 minutes. The RF portion breaks down subcutaneous fat in the same area.  There is no work on your part, you just lie there, and your muscles respond to the magnetic pull by increasing in size and strength.  Four sessions one week apart is the ideal number of treatments, and they come a in a package of four treatments to one area. The areas that most of us want to build muscle and lose fat in are our abs, upper arms, thighs, calves, love handles, and hips. If you need to do more than one area at a treatment you can do up to three areas, each for 30 minutes. If you have had joint surgery and need to increase your strength around that joint, EMSculpt Neo is very effective, after your doctor releases you to exercise. One of the big concerns with the new weight loss medications is that people often lose muscle as they lose weight.  This is especially common after age 40, in those people who are not on testosterone pellets. EMSculpt Neo adds a tool that can preserve or even increase muscle mass and decrease fat where you want to lose it. EMSculpt Neo for fat loss and muscle building (not for rehabilitation) should be saved for those weight loss patients who lose enough weight to achieve a BMI under 30. For the best results, we suggest a high protein low carb diet, protein, low carb diet, to give your body the building blocks for muscle tissue. We also will suggest supplements for nutrition and to abstain from alcohol to get the best results. Healthy fat loss takes combination of EMSCULPT NEO, Weight Loss Medication, activity, Low carb high protein diet.  We advise our patients over BMI of 30 to get started on weight loss first and continue diet medications while you are receiving EM-Sculpt Neo treatments. How do you lose weight without losing muscle? The Best Combination for the best results while you are losing weight on medication: EMSCULPT NEO to the areas you want to remove fat from Semaglutide or Tirzepatide medication to treat obesity for weight loss Testosterone Pellets if you are a woman over 40, and man over 50. Regular exercise like walking High protein diet Supplements to improve your ability to make muscle Who should do this EMSCULPT treatment? People who are working out but cannot do sit ups because of back injury Those folks who want fast muscle mass increase in specific areas Anyone who is on a weight loss program who is losing muscle and fat, or who has saggy skin in areas where they lost weight Patients anticipating a joint surgery Patients healing from joint surgery after PT Patients who cannot lift weights because of injury Those people who lift weights but cannot develop definition People with a Beer Belly with a lot of visceral fat Some people may not be able to enjoy this sculpting, muscle building method: We will do a free consultation before you sign up for a package of EMSculpt Neo and some patients will not get optimal results if they have any of the factors below: BMI greater than 30 Metal implants anywhere that are not titanium. Titanium is not magnetic, so it is ok to have a treatment if you have a titanium joint implant. No Rods or pins. Any pacemaker implant, pain pump under your skin, nerve stimulator or you are in the first 6 weeks post-surgery for any muscle area in the area. If you have a large abdominal hernia that was not repaired, then abdominal treatment is not advisable. You can still have other areas treated. If you have unrepaired joint damage, you can still have this treatment but let us know so we can slowly work the energy up around that joint. Those people who have a pannus, an apron of skin that hangs down below the vulva, or penis will not get enough relief from this procedure. These patients will need an abdominoplasty. This surgery is done by a plastic surgeon who removes excess skin and fat and repairs the muscles and fascia. You should not waste your money if you continue to drink alcohol while undergoing this treatment. Alcohol is a toxin and will prevent the growth of muscle and loss of body fat. Don't waste your money if you are not going to follow a low carb high protein diet during and after our treatment.  How does EMSCULPT Work? EMSCULPT combines HIFEM (High Intensity Focused Electromagnetic technology) and RF (Radio Frequency). HIFEM uses magnetic energy to contract muscles in a particular area at intensities that are not achievable with routine weightlifting. Fat tissue in the treated area is also reduced by increasing metabolic activity.  This results in Body Contouring. HIFEM is approved by the FDA for Body contouring, muscle stimulation, growth and to rehabilitate patients with injuries or after surgery. The second treatment that occurs at the same time as HIFEM is RF, Radio Frequency treatment. RF is a low frequency electromagnetic wave that heats up fat in 4 minutes to stimulate collagen and elastin to tighten skin. All this happens in 30 minutes with minimal discomfort.  4 treatments, one a month, is all that is needed to increase muscle 25% and to decrease fat by 30%, and to visibly improve skin tone. Answers to questions about this procedure: What should my diet consist of to optimize my treatment? To gain muscle you must eat your weight in pounds equivalent to grams of protein every day. E.g. If you weigh 200 lbs. and you want to gain muscle, you should eat 200 grams of protein a day. What foods should I eat to optimize my treatment? The best most concentrated protein is found in animal products-eggs, milk products, fish, chicken and red meat. What supplements will help support my treatment? You may want to supplement your diet with our BioBalance Magnesium combination twice a day, Probiotics, Creatine or Arginine and Ornithine combination. You should also take a methyl B12 and Methyl Folate while you are sculpting your body. Why can't I eat a lot of carbs and drink alcohol during or after the treatment? If you eat a high carb diet, your fat loss portion of Em-Sculpt will be limited, because whatever carb you eat over-stimulates insulin, which increases insulin resistance, and increases fat deposition. Whatever is eaten goes directly to fat again and replaces what you just lost. When can I start EMSculpt after joint surgery? After PT is completed or your surgeon releases you for exercise. Can I lift weights while I am being treated? Yes, but we advise not to lift weights the day before, the day of or the day after your EMSCULPT treatment. What does hydration have to be optimal for the treatment to work effectively? The human body is almost all water, and hydration is needed for muscle contraction. Muscles don't contract optimally when you are dehydrated. We put you on a body composition machine to both document your muscle mass and fat mass, as well as tell if you are hydrated adequately. Now that you know how EMSculpt Neo can change your body composition and build muscle, I hope you are comfortable enough to let us help you get the body you have always wanted. BioBalance Skin phone for an appointment:

See all the Healthcasts at https://www.biobalancehealth.com/healthcast-blog You will learn: What holds up new treatments for diseases and conditions How long the FDA sits on a known safe medical medication before it is released to the public. Why safe and effective drugs are NOT approved by the FDA Why doctors are forced to use medications off label How you can help During my 44 years of medical practice, I have encountered conditions for which there is no approved medication or surgical treatment available as recognized by the American College of OBGYN or the FDA. This situation can present challenges both for physicians managing these patients and for individuals seeking relief from their symptoms. This issue is not often addressed on Dr Oz, in the news, or at medical conferences. For many conditions, physicians wait for the development of approved medications or treatments, and in the meantime may inform patients that there is currently no treatment or cure available. Some doctors may attribute a patient's concerns to aging, stating that it is a universal experience. While this may be accurate, such explanations may not provide comfort to patients seeking solutions to their symptoms. This lack of helpful guidance can discourage individuals from seeking medical care when they feel their concerns are not acknowledged. This seems to result from insurance companies prioritizing cost savings by minimizing patient care.  Every year insurance companies decrease what they pay doctors for their services, while their expenses go up, and the Government requires more and more work behind the scenes like HIPPA, OSHA, and Clia requirements that costs more to deliver the same service.  If you have a problem with the time your doctor spends with you then blame the insurance companies whose profits rise every year…Soon doctors will do what I do and only take cash.  The practice of medicine is not working in a free market. While insurance limits the prescriptions of medication to those meds that are FDA Approved, the FDA and medical specialty colleges often delay approval of new, low-risk treatments for up to 20 years after their effectiveness is demonstrated. This lengthy process should be reconsidered to treat people who are ill and suffering, now. There is plenty of research in the medical journals that explain the safety of new and effective treatments that can save peoples' lives that are not FDA approved yet. The FDA is not interested in expediting the release of medication/ devices quickly to those people who need help now. They drag out the testing of a medicine that has been effective for years and may or may not approve it. On the flip side they have approved many drugs that later are found to have severe side effects, and they just change the warnings on the medication inserts. They don't take them off the market except in severe cases. Drugs that have worked treating patients successfully are being used but are not FDA approved. These “grandfathered drugs” don't need to go through the testing that new drugs go through because they work with few well-known risks. I use many if these medications because they are inexpensive for my patients and are often more effective than new meds for the same problem. One of the drugs that the FDA has not had to approve is Armour Thyroid, a natural thyroid replacement. My experience with treatments not approved by the FDA Armour Thyroid: Armour Thyroid (AT) has been prescribed by doctors to replace thyroid hormones for about 100 years. It is natural, made from Pig thyroid. It only comes from “medical Pigs” that are raised for medical purposes.  We use medical pigs for skin grafts, and other parts of the pig to treat human diseases like heart valve replacements.  Armour Thyroid is composed of the four thyroid hormones that humans make: T4, T3, T2, T1. The synthetic thyroid replacement, Synthroid/levothyroxine is only T4.  The active form of thyroid is T3, and it requires an enzyme to convert T4 into T3. If a person can't convert T4 into active T3 then nothing improves except the blood levels of T4, and TSH. The majority of women cannot convert T4 into T3. Therefore, if they take Synthroid or levothyroxine and their doctor only checks their TSH level and not the level of free T3 and free T4 to see if the Thyroid is working, then women are told that they are healed, yet they know they are not because none of their low thyroid symptoms are resolved. When this happens, doctors tell female patients that it is all in their heads and dismiss us when we tell them we are not cured with this synthetic T4 medication. Yet Synthroid is a chemical, and AT is natural from medical pigs, so the FDA is trying to Bann the only drug that has successfully treated millions of women. PS. Synthroid was not tested on women like many other drugs that were passed through the FDA before 2014! If you think this is a small problem, think again. Thyroid hormones are vital to human life, and the thyroid gland requires Iodine in the diet. The Midwest US has no Iodine in the soil or water. Therefore, this area is overburdened with hypothyroidism. I have been on AT for 50 years without complication and I have prescribed it thousands of times ever since I went into private practice.  AT works to relieve the symptoms of hypothyroidism for women and men, and it works better for women that the “new” drug Synthroid/levothyroxine, which is FDA approved. You ask how could the FDA approve a drug that doesn't successfully treat women? It is because Synthroid was not tested on women!  Until 2014 the FDA did not test women in the required drug trials.  AT works for us (women), Levothyroxine does not. Now the FDA wants to ban AT. It is not approved because it was around for decades before they started testing medications like they do now, and the history of successful treatment should stand on its own merit! Example 2: Bio-Identical Hormones BIH:  BIHs had not been approved by the FDA until recently and there was no announcement that they are now approved for women who have hormone deficiency symptoms or postmenopausal symptoms. Most doctors and women who have been afraid of the only hormones that can help them, bioidentical hormones, haven't yet been told that NOW, FINALLY the medical colleges and the FDA finally have quietly approved BI hormones.  There are no pure estradiol and pure testosterone pellets that are made by a drug company for women. My patients get their estradiol and testosterone pellets from a compounding pharmacy.  I have been prescribing BIH since 1985 without FDA approval because the oral estrogen formulations that were available at pharmacies caused weight gain and put women at high risk for blood clots. Non-oral BI hormones have fewer risks than FDA approved estrogens.  I waited more than 45 years for the FDA to approve BI hormones for treatment of women.  All those women in the last 45 years who were taking FDA approved estradiol and those who couldn't tolerate them have been harmed by FDA goals of never approving compounded or bio-identical hormones.  The delay has harmed 50% of American women. Example #3 Devices for Weight Loss I was involved in the discovery and testing of a unique device that stimulated acupuncture points with a TENS-unit-type patch connected to your cell phone for easy adjustment of your hunger or “fullness”. The FDA requires testing to approve any new device so the group of investors I was part of had to invest thousands of dollars for a device we already knew worked. The FDA told the investigators of all new devices who they should test, who they can't have in the study, and how long the testing should take. I found their parameters for the study of this device to be unrealistic. The women in our test group could not be taking hormones of any kind (birth control, ERT, HRT), and could not be on antidepressants, could not have diabetes or insulin resistance or be on any drug that assisted in weight loss. These women subjects had to be a certain BMI (level of obesity) and had to be tested repeatedly with weight and body composition measurements None of my patients who needed weight loss could participate.  Most GYN patients are on some medication or supplement, so the FDA made this study of our device so narrow that REAL WOMEN weren't tested! Sadly, we lost many women in the control group from the study because they were NOT losing weight while the ones on the device were obviously dropping pounds, so we had trouble maintaining test subjects. The testing phase of this simple device took 7 years! Our device works and no one will ever know about it or be able to use this non-medicinal weight loss device because when the FDA rejects your device you will be breaking the law if you produce and sell it directly to the public. It has no side effects or dangers..it just controls the amount you eat with stimulation of an acupuncture point. There are many ways to change this situation, and it takes years and billions of dollars to change the whole system of bringing treatments to patients quickly.  I'm afraid I won't see a revolution of the way we bring medicines and devices to market during my lifetime. Currently there is a 17-year delay between proving a drug or device works for a particular illness or condition and when it becomes available to doctors and patients. So what do we do in the meantime?  I seek treatments for patients who are unresponsive to traditional medicine by reading journals like Life Extension, that inform doctors and patients alike about new effective solutions for common medical complaints and diseases that the FDA has ignored or stymied with endless drug trials.  Life Extension Magazine highlights studies on new medications for diseases without an FDA approved solution and publicizes diagnostic tests often overlooked by mainstream publications because they are not yet FDA approved. The medical journals I read (New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, Menopause, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Journal of Age management, to name a few) offer treatments for orphan diseases or even common problems that haven't been blessed by the FDA. It takes an average of 17 years from the culmination of research on a new drug, test or device until it is approved for use by the public! At the end of this Blog, I will give you a link to make your voice heard by signing a petition to shorten the approval of new treatments and medications from the average of 17 years to 3 years! My patients don't have time to wait for relief, and that may be the case for you as well. If you want to do something to help, please click this link and let the FDA know how you feel. Please sign a Petition to enact an amendment to the FOOD, DRUG and COSMETIC ACT, by going to: https://age-reversal.net/fda/

See all the Healthcasts at https://www.biobalancehealth.com/healthcast-blog When I go to Fitness Edge, the place I have worked out with weights twice a week for 38 years, I know I am increasing my muscle mass and my metabolism for the next 72 hours…that's right, after just an hour of lifting weights, my body burns more calories over the next 3 days.  Lifting weights not only increases muscle mass, strength and is the key element in weight loss, because it raises resting metabolism throughout the day, even while you are sleeping. As long as I have been a physician, we always knew that exercise was important to health, but not until recently did medicine did not know WHY exercise is so important, and WHAT type of exercise is the most important to healthy aging. Recently the research has exploded with research that supports the metabolic truth that muscle mass, and resistance exercise (weight training, training with bands, calisthenics) is necessary for health and longevity! Even though this is a complicated science that is primarily addressed to professional athletes, there are several discoveries that everyone can understand and employ in their quest for a long and healthy life. Muscle Mass, Percent Body fat and Exercising Your total weight doesn't matter as much as your total muscle mass and percent body fat.  So, the amount of muscle you have compared to the amount of fat is the key to metabolic health. Muscle burns calories and decreases blood sugar, while fat is metabolically inactive.  However, the amount of muscle you have isn't as important as how often you use your muscles against gravity.  That is what weight training is: lifting weights against gravity, using barbells, free weights, resistance bands or Nautilus-type machines. Muscle Is the Major Site of Glucose uptake The more muscle you have, and the more you exercise them the more blood sugar is metabolized into energy. Your muscles soak up glucose from the blood for 120 minutes after weight training, and insulin sensitivity increases for 16 hours after exercise. Metabolic stimulation continues for 72 hours. Those people with less muscle who don't exercise use extra glucose to make fat. Body Composition is Improved with Weight Training Body composition can be measured with our InBody Machine.  We follow each of our patient's body composition instead of just getting a weight. We find that when measuring our patient's progress, the percent body fat inversely relates to their Basal Metabolic Rate.  In other words, the lower the body fat percentage, the higher the metabolic rate. The higher the body fat %, the lower the number of calories that patient burns at rest. For example, a woman with 40% body fat, depending on her height, burns about 1,100 calories over 24 hours when at rest.  If the same woman achieves the ideal percent body fat with medical dieting and achieves less than 26% body fat, she will increase her BMI to over 1,400 calories/ day at rest. Weight training alone will increase muscle mass and decrease fat with the outcome of increasing basal metabolic rate, so she will burn her calories instead of storing them as fat. In short, weight training to increase muscle mass will decrease body fat and improve metabolic health. Weight Training Can Reverse the Loss of Muscle that Comes with Aging The above statement is a tricky statement.  Women can exercise with weights their whole life and maintain a healthy body composition until they turn 45, then weight training just can't do the job without adding testosterone pellets.  It is the magic of testosterone pellets—Testosterone PLUS Weight Training increases and sustains muscle mass. “I have worked out with weights since my residency when I was 28 yo.  I realized that because I was 5-3 and 118 lbs, I would not be strong enough to do my job, delivering babies, operating and lifting patients on and off the table.  I began with a Nautilus circuit followed by 10 minutes on the treadmill 2-3 times a week. After I delivered my daughter, Rachel, I was 31 and I started training with a trainer because to get y body and strength back, I needed someone to make me accountable and to guide me to gaining strength where I needed it.  I have lifted weights 2-3 times a week ever since at my training facility, Fitness Edge, across the street from my current medical office. As of last week my body fat is 19%, and my weight is now 113.  I have shrunk a bit and am now 5-2. When I go to the Fitness Edge with my husband, John, I notice that many of the hardest working “fellow exercisers” never change their body composition. I would love to tell my fellow lifters that working out with weights is only part of the program to becoming strong and building good muscle mass.   The fact is they need to increase their testosterone level if they are over 40 for females and 50 for males, to improve their muscle mass and decrease body fat, and their hard work will be repaid with visible, stronger muscles, Fat loss and improved and metabolism.” Dr. Maupin's Formula for Building Muscle after age 40: Weight Training 2-3 times a week Testosterone Pellet treatment in women over 40 and men over 50 Diet must include the number of grams of protein equal to your weight Low carb high protein/healthy fat diet Eliminate food with preservatives, canned food and processed food. Eat whole/fresh foods. Supplement with Creatine (if your kidneys are healthy), Arginine, Vitamin D, E, K and Vitamin C, multi vitamin with Methyl B12 and Methyl Folate, Probiotics, Magnesium 400-800 mg/day, Protein powder without Soy. Water consumption in oz = to ½-1x your weight in pounds If I have convinced you to start using weights regularly, here are the variety of types of resistance training that will build muscle and improve metabolism. Must exercise for 50 minutes at one time per day. Resistance Band Work Outs- you can do anywhere even at home. Body weight exercises like squats, push-ups, lunges, planks Free weights using dumbbells, kettle balls, bars Weight Machines that target one muscle group at a time.   Now I Can Almost Hear Half of You Asking What About Aerobic Exercise? My best friend is a runner, and she has run marathons for decades, and now in her 60s, she is still fit and healthy without joint damage.  Most of her fellow runners don't know that she also lifts weights to keep her in the running game…and she takes testosterone pellets. Most runners are fit and have strong hearts, but their muscle mass is not always robust. Cardio-exercises can improve cardiovascular health and burn calories during the activity itself. Strength Training builds muscle mass which has a long-term effect on the metabolism.If nothing else, I hope you are inspired to initiate a resistance training program to benefit your metabolism now and for your longevity in the future.  YOU CAN DO IT!

See all the Healthcasts at https://www.biobalancehealth.com/healthcast-blog All testosterone pellet medical practices are not equal.  Most use pellets that are inferior to ours, inexpensive but have more side effects, and are not as effective as the testosterone and estradiol pellets that I use in my medical practice, BioBalance® Health. Most practices do not understand the many interactions between other hormones and sex hormones (testosterone and estradiol) like we do therefore you are not going to feel renewed, with all of your symptoms of testosterone and estradiol deficiency treated. At BioBalance® Health, we provide more than just testosterone pellets. We not only replace missing hormones like testosterone and estradiol, but also address other deficiencies, manage age-related diseases early, and offer nutrition guidance, medical weight loss, genetic nutrition advice, and exercise planning. Our comprehensive approach is unmatched in the US. Our use of non-micronized testosterone pellets and comprehensive care helps patients restore their health, leading many who leave to return when other practices do not meet their needs. These facts were impressed on me when one of my long-term patients who had moved to Florida, returned to me after a few years and related all of her efforts to find a doctor in Florida who would treat her like we did. A month or so ago I saw a familiar name on my appointment list.  When I reviewed her old chart, I saw that she had moved to Florida and had found a new pellet doctor there.  But I had no idea what she had gone through to find a doctor to treat her like she needed to be treated until she sat down in my office for her consultation. I will protect her identity, by calling her Beth, my best friend's name.  At first, I didn't recognize Beth sitting in my waiting room.  It appeared that she had aged more years than the two she had been in Florida.  She sat down and regaled me with this story of her experience.  Some background.  Beth had had a hysterectomy and had her ovaries removed before she saw me for the first time in 2007. She had been on some kind of hormones since then and pellets with me since 2007.  When she was my patient the testosterone and estradiol pellets literally cured all of her symptoms.  It wasn't easy to come to the right dose of pellets and to treat her other problems:  She converts T into Estrone and Estradiol, and she is a fast metabolizer, so she needs a higher dose of testosterone that the average woman. I ushered Beth into my office and asked how she'd been, and she began a long and sad story about trying to find a doctor who would treat her with pellets so that all her symptoms were resolved.  She went to 5 different doctors, who had her BioBalance chart, and all of them said they had to treat her differently because they were not in line with my treatment.  She argued and got nowhere.  #1 Doctor: The first hormone doctor did not agree with giving her testosterone plus anastrazole (Arimidex), a TA Pellet, yet that was what I treated her with to lower her Estrone and Estradiol from testosterone conversion.  She got straight testosterone and her estrogens soared and inactivated her testosterone, so she felt no different on pellets than she did off of them.  She also gained belly fat and breast size and was very emotional. #2 Doctor: This doctor was a Bio T doctor who refused to give her TA pellets and also wouldn't give her the dose she needed.  Bio T uses MICRONIZED testosterone which are cheap, and cause hair to fall out, acne and oily skin.  That is exactly what he got, and she didn't go back. #3 Doctor: Not only did this doctor refuse her anastrazole in any form but he made her take progesterone even though she didn't have a uterus and told him that progesterone made her fatigued. #4 Doctor was clueless and used a formula one size fits all Testosterone dose, which wore off in 2 months. #5 Doctor was essentially not educated in testosterone pellets. Because of these experiences, she now flies in three times a year and gets the pellets dose, Estradiol dose, with anastrazole in the pellets, without useless progesterone (because she had a hysterectomy), with NON-MICRONIZED pellets that last 4 months that are dosed for her unique metabolism. The moral to the story is all pellet treatment is not the same!  So many doctors have jumped on the bandwagon with a few days of training or no training at all so if pellets don't work for you, PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP ON PELLETS.  Beth didn't.  You need a doctor who understands the interactions of T and E2 and E1, and who use pellets who are non-micronized and who individually dose your pellets for YOU!  This Healthcast  is not about patting ourselves on the back, but it is aimed at informing patients who have been disappointed with their treatment using  testosterone and estradiol pellets because of inability to relieve their symptoms of menopause or testosterone deficiency, that they should find a practice who uses NON_MICRONIZED PELLETS and who have experience taking care of all interactions of hormones with other medications, who understand the trouble shooting for every unusual symptom that may occur after pellet replacement of hormones.  It is not easy to learn to take care of hormones like Dr. Sullivan our staff, and I do, so finding someone with a lot of years in practice, who is not in a “franchise practice” which is just a business and usually use the cheapest pellets. Don't give up if at first you don't feel better.  Just change pellet practices!  BioBalance® knows how to treat all hormone deficiencies, and we have 95% success rate!

See all the Healthcasts at https://www.biobalancehealth.com/healthcast-blog If you ever doubted your doctor because she wrote a script that you later “Googled” and found was not FDA approved, I hope you trusted your doctor enough to realize that she wouldn't recommend any medication that would hurt you…. What is an unapproved use of a drug, also called “off-label”? Unapproved use of an approved drug is often called “off-label” use. This term can mean that the drug is: Used for a disease or medical condition that it is not approved to treat, such as when a chemotherapy is approved to treat one type of cancer, but healthcare providers use it to treat a different type of cancer. The drugs that are not approved by the FDA, yet are commonly used, have been used for decades before the 1964 law that required new drugs to go through extensive and very expensive testing before their release to the public. The operative word is NEW DRUGS AFTER 1964. Today I will talk about the safety of non-FDA approved drugs because they are: Older cheaper drugs used for many diseases and conditions before 1964 and are still used Drugs that are approved for one use, or one condition, but not for other conditions that it is effective and safe for. Drugs made by compounding pharmacies for diseases that the FDA has not approved a drug for, but there is research backing the drug and years of safe use. First, before we discuss the non-FDA approved drugs, I will discuss the safety/risks of FDA approved drugs, and why FDA approval doesn't mean a drug will do no harm or even that it is effective for the use it is approved for. A little background will help you understand the problem and the reason an FDA approval does not necessarily mean a drug is safe.  Since 1964, a law was passed that established testing prior to a drug being approved by the FDA became mandatory.   Since that time several drugs that survive FDA approval and are released but are later removed or banned after their FDA release when the public finds side effects that the FDA didn't discover in their trials. One such drug is Fen-Phen, Fenfluramine/Phentermine. This drug was released during my time practicing medicine and was withdrawn after one study claimed it caused heart valve disease…In the end the “one post approval study” that claimed that heart valves were affected by this drug that caused its bann was found to be false. The withdrawal of the drug followed one study by a single cardiologist from Kansas City had reviewed all of the cardiac valve echo tests and falsified the results to make Fen-Phen appear dangerous to heart valves, when in reality it wasn't.  She lost her license, but the FDA never put Fen-Phen back on the market!  The FDA hates to be wrong twice, so they never allowed this drug back on the market after its removal. Other mistakes made by the FDA include not allowing women in the studies to approve a drug before 2014 which ignores or misses all of the side effects or lack of effectiveness for a drug when taken by women.  Despite all the expensive testing before the release of a drug by the FDA, many drugs not tested on women were later often found to have severe side effects only on women. A few examples follow: You might have heard of the FDA approved drug Ambien that causes many women to experience “night eating”, sleepwalking, and night terrors, while their male counterparts were not affected, so because they only tested men the drug was approved. In retrospect it should have been tested on women as well, and then either not passed through the FDA or should have had a black box warning for women. It takes years get action from the FDA, notifying doctors of these side effects. Women were not included in testing for any drugs except female hormones until 11 years ago, but no other drugs.   Before 2014 all (non-hormonal) drugs that passed the FDA were not tested on women so the effect on women was unknown until it was tested on the public. The FDA left women out of drug-trials because it viewed women as “mini men”, or they didn't consider us important enough to test new drugs on…OR worse, they believed we were too complicated to easily test us because of pregnancy, menopause and other hormonal swings that normal healthy women have.  In any case, we are now suffering their decisions, when a medication works one way for men and another way for women! Finally, we are tested when drugs are being evaluated for approval by the FDA. Professional women have achieved a level of authority in medicine and pharmacology (2025) and are weighing in on the inequity. Women in the medical profession and the public are pulling back the curtain on the side effects of FDA approved drugs that are experienced by women only! Slowly, study by study investigators are now publishing the side effects and problems for women with FDA approved drugs….yet these findings are not included in the warnings on most of these drugs, even now over 15 year after they became obvious to the doctors who treat women! Drugs that either don't work for women, or that have severe side effects include that were approved before 2014. All statin drugs for high cholesterol (Crestor, rosuvastatin, atorvastatin, etc.) cause women to have muscle breakdown and muscle pain. Synthroid (levothyroxine), doesn't cure the symptoms of hypothyroidism in 80% of women, but just makes the TSH lower, so it appears as if it is working! This leads doctors to tell women that their symptoms are all in their heads!! Wrong.  It is the wrong medicine. Women have enzymes that differ from men that make it difficult for them to convert the inactive form (T4) into the active form (T3), so we can't convert Synthroid (all T4) into the active form. Synthroid, the FDA approved drug for hypothyroidism, shouldn't be given to most women. Women should be given the non-FDA approved drug Armour Thyroid or NP thyroid that have both T3 and T4 in them! Ambien Prednisone and other oral steroids We have reviewed the lack of testing on women before 2014, now we will discuss safe drugs that have been used for decades even before 1964 when the FDA required testing for FDA approval? Older, yet effective and inexpensive drugs have been tested by the public, some for almost 100 years that have saved thousands of lives, yet they are not given the FDA stamp of approval!  In fact, the FDA tries to put these drugs out of circulation, replacing them with very expensive drugs that are new! Or they just shut them down, because they are not FDA approved.  Young doctors are told not to use them by their medical schoolteachers who rarely have experienced these medications in private practice…. These doctors in training don't know the history of older safer, cheaper drugs, or even why the FDA tells them avoid them. They comply not knowing why, so you are left with no drug that works for you, or you pay 3-10 times the amount for a newer FDA version of the older drug which may even have more side effects. Some of these older very effective and cheap drugs are Penicillin, Nitroglycerine for chest pain, Morphine (pain), Phenobarbital (seizures), Codeine, Armour Thyroid, hormone injections including estradiol injections and testosterone, Thorazine for psychiatric use, (Pitocin) oxytocin for labor, lactation support and Autism Colchicine:Used to treat and prevent gout. Progesterone in oil (IM) Estradiol in oil (IM) B12 for injection Testosterone Cypionate for injection Compounded Estradiol in any form Compounded Testosterone for women These drugs have been used for so long that any safety risks or side effects have been found through the use of these drugs in the population. Yet the FDA won't grandfather them in and approve them based on their history! What do doctors do when the drug the FDA has approved a drug that doesn't work for a group of their patients (gender, race, blood type, etc.)?  What happens when a doctor can't find a drug that is FDA approved needed to treat a condition she is faced with? Why do we as citizens, allow the government to have power over doctors who are already controlled by their state licensing boards as to what medications they?  Lastly Why do taxpayers allow a government agency that they fund with tax dollars control their health by banning, or not approving drugs, or banning one drug so an outrageously expensive drug is put in its place? Compounded Medications/ Compounding Pharmacies: These drugs are made by mixing ingredients to meet individual patient needs and are not subject to premarket review for safety, effectiveness, or quality. However, they ARE subject to the success or failure for which they were prescribed. If a doctor prescribes a compounded drug that doesn't work, she is apt to be confronted by her patient who is not getting the expected results.  Compounding pharmacies usually don't get paid by insurance, so patients are more invested in getting a drug that works and that is one of the big reasons that Compounded medicines are at least as good or better than big pharma or generic drugs. I absolutely could not successfully treat the thousands of women and men that I have without compounding pharmacies.  They compound hormones/drugs that are safe and effective, mostly hormones that can't be patented because they occur in nature and won't ever be made by big pharma. More than that, big producers of drugs can't produce in mass quantities many doses of a certain hormone like compounding pharmacies do.  Compounding pharmacies provide what people need and they continue to do so because patients prefer their dosing and quality.  FDA approved Generic Drugs can be legally 25 % lower dose than what they say they are.  That would be a big problem if my compounded pellets had that kind of variability. People might need pellets every 2months or every 5 months instead of every 4 months..it would be like guessing what you need ahead of time…..I believe dedicated compounding pharmacists are more accurate than any generic on the market. Compounding pharmacies: Unsung Heros Compounding pharmacies serve the public when big pharma fails and hasn't developed a safety net for production if they have a problem and the FDA shuts them down. That situation leaves patients who take their medications, without an alternative. Compounding pharmacies step into the breech when big pharma has a problem with a particular drug and stop making a drug (e.g. Lidocaine, B12 injectable, IV Fluids, to name a few shortages and no production that have occurred in the recent past). What if patients couldn't get the meds they need, and if there were no compounding pharmacies—Chaos and suffering and dying patients would closely follow! The FDA is Fickle and is not on your side! For years the FDA did not approve of Bioidentical estrogen and testosterone in any form, and just a few months ago all of a sudden, long after they scared women from taking the hormones they needed to improve their length of life and quality of life, they decided bioidentical hormones are better than the FDA approved hormones!!!  That is a little too late.  Some of us will never forget the stress lack of approval of compounded hormones caused for doctors and patients alike.  Other doctors criticized us and now most of them aren't even in practice anymore.  Maybe the FDA read my blog!!! Compounded hormones have been approved by the masses of women who have taken them under my signature! Compounded BI hormones are medications with a long track record and should not have to be tested with the bloated expense required of testing for the FDA. For Gynecological Disorders that don't have an FDA approved hormone drug because testosterone and estradiol have been used for so long that they don't need testing. If there was a significant problem with them their history of use of over 5-7 decades has proven the efficacy and safety of the female hormones for treatment and hormone replacement. For Psychiatric Disorders: Some patients need compounded ketamine products for conditions like severe depression, despite lacking FDA approval for these uses and potential risks, yet it has been used for this purpose for decades and was used for childbirth for almost a century, until epidurals and saddle blocks took their place. Testosterone for women still is not recognized as a female hormone even though women produce over twice as much Testosterone as Estradiol when they are in their fertile years.   Replacement of T with bioidentical T pellets offers a treatment for dozens of symptoms women face after age 40, and it prevents the diseases of aging: osteoporosis, heart disease, sarcopenia, frailty, diabetes and more that have not been addressed by mainstream medicine and the FDA. Over a decade ago, the FDA turned down the approval of testosterone patch after over 3 years of positive research studies, the FDA said they didn't approve T for women is because the side effect of T for women, facial hair, was dangerous for women.…I cry B—–S—-!  That is really men not wanting to share testosterone replacement with women. I say leave us alone and let women and their doctors determine what they need.  It is proven that only 5% of all professionals in any profession are not trustworthy, so give doctors their due and trust that we are looking for answers to our patients' problems that you don't even know about! The FDA is paid for by us…everyone in this country. I say hands off! Speed up the approval process or forget it for older drugs and BI hormones! ~

See all the Healthcasts at https://www.biobalancehealth.com/healthcast-blog If you are female who is menopausal and you have experienced your OBGYN or internist drawing your blood to check your hormone levels, (Estradiol, and LH and FSH) to see if you are menopausal or to see what your estradiol level is while on HRT, you may have heard your doctor tell you that your estradiol level is too high. That is what I would like to talk about today….. This often occurs when my patients take the blood work I order to another doctor who doesn't know anything about estrogen and just looks at the reference range on the lab sheet. Most of you have heard me talk about the fact that lab reports must be interpreted by the treating physician, because what is written on the lab sheet isn't tailored to your situation. The lab reference ranges for menopausal women are based on women who don't take any hormones, very low estradiol and high LH and FSH, which is not healthy and is the level that causes women overwhelming hot flashes and painful periods. Estradiol blood tests have a list of numbers that don't reflect the healthy estradiol level, but a level that makes women miserable. After I replace a woman's estradiol, their tests show blood levels of a young healthy woman who is pre-menopausal, and that brings them back to feeling like themselves. “I have my life back!  Estradiol and Testosterone Pellets have cured all my symptoms (low libido, hot flashes, poor interrupted sleep, bladder spasms, depression, and I feel like myself again!” No other hormone replacement brings estradiol blood levels to (60-250ng/ml), patches, creams and gels just stop one symptom, hot flashes.  There is a reason that your doctor doesn't know about hormones. The education that OBGYNs get in residency effects what they recommend to their patients for life, and they have very little training about hormones which means that no one is taking care of the hormones for women, and bioidentical estradiol is never discussed because it is not approved by the FDA which is why I DO!  I have made it my business to know everything about women's hormones and have prescribed them to women for over 45 years.  Therefore, when I am told that the primary care or internal medicine doctor told one of my patients that their estradiol and estrone are “too high”, I am dismayed.    Women must think about the fact that when they feel normal after menopause treatment, then that is the best treatment for them.  My patients become better, healthier, and their relationships are more fulfilling with Estradiol replacement, and I know the range the Estradiol should be within (60-250), the same as when we were fertile and young. Estradiol taken non-orally (patch, cream or pellet) is safe and does not cause breast cancer or liver cancer or cause blood clots. What Should I Tell My Doctor about my estrogen replacement? Therefore, If your doctor tells you to stop estradiol, you can tell him that estradiol replacement decreases all causes of death in Menopausal women, it decreases heart disease, bladder disease, bladder infections, osteoporosis, and dementia/Alazheimer's Disease! Tell him or her that, they can stop worrying about your Estrogen because you are being prescribed it by a doctor who knows how to manage hormones. Breast Cancer Patients There is another type of patient who I often see in my office. Breast Cancer patients with estradiol receptors are taken off their estrogen, and they are given an estrogen blocker like Tamoxifen® (oral) or Anastrazole (Arimidex®) to get rid of the estrogen in their body which is to “starve” breast cancer cell that may have seeded other tissues in the body. These patients are miserable. I treat them with Testosterone pellets only and monitor their Estrogens. That works until their doctor sees an Estradiol level that is in the premenopausal range in a patient who hasn't had an estradiol pellet in a year.  E2 pellets are tiny and friable, and they can't last longer than 6 months. What happens when the oncologist freaks them out saying it is the Estradiol pellet causing the E2, E1 levels. They are upset but this is estradiol from other sources (not the ovaries). Here are the facts: Estradiol pellets are 2-3 mm in size. They dissolve by blood flowing around the pellet located in the fat. Estradiol pellets dissolve completely over 3-4 months in most women. We cannot see them by ultrasound at 4 months. Therefore, a year later a woman who has estradiol over 60 The oncologist is not a hormone specialist and doesn't know the other sources of estradiol and estrone in the body. a prescribed amount of Estradiol (E2) is given every 4 months. The medium dose of E2 is 25mg and it lasts 120 – 180 days The size of an estradiol pellet = 2×2 mm Causes Of Continuing High Estrogen In a Woman Long After She Stops E2 Pellets: Tamoxifen given for Breast Cancer is an Estrogen and also an Estrogen Receptor modulator, but is really an Estrogen, which turns off the receiving end for E2 (the cellular receptors) so the breast cancer cannot be stimulated by circulating estrogens, but the rest of the body is. When on Tamoxifen it is not the pellets that are raising the blood level of E2, E1, it is the Medication. When someone is on Tomoxifen all their other organs are stimulated by estrogens from Tamoxifen, but the Breasts are not. That means that the estrogen in the blood is from the medication Tamoxifen and not the previous pellets. Obesity increases body fat and E2 is made in the fat and the less fat the lower the Estrone and estradiol. Other Medications and supplements can increase the E2 and E1 in the circulation but rarely help with menopausal symptoms. Your doctor should know what medications you can't take if you are trying to get rid of estradiol and estrone usually prior to Breast Cancer therapy. Drinking alcohol can prevent the liver from processing the estrogen that is meant to be removed normally so it builds up in the circulation. Liver disease causes an increase in E1 as well. Some medications increase estrogens in the body, but do not relieve symptoms of menopause, so have you doctor review your other medications you take. High intake of soy, edamame, soy nuts, soy in nut milk, Tofu, and other vegan (fake meat) is made of soy and soy is a phytoestrogen which can cause uterine bleeding but doesn't help the symptoms of menopause. Soy is in everything so read the labels. Genetic Diseases can cause high estrogen in menopausal women who are not taking estradiol for their symptoms.   Some women have an aromatase defect, which is genetic and can't be cured but can be treated with anastrazole or Arimidex, the same medication. This means that they convert Testosterone into estradiol and estrone. Even before menopause women have very low testosterone, so this is not obvious when they come to my office. The test for the gene defect is very expensive and this is not a common occurrence.  We diagnose this when a woman's estrogen is too high for the dose she is taking, AND her testosterone ran out too fast! We treat that condition with a testosterone + anastrazole pellet in the normal dose of T, and it corrects the conversion of T into E2, E1. Oral anastrazole also called Arimidex blocks that conversion too and is tolerated better by men but women get arthritis symptoms. DIM can treat this genetic conversion by blocking the enzyme at a different place than Arimidex. Fat Loss through dieting releases the estradiol stored in the body fat   Obesity and weight loss can cause estradiol and estrone to be high in the blood. Estrogen is made and stored in fat tissue.  The more you have, the more E1 and E2 you have in your fat.  Obesity can store the hormone and slowly release it which fools us and makes us think we are seeing pellet E2 nd E1. The more fat you have the more estrogens you make! When people lose fat under the supervision of a doctor, they usually have somewhat rapid weight loss.  This floods the blood with both estradiol, estrone, and triglycerides.  It takes longer to clear the estrogens because the liver is also processing fat. PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Does reducing body fat reduce estrogen? Making some lifestyle changes may help lower your estrogen levels. Your provider may recommend that you: Decrease your percentage of body fat. Decreasing your body fat can reduce the amount of estrogen that your fat cells secrete. Feb 9, 2022 Above is what your doctor should think about when diagnosing you for high estradiol long after a pellet is gone.  There are some ovarian and adrenal specific problems that are also possible to be the reason E2, E1 are increased. I hope this gives you ammunition to discuss with the doctors who don't know anything about hormones, estradiol and menopausal women.  Tell them what you know to be true and stop blaming a 2mmx2mm pellet that can't physically last more than 120 day.

See all the Healthcasts at https://www.biobalancehealth.com/healthcast-blog You have all heard about smoking and the risks of lung and mouth cancer as the biggest dangers associated with it. However, since the ban on smoking indoors, many people have switched from cigarettes to other forms of nicotine, such as cigars, e-cigarettes, pipes, hookahs, or Nicorette gum. Most of my patients believe these alternatives to be safer and think they are not at risk for cancer. They haven't even considered that nicotine is a drug that, when taken internally, increases the incidence of other deadly diseases. Today, I'll inform you about the risks you are taking by using nicotine in any form. I guess I should back up a bit. The act of smoking cigarettes not only provides the smoker with nicotine but also presents many other concerns. The average cigarette, cigar, pipe tobacco, and hookah contain these chemicals along with 69 others that have been linked to cancer: Acetone – the poisonous ingredient in nail polish remover. Benzene – the ingredient in gas and fuels that causes cancer. Arsenic – in murder mystery movies as the poison of choice. Formaldehyde – the chemical used to embalm dead bodies that causes cancer. Ammonia – the active ingredient in window cleaner. Lead is a toxic chemical that we avoid by treating our drinking water, so it doesn't contain it. It causes neurological damage and can lead to dementia. No adult in their right mind would willingly put any of these chemicals into their body. Yet, the addiction to tobacco and nicotine leads millions to contaminate their bodies with these poisons. We haven't even begun to discuss the effects of nicotine. If you are listening to motivate someone you love to stop smoking, you might want to memorize these chemicals and see if understanding this fact affects their ability to quit smoking. If not, I have some more motivating yet unfavorable news for you. The drug nicotine is highly addictive, and it is indeed a drug. It falls into the category of stimulant drugs. Most individuals with anxiety issues tend to choose nicotine as their drug of choice.   Nicotine functions like any other stimulant; it causes the arteries to contract, reducing blood and oxygen flow. Over time, this results in elevated blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and an impaired ability to dilate when increased blood flow is necessary in a particular area. The next stage in this progression is arteriosclerosis, which may be followed by a heart attack or stroke. Many people addicted to nicotine in cigarettes try other forms of the drug, generally derived from tobacco, introducing numerous other chemicals into their bodies. Attempting to reduce nicotine by changing the method of ingestion still exposes you to another form of tobacco. In medicine, we refer to smoking as “pack years” to describe the amount of cigarette smoking in the patient's history. A Pack Year is equal to one pack a day multiplied by the number of years the patient has been exposed to the poisons and nicotine from cigarettes. Even though other forms of nicotine carry the same risks, we haven't developed a shorthand for exposure to these forms. However, we do understand the amount of nicotine present in each type of tobacco. Cigarettes contain an average of 10 to 12 mg of nicotine each, but only about 1.5 mg is actually inhaled. A pack of cigarettes delivers approximately 28 mg of nicotine. You can compare that to other forms of nicotine: Product Amount of nicotine Cigar 13.3–15.4 mg (large cigars) E-cigarette 0.5–15.4 mg (15 puffs) Pipe (tobacco) 30.08–50.89 mg  Chewing tobacco 144 mg (whole can) Hookah 1.04 mg (per puff)   Now, the alternatives for stopping this addiction include replacing nicotine with something else that doesn't contain the chemicals responsible for cancer. Nicorette gum or lozenges are the most popular options, but they should not be used for extended periods. They serve as short-term solutions to an addiction, as they can still cause vascular damage. The dose in one piece of Nicorette gum is 2 mg, which is equivalent to 1.5 cigarettes. This is not a permanent solution; other methods, such as acupuncture, hypnosis, and antidepressants, should be used to stop the addiction. A professional counselor or psychiatrist is the best choice for helping a smoker quit. Like any addiction, specialists are available to help and guide you throughout the process.

See all the Healthcasts at https://www.biobalancehealth.com/healthcast-blog This Blog post is for mature women to read.  If you feel embarrassed by sex or offended that I am addressing these genuine female concerns, please skip this Blog. Among the many questions I have received, I am sharing a few with you in case you also have these questions but are hesitant to ask when you visit your gynecologist's office. At BioBalance Health, our doctors conduct consultations with new patients and follow-up visits that last an hour. During these consultations, patients are free to ask questions about their health including sexual questions.   The atmosphere in our office is open to all questions, and the doctors offer hour-long visits, fostering a supportive environment for discussing embarrassing sexual situations, asking awkward questions, and addressing concerns about sexuality and aging. I am going to offer some of the questions I have been asked and the answers that I give to my patients who ask. Question 1:” Am I normal to think about sex and fantasize about having sex all the time now that I have testosterone pellets?” Yes, that is normal and healthy to think about sex…humans are sexual beings and thinking about or planning to have sex with your partner is normal.  After Testosterone pellets are inserted for the first time, they have magnified sexuality for a few weeks.  After that the sex drive of a patient goes back to what was normal for them when they were at their prime. Testosterone is necessary for a person, women and men to have a sexual drive. Those women and men who have had a healthy sex life before their testosterone was lost can still have sex, on their usual schedule, but what we think of sex DRIVE, won't be there without T….just the habit of having sex will make them continue to have an active sex life.  Question 2: “Before pellets I didn't have any discharge in my underwear, and I thought that was a benefit of menopause but now I experience wetness/slight white discharge Am I OK?” When women are mature and have fertility, (women between 12 years old and menopause) have some discharge clear or white in their underwear.  It is from the vagina, and it is a way of the vagina cleansing itself. Without the hormones estradiol and testosterone, as in menopause and when a woman takes low dose birth control pills, the vagina dries up and doesn't “cleanse itself”. Vaginal lubrication stops, so does vaginal discharge, and painful intercourse is a real problem for women after they are not producing estradiol or replacing it with HRT. Experiencing normal vaginal discharge is a small price to pay to comfortable sex and a good sex drive. If the discharge changes, please watch or read my last Healthcast #685 or blog #685 to determine if you need to see a Gynecologist. Question 3: A question women ask me before they experience replacement of testosterone and estradiol. “Do I have Alzheimer's disease?  I'm only 50 and I can't remember things. I lose words and I am always late because I can't remember appointments.” One of the most important benefits of taking testosterone by pellet insertion is that my patients usually get their brain back!  It is rare that anyone who is having trouble with their memory before age 55 is really starting to have an early onset dementia. By taking Estradiol and Testosterone pellets my patients regain their normal brain function in the first 8-12 months.  Those women who are still struggling with memory after taking Estradiol and Testosterone Pellets should be evaluated by a psychiatrist or neurologist to test them to see if they are having the beginnings of a type of dementia. The sooner a person takes TE hormone pellet replacement, the longer they will have a clear and functional mind.  If a woman takes T and or E2 pellets, they can delay the genetic onset of dementia by 10 years. That means if genetically you were wired to lose your ability to think at age 70, then you should get a ten-year delay in the onset of your dementia. E + T pellets are the only treatment I know can preserve your ability to think 10 years longer than if you didn't take them within 10 years of losing your Estrogen and Testosterone (around age 45).  Question 4: “Now that I have pellets, I have great orgasms but I produce a lot of fluid when I come.  Is that normal?” Yes. Estrogen increases vaginal wetness, and lubrication for sex. Testosterone stimulates the sensitivity of the area around and inside the vagina. Testosterone pellets are the only form I have heard of that can cause vaginal ejaculation, or forceful production of fluid from the vagina.  Not everyone experiences this phenomenon, and some women love it as do their partners, and other women dislike it because it makes sex messier than usual. It is a testosterone dose dependent action, and lowering the T dose in pellets can decrease the response to sexual stimulation. Question 5: “My husband can't keep up with my sex drive.  I have the same drive as I had when I was younger, but he is not able to keep up with my libido.  What can I do?” My response has several options because every sexual partnership is different. You can use vibrators or sex toys to stimulate yourself. He can use the same toys to engage in sexual activity with you. You can lower your dose of T pellets to decrease your sex drive. You can invite your husband to visit us or another Pellet practice to have his level of T and Free T checked and replaced if it is low and he is a good candidate. Question 6: “My husband likes me to give him oral sex. I like it, but what do I do with the semen he produces? The eternal problem:  to swallow ejaculate or not.  You can only decide this for yourself and if you are uncomfortable with this, then have a washcloth or Kleenex handy to handle the fluid. Question 7:” I have had pellets for a year now, and I have never been so happy, and I feel young again, but my gynecologist examined me and said I had an enlarged clitoris, and she told me to stop pellets because of that!  I don't get it!  It doesn't bother me; why is she so upset? What should I do?” Your GYN is clearly not educated in hormone therapy using T pellets. She also seems to be uncomfortable with her own sexuality if she cannot see the benefit of having a clitoris that is slightly larger than normal, so it is easy for a partner to access.  She may be recalling something from residency, that we were taught: “An enlarged clitoris is a sign of an ovarian tumor, and these tumors secrete high levels of testosterone-like hormone. This is not the same as a slight enlargement of the clitoris that is normal with T replacement. She has not considered that you are receiving Testosterone to replace what you are no longer producing. When we no longer make testosterone at fertile levels, our clitoris shrinks so small that it can hardly be found. Testosterone reverses that change reviving the size and function of the clitoris. Honestly, the change is minimal, and the size of the clitoris varies based on a woman's genetics and testosterone levels before the age of 40.  The natural shrinkage of the clitoris after menopause corresponds with low levels of testosterone, along with the loss of clitoral sensitivity, which can lead to a decrease in orgasms!  We are sexual beings, and testosterone is essential for sexual function. The ignorance of your gynecologist is both sad and common.  In the last 20 years, there has been no training for OBGYNs in sexuality or hormone replacement during menopause.  There is complete ignorance regarding treating women with testosterone. As in the general population that has a subset of people who are sexually inhibited, the group of board certified gyns carry their own attitude into the treatment room. Clitoral orgasms are the most common type of orgasm in women. After menopause, they can disappear without testosterone stimulation.  That will stop sexual pleasure completely. Most of my patients don't complain about having a visible clitoris, and they say “I can see my clitoris again and my husband can find it now! It makes sex great again.” Question 8: “My internist asked me why I wanted to have sex now that I am old!  I'm 45! I am changing doctors, but what was she thinking?  Again, the training of normal sexuality in residency programs is minimal.  She might also be sexually unaware or inhibited, as she revealed when she told you that it is not normal to have sex as we age (over 40); clearly, she does not view it as an important part of her life, so it shouldn't be an important part of yours! Question 9: “Now that I am having sex again, I am shooting fluid out when I climax!  What is that and where does it come from?  By the way, my husband loves it!” This phenomenon is called “female ejaculation,” and it is a normal, yet uncommon, part of great orgasms.  Women can produce fluid through transudation via the vaginal wall (which is incorrectly dubbed “vaginal sweating”).  There are no sweat glands in the vagina; the fluid comes from the abdomen and is known as peritoneal fluid.  When a woman orgasms, her vagina contracts, and this fluid squirts out of the vagina with force. The second source of fluid is the Skene's glands, which are small glands located on either side of the urethra (the opening that leads to the bladder). They don't produce a large amount in most women, but it is possible for them to “squirt” fluid with force. Most men find this gratifying, as an unspoken sign that they did a great job.  Women may find it upsetting and ask me to decrease their testosterone levels to lessen the likelihood of “making a mess” when she has sex; however, this also decreases the orgasmic experience. I will keep collecting questions that my patients ask me in my office to offer a continued version of “Embarrassing Questions” in future blogs. I hope this helped you answer some of your unanswered questions!

See all the Healthcasts at https://www.biobalancehealth.com/healthcast-blog As the founder and Medical Director of BioBalance® Health, an anti-aging longevity practice for 23 years, I have long sought a blood test that serves as a reliable indicator of aging and disease risk. Identifying those at highest risk allows me to better motivate patients to follow my treatment plan and pursue a longer, healthier life. For people who test negative, I would reassure them they are doing well and encourage them to maintain healthy habits. Over time, I assessed common medical tests that many doctors use to steer patients toward certain treatments that do not reduce pain and may shorten life. I examined the actual risk of death and illness through clinical evaluations and credible, though less publicized, research studies. Here is what I found: Elevated blood lipids are not reliably predictive of vascular plaque. In my experience, both high and low cholesterol patients show similar rates of plaque in Cardiac Calcium Scans. Despite this, primary care physicians often prescribe statins, which may be unnecessary for many. Statins were not initially tested on women, who tend to experience more severe side effects such as cognitive impairment, muscle breakdown, and fatigue, likely because these drugs impact mitochondrial function—the cell's energy source. BMI has long been used to assess whether someone is at a healthy or risky weight, but it is often inaccurate. It overlooks individuals with low muscle and high fat, while labeling muscular people as overweight. As a result, BMI is being replaced by body composition measurements.   Recently, body composition analysis using InBody has become more common than BMI for evaluating patient health, frailty, and muscle mass. Measurements of visceral fat and body composition are considered indicators of current health status. BMI is a straightforward calculation that only uses height and weight, whereas body composition includes assessments of visceral fat and percent body fat. Only one weight- and height-based test directly relates to health status. High muscle mass indicates health, while excess visceral fat signals risk, and normal body fat percentage reflects current—but not future—health. Since body composition can shift over time, it is a useful measure of present health but does not reliably predict longevity and is just one aspect of overall health. Several blood tests can indicate current health, such as fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, IGF-1, and fasting insulin. For assessing future health risks and existing damage, HS-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) is crucial, as it measures inflammation—a major factor in unhealthy aging and reduced longevity, especially when levels exceed 3.0. An article in Life Extension (July 2025) refers to persistently high CRP as “inflammaging.”   The Truth About Aging and Inflammation? Temporary spikes in HS-CRP from infections or surgeries usually do not cause lasting issues unless inflammation persists. Chronically high HS-CRP levels (>3) are linked to various age-related diseases, such as obesity, arteriosclerosis, autoimmune disorders, poor dental hygiene, and other conditions that reduce health and lifespan. We now can measure “inflammaging” with HS-CRP blood test.  This test indicates increased risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, dementia, autoimmune disease, and other degenerative diseases.” A review of studies with more than 400,000 participants revealed that people with a High HS-CRP had 75% increased risk of all-cause mortality compared to people with a low HS-CRP. These studies found that HS-CRP may be a more reliable predictor of heart attack and stroke, than LDL cholesterol! HS-CRP may predict age-related diseases because chronic inflammation leads to issues such as arterial plaque and Alzheimer's. Although white blood cells fight infection, their persistent activity can damage healthy tissue and accelerate age-related conditions. The changes that you can make to decrease inflammation, Inflammaging, include: Fat loss to ideal weight Low inflammatory mediterranean diet Omega 3 oil supplements or in food Daily exercise Probiotics Quercetin supplement Treat joints that are damaged (inflammation is increased with injured joints) At least 3 cups of coffee per day Less than 4 oz of alcohol a day No sugar in the diet ***Replacing hormones to the levels of a young man or women with non-oral hormones, pellet testosterone for men and both testosterone and estradiol for women.   BioBalance® Health assesses new information through medical studies and bases treatments on knowledge of human physiology and the aging processes. No single test can determine if you are aging well, but HS-CRP is a better indicator than cholesterol or BMI. At BioBalance®, we've tested HS-CRP for 20 years and developed treatments to address inflammaging. Citation: Life Extension –July 2025

See all the Healthcasts at https://www.biobalancehealth.com/healthcast-blog This Blog contains dialogue of a sexual nature In my 29-year history of practicing gynecology and 23 years of practicing hormone replacement medicine, there have always been a few questions that only the bravest and most comfortable patients would ask me during a well-woman visit or consultation. During the next few weeks, I will dedicate my blog to those usually unanswered questions, but most probably those questions that women are too embarrassed to ask. The first question is asked in many forms, but the general idea of the question is:” What should I do if I think my vaginal area smells weird?”  “Smelling weird” is a common description that can imply many things, so I will outline what I ask my patients to gather enough information to provide them with a medically relevant answer. What does it smell like? Yeasty, like baked bread? Sweaty-like body odor? Sour- like a towel that has been we too long? Musky – like the musk type of perfumes? Urine? everyone knows what that smells like Old people in a nursing home? OR “Like something is dead in there?” “Like Fish?” These are the actual descriptions that I have received in response to my question, and they all identify different. In case some of you are worriers, I will start with the fact that vaginal odors 1-6 are likely due to a minor infection, either an overgrowth of yeast, or the fact that you don't air out that area at night which makes yeast and bacteria grow in the warm environment between your legs or under the covers. Vaginal odors 7 and 8 are more serious and require treatment. I will first discuss the most important conditions based on their odors. These can be quite dangerous if ignored. Let me start by addressing odors 7 and 8. Odor # 7. If your vagina smells foul, like “something is dead in there,” you should probably make an appointment with your GYN. It could result from something as simple as a tampon that was “lost” in the vagina, leading to bacteria growing from menstrual blood and semen.  This is a common cause of such vaginal odor. The GYN will need to use an instrument to grasp the tampon and remove it. She will then prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection that has developed. While there's no harm in removing it, leaving it in place can lead to a serious pelvic infection. If your doctor doesn't find a tampon and this odor is confirmed by her, then she will do bacterial cultures and a pap to look for cervical cancer or endometrial cancer. It is important that you don't ignore this odor.  It won't get better on its own. Odor #8. If your vagina smells like fish it is likely an infection with a bacteria called hemophilous vaginalis, or from Trichomonas (“Trick”). Hemophilus can be caused by wiping back to front (the wrong way), which allows rectal bacteria to enter the vagina. Additionally, Hemophilus can be introduced into the vagina during intercourse. In these two cases, it is not considered a venereal infection– NOT an infection you acquired from your sexual partner. However, Hemophilus can be a venereal infection that you contract from a sexual partner if he acquired it from someone else and transmitted it to you! The treatment is essentially the same: a medication called Flagyl or metronidazole, taken three times a day for 7-10 days. If your partner has it too, he needs to take the medication at the same time so you don‘t keep passing it to each other. These infections require examination and testing to receive an antibiotic. The last possible cause of a fishy-smelling vagina is Trichomonas, a parasite that produces a significant amount of thin, greenish discharge along with a fishy odor. It is sexually transmitted, and both partners should be treated.  He should also have his other contacts treated. The group of infections in #8 is treatable and curable with medical help. Another quality of Hemophilus and Trichomonas is that if you have nitrazine pH paper and test the discharge with it, it will turn the paper dark blue.  Dark blue means go to the GYN! We'll start back up at 1-6 discussing the causes of “funny smelling discharge. ” These are the least likely to be serious infections. I need to provide some initial information before I discuss the various reasons for vaginal odor. First, there is always a slight odor that is uniquely yours. You shouldn't try to eliminate all signs of vaginal odor because it results from a combination of yeast, good bacteria, estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone, which help protect your vagina and vulva, the area surrounding the vagina.  Changes in hormones such as pregnancy, menopause, hormone replacement therapy, diet, antibiotics, and dehydration can alter the vaginal smell and discharge. The yeasty odor that resembles baked bread comes from normal yeast present in the vagina. Some women naturally have this odor. It becomes a concern only when it is accompanied by itching and a significant amount of white discharge. These yeast infections can occur after taking antibiotics that eliminate good bacteria.  They may also arise when blood sugar levels are elevated, as seen in diabetics or prediabetics. The pH paper will not change color.  Treatment involves yeast medication, which can be either vaginal or oral, along with oral probiotics and sometimes vaginal probiotics to help restore the good bacteria. If you are diabetic, you may experience yeast infections until your blood glucose levels are normalized.   Sweaty-like body odor.The vagina can develop body odor from sweat that fosters the same bacteria found under your armpits.  This matter is simple.  Change out of wet swimsuits, wash gently with the same soap you use for the rest of your body, and allow your vagina to dry by sleeping without underwear.   Sour like a towel that has been wet too long. The ability to detect sour odors is genetically determined. You may not notice it, but your significant other might, or you may smell his clothes that have this odor, while he doesn't.  Either way, it is caused by bacteria from sweaty, damp clothes thrown into a hamper, allowing fungus and bacteria to grow. For some reason, you then wear these clothes, and your vagina ends up harboring the same jungle of bacteria and fungus.  This one is easy: air out clothes before wearing them, avoid putting on garments that are not clean, and wash these clothes in warm water to eliminate the microbes. You may need a doctor's visit for diagnosis and treatment.   Musky -you know, like the musk type of perfumes. A musky smell is the natural scent of fertile women with testosterone, especially when they are sexually stimulated. This is not an infection; it is the normal sexual scent of attraction. This odor usually diminishes with menopause or when you are on the pill and your testosterone levels decrease.   Like urine. The smell of urine is usually caused by leaking urine, poor wiping, or wearing a pad that absorbs leaking urine. It can precede a yeast infection because urine wetness encourages the growth of yeast. Treating urine leakage is imperative for resolving this issue. Options include surgery, Emsella magnetic pelvic floor strengthener, or a pessary. All of these can be discussed with your doctor when you inform them that you experience this odor consistently.   Like Elderly individuals in a nursing home? Sadly, nursing homes do have a characteristic odor; it is a combination of urine and cleaning chemicals, but there is something more. Elderly people who lack hormones have lost protective bacteria and exhibit a dominant odor of deterioration. This is what the vagina smells like without hormones and the beneficial bacteria they support. This is a smell that many women ask me about after menopause when they don't take hormones. The only way to return the odor to normal is to reinstate hormones.   If you have other vaginal odors I have not addressed, then send your email questions to podcast@biobalancehealth.com.  I pray you will trust your gynecologist enough to ask any questions you need to understand your own body. I hope I have provided you with some material to reflect on and compare to help answer your questions.

Modern horsekeeping doesn't always align with what our horses were designed for—and that can take a toll on both their bodies and minds. In this episode, we explore the challenges today's horses face, from stall time to feeding practices, and how those factors impact their overall wellness. We'll also share practical steps you can take—like maximizing turnout, ensuring constant access to forage, and building thoughtful routines—to help your horse stay happy, healthy, and mentally balanced.Giveaway BlogGiveaway FormHost: Ashlee Lecompte LazicHost: Jenna BoscardinGuest: Elizabeth Robinson

What does “wellness” really mean for horses and how does it shape the products you use every day? In this episode of the Horse HealthCast, we're joined by Meghan Guissarri from SmartEquine's Wellness Team to talk about the heart of our product development, from customer-driven design to innovations in therapy gear and blankets. Tune in for insider stories, favorite products, and a first look at how SmartEquine is redefining wellness for your horse.Giveaway BlogGiveaway FormSmartEquine Ultimate Turnout BlanketHost: Ashlee Lecompte LazicHost: Jenna BoscardinGuest: Meghan Guissarri - Director - Head of Wellness ProductsGuest: Dee Lewandowski - Customer Care Team

Hi this is Bailey–and in this episode of Summit in 6 we are actually bringing back our Healthcast after we took a hiatus during the Covid years! We are back and recharged and ready to deliver health-related content to the same feed that gives you Summit in 6. Alright, let's get into it! For today's … Continue reading September 23, 2025— Summit County Healthcast: Suicide Awareness Month →

There's a good size list of “scariest things to happen to a horse owner” but a Barn Fire is definitely in the top five. In this episode of the Horse HealthCast, we're talking about real steps you can take to lower the risk and keep your horses safe. From electrical checks and hay storage tips to evacuation plans and everyday habits, learn how to make your barn a safer place for both you and your one-of-a-kind horse.Giveaway BlogGiveaway Form

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is transforming how health data is shared and used, emphasizing transparency. Chief Data Officer Kristen Honey is spearheading an “open by default” strategy that moves away from top-down, siloed data management to a more collaborative model. HHS is pushing decision-making to local, state and regional experts on the front lines of public health. Inspired by rapid response strategies used during the COVID-19 pandemic, the updated plan takes a modular, flexible format housed on open platforms like GitHub. This allows external partners to provide feedback and co-create solutions that accelerate innovation. At the same time, the refreshed HealthData.gov serves as a one-stop shop for navigating HHS's massive data ecosystem, with AI-driven tools designed to improve usability and responsiveness. HHS is fostering partnerships across government, industry and academia to drive external innovation while ensuring solutions meet authoritative federal standards.

Not sure if your horse really needs supplements? You're not alone. In this episode of the Horse HealthCast, we're talking about common nutrient gaps in the equine diet, how (or if) you can test for deficiencies, and what supplements experts find themselves recommending again and again. We'll also be interviewing one of our fantastic Customer Care team members, and you won't want to miss the very last segment.Giveaway BlogGiveaway Form

HITM: We remember Ron Tucotte today and replay one of the greatest races of all. We meet one of the hosts of the brand new show on the Horse Radio Network called The Horse HealthCast by SmartEquine and we learn about her job as Head of Research and Development. Plus, what happened to Butters over the weekend, listen in…AUDITOR POST SHOW: No post show - Glenn lost his voice.HORSES IN THE MORNING Episode 3761 – Show Notes and Links:Hosts: Jamie Jennings of Flyover Farm and Glenn the GeekTitle Sponsor: WERM FlooringPic Credit: Jamie Jennings and Ashlee LeCompte LazicGuest: Ashlee LeCompte Lazic, M.S. - Director, Head of Research and Development for SmartEquineLink: Horse HealthCast by SmartEquineAdditional support for this podcast provided by: Saddle Fit 4 Life, Equine Network and Listeners Like YouTime Stamps:01:00 - Ron Tucotte 8:08 - RIP Judge Frank Caprio10:08 - Daily Whinnies26:40 - Ashlee LeCompte Lazic, M.S.45:00 - Butters Vet Visit

HITM: We remember Ron Tucotte today and replay one of the greatest races of all. We meet one of the hosts of the brand new show on the Horse Radio Network called The Horse HealthCast by SmartEquine and we learn about her job as Head of Research and Development. Plus, what happened to Butters over the weekend, listen in…AUDITOR POST SHOW: No post show - Glenn lost his voice.HORSES IN THE MORNING Episode 3761 – Show Notes and Links:Hosts: Jamie Jennings of Flyover Farm and Glenn the GeekTitle Sponsor: WERM FlooringPic Credit: Jamie Jennings and Ashlee LeCompte LazicGuest: Ashlee LeCompte Lazic, M.S. - Director, Head of Research and Development for SmartEquineLink: Horse HealthCast by SmartEquineAdditional support for this podcast provided by: Saddle Fit 4 Life, Equine Network and Listeners Like YouTime Stamps:01:00 - Ron Tucotte 8:08 - RIP Judge Frank Caprio10:08 - Daily Whinnies26:40 - Ashlee LeCompte Lazic, M.S.45:00 - Butters Vet Visit

Consistency might be the most underrated tool in every horse owner's kit. From turnout and training to feeding and farrier care. You'll hear how consistency supports both physical health and peace of mind for your horse and for you. Plus stay tuned to the end for a special guest. Listen in...The Horse HealthCast by SmartEquine - Episode 1:Hosts: Ashlee LeCompte Lazic (Head of Research and Development) and Jenna Boscardin (Digital Marketing)Sponsored by: SmartEquine Meet the Pak: Tanner PriceTime Stamps:00:10 - Introduction to the Horse Healthcast01:16 - Introduction to Smart Equine Podcast08:10 - Managing Change in Horse Care17:30 - Seasonal Changes and Horse Care19:05 - Meet the Pack: Introducing Tanner28:13 - Understanding Individual Horses: A Personal Perspective

In the this episode, Dr. Christopher Tookey goes over how to tell if a food is actually high in protein compared to its calories. He also reviews what else to consider when thinking about protein in food.  We're providing general guidance but everyone is different and you should always discuss with your health care professional management of any disease and therapy before trying anything you discover from a source on the internet (including this podcast). This podcast does not reflect the opinion of our employer.

From the makers of SmartPaks and the team behind SmartEquine, The Horse HealthCast is the go-to podcast for horse owners who expect more from their equine care. Co-hosted by Ashlee and Jenna, lifelong horse people with deep experience in supplements, wellness, and the realities of horse life, this show explores what it means to care for horses in a smarter, more personalized way. With high standards as our foundation and individuality as our focus, we bring you one-of-a-kind insights for one-of-a-kind horses—whether they're competitive athletes, backyard companions, or somewhere in between. This is The Horse Healthcast. Because your horse deserves nothing less.The Horse Healthcast by SmartEquine - Trailer:Hosts: Ashlee LeCompte Lazic (Head of Research and Development) and Jenna Boscardin (Digital Marketing)Sponsored by: SmartEquine

HealthLeaders' Michelle Ponte sits down with Rob St. John, senior clinical director and technical fellow for the Acute Care and Monitoring Division of Medtronic, to learn how HealthCast's portfolio can allow nurses and clinicians to deliver better care without replacing them.

Lance shares the Pilot taping for The HealthCast on HUR Voices. We are hoping SiriusXm picks up the show...

A recently published study by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) discovers a link between physical activity and cancer risk after gathering data from wrist sensors, which could help lead to major advances in cancer research. Alaina Shreves, predoctoral fellow at NCI's Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics Metabolic Epidemiology Branch, said the findings come from accelerometer-measured physical activity, which associated low-intensity exercise with up to a 26 percent decreased risk of certain cancers. Shreves highlighted the importance of wrist sensor data in cancer prevention. She also shared her excitement about a new project involving wearable technologies to determine how walking patterns impact cancer development.

The National Cancer Institute is exploring a new new tech-based treatment to help patients overcome a severe breathing disorder caused by the Human Papilloma Virus. Leaders from the agency's Center for Cancer Research — Dr. Clint Allen, a senior investigator, and Dr. Scott Norberg, an associate research physician — join us to discuss the findings from their recent study on the Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis, which can cause damage to the vocal cords and block airways, making it hard to breathe. Allen and Norberg shared details about the therapy, which uses a gorilla adenovirus based-technology to target the infection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's annual milestone updates in its public health data strategy include expanding TEFCA, enabling easier data access and analytics capabilities, and a new shared workspace with its partners. Dr. Jennifer Layden, director at CDC's Office of Public Health Data, Surveillance and Technology, detailed the latest in the agency's comprehensive data strategy and how advanced technologies are revolutionizing disease detection and community health protection. From wastewater surveillance to AI-powered data processing, the strategy's mission is to create a more responsive, interconnected public health system. Layden explored the critical challenges of data integration, highlighting how the CDC is developing an enterprise platform that enables faster, more accurate tracking of health threats. Layden also discussed the importance of interoperability between health care systems, the potential of AI in processing complex medical information and the practical ways these technological advances can help communities respond more effectively to emerging health challenges.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is exploring how it can leverage artificial intelligence to enhance cancer screening techniques, ultimately improving patient outcomes across the nation. Dr. Katrina Goddard, director of the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences at NCI, explains how her division is leveraging AI, and other innovative solutions like the low-dose CT scan, to better detect lung cancer and enable better access to data.

Data security and customer experience are top priorities for Jennifer Wendel, the newly confirmed permanent CIO at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Wendel emphasized the agency's commitment to implementing special cybersecurity measures and strengthening incident response processes to safeguard patient data from malicious actors. Wendel highlighted some of her other key priorities from HHS' 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. This includes improvements to grants.gov by introducing new tools designed to make accessing health services faster and more efficient. Wendel is also driving initiatives to upskill the HHS workforce, equipping employees with essential expertise in cybersecurity, data management and cloud technologies to meet evolving challenges.

The FDA is taking a proactive approach to its digital transformation efforts that its tech leaders highlighted in a new IT strategy. FDA CIO Vid Desai and Office of Business and Customer Assurance Director Josh Lehman discussed the new strategic plan that includes a vision for emerging technologies like quantum computing and empowering its tech workforce. The leaders also outlined their priorities in cybersecurity to navigate the technological shifts ahead in federal government.

Artificial Intelligence is empowering the Small Business Innovation Research Development Center at the National Cancer Institute to save the lives of women who have been diagnosed with common cancers. Brittany Connors, SBIR director of investor relations at NCI, discussed how she is working with startups to develop the technology that better detects breast cancer and cervical cancer in their early stages. Connors also highlighted NCI's partnerships with biotech companies and the progress that is being made with the world's first AI-driven platform that uses an automated ultrasound to screen for breast cancer without radiation.

The Department of Veterans Affairs' prior pilot shuttling veterans to appointments is now a live program. The Uber-Health Connect Initiative addresses one of the biggest barriers to access for veterans across the country: transportation. Though they might be eligible for care, veterans getting to and from appointments often encounter difficulty or roadblocks because of lack of ability to drive or they just don't have reliable infrastructure in remote and rural areas. Veterans Health Administration Chief of Innovation Indra Sandal and Veterans Transportation Program Director Benjamin Williams discuss the program's journey from pilot to live program. They share updates and lessons learned, discuss the technical undertaking around its dashboards and APIs, and highlight the future of the program.

The National Cancer Institute's new Artificial Intelligence Resource (AIR) program is helping clinicians better diagnose and treat cancer patients.  AIR enables researchers to build AI models that help to better detect cancer through imaging and determine the best treatment options. Dr. Baris Turkbey, senior clinician and radiologist with the Molecular Imaging Branch at NCI, explained the role AI algorithms play in classifying bone lesions in metastatic prostate cancer as well as how AI impacts the radiation dose in CT scans. Turkbey also shares details about a new concept NCI is researching called multimodal AI, which processes data from multiple modalities and sources to create more robust outputs.

See all the Healthcasts at https://www.biobalancehealth.com/healthcast-blog 2024 has been the hottest summer of the decade and it is causing many of you to go to the ER with heat related sickness. There are several risk factors that may put you at high risk for illness relating to the heat. I have been present several times when someone collapses from heat stroke which is the most severe heat related illness. The heat can kill you if it progresses this far.  It is interesting, athletes who won't back off from their outdoor activities, and will work out in the highest heat of the day. Heat stroke can cause a person to collapse, drop their blood pressure, act out, or pass out, or even seize, all of which are signs to call 911, and start emergency procedures: elevate their legs, if possible, place ice packs under the arm pits, around the sides of the neck, and on their groin. The highest risk patients: Babies and toddlers are over 65 On multiple medications Taking a diuretic Obese patients People with anemia and other blood conditions Patients with coronary heart disease Patients with atrial fib Those people who don't drink water, just caffeinated drinks-dehydrated people Who have just been flying (dehydrated) Who are hung over (dehydrated) Who have been nauseated and vomiting in the days before going out and working or playing in the heat. Ask the heat stroke victim to drink fluids if possible. Of course, make sure they stop the activity they are engaged in outside in the heat. Move them to a cool place while you are waiting for emergency help to arrive. Heat stroke can cause a vascular stroke or death, so emergency treatment is necessary. If possible, offer the victim water with electrolytes in them (NUUN-Sport) and some sugar in case they are also hypoglycemic as well. If they can't drink, which is a side effect of heat stroke, put a wet washcloth in your mouth to suck water from it slowly. My husband and I went on a trip to Cinque Terra, Italy with another couple last fall to hike the trails between the 5 towns that line the cliffs over the shores of Liguria.  The hike was supposed to start at 8 am so we could avoid the heat of the day….and it was in the 90s and humid…but as luck would have it the transportation we had arranged for wasn't able to take us to the starting point and we didn't get there until  10:30.  We packed several water bottles and a few snacks but we were not prepared for the  4  ½ hour trek high above the mediterranean on a trail that was 3 feet wide and involved thousands of steps up and down…we had drunk most of  our water in the first 2.5 hours and were very hot and sweaty the whole time….about 40 minutes from the town of Vernazza, my husband started stumbing, and talking nonsense…he had stopped sweating and couldn't walk….There was no place to lay him down without blocking the path and we found a shady spot for him to recline and put his feet up.  I had some Nuun-sport electrolytes which I had put in my water and had been drinking, so I put 2 electolye tablets in ½ bottle of water and tried to get him to drink it…..he was delirious and refused, and I had to force him to drink…he fell asleep and we received water and cold water bottles to put around his neck from passersby.  Ideally, we would have gotten ER help which he really needed, but there was no way to get emergency care to him and at 6-4 and 230 he was too heavy to carry/drag…and remember we were on the edge of a 200 ft cliff. When he had slept 20 minutes I kept my finger on his pulse and he was thready and fast…..Thankfully he rallied and we got to Vernazza and he walked into the ocean after drinking several glasses of water to cool off and fell asleep on the beach for an hour until he was ready to get on the train back to our hotel….This was one of the scariest times of my life because I knew what to do but didn't have the IVs, or water or ice or anything to help him.  Remember this and make sure you are always prepared for the worst scenario when you are active in the heat!   So how do you know when you are getting close to heat stroke?  You feel weak and out of breath. Your pulse rises, you stop urinating, and you STOP sweating.  You are getting close to heatstroke when you start to feel cold even though the ambient temperature is high.  When you feel dizzy and unstable on your feet…the next thing to happen is vascular collapse See the stages of Heat Related Illnesses below, which we are all at risk for! This is from the NEJM.   Heat-Related Illness Description Treatment Severe illness     Heat stroke A multisystem, life-threatening illness characterized by elevation of the core body temperature (to >40°C) and CNS dysfunction   Classic heat stroke: most often occurs among older persons with compromised behavioral and physiological compensatory responses to heat exposure Exertional heat stroke: most often occurs among healthy persons during extreme physical exertion, which results in excessive metabolic heat generation, often but not always with concomitant ambient heat exposure Move patient to cool environment; manage airway, breathing, and circulation; administer rapid cooling with cold-water or ice-water immersion or other means; administer intravenous rehydration; and evacuate to emergency department after on-site cooling is performed. ICU admission is warranted for management of end-organ sequelae. Moderate illness     Heat exhaustion Profound fatigue, weakness, nausea, headache, or dizziness (or a combination of these symptoms) resulting from a decrease in body water content or blood volume due to water or salt depletion from heat exposure; mild elevation (

See all the Healthcasts at https://www.biobalancehealth.com/healthcast-blog My medical practice, BioBalance® Health, allows me to hear all of the myths about how to lose weight, when I am in consultation with a new patient. All of my female patients and some of the men have at one time, or multiple times been fooled by the false promises of friends, doctors, and advertisers, about quick and easy ways to lose weight.  If you have bounced around trying every diet out there on the internet and failed to lose weight, then I can help you stop the pointless trial and error process, and help you embrace the difficult and time-consuming process of truly losing body fat and keeping it off! If you thought that all we do at BioBalance Health is replace women and men's testosterone with long-acting bioidentical pellets, you are partly right!  In addition to treating our patients' hormone deficiencies we also have the goal of attempting to guide them toward a healthy long life!  This involves treating “pre-diseases” like prediabetes that other doctors don't treat until damage has been done and guiding our patients as to the right way to achieve their ideal weight.  One of the important roles we have in assisting our patients with “fat-loss” is to disprove all the lies our patients have been told over the years by nearly everyone about how to lose weight.  Some of these myths are actually believable (unless you are a doctor and understand the physiology of weight loss), but still never work. Other diet plans work for some people with specific genetic qualifications, but not for the majority of the population.   Then, there are diet plans that are so bizarre and illogical, that they literally make me giggle when my patients describe the protocol (or advice) they have been following without results. Why are these myths so prevalent?  It is because we have been programed since childhood to eat in a way and in amounts that are inevitably going to cause us to be obese. It takes a lot of work to turn those lifestyles, habits and food choices around to lead my patients to lasting fat loss and long-lasting health. Hard work never “sells” and a time-consuming diet doesn't either so businesses make a lot of money keeping you fat! You may or may not have heard these! I will tell you why they   #1 Myth- If you eat fewer calories, you will lose weight, and all calories are the same. This is one of the myths that is spoken by doctors every day because they learned it 30 years ago in medical school, and it just isn't true!  To begin with calories in food are metabolized differently depending on whether they are Protein, Fat or Carbohydrate. It takes more calories to metabolize Protein, and more than fat and the food that burns the least calories to be metabolized are carbohydrates.  So, food calories are different depending on which food group they are from. Eg. There is a vast difference between the weight you might lose, or gain based on the food group your calories came from. For example:  If you eat a steak with 500 calories verses a slice of birthday cake/icing that contains 500 calories, it takes more calories to breakdown protein so you USE calories to make it into blood sugar, while the birthday cake takes almost no energy to make BS and readily makes fat if it is not used in exercise. Another factor that causes counting calories to be a losing proposition, is that every food stimulates insulin differently, and insulin that is over stimulated over time gives a person insulin resistance which causes them to be so efficient that they can go a day and not eat anything, and still fail to lose weight.  If you have tried a low-calorie diet and that happened, then you are not alone.   Going back to the steak and birthday cake example, steak does not stimulate insulin very much and birthday cake is likely to over stimulate your insulin making insulin resistance worse and doesn't make energy but is stored as fat! The third reason limiting calories cannot be the basis of a weight loss diet is that an individual human body has a vast number of factors that influence how you as a unique individual burns calories, therefore any one calorie limiting diet will not work for the majority of humans. We are all different with individual requirements for the types and amounts of food we need which is based on our genetics, our history of healthy or unhealthy diets, our daily exercise, and how obese we are when we start to lose weight. What that means simply is that there is no easy way to attain your ideal weight and stay there but limiting your calories.  Weight watchers tried this method for years and I never found a person who lost weight by eating a certain number of any type of calories (candy, dessert, or fruit and vegetables with the equivalent number of calories) in one day, who lost weight and kept it off.  If you eat 1200 calories of fruit, veggies, eggs, fish and or meat throughout the day and have an active lifestyle, you will lose fat that day. If you eat 1200 calories you save up all day to eat one dessert you will probably gain weight because it will overstimulate your insulin and make your calories into fat and not energy.  Weight Watchers changed their program several years ago when their clients realized their system didn't work. Counting calories to lose weight is a myth you should avoid.   Myth #2: The promise:  “If you just  eat _________ (one food like grapefruit/cabbage soup/ salad/juice take your pick)  for ____ weeks you will lose 20 lbs. The cabbage soup diet is an example of this failed “theory” which invaded the US female population in the early 2000s and my patients embraced it completely believing that they would lose 20 pounds in 4 weeks.  I objected and told them that eating only one food for 4 weeks was unhealthy, a baseless fad which was unlikely to work, but very few of them listened.   It turns out that Cabbage is a food that slows the metabolism of people with   A blood type, and the majority of citizens in my city, St. Louis, have A blood type!  At their next GYN visit my patients were all moaning over the fact that they had GAINED 20 pounds on the cabbage soup diet! Not eating a variety of foods is unhealthy and this proves that even an unhealthy diet doesn't promise weight loss for everyone. So please don't follow fads. they are baseless, and you might gain weight and not lose it!   Myth #3 You can exercise your way to fat loss,  eat whatever you like and still lose weight. I believe exercise should be part of every human's healthy lifestyle, and exercise is necessary to speed up the metabolism while you eat a low carb, high protein diet and refrain from bad habits like alcohol consumption. However, eating like you normally do and exercising hours daily will not bring about weight loss for 90% of the population of the US. Lasting weight loss doesn't occur unless you add eating a healthy diet, stopping bad habits and taking the required supplements necessary to decrease your fat mass, and exercise.  Yes, you have to do it all!    Increasing muscle increases our metabolic rate and exercising muscles increases the loss of fat, but both muscle building and muscle strength require high protein diets, with a moderate amount of fat, and without a lot of carbohydrate.  Eating carbohydrates unchecked can cause the weight loss promised by exercise-based weight loss programs to fail, over and over again. After the age of 45 your muscle will not be preserved while you lose weight if you do not replace your low testosterone and exercise too.  So it is not ONE factor that facilitates weight loss, it is complicated and there is a perfect fat-loss plan for everyone…you just have to find it!   Myth #4 Low fat diets are a good way to lose body fat and prevent heart disease! Every study has failed to support this idea!  Low fat diets don't lower cholesterol, but low carb diets do!  We were told by cardiologist for the past 30 years that low fat diets would lower the cholesterol and the atherosclerosis in your arteries…but they lied!  It is now accepted by most doctors that low fat diets leave people hungry which causes them to  eat too many carbs resulting in an increase in cholesterol and weight gain. Re-introducing fats into your diet should include healthy fats (fat from seafood, vegetables like olive oil, milk fat and other omega 3,6, and 9 ) are necessary for brain health and good body composition. The advice by the US FDA and Medical specialists to eat a low-fat diet has contributed to over 50% obesity, dementia, and diabetes in America. If your cardiologist tells you that a low fat diet is going to prevent heart disease, then look for a more up to date cardiologist.   Myth #5 High protein diets are not effective for weight loss. High Protein-Low Carb diets are the best diet for the majority of people in the US.  This diet is the most effective type of eating plan for your weight loss.  If you want to know what % of protein, fat and carbohydrates you should eat, then go to our website, BioBalancehealth.com and become a weight loss patient with genetic guidance and you will learn how to distribute your foods based on your unique genetic map.  High protein diets keep you “full” longer after a meal or snack, so your calorie intake is naturally lower. Reserve your intake of carbs to supply you with physical energy before and after exercise. Otherwise, your diet should consist of high protein and fat, and limited carbs, with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit (these food are not considered carbohydrate).   Myth #6 Diet soda is a “free food” because there are no calories, so I can drink as much as I want to and lose weight!  Diet soda contains many chemicals, salt and includes a chemical sweetener called aspartame.  Salt causes swelling, and all chemical sweeteners stimulate insulin and act to make you hungrier than if you drank unsweetened iced tea, water or anything sweetened with stevia.  Stevia is a plant that does not contribute to insulin resistance and diabetes.  The majority of diet sodas stimulate insulin just like carbohydrates do and contribute to weight loss failure.  Every time you drink one you should consider it just like eating a carbohydrate!    Summary: Following the advice above will prevent so much frustration with future weight loss attempts, and will help you achieve your ideal weight through avoiding these myths about weight loss. Remember that weight loss fads have been around for a long time without a public refute of the obvious myths above.   Fads should be ignored if you want effective weight loss. Remember that Instagram and Facebook posts are only motivated by profit, even though they spread crazy diets as based on fact. There is no one monitoring the “fads” validity. Please don't listen to fads of people who are not doctors or nurses trained in weight loss! More Myths about weight loss next week!

See all the Healthcasts at https://www.biobalancehealth.com/healthcast-blog The second set of myths about weight loss involve what we have been told by our federal government through the FDA and surgeon general, that is believed by most of us, but the motivation of the government is not generally for your well-being. Myth #7 Salt is bad for you, and you should limit your intake of salt to minimal amounts. A large study found that eating less than 3 grams of salt a day increases one's mortality by 25% when compared with moderate intake.  It is a fact that salt is vital to life, this contradicts the AHA who preaches that a low salt diet is what is required for health. Myth #8. Replacing hormones at menopause, estradiol and testosterone, will cause women to gain weight. The advent of menopause changes a woman's metabolism and makes every woman in industrialized nations insulin resistant which slows their metabolism and causes women to gain fat and lose muscle which lowers the metabolic rate even lower because muscle mass burns 90% of our calories, and as it shrinks the Basic metabolic rate drops. The only way to counteract this cataclysmic change is to replace estradiol and testosterone in a bio-identical and non-oral delivery system (pellets, patches, topical applications and vaginal tabs.  Even with sex hormone replacement, insulin resistance is Still a factor in weight gain, so a low carb, high protein diet and medical treatment with Metformin, or Wegovy or Mounjaro may be necessary to regain ideal weight after menopause. Myth #9 Milk products are bad for you, and you should take them out of your diet. Milk is not metabolized in the same way and does not have the same metabolic effects as milk products like yogurt, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, and all cheeses. The majority of Americans can tolerate, and even need milk products as a valuable source of protein.  There is a small minority of people who cannot tolerate milk products, and even fewer who respond to milk products with inflammation. If you do not have GI symptoms, or joint aches when you eat milk products then you are not necessarily healthier to cut them out of your diet. Not only is milk good for most Americans, but it has been proven to decrease oxidative stress and inflammation….the very things it is accused of increasing! Myth #10 Skim milk is better for everyone than whole milk, and those people on a diet should opt for skim milk. This myth is born from the myth that we should eat low fat diets to lose weight. It is a fact that Whole milk has more fat than skim milk, but skim milk is higher in carbohydrate, is generally consumed in larger amounts and is not as satisfying as whole milk. Skim milk is 55% carbohydrate/43%protein/5% fat while whole milk is 50% fat/20% protein and 30% carbohydrate. Unfortunately, the processes we use to make milk safe to drink (Pasturization and Homogenation) remove the necessary enzymes (Lipases, and Lactase) that help humans tolerate lactose sugar in milk.  The process of skimming milk removes the Vitamin D and A that are in unprocessed milk. If you can drink milk, choose smaller volumes of whole milk, not skimmed, if you like milk products like listed above, then add them to your high protein diet.  A 64 million person- year study recently revealed that whole milk drinkers, milk product eater had a significant decrease in all-cause mortality. Skim milk drinkers did not have a decrease in all cause mortality. Myth #11 Cutting animal products in your diet will decrease your cholesterol and therefore prevent heart attacks. So why do we follow fads? I believe it is because we are human and we look for the easiest path to a goal, and easy diets appeal to most of us who want to lose weight, however losing weight is complex and involves a good medical based plan and a change in your lifestyle. Your plan should start with seeking the right kind of medical advice that fits the diet to your blood work, medical history and in some cases your genetics.

See all the Healthcasts at https://www.biobalancehealth.com/healthcast-blog In general, I spend my time defending women and the fact that our problems and sexual physiology is ignored, by the governmental powers and physician organizations in the US, so I try to do my part to bring information to women about their hormones and the aging process. Today I am changing my focus to men and the way men's normal sexual function is considered a “normal” and rarely discussed outside the men's locker room and or porn sites. So here goes…The fact is that men's sexuality isn't just the act of sex, but men spend a lot of their sexual energy on fantasies and just thinking about having sex.  Men's ability to have an orgasm is not just a wham- bam—thank you…well you know the phrase…and there are many physiologic factors that must work, in the background to bring a man from thinking about sex or desire, to an orgasm. Sadly, in the current environment couples don't talk about sex….they don't tell their partner what makes them excited or even what they want…. because none of us can read minds, too many of us don't get what we want when it comes to sex. With lack of communication between partners, leads couples to trial and error without a map.  Neither sex knows how the other sex “works”.  I decided to describe the normal series of what men go through on their way to orgasm to educate them and their partners.  In addition, the process is not always the same in each person and as men age the time between the first sexual thought to completion gets longer and longer…sometimes these detours include episodes of losing an erection, sometimes getting it back and sometimes not which leads to frustration of both partners. In youth when a man's free testosterone is high and his arteries are free of plaque, between puberty and age 35, erections may occur often, and they last a long time if the man is stimulated for a long period of time. At this point sex is automatic and easy to complete to orgasm and ejaculation. As time goes on, free Testosterone starts to decrease with age, as does the diameter of a man's arteries…blood flow doesn't rush to the pelvis to create an erection like it did in youth. The things that lower free testosterone.  What happens with age that cause erections and ejaculation to be less and less automatic and easy? T and free T drops after age 35 in most men and becomes critical by age 55, even in healthy men. Ejaculate decreases due to lowering of free T Vasectomies decrease the volume of ejaculate by 1/3 Stress causes free T to decrease. Hypertension causes arteries to contract and deliver less blood to the pelvis for an erection. High blood sugar and diabetes destroys the arteries in the pelvis making blood have a more difficult time getting to the penis. Stress causes Cortisol to rise and free T decreases, Obesity increases the estrogens in men and that decreases free T by binding it with sex hormone protein and inactivating it. Any medication the constricts blood vessels (ADD medicine, Phentermine, speed, etc) decreases blood flow to the pelvis. Some medications that lower blood pressure lower It in the pelvis too low so that men are impotent (e.g. Lisinopril). For men who don't know all these medical, aging changes that happen to most men, these changes cause fear and anxiety which of course makes it worse.  Men who have this issue (most men) are even reticent to talk to me about it and they haven't talked to their spouse either. So here is what I tell them:  You are aging like everyone else, and that fact can't be changed, however, your lifestyle and your medical health, or poor health is affecting your orgasms and your ability to have sex.  These factors CAN be changed.  You can change your BP medicine to one that doesn't impair erections.  You can get your diabetes or obesity under control, and you can improve your erections.  However, to get it all back you will need testosterone replacement if your free T is under 129 ng/dl. The safest way to accomplish this is with my practice BioBalance® Health…we do it better and know all the tricks to making you healthy productive and potent! What is in the ejaculate? mature sperm are mixed with whitish, protein-rich fluids with prostaglandins are produced by the prostate. These fluids nourish and support the sperm so they can live after ejaculation for a limited time to fertilize an egg.  This mixture of fluid and sperm, known as semen, and is what is moves through the urethra in the form of ejaculate. Sensory stimulation travels from the skin to the brain and stimulates dopamine and endorphins which are neurotransmitters that make a man fee happily ecstatic during and after an ejaculation.  These neurotransmitters also stimulate the Hypothalamus to make oxytocin, a bonding hormone that binds couples together. Many nerves, vessels and the brain are involved in a successful sexual encounter. The culmination of a sexual encounter is complex and involves the whole body. I find it interesting that the “medical view” of orgasm is still divided into 4 different steps when, if you are a male (or even a female who has had sex with a male) the divisions seem very arbitrary and is ALWAYS connected to ejaculation. It is a fact that men and women can have sexual intercourse and orgasm without ejaculation. The following is how the practice of medicine describes the male sexual act.   In contrast I have educated my patients by comparing sex to a on the fact that men can have orgasms which occur in the brain when endorphins flood the neurons, even without ejaculation.  So I will discuss, the male sexual experience to them, not with the “4 easy steps of male sexual response”, but as a “process” of achieving orgasm in men.  It is more like a recipe, that requires each ingredient to be added in order, but sometimes you can stop in the middle and start again.  It is not always a straight line from sexual desire to orgasm. In general, all men need testosterone to have sexual desire, and sexual desire to have sex, however both men and women can be physically or visually stimulated to be aroused without true sexual desire. If the man has a long history of having sex often, then the habit of having a sexual response can be achieved without enough testosterone, however the erection will not necessarily last long enough.   Continued physical stimulation can bypass desire, and therefore testosterone, and a man can be stimulated into having an erection of sorts and into having an orgasm with or without ejaculate An erection requires testosterone to become fully erect, however there is a “work around” now and men without testosterone can have an erection with Viagra, Cialis pills, or prostaglandin injections into the penis itself. Men can also have a penile implant placed so they can have sex without testosterone or Viagra/Cialis. However, let's talk about sex with testosterone in men who have good pelvic blood flow who don't require medication to become erect. The second necessary ingredient after testosterone is stimulation, which can be with touch, visual stimulation, auditory stimulation or even imagination that causes a man to be stimulated. The sexual response to any of these stimulations send messages through the nerves from the brain to the pelvis that dilates his veins and arteries. This sends blood to the penis from the arteries and blocks the veins from draining the blood out.  This creates an erection. Testosterone's role is to cause the arteries to dilate by stimulating the production of nitric oxide from the arterial walls. Remember the stimulation? The ongoing stimulation (mental, visual, auditory or imaginary) keeps the erection hard with vascular dilation. At this point stimulation can be changed or paused and other stimulation can prolong this part of the process.  Holding the base of the penis can keep it hard, or any tight encircling toy can keep the erection from proceeding to orgasm for some time or the erection can go away without continued stimulation. The third step is the preparation for orgasm which can last from as long as 30 minutes and as short as 2 minutes. A clear “pre-ejaculate” is produced that lubricates the penis for intercourse, and if ejaculation is to take place there is a “loading of semen” that takes place from the seminal vesicles readying the man for ejaculation.  At this point the penis contracts the muscles quickly in rapid repeating emissions that shoot the semen out of the urethra. This is the orgasm and ejaculation that occur together, which is typical of normal youthful ejaculation.  As men get older the force at which they ejaculate decreases. After ejaculation/orgasm the brain is flooded in endorphins, the feel-good neurotransmitters, that make a human feel happy and satisfied.  This is solely the result of the orgasm after a sexual encounter. The feeling of ejaculation does relieve pelvic pressure but is not needed to experience orgasm in most men. Medical science has been able supply an assist for desire (testosterone) and erectile function (vasodilation and release of nitric oxide but they have not discovered the “pill” to make ejaculations occur or to improve their volume.  It is important for an aging man to accept that orgasm doesn't require ejaculation since we don't have an answer to recreating the youthful ejaculation.  Besides age, vasectomy can also limit ejaculation.  dehydration, vasoconstrictors, anti-hypertensive drugs and diuretics can limit the volume of the ejaculate as well. After the “process of sexual orgasm” the penis loses tumescence, blood leaves the pelvis and overall relaxation occurs throughout the body. Then a period of time must pass before another erection can occur.  Over time some “twice a day men” can turn into once every week…..this can be changed by practicing…..having sex more often. The sexual response in both men and women is more like a symphony with several movements, than a recipe, but it is definitely not a series of steps that is followed in every human in every circumstance. It is the job of the physician to help patients both understand and live with any variations in the sexual process.  Much of what I do is act as a teacher to my patients who need to understand their own bodies and any dysfunctions thereof.  Understanding becomes treatment over time.

See all the Healthcasts at https://www.biobalancehealth.com/healthcast-blog Dave Glover, the most listened to talk radio voice in the Midwest, invited me on his show last week to talk about BioBalance Health Testosterone Pellets for men and women and BioBalance Skin my medical esthetic spa.  His show is on KMOX, the voice of the St. Louis Cardinals.  Dave Glover and I have worked together for 10 years, and he is unabashedly my patient who has experienced the superiority of our medical care that is unique, and preventive, in addition to being the best testosterone pellet therapy in the Midwest. We go far beyond to direct our patients to a healthier life. Dr. Maupin Radio Interview with Dave GloverWhen patients have their first appointment our doctors have already reviewed their lab amd medical history, and the first appointment is chocked full of information about the meaning of their laboratories, diagnosing medical problems such as insulin resistance and prediabetes to finding diseases they were unaware of.  At the same one-hour long appointment we work with our patients to develop an individualized diet and exercise program for their unique situations. The secret to our success in bringing 95% of our patients back to health is the foundation of replacing testosterone in the most effective and safest method with replacement non-micronized testosterone estradiol pellets.  We do much more in a short time to direct our patients to reversing the symptoms of aging (the symptoms of testosterone and estradiol loss) while we prevent future illnesses like diabetes and help our patients move to healthier lifestyles. Dave asked me what is new about BioBalance Heath.  We are always improving our knowledge, based on new medical research, and our newest offering is a simple genetic Diet and Metabolism Test called Nutrigen.  This test is done by simply doing a self-cheek swab and never has to be repeated!  Right now we are offering this test for $300 (a discount of $150).  If you have tried many diets and still don't know what type of food you should eat, our test is meant to be a ONE-TIME test to tell you everything you genetically need to lose weight.  Or if health is your goal and not weight loss and you want to know how to eat for the rest of your life, this diet is a necessity!  It comes with a 60-page report. What % of your diet should be fat, carbohydrates or protein? What times of day should you eat? Should you eat snacks? Does exercise help you lose weight or not? Is a low carb diet the best one for you? a low-fat diet? A low-calorie diet? Is a high fat diet the best for you to be healthy? What supplements do you genetically need? Everything you have ever asked about your individual path to ideal weight! Everyone who elects to take this test will get a 60-page report about every genetic factor that affects their diet, metabolism, exercise and weight loss.  It even includes what genetic factors are working against them and their ability to lose weight. When their test comes back, our Nurse Weight Loss Specialist, Sarah Hooper RN will be ready for them to make an appointment to go over the report and explain a healthy eating plan. We always have used the INBODY machine for following body composition and not just weight for ALL our patients, pellet, weight loss, and non-pellet patients. Dave then asked about what was new in our BioBalance® Skin Office? We are always looking for ways for our patients to look younger, and healthier as they age. Dr. Maupin and Sullivan's criteria to adding services is that they are TRULY EFFECTIVE, as well as painless, and the service is affordable compared to other pathways to the same outcome. This year we have added a painless hair growing ultrasound treatment called TED.  It can treat any form of hair loss, as long as there are some follicles left to stimulate. Women and men come in for 4 to 6 45-minute treatments, that feel like a scalp massage.  There are no necessary serums or vitamins to buy. You just have to keep the areas treated out of the sunlight for the month following the treatment.  This is a real breakthrough and compared to very costly hair transplants and painful PRP treatments this is a game anger! For women who have lost weight and ask us every time they come in for weight loss or pellets what they can do about sagging and crepey skin, now we have a variety of treatment s  to offer them: Opus treatments for the chin and jowls, Juvashape to tighten areas all over the body. EM Sculpt to build muscle, lose subcutaneous fat and tight skin, and EM Face to take the place of a Facelift!  Our patients are encouraged to come in for a free consultation to help them decide what they can do to “SHAPE UP” after successful weight loss! We offer episome treatments with our Aqua Gold treatments to rejuvenate tighten, smooth out and lift facial skin….It is a step up from  microneedling for more mature skin. We literally offer the MOST EFFECTIVE, MOST ECONOMICAL TREATMENTS with the least pain and best results anywhere!  BioBalance Skin Staff will guide you to the appropriate choice of treatments so you can be assured you have the best esthetic treatment for your individual problem. Our Goal is to help our patients look as good as they feel with their BioBalance Pellet treatments!

A special initiative and data registry at the National Cancer Institute is helping researchers understand and treat rare childhood cancers. Dr. Mary Frances Wedekind, a pediatric oncologist and assistant research physician with the Pediatric Oncology Branch at NCI, explains how the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative follows children, teens and young adults for many years to collect key information about their cancer diagnosis, imaging and treatments. She added that the initiative along with the Rare Cancer Data Registry are critical to helping researchers access and analyze the clinical and genomic data that could potentially lead to more effective targeted therapies and new drug developments that could  improve the standards of care for young patients.

See all the Healthcasts at https://www.biobalancehealth.com/healthcast-blog On the last Heath cast #662 we talked about the choice of doing nothing when faced with symptoms of hormone deficiency and symptoms of aging, versus the choice to actively live a healthy life. I believe that concentrating on yourself as you age can save your lifestyle and or your life!  Preventing illness as you age is as important as paying your taxes! An unhealthy living plan without replacing deficient hormones can lead you on  a road to illness and early death.  If that doesn't motivate you, then consider yourself warned. Recently I saw a man in his late 70s who I had seen about 7 years before this.  He and his wife entered my office, and I could see that some of my medical predictions had come true.  This man had developed every disease I told him his blood work and physical self-predicted. Despite the treatment plan I gave him, he ignored me on diet, exercise, supplements, stopping smoking and drinking I gave him 7 years earlier.  He admitted that everything I told him would happen, did happen and now he is in constant pain, he is morbidly obese, and has trouble even walking.  He now has diabetes and has had a heart attack and 7 ER admissions for his heart since.  He did not do one thing I told him, except just recently he stopped drinking alcohol. He now is ready to live a healthy lifestyle however since he has so many diseases, he spends an enormous amount of money on medications and medical care.  The cost of care was his reason to ignore hormones, but he ignored my lifestyle advice as well.  Even though now a lifestyle change and testosterone pellets will improve his life, he still has done damage to his blood vessels and heart not to mention his joints and back.  These aging changes I cannot prevent, just stop the rapid progression. When you become our patient, we ask you a variety of questions that help us design a treatment plan, more accurately named a “longevity plan”. Symptoms of Testosterone, Estradiol and Thyroid deficiency: A combined list of symptoms of aging for men and women include: Loss of Testosterone Symptoms: ·      Loss of sex drive ·      Loss of erections, and morning erections ·      Loss of orgasms for women ·      Fatigue ·      Insomnia ·      Depression/anxiety attacks ·      Loss of strength and muscle mass ·      Frailty ·      Can't think clearly or remember names of things ·      Loss of motivation ·      Loss of efficiency at work ·      Weight gain ·      Belly fat increase ·      Sagging skin ·      Arthritis ·      Osteoporosis Loss of estradiol (women): ·      Hot flashes ·      Night sweats ·      Anxiety attacks ·      Irritability ·      Dry vagina ·      Painful intercourse ·      Sagging skin ·      Frontal balding ·      Urine loss ·      Dry skin ·      Shrinking vagina ·      Osteoporosis ·      Arthritis    Thyroid deficiency: ·      Hair loss ·      Fat gain ·      Fatigue ·      Depression ·      Feels cold all the time ·      Very dry skin ·      All body swelling ·      Constipation ·      High cholesterol ·      Low blood pressure and pulse These symptoms above can be treated and in treating them you will experience not only a lack of symptoms, but a longer healthier life. However, if you also change your lifestyle you can avoid the diseases of aging too! Through replacing your deficient hormones, add only individually chosen supplements and develop a healthy whole food eating plan, with 3-7 days a week of exercise (1 hour/ session).    What do I mean? What is a healthy Lifestyle? ·      If you smoke STOP! ·      If you Drink more than 15 alcoholic drinks a week, then stop, If you aren't addicted to alcohol, you should decrease your drinking to < or = 7 drinks a week. ·      Exercise 30-60 minutes a day (consecutively) ·      Throw out all the simple carbs in your kitchen: all cereals and granola, use olive oil to cook and no vegetable oils, Processed dry food in boxes or cans should be donated to charity. ·      Buy fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, cheese yogurt, fresh or frozen meat, fish chicken, turkey for meals at home. ·      Sourdough bread is the best choice in breads—it has no gluten but still has carbohydrates, so small amounts are advised. ·      Do something you love every day ·      Look for opportunities to have fun You CAN turn your bad genes off through a healthy lifestyle!  Now we know even your genes can be combatted through healthy living. The diseases of aging can be adjusted or avoided.  When thinking about what your risks might be, remember that Family history is a broad and faulty way to determine your risk, but genetic testing is a better way to determine your risk of disease that is found in in your chromosomes and genes. The combination of your genes are uniquely yours. Knowing what your genes are can guide you to an individual healthy lifestyle for avoiding disease and living a long life.   We offer this service for our patients who want to know what the perfect diet and lifestyle plan is.  It is called the   Nutrigen test is optional but a great idea if you are trying to renovate your life! This saliva test (no needles) can determine the genetics you inherited from your ancestors.  We then share the information with you and develop a lifestyle plan that includes lifetime changes in eating to decrease carbohydrates from grains and sugar, increase protein, and remove as many processed foods as possible. The Nutrigen test tells you what genes you inherited that impacts your health, but it doesn't tell me whether you have turn any of your bad genes off or your bad genes on! We offer that test to our patients who are trying to lose fat or just reframe their life so they can live more productively and as much without disease as possible, Now if you aren't convinced that you need to replace your hormones with testosterone plus estradiol if you are a postmenopausal woman, or if you figure you will   Does a future of having Alzheimer's disease strike your panic button enough to change what you eat and how much you exercise, and to replace your Testosterone with Pellets?  Or is it losing a limb from diabetes? Being unable to talk from a Stroke?  Would losing your ability to move around as you do today from a Stroke or heart attack make you scared enough to value your health and clean up your lifestyle?  Or would the prospect of never having sex again be the trigger that causes you to be as careful with you own health, body,  and mind, preserving it for the rest of your life? Medical care is not just about fixing the sick through medications or surgery anymore, although that is the paradigm we have all grown up in.  That dated belief may have dominated our  belief  about what medical care can do for us and how it works because until recently medical experts didn't understand how diseases sprouted from a bad lifestyle, or because we were taught that our genes determine our health and there is nothing we can do about it…..but we now know that leading a healthy lifestyle, using food as fuel and not entertainment, and being moderate in everything from food, to alcohol to exercise is the key to a long healthy life. New information in the last 20 years has come to light  revealing that an individual can turn off bad genes through a healthy lifestyle…. Your genetics do not  dictate your fate, but it is your behavior that dictates the diseases you will suffer fromwith through the last half of your life  and eventually die from. Let's talk about the most dangerous lifestyle choices that you can make. You must think about your body as a luxury car that requires a lot of maintenance, the best quality gas to fuel it, and loving care every day to maintain its value and performance.  Our bodies are a thousand times more complicated than the highest- performance car, and I contend that the most beneficial maintenance you can do is to think about your health every day especially when you are presented with behavioral choices.  For instance, when you wake up you should stretch and make sure your muscles are not spasmed.  YThe you should think about the two most important choices you will make all day, “When will I work out for an hour?” and “What shall I eat today?”. .  Exercise is key to managing your insulin sensitivity and blood sugar, protecting you from diabetes and heart disease.  Why would you avoid this inexpensive protection from these deadly diseases?   Planning what you will eat that day (or for the next week) should include  healthy, non-processed foods and drinks with plenty of water and protein and limited carbohydrates from grains especially from wheat. But you counter my suggestion ,” Wwhat should I do when everyone around me is overeating processed foods and drinking alcohol and sugared soda?”.  My answer is, “Stop and think! Do you drive over a cliff because the guy in front of you does? No!  Be brave and don't make a scene., just choose to eat and drink in a healthy manner…if that is not available, leave and find the food and drink your body needs!”  You are no longer a teenager when all the mistakes we make are “forgiven” by our bodies.  That stops working after age 20!   I think you should look at taking care of yourself like being engaged in working toward a goal, whether it be in sports, climbing the corporate ladder, getting a raise or getting your degree.  Health is a goal that will repay you throughout your life. I no longer work in OBGYN not because I didn't enjoy it, or it wasn't profitable enough, I stopped running around with my hair on fire, stressed out and exhausted without adequate sleep or nutrition because it was bad for me!  My medical practice literally made me sick!  I gained weight, felt terrible, looked old, was crabby and depressed, so I made a choice to make my health a priority and a priority for my patients. In terms of how  my medical practice changed…from doing insurance paid medicine which is paid for the patient by someone else I was daily faced with patients who didn't value my advice and didn't follow it!  I now have a medical practice where patients pay for their care themselves.  There is something about paying for something that makes you value it more! Instead of seeing patients yearly that I gave the same advice I give to my BioBalance patients today and repeating myself year after year without my patients making any progress, I now recommend lifestyle changes and treat my patients with replacement testosterone and estradiol pellets and they immediately feel better and follow my advice! I am blessed to watch my patients achieve health by changing their hormones, diet, exercise, changing medications and taking supplements to round out the nutrition offered by their food choices. The one most important health goal should be weight loss so you can achieve your ideal weight while you maintain your muscle mass. That change will take effort and sacrifice and if you are over 40 you will need testosterone to make this happen!    Here are the diseases that are caused by obesity: ·      CANCER! All kinds! ·      Diabetes-Type II ·      Heart disease, Myocardial infarction and stroke ·      Alzheimer's disease ·      Autoimmune diseases ·      Endometriosis ·      Arthritis and joint replacement ·      Hypertension and kidney disease ·      Immune deficiency Are you afraid of getting any of these diseases?  What is your most terrifying disease that keeps you awake at night?  Any of these in the list above?   I have always been fearful of Alzheimer's Disease and stroke because not being able to think and speak is my biggest fear!  I have gone so far as to have genetic tests for Alzheimer's Dx and I have 1 of the 2 genes that cause this devastating condition. However, because I have taken estradiol and Testosterone pellets since I was 47, my chance of getting this disease has been delayed 20 years.  Other factors that increase my risk for stroke and dementia are inflammation from being overweight, eating a high carb diet, lack of exercise, hypertension, poor neurotransmitters from a poor diet and bad gut bacteria.  One by one I have changed my lifestyle to decrease these risk factors. If I can do this, you can!  You don't have a harder work schedule than I have had or less time to choose foods to eat.  I choose to turn down more than one alcoholic beverage, to take my own healthy snacks when I travel and at my office. 

See all the Healthcasts at https://www.biobalancehealth.com/healthcast-blog The medically accepted belief that testosterone is bad for men has finally now been superseded by a huge study from Australia that proves that men with healthy levels of Testosterone live longer and healthier than men with low Testosterone! All you men who have been told that testosterone is bad for you or will cause prostate cancer by your doctor, you can tell you provider that he or she is out of date!  At BioBalance Health® we have been treating men with testosterone pellets for years and our patients are our evidence that testosterone not only keeps men's sexuality healthy, but youthful testosterone blood levels keep men healthy in many ways, eg. strong muscles and bones, excellent immune systems, healthy heart and blood vessels, lean muscle mass and it prevents the diseases of aging too!   I have been treating men and women with Testosterone for over 20 years and I concur with how this study plays out in real life, in my own practice. When my patients replace men's low testosterone levels with testosterone pellets and they follow my recommendations for a low carbohydrate diet and weight training exercise, supplements and treatment of pre-diabetes and pre-cardiac disease, they live more productive, longer and more enjoyable lives. My goal for my medical practice is to keep both men and women healthy as they age, and testosterone replacement is the most important necessary element to that end.  My intent is to defeat the aging process with interventions that have the potential to delay the onset of age-related diseases and preserve your ability to live life to its fullest, no matter what age you are!  We have based our treatment on hundreds of other studies that literally studied one symptom of testosterone deficiency or disease of aging at a time in relation to testosterone levels and found bioidentical testosterone to be beneficial to the health and longevity of men. However, we treat all the symptoms of aging and low T with testosterone pellets. Australia's Men's Study found that men who continued to produce normal youthful levels of Testosterone or replace their Testosterone to achieve normal youthful levels lived longer, more active lives than men who let aging take its course and drain them of testosterone! We have known this for two decades and we have treated men and women with testosterone pellets, the most effective and safest way to prescribe T.  Many smaller studies have been done that prove the same thing, but none so dramatic as the latest study we are referencing. At this point I have two questions to answer for most of your inquiring minds: Why did all the experts tell you that testosterone replacement is dangerous? and, why are the experts in the field of men's medicine, Urologists, still advising men not to replace their low testosterone as they age? Let me explain that why everyone is so negative about testosterone and why most medical doctors still believe that prescribing testosterone to men is evil.  This all started in the 1950s based on the study of only 3 men, who had had prostate cancer. They said they were testing them to find out if testosterone caused prostate cancer recurrence in men after prostate cancer.  During the study one of the men had a recurrence of prostate cancer when he was given testosterone injections.  In the “olden days” that provided the basis for the belief that Testosterone CAUSED prostate cancer!  The doctor even got a Nobel prize.  Based on this minimal and falsely extrapolated information, 50 years of doctors have been taught that prostate cancer is caused by testosterone, when in reality testosterone is only dangerous if a man already has an aggressive cancer already, will testosterone replacement stimulate the growth of prostate cancer. This misinterpretation of a faulty medical study has prevented generations of men from being treated with testosterone to prevent diabetes, heart disease, loss of muscle mass and the ability to walk and lift, as well as the inability to have sex throughout their lives.  This has been a grave dis-service to American men, because the world follows us with all of our medical protocols, this misinterpretation and lack of preventive care with T has spread around the world. The second question you should ask is: Why are the experts in the field of men's medicine, Urologists, still advising men not to replace their low testosterone as they age? Well, this is not just your doctor's fault.  Other than being trained by generations of doctors who believed the inaccurate information about the danger of testosterone causing prostate cancer and passing it on, there is a problem with how we train the doctors who take care of men. Urologists are surgeons first and not particularly interested in anything that has to do with preventive medical care.  Their training is based on surgery: they go through a general surgery residency after medical school for 5 years and then do a specialty in urologic surgery which doesn't include treatment of anything medical or preventive.    More than that, their College of Urologic Surgery and their journal has been blinded by supporting the surgical treatment of prostate cancer, so their motivation to prevent prostate cancer is generally opposite their type of practice of medicine. They can only operate on prostate cancer when a man has it. Now if you have a penchant for conspiracy theories you may then jump to the conclusion that both the practice of medicine, the business of pharmaceuticals and the government have monetary benefit from keeping all of us sick, and limiting our longevity, since we are a drain on the system after we stop working and live off Social Security and Medicare.  In other words, old Americans don't provide value to the whole of society.  I contend it is only because we don't help aging Americans stay productive and healthy that they are a drain on the rest of the population…However, that conspiracy theory is just a theory I have heard from my patients. This study is big news because it is the most important study that has been allowed through the blockade of powers, to the public!  We at BioBalance Health® can now give you men what you need, and when other doctors criticize our treatment, we can defend our treatment plan with this Australian study and the other hundred studies that came before.  You have your ability to ask for what you need from your doctor, based on sound evidence! The second study is below and was in the Journal of Internal Medicine about the same time as the Australian men's study. Study links low testosterone to increased mortality A study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine found that men with low testosterone levels had a higher risk of all-cause mortality, and those with very low levels also faced an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. The findings suggest potential links between testosterone concentrations and health outcomes, emphasizing the need for further investigation into underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic implications.

In the this episode, Dr. Christopher Tookey answers a patient question which type of M&M are the heathiest.  We're providing general guidance but everyone is different and you should always discuss with your health care professional management of any disease and therapy before trying anything you discover from a source on the internet (including this podcast). This podcast does not reflect the opinion of our employer.

As the nation's largest integrated health care provider, the Veterans Health Administration prioritizes how technology can address challenges in how it is delivering patient care and securing its infrastructure. Indra Sandal, chief of innovation at VHA in Tampa, Florida, breaks down how more than 300 participants collaborated and addressed challenges in a three-day hackathon. She highlights the takeaways from that hackathon and what it means for veterans. David Rhew, global chief medical officer at Microsoft, also discusses how the organization supported the hackathon and what lessons learned the public-private partnership has for the future of VA health care.

A recent National Cancer Institute study shows that a new targeted therapy can help prolong the time cancer patients are in remission. Called the ViPOR regimen, the non-chemotherapy treatment shrinks tumors of those who suffer from B-cell lymphoma. Dr. Christopher Melani, associate research physician with the Lymphoid Malignancies Branch in the Center for Cancer Research at NCI, highlights the importance of combining five therapies and administering them during a fixed cycle to maximize drug synergy and make tumors disappear. He also shares details about the second phase of the study that is expected to take place later this year as well as how precision medicine could potentially lead to a cure for all types of cancer.

Climate change has a major impact on public health, especially for vulnerable communities. Rising temperatures, severe storms and other severe events can negatively affect health outcomes. Agencies are increasingly using data and technology for programs and tools to boost health equity. Dr. John Balbus, director of the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity at the Department of Health and Human Services, speaks about the ways that technology can be used to build resilience against climate-related negative health outcomes. He discusses his career, his role in shaping policies and his agency's Health Climate Outlook tool for predicting climate-related health risks.

Artificial Intelligence is impacting two main areas of cancer research: image analysis and managing massive amounts of clinical data. The National Cancer Institute sees AI as a key capability in precision oncology. Dr. Eytan Ruppin, chief of NCI's Cancer Data Science Lab, recently published a study about a new AI tool researchers are implementing to foresee how a patient will respond to immunotherapy by providing an in-depth look at the clinical characteristics of the patient as well as the Tumor Mutational Burden (TMB). Ruppin discusses the NCI/CCR Synthesis Clinical Trial expected to start this fall and shares details about how the research will impact the treatment of aggressive breast cancer.

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has its sights set on advancing health equity through “Health Equity By Design” and U.S. Core Data Interoperability standards to ensure that everyone has fair and equal access to the highest quality of health care regardless of race, gender, disability, location and a host of other factors. Artificial intelligence is also playing a pivotal role in helping agencies achieve national health goals. Recently appointed acting chief AI officer of the Department of Health and Human Services, Tripathi said AI is helping to close health equity gaps when it comes to analytics, determining patient demographics and informing decision-making for treating patients. Tripathi also highlighted ONC's collaborative efforts with the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) and other agencies that are improving interoperability and the integration of public health data.

The National Cancer Institute's partnership with St. Jude is helping researchers to better understand how cancer accelerates the aging process of survivors who were diagnosed as children. The team is also developing therapies that can decrease risks of frailty and dying at an early age. NCI's Jennifer Guida and St. Jude's Kirsten Ness say the Behavioral Research Program as well as the Human Performance Laboratory have been instrumental in helping determine which survivors are more likely to experience physical and cognitive decline. These programs have also assisted researchers with identifying interventions that can possibly prevent premature death and other complications caused by cancer and cancer treatments. Guida and Ness discuss how technology like artificial intelligence is playing a critical role in improving care for childhood cancer especially in conducting screenings, tracking a person's risk for heart failure as well as creating a patient's survivorship plan.