What Is A Stroke?

A stroke or “brain attack” occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery or a blood vessel breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain. When either of these happens, brain cells begin to die and brain damage occurs.

When brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled by that area of the brain are lost. These abilities include speech, movement and memory. How a stroke patient is affected depends on where the stroke occurs in the brain and how much the brain is damaged.

Know Your Risk

Many risk factors for stroke are beyond your control, including being over age 55, being male or African-American, having diabetes, and having a family history of stroke. However, if you have one or more of these risk factors, it is even more important that you learn about the lifestyle and medical changes you can make to prevent a stroke.
Many risk factors can be controlled and managed with the help of a healthcare professional or with a change in your lifestyle.

Manage Your Risk

• Know blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure is a major stroke risk factor if left untreated. Check your blood pressure annually by a doctor or at health fairs, a local pharmacy or supermarket or with an automatic blood pressure machine.
• Identify atrial fibrillation (Afib). Afib is an abnormal heartbeat that can increase stroke risk by 500 percent. Afib can cause blood to pool in the heart and may form a clot and cause a stroke. Ask your doctor to check Afib.
• Stop smoking. Smoking doubles the risk of stroke. It damages blood vessel walls, speeds up artery clogging, raises blood pressure and makes the heart work harder. Stopping smoking today will immediately begin to decrease risk.
• Control alcohol use. Alcohol use has been linked to stroke in many studies. Most doctors recommend not drinking or drinking only in moderation – no more than two drinks each day. Remember that alcohol can negatively interact with other drugs you are taking.
• Know cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a fatty substance in blood that is made by the body. It also comes in food. High cholesterol levels can clog arteries and cause a stroke. See a doctor if your total cholesterol level is more than 200.
• Control diabetes. Many people with diabetes have health problems that are also stroke risk factors. Your doctor can prescribe a nutrition program, lifestyle changes and medicine to help control your diabetes.
• Manage exercise and diet. Excess weight strains the circulatory system. Exercise five times a week. Maintain a diet low in calories, salt, saturated and trans-fats and cholesterol. Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
• Treat circulation problems. Fatty deposits can block arteries carrying blood to the brain and lead to a stroke. Other problems such as sickle cell disease or severe anemia should be treated.

Because the most effective stroke treatments are only available if the stroke is recognized and diagnosed within the first three hours of the first symptoms, it is import to act FAST at the first warning sign of stroke. If you have any stroke symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

If you think someone may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do this simple test:
F—FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A—ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S—SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
T—TIME: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Women may report unique stroke symptoms including sudden face and limb pain, sudden hiccups, sudden nausea, sudden general weakness, sudden chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, sudden palpitations.
Other warning signs reported by both women and men include:

•  SUDDEN numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg – especially on one side of the body.
•  SUDDEN confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
•  SUDDEN trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
•  SUDDEN trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
•  SUDDEN severe headache with no known cause.

As soon as you notice the signs of stroke, call 911. Many of the risk factors associated with stroke can be identified and managed with the help of your doctor. Annual physicals provide an opportunity to talk with your doctor about what you can do to lower your risk. Contact LaMond Family Medicine today to talk with your doctor about your stroke risk factors.

Just how dangerous is too much time sitting down?

o Researchers from the University of Missouri suggest that sitting most of the day may put individuals at higher risk for diabetes, obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease — even with daily exercise.
o A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that women who sat six or more hours a day were nearly 40% more likely to die over a 13-year-stretch than those who sat less than three hours. For men, sitting for more than six hours a day was linked with an 18% higher risk of death.
o Sitting may be responsible for more than 170,000 cases of cancer yearly — with breast and colon cancers being the most influenced by rates of physical inactivity.
o People who sit most of the day are 54% more likely to die of a heart attack.

What can you do to reduce your risk?

o Take a 10-minute activity break at scheduled times each day.
o Park farther away from the places where you work, shop, play, study and worship.
o Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
o Put printers a short walking distance away from your work or study space instead of right next to it.
o Replace desk chairs with stability balls, or use a standing desk to get rid of the chair entirely to burn more calories while working.
o Fidget, stand up and stretch at intervals during meetings and prolonged desk work.
o Be creative in finding more ways to fit in light exercise and walking throughout the day, like a walking meeting!

Taking small steps (literally) to add more movement and activity into your day will improve your health.

Familiarize Yourself with Camp

• Study the camp website, talk to the director and past participants to get a good understanding of daily camp life. Share this information with your child so he knows what to expect.  If possible, visit the camp ahead of time so your child can get a feel for his new environment.
• Consider arranging for a first-time camper to attend with a close friend or relative. For overnight camps it is best if the buddy is close in age, so they can room together in the same cabin.

Acknowledge Homesickness

• Talk about the fun that your child can expect to have at camp. Don’t forget to acknowledge the possibility of some home sickness, too.  Make sure you express your confidence in their ability to cope with being away from home.
• If your child has never been away from home before, schedule a couple sleepovers at family or friends’ houses before their camp date. These simple trial runs will help to build your child’s confidence.

Pack with Care

• When it comes time to pack for camp, let the kids do the work! Kids need to know what they are taking to camp – what’s in the suitcase, duffle or trunk.

• Be sure to pack family photos and some familiar items from home life a favorite blanket, stuffed animal or t-shirt to remind them of home.  A shirt with their favorite sports team or town name can also provide a great conversation starter!
• Care packages can be the highlight of your child’s day when at camp, but first check with the camp regarding package guidelines and restrictions.  Some favorite items, which can be easily shared with cabin mates, include games, cards, Mad-Lib books, etc.  Disposable cameras, journals, water bottles, or a t-shirt or pillowcase for autographs all make great gifts.
• Teach your child how to perform basic tasks.  Make sure your child knows how to select appropriate clothing, make a bed with clean sheets, put clothes away, handle laundry, shower and wash their hair.
• Pack appropriate shoes or hiking boots, keeping in mind that camp is not the place to “break-in” new shoes.  And pack extra socks.  You’ll be surprised at how many pairs they can go through.
• Make sure your child has sun block, insect repellent, flashlight, and a small first aid kit.
• Make sure all medication is in the original container and clearly marked.  Know the procedure for getting the medication to the nurse.

Now that your child is prepared and packed for camp, take a deep breathe and prepare yourself for your child’s departure.  Take comfort in the fact that you have chosen the best camp for your child and that their experience will be full of fun, friends and many exciting experiences.

Image provided by Flickr.

The warmer weather has finally arrived and with the seasonal change comes a change of wardrobe.  Unfortunately, many of us are trying on our shorts and finding them to be a tad tighter than they were last year.  Rather than heading to the mall for a more comfortable fit, make a plan to drop the excess pounds by eliminating the empty calories that come with satisfying our food cravings.  

For most, the idea of conquering our cravings seems impossible.  And, at times, it can certainly feel that way.  But don’t throw in the towel just yet.  Armed with an understanding of the science behind those cravings, you will be able to take control of your diet and drop those unwanted pounds.

While research is only just beginning to learn why so many of us succumb to our cravings, one thing is certain. Every craving begins with a cue, emotional, aromatic or visual.  These cues are most powerful when they remind us of foods that are high in fat or sugar.  The cue activates your brain’s pleasure center, causing it to release dopamine, a neurotransmitter that tells you to eat whatever it is you’re craving. Over time, this feel-good experience rewires the brain so that you’re more likely to crave the food again and again in the future.  Even worse, during your craving, the brain releases a hunger hormone that send signals telling you that you are hungry, starving even.  This feeling of hunger makes it harder for you to resist temptation and can even help you to justify your binge.

So how do you beat food cravings?  First, you must understand your own unique craving cues. Then, you can take steps to control those cravings and break the dopamine cycle.

 Minimize stress: Tension and stress make people seek out opportunities to feel relaxed or rewarded. And what better reward than a little treat?  If you are a stress eater, stop stress related cravings by managing it with exercise or relaxation techniques.  Keep in mind that exercise gives you a natural high, satisfying the brain without the need for food.

Manage your emotions: If you can identify the emotions behind the craving, you can try to find healthier ways to fulfill your needs than empty calorie treats.

Eat at the dining table: If you eat while watching TV on the couch, or while reading in bed, you condition yourself to associate those areas with food. By setting up a space dedicated solely to eating, and avoiding other activities during meals (such as watching TV), you’ll reduce the number of cues you face each day.

Focus on your health goals. Make a list of your health goals, both short and long term, that you would like to achieve. Be specific.  If you’re trying to lose weight, list your current weight and how much you want to lose. These details will help you focus on your goals and keep you from making excuses.

Keep a food journal.  Writing down everything you eat during the day holds you accountable for your calorie consumption.  Many times we are not even aware of how much snacking takes place throughout the day.

Retrain your brain: If your brain can learn bad habits, it can be taught good ones too. By stopping food cravings in their tracks, you are resetting your brain’s cue for food.  Be strong and tell yourself repeatedly that you won’t give in to food cravings.  Use your health goals to motivate you and remember that your body is just playing tricks on you.

 By understanding the brain chemistry behind food cravings and adhering to these tips, you will find that over time, your cravings will subside allowing you to regain control of your diet.  Fighting the power of temptation can be overwhelming at times.  Refer back to these tips often and look to friends and family to encourage and support you.  Sometimes, you need a partner in your weight loss journey, if that’s the case, contact LaMond Family Medicine to find out how we can give you the tools you need to succeed.

Blue Sky MD is proud to support the Children & Family Resource Center’s Marvelous Mom’s Night Out on April 25 at First Citizens Bank, Main Street Lobby and Terrace, from 6-9pm.*

The Children & Family Resource Center and Blue Sky MD invite all of our mothers to enjoy a much deserved evening of fellowship and support. Gather your friends for a night of complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres while listening to author Leah Speer as she tells the story of modern moms everywhere in her bestselling book, Must. Have. Wine. A Toast to Motherhood.

Each Marvelous Mom in attendance will be entered in a drawing to win a gift basket with over $500 worth of products from Blue Sky MD. There will also be a raffle for massages, wine, and other goodies.

The Children & Family Resource Center improves children’s lives through parent education, quality child care resources and leadership on children’s issues throughout our community. While the event is free, the goal is to find 100 Marvelous Moms who will donate $100, over the course of a year, and become part of a group of women who are helping other mothers in our community. During the evening, you will discover how your contribution can shape another mothers journey.
Please, join us for an evening dedicated to the joys and challenges of motherhood.

*Please note that the location has been changed.

Protecting your skin from the possibility of damage is the first line of defense. You can do this by using sunscreen each and every time you go outside. Deciding which sunscreen is right for you can sometimes be confusing. Consider the information below, when choosing your sunscreen.

• Choose a sunscreen with broad-spectrum or multi-spectrum protection for both UVB and UVA. Ingredients with broad-spectrum protection include benzophenones (oxybenzone), cinnamates (octylmethyl cinnamate and cinoxate), sulisobenzone, salicylates, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, avobenzone (Parsol 1789) and ecamsule (Mexoryl SX).
• Choose a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher for UVB protection. The SPF factor rates how effective the sunscreen is in preventing sunburn caused by UVB rays. If you’d normally burn in 10 minutes, SPF 15 multiplies that by a factor of 15, meaning you could go 150 minutes before burning.
• If you’re going to be exercising or in the water, you might want to consider a sunscreen resistant to water and sweat. Keep in mind, though, that water resistant sunscreen means that the SPF level stays effective after 40 minutes in the water. Very water resistant means it holds after 80 minutes of swimming. There is no such thing as water proof sunscreen. All sunscreen needs to be reapplied after activity, time in the water or prolonged exposure to the sun.
• People who have sensitive skin or skin conditions like rosacea may benefit from using sunscreens designed for children. These sunscreens are gentler on the skin. If you have skin irritation or allergies, avoid sunscreens with alcohol, fragrances, or preservatives.
• Have freckles and moles checked annually by your doctor or a dermatologist for signs of skin cancer or abnormalities.

Most of us know that sun damage can lead to wrinkles and sunspots. There are many treatments available to reverse these unwanted side effects of too much fun in the sun. Blue Sky MD offers complimentary skin consultation and skin care analysis. Treatments like our Fractional “Laser Lift” Resurfacing, Photorejuvenation, Sunspot Treatment, Silkpeel™, Medical Peel Series or Signature Facial yield dramatic results.

During the winter months our skin tends to dry out faster. Dry, dead skin leads to clogged pores, uneven texture and a dull complexion. The key to fixing this winter problem is exfoliation.  Exfoliation is the skin’s natural process of shedding dead cells. By adding exfoliation to your skin care routine, you can assist this natural process and encourage newer, healthier skin growth.  Exfoliated skin glows, is more even toned and less likely to break out. There are many exfoliation options to consider; some you can do at home and some require an office visit.

After months of harsh winter weather and good exfoliation, it is important to rehydrate your skin.  You can do this by drinking lots of water and using a good moisturizer. After you clean and exfoliate your skin, your pores will open up and your moisturizer will be able to work more effectively, providing the healing you need to get your skin glowing again.

And, of course, keep in mind the importance of protecting your skin from the sun’s damaging rays. After cleansing in the morning, apply a good sunscreen with at least SPF30, over your moisturizer.  Or, use a moisturizer with sunscreen built into the product. Sunscreen protects against skin damage, prevents premature signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles, and helps to maintain an even skin tone.

Our job, at Blue Sky MD, is to learn where you are in your skin care journey and provide the support and help you need to take better care of your skin.  We will work with you to customize a skin care regimen that fits your needs and your schedule. Together, we can keep your skin healthy all year long.  Contact us today for a skin consultation.  Let us help you on your journey to beautiful, summer-ready skin.

When sizing up a bar, the first question to ask yourself is what role does this bar play in your diet? Are you looking for a snack, meal replacement or a workout bar? Once you know, turn your attention to the nutrition label. Not all bars are created equal.

Some important information to keep in mind when making your decision:

o Look for a bar that’s low in fat (less than 5 grams of fat).
o When evaluating the fiber content of bars, aim for 3 to 5 grams of fiber which will help stabilize blood sugar levels and keep you feeling full longer.
o Look closely at the sugar count. The bar’s carbs should not be coming from simple sugars.
o Some bars are packed with sodium. Make sure the one you choose one that has 300mg of sodium or less.
o If you’re watching your weight, check the calories listed on the label. If the bar is a snack, keep it under 200 calories.
o If you need a meal-replacement bar, choose one that has 20 grams of protein or less. More protein than this and your body can’t absorb it. Again, keep the carb and calorie count as low as possible.
o Don’t be fooled by advertising, women do not need a different type of bar than men.

Bars certainly can be a convenient way to stave off hunger when on the run but don’t let them crowd whole foods out of your diet. For a quick snack, you may be better off eating a piece of fruit or a hand full of almonds.

If you still feel overwhelmed by all the choices and variety, you can purchase bars from Blue Sky MD. We sell several tasty bars that are perfect for meal replacement or just a snack depending on your calorie needs for the day. These bars have been carefully selected by our medical staff and dietitian for their nutritional value.

Dr. David LaMond and his staff celebrate the opening of their newest Blue Sky MD clinic with an Open House on Thursday, March 21st from 4:30-6:30pm. Guests will have the opportunity to book special packages and tour the Arden facility while enjoying refreshments and getting to know the staff.

Blue Sky MD moved from their previous location near Lake Julian to their new location on Hendersonville Road, just down from the Long Shoals Road intersection, in January of this year. Their new, larger office will feature an advanced aesthetics wing with new laser equipment, additional treatment rooms, a spacious waiting area and privacy for those patients weighing in as part of the Blue Sky Weight Control program. “We are excited about our newest location,” says Dr. David LaMond, Blue Sky MD founder and medical director. “This space will allow us to treat patients more effectively and with more privacy than before.” The new office is located at 1998 Hendersonville Rd, Unit 51 in Arden.
Blue Sky MD is a locally owned, medically managed clinic providing services for both men and women on their journey towards wellness.

Patients struggling with weight loss can finally achieve their goals with the support of Blue Sky’s medically supervised weight control program, now covered by most insurance plans. The Blue Sky weight control approach allows staff to tailor a weight loss plan toward individual need and personal goals, while providing much needed support along the way. Those struggling with hormone imbalance can receive Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). BHRT is a safe and reliable, individualized treatment that is designed to restore hormone balance and can dramatically improve vitality, energy, health and aid in reversing the aging process. The advanced aesthetics branch of Blue Sky MD provides an array of medical-grade skin care treatments, state of the art body contouring, and non-invasive laser medical enhancements.

As a prevention expert, Dr. David LaMond is a regularly featured speaker at national medical spa conferences and has been featured in trade journals and local media for his work with non-invasive cosmetic procedures, wellness, weight control, and hormone therapy. Guests are encouraged to RSVP for the Open House by calling 828.651.0450 x113. For more information about Dr. LaMond and Blue Sky MD, visit our website.

This week, I’d like to take a look at how an actual case of cellular hypothyroidism presents itself in the exam room and talk about why it is oftentimes overlooked.

Recently, a female patient in her 40s came in complaining of an inability to lose weight, ongoing depression, fatigue and muscle pain. She had previously been tested for hypothyroidism and brought lab results with her that showed normal TSH test results, meaning normal thyroid function. Additionally, she had been diagnosed with and was being treated for fibromyalgia, depression and Type II diabetes. Treatment of these diseases, while necessary, was masking another underlying issue – cellular hypothyroidism. Yet despite treatment, she was still suffering. In this case, because the patient’s symptoms were consistent with hypothyroidism, it was important to look beyond the TSH test results and other diagnoses and explore further.

To accurately diagnose cellular hypothyroidism, a Reverse T3 test must be administered. This test looks at the ratio of T3 (the amount of thyroid hormone available for tissue use) to the amount of reverse T3 (a hormone that blocks the absorption of it). When there is a greater amount of reverse T3, the thyroid hormone, T3, can’t do its job. In this case, the test confirmed that the patient was suffering from cellular hypothyroidism. Treatment for this was simple. The patient takes a low dose T3 pill once each morning. In addition to feeling better, once the thyroid was functioning normally, the patient was able to scale back other medications used to treat her fibromyalgia, depression and diabetes.

Because cases like this are so common, it is very important for the physician to listen closely to the symptoms described by the patient. Cellular hypothyroidism can be easily overlooked or misdiagnosed. That is why at LaMond Family Medicine, Reverse T3 testing is part of our thyroid screening protocol. And at Blue Sky MD, Reverse T3 testing is part of every client’s initial weight control visit. Why? Because almost every client complains of “abnormal weight gain.” Often times, this weight gain is due to cellular hypothyroidism. If you believe you suffer from symptoms of hypothyroidism, contact LaMond Family Medicine for accurate thyroid dysfunction testing.