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FROM THE DOC
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WHO ARE YOU GOING TO BELIEVE?
Groucho Marx said it first, but Bill Clinton made it famous, with the quote:
"Who are you going to believe? Me....or your lying eyes?"
Of course, my eyes are what I believe, and what I've seen this flu season is that:
1. There is more flu in Arizona in the past three weeks, than in any period of my career.
2. The flu, although bothersome, is definitely milder than years past. ( i.e. We have not had to send anyone to the hospital this year with the flu, from the office.)
This is basically good news, in my book. It means that despite getting sick, patients are getting themselves better, or are improving with simple flu medications that work well.....like Tamiflu or Relenza.
These observations are in contrast to the news media reports, which are playing up the flu season as among the worst in years and in particular, stating that it is causing severe cases of infection and pneumonia. This is not what I've seen, happily, and it shows how different the truth may be from the 'truth' as reported by the media. Of course, if the media is getting this topic wrong and I am able to identify it because it's an issue that I am intimately familiar with, it makes me much more sanguine about their reports on topics that I have no knowledge of whatsoever.
This 'news' is not news at all. That the media is getting the story wrong much of the time is not a surprise, but it's a bit disheartening and makes you wonder what to believe. Thus the quote at the beginning of this missive. What to believe? I'd say....trust your eyes.
Yours in good health,Dr. Lakin
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Meet Our Featured Healthy Lifestyle
Patient:
Marie,
72 yrs young!
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"We may not have a choice regarding various health problems, but we do have choices, which may help prevent some of them. When I was young I was overweight and at 5'3", it was obvious! At that time, being overweight was not as yet correlated to the potential for diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, etc. However, I did recognize that I had a very unfavorable family history for cardiovascular disease.
As I approached adulthood, I decided losing weight might be a healthier option. I came to realize that, while we cannot change our genetics, modifying lifestyles regarding diet and exercise could possibly lead to healthier outcomes.
Exercise, a healthy diet, and remaining engaged in a number of activities is my attempt to maintain a consistent weight and stay mentally and physically healthy - all this along with the excellent counsel and guidance from Dr. Lakin. In addition, I try to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.
Regarding exercise, I go to a fitness center at least three times a week. My workout isn't a specific routine, but includes weight training, aerobics, classes incorporating a total body workout, and I continue to participate in karate.
My husband and I mentor second grade students at our local elementary school; this is our 13th year of mentoring and we hope our students gain as much from this rewarding experience as we do. I wanted to learn Spanish and several years ago took a conversational Spanish course at Scottsdale Community College
Retirement has been fulfilling in that I finally have the time to volunteer and participate in a variety of activities. I am a retired dentist. In addition, I was on the staff at Loyola University' Medical Center in Chicago as a faculty member and administrator and from which I retired as professor emeritus.
I feel that life is full of challenges - all of which change and shift as we age. Perhaps striving to lead a healthy lifestyle will provide one with an improved ability to meet them.
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| VOL 8 / Issue: #1 | Winter/ 2013 |
Winter Warmth 
Piles of snow beneath my boots
chilly winds blowing everywhere
snow keeps mounting on the posts
on the windows and on the roads
shovels outside,
soups inside
hot and rich,
chicken and corn
coming back from all the work
this is what I look for
the warm chestnuts,
the cracking fire
this is my winter warmth
www.FamilyFriendPoems.com
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Welcome To Our New Office!
| Be sure to update your address book!
Ninety Mountain View
9977 N. 90th Street, Suite 180
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
480.614.5800 (Phone)
480.614.6322 (Fax)
**Additional Top Floor Ramp Parking:
The 2nd floor ramp parking is very close to our door, but the entrance is at the VERY NORTH END of the parking area of the two buildings. You drive all the way North...enter at the NORTH END, then drive down to the SOUTH END of the 2nd FLoor Parking to get a space very near the entrance.
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February Is National Heart Month!
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What is heart disease?
Heart disease - also called cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease - is a simple term used to describe several problems related to plaque buildup in the walls of the arteries, or atherosclerosis. As the plaque builds up, the arteries narrow, making it more difficult for blood to flow and creating a risk for heart attack or stroke.
Other types of heart disease include heart failure, an irregular heartbeat - or arrhythmia - and heart valve problems. To learn more about heart disease and conditions that can lead to heart disease, heart attack or stroke, browse any of the conditions below at:
ArrhythmiaHeart
AttackCardiac
ArrestHeart Failure
Cardiac Rehab
High Blood Pressure
Cardiomyopathy in Adults
HIV and Your Heart
Cardiovascular
Conditions of Childhood
Metabolic Syndrome
Cholesterol
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Congenital Heart Defects
Stroke
Diabetes
Live heart healthy!
For more information, visit:
http://www.heart.org/ |
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Is It a Cold or the Flu?
|  You're achy, your nose is runny, and your throat feels a little scratchy-you know something is coming on, but you're not sure what. Is it a run-of-the-mill winter cold or more-serious flu? Three ways to tell the difference:
Flu comes with a fever. This may be your first (and perhaps more obvious) clue: The common cold rarely causes body temperature to rise. A high fever, however, is characteristic of the flu - it usually runs between 100 degrees and 102 degrees (or higher, especially in kids) and lasts three to four days. Headaches also more commonly occur with the flu, not as much with a cold. If your first signs are a runny nose, scratchy throat and sneezing, that's most likely a cold. Those symptoms tend to develop more slowly, while the flu usually comes on suddenly.
Flu makes you miserable. Is having a cold annoying? Yes. Could you classify it as a nuisance? Sure. But with the flu, you'll feel so much worse. Aside from an initial high fever, the aches and pains are more severe. Coughing is continual (and lasts longer), and weakness and exhaustion can be intense. Early reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predict a severe flu season this year. While a cold may lead to sinus congestion in adults or an ear infection in kids, the flu could develop into bronchitis, pneumonia or even a brain infection for high-risk people (such as children under 2 and adults over 65).
Meds won't help a cold. Get rest and plenty of fluids - that's the advice you'll hear for both conditions. For some flu cases, doctors may prescribe antiviral drugs to ease symptoms and prevent complications. These don't work on colds and should not be confused with antibiotics. A survey showed about one in three Americans believe antibiotics treat both cold and flu. It's not true: Antibiotics help fight bacterial infections; cold and flu are caused by viruses. There's no cure for a cold, but if you want to try over-the-counter meds, talk to your doctor first - many meds have side effects, and some are dangerous for children.
- The Doctors, Weekend USA
The Doctor's Video
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Stressed? Here's help
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 Are you stressed much?
A recent survey showed that many Americans report feelings of high stress, and more than 20% rate their levels between 8 and 10 on a 10-point scale. In the same study, 39% of adults said their stress has increased over the past year.
Chronic stress may lead to high blood pressure and a weakened immune system, as well as contribute to anxiety, depression and sleep problems. A new review of research reports that high-stressed people are more likely to develop heart disease. Here are a few less-expected, yet effective, strategies that may reduce stress:
Hang with your furry friend. Research suggests that when it comes to managing stress, pets may be just as, if not more, soothing than your favorite people. One study found that when people were asked to perform tough math problems, those in the company of pets had significantly lower heart rate and blood pressure levels, and made fewer mistakes.
Try mindful meditation. This doesn't involve chanting "om" or repeating mantras. Instead, it's about being present in the moment and paying attention to thoughts and emotions without passing judgment. A study in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity suggests that mindful meditation may help reduce feelings of loneliness in older adults and cut the body's inflammatory response to stressful emotions.
Have sex.! Research suggests that sexual intercourse will help you respond better to stressful situations. It also has been shown to reduce blood pressure. A little cuddling has a similar effect: A quick hug and 10 minutes of handholding with a loved one can reduce physical effects of stress, says one study.
- The Doctors, Weekend USA
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Dr. Lakin's New Book!
The Guide: A Pocket Guide For Managing Medical Symptoms"
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Be sure to pick up your free copy at our office!
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New Presentation Video:
Dr. Lakin's Interview with the Diet Specialist, Dr Primack and Dr. Ziltzer. . . . . .
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*Watch our website for information on our next presentation, Thursday, March 21st!
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 Long nights of winter can leave even the most positive people feeling cranky. But for about 5% of Americans, it's more serious: Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that most occurs in the winter. Symptoms include loss of energy, eating more and difficulty concentrating.
The cause of SAD is unknown, but darker days probably play a role. Reduced levels of natural sunlight can disrupt your body's internal clock, which can lead to depression. It also causes a drop in serotonin, a feel-good brain chemical. Severe cases may need antidepressant treatment. You can't prevent the disorder from developing, but you can ease the symptoms.
Consider light therapy. Exposure to bright light that mimics natural light is thought to affect mood-related brain chemicals and ease symptoms. It involves sitting in front of a special light box or wearing a cap-like lighted visor for about 30 minutes a day. Another therapy uses a "dawn simulator" that turns on early in the morning and gradually increases in brightness, allowing your body to wake up naturally. Light therapy can have minor side effects, such as eye strain and headaches, and it isn't recommended for people with skin sensitivity.
Go outside. Yes, even if it's cold and cloudy. Natural light is still good for you, and it can relieve your symptoms, especially if you head outdoors within two hours of waking up. At home, open the blinds and drapes to let in the light.
Eat right and exercise. Two health basics can help here, too: A well-balanced diet can improve energy levels, and regular physical activity works to boost your mood and ease stress and anxiety, which can aggravate SAD symptoms.
Spend time with friends. Make an effort to see people you enjoy, even when you're down. Staying connected to your social circle and participating in your regular activities can offer great support during the winter months.
- The Doctors, USA Weekend
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Did You Know You Can Pay Your Account Online?
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For your convenience, you can pay on your account through our secure Patient Portal online.
Simply, complete the brief informational form and 'SEND'
It's as easy as that! Check it out: LOGIN HERE!
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Solutions for 4 Common Fitness 'Mistakes'
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 Most of us have gone through the process of setting a fitness goal - only to sabotage it before even lacing up our sneakers. Exercise physiologist and personal trainer Bob Greene says you can set yourself up for success by avoiding these common mistakes.
Viewing regimen as temporary. Many people think that when they achieve their goal, they won't have to work out or diet anymore, Greene says. "That, to me, is one of the biggest mistakes. ... You have to think you're going to do that for the rest of your life. It's more realistic." Focusing on the negative. About 98% of people have some kind of weight they want to lose, Greene says. "If you go into it wanting to lose weight or be more attractive, you're focusing more on the negative and not how you can improve your life through many different avenues." Dwelling on failure. When you've made six attempts that have failed, trying again can be a challenge. But failures can work for you, too. "When you spend time visiting why you haven't met with success, you'll start to see that almost everyone falls in a pattern of what jolts them out of a healthy lifestyle." Recognize your downfall and tackle it. Discounting walking. Track how much you move; Greene recommends a goal of 10,000 steps a day. "Start a walking program and then look into getting a pedometer. ... Over time, if you're making more steps, then you'll realize you're making progress. Every step counts."
-Written by McKenna Grant
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What Sets Off Your Asthma?
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 Winter can be tough on asthma sufferers: Cold, dry air can set off symptoms, including shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing and coughing. But you can reduce your exposure and minimize symptoms. Here are three triggers linked to cold weather, and tips to help protect your health:
Flu and common cold. Either (along with sinusitis and other infections) can spark a flare-up. The flu, in particular, is a big deal for asthmatics: It can lead to pneumonia and other complications, even if your asthma is mild or well-controlled by medications. The best way to prevent the flu: Get a vaccine shot every year. Slow the spread of a common cold by washing your hands (often); putting space between you and your sniffling, sneezing friends; and coughing into a tissue or the inner crook of your elbow to avoid contaminating your hands.
Dust. Allergic asthma is the most common type. At least 30% of adult cases are triggered by allergies. Colder temps keep people in sealed homes, surrounded by indoor allergens including dust, pollen, pet dander, cockroaches and mold. The dust on your shelves is made of many substances, including dust mites. And some dust-mite-sensitive people report their allergies get worse in winter. A recent study from the National Institutes of Health and Duke University found that a bacterial protein in household dust may make allergic responses to indoor allergens more severe and spur allergic asthma. You can't escape dust, but you can clean your home at least once a week, encase pillows and mattresses in dust-proof covers, toss throw rugs and wash curtains and blinds.
Smoke. You know cigarette smoke can aggravate asthma, but so can smoke from a fireplace or wood-burning stove. Try not to burn wood at home. Or, to at least help reduce smoke, make sure the wood is dry and has been split, stacked, covered and stored for at least six months, says the Environmental Protection Agency.
- By The Doctors, USA Weekend
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Recipe: Black-Eyed Pea Chili
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 Luck and prosperity are represented by the black-eyed peas - which have long been a symbol of good fortune in the South and are traditionally eaten on Jan. 1 to ensure a prosperous year to come. By adding the nutrient-packed pea to a hearty turkey chili that's reduced in fat and calories, you're already starting 2013 on a healthier note. And the happiness? It comes from serving a dish that is satisfying, easy to make and family-friendly. With food, does it get any better than that?
* 1 Tb. canola oil
* 1 large onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 pound lean ground turkey
* 1 large green bell pepper, diced
* 1 jalapeño pepper, finely diced
* 1 Tb. chili powder
* 1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
* 1 (28-ounce) can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes, with juice
* ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
* ¼ cup reduced-fat sour cream
* ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds more. Add the turkey and cook, breaking it up with the spoon, until it is no longer pink, about 4 minutes. Stir in the bell pepper, jalapeño pepper and chili powder, and cook for 1 minute more. Add the black-eyed peas, tomatoes and chicken broth or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer, stirring a few times, until the ingredients soften and meld, 20 minutes. Serve topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro leaves. Yield: 4 servings Per serving (1½ cups): 400 calories, 37g carbohydrates, 31g protein, 17g fat (4.5g saturated), 8g fiber, 95mg cholesterol, 660mg sodium - Written by ELLIE KRIEGER
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AT THE MOVIES WITH BARB A. . . . .
|  A MUST SEE! + + + + +
GREAT + + + +
ENTERTAINING + + +
RENT THE MOVIE + +
FORGET IT! +
**EMAIL ME! ???
+ + THE GUILT TRIP This is an American comedy-drama starring Barbara Streisand and Seth Rogen.Barbara Streisand is not one of my favorites but she had a good review. Seth Rogan I love. Don't waste your money on this flick. Soooo boring, not funny and the acting so bad I was embarrassed for them. + + + +
Zero Dark Thirty
Great movie with an acute realization of the mission's execution. Everyone knows the ending of this true story but it is executed with tense and predictable scenes. Maya(Kathryn Bigelow) was brilliant and professional during the three-hour film.
+ + + + + SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK
This one was a big surprise to me. I absolutely loved it to the moon and back. Bradley Cooper plays an ex school-teacher out of a mental health institution trying to get his life back together. He is beyond great and you will laugh and cry. Jennifer Lawrence fabulous who plays a new person in his life with problems of her own.
+ + + + ARGO
I had never seen a thriller like this. Ben Affleck did a great job of directing and starring in this film which was based on actual events. American diplomats have taken refuge in the home of the Canadian Embassy. CIA agent Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) has the job of rescuing them.
+ + + + + SKYFALL
This was my first James Bond experience. I can certainly understand now why people have seen all of them over the years. I couldn't believe how one crisis follows another throughout the movie. Daniel Craig was excellent from beginning to end.
+ + + + + LINCOLN
This is really a 5 star plus film, except that I don't know how to do that. What a movie. It should be required for all students-this is history. Steven Spielberg is a genius.....Daniel Day-Lewis was really Lincoln...I believed him.Passsage of the 13th amendment was spellbinding. Please do see this.
See you at the movies! Barb A. Back To Top |
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Have a Happy & Healthy Winter 2013!
Dr. Douglas Lakin & Staff
Paradise Valley Medical Clinic PC
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Special thanks to Rees Candee & 
flu information, are possibly coming your way this winter.
slideshow for your weekly report.
