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FROM THE DOC
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Dr. OZ.....The Name Sure Fits!
Who is Oz but a charlatan who exaggerates endlessly and for his own benefit and profit; I'm talking about the aptly name Dr. OZ...not the one whom was all know from the Technicolor days of Judy Garland.
The recent Congressional 'dress down' of Dr. Oz is the first TV of late that he has been involved with that focused more on fact and less on promotion than has been seen for some time. So....for those of you who did not see my Blogpost from April, my Dr. Oz missive follows:
Yes....I said it. Dr. Oz is full of baloney....or something more fragrant. Someone had to say it...someone legitimate, like a practicing, Hopkins-trained internist who is carrying on the Osler Tradition.
Well, not everything he says is suspect, but I hear from patients all the time about the latest supplement or vitamin that Dr. Oz is touting for weight loss, or to improve health, and it's just exaggerated claims that have minimal legitimate foundation.
Dr. Oz has a new weight loss cure. Seriously......nothing like that exists. It is a dream.
Dr. Oz tells us which vitamins are critical to our health. Well, all vitamins are critical to our health, but there is virtually no hard data to support vitamin use as a critical component of a healthy diet, other than in people who have specific illnesses and who are lacking in the ability to absorb or process that vitamin.
So, although it's not nearly as sexy, I have already given you THE KEYS to the kingdom of health.
Take my recommendations to heart. These simple, yet basic tenets are the true guide to general good health for us all.
Yours in good health,
Dr. Lakin
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| VOL 10 / Issue: #3 | Summer/ 2014 |
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Stay Healthy When You Travel. . . . .
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A vacation or weekend road trip doesn't have to derail your diet. With some planning, you can eat well and stay healthy even while you travel.
Pack in portions.
Eat straight from the big boxes and bags, and you'll likely eat too much. Instead, separate snacks into single-serving baggies before heading out, suggests the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and choose foods that will fuel you with protein, fiber and healthy carbohydrates, such as unsalted nuts, dried fruit, whole-grain crackers, pre-cut raw veggies or plain popcorn.
Consider fast food over sit-down meals.
An adult entrée, side dish and shared appetizer weighs in at about 1,495 calories, according to researchers who analyzed more than 2,600 menu items from a variety of popular sit-down spots. That same meal combination contained approximately 28<TH>g of saturated fat and more than 3,500 mg of sodium. Add a drink and split a dessert, and you surpass the federally recommended 2,000 calories a day for adults. Meanwhile, at one popular fast-food eatery, you can get a large cheeseburger and small fries for 750 calories.
Wear your walking shoes when traveling.
If they are already on your feet, it's that much easier to sneak in some calorie-burning, weight-maintaining, energy-boosting steps. Take frequent breaks from driving to stretch and stroll in and around the rest stop; if you're travelling by plane, do a few brisk laps around the terminal while you wait to board
- The Doctors, USA Weekend
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New Presentation! July 23, 2014
SAVE THE DATE!
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Come join us for an interesting discuss, Wednesday, July 23nd, 7 - 8:30 pm at Scottsdale Healthcare Conference Center.Speaker TBD
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Dr Lakin Named "Top Doc" Again For 2014!
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Every year the Phoenix Magazine publishes a guide featuring over 500 of the Valley's best physicians. The doctors are selected through a peer-review survey. The theory is that medical professionals are the best qualified to judge medical professionals.
The survey asks the doctors to nominate those doctors who, in their judgment, are the best in their fields.
Once again, Dr. Lakin has been chosen as a TOP DOC among his peers.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Lakin again for the 12th year! |
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Unmask Hypertension: Track Your Blood Pressure at Home
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Your blood-pressure checks at the doctor's office may read normal, but that doesn't necessarily mean you're in the clear: Up to 20% of adults have "masked hypertension," according to some estimates. That's when blood pressure measurements are lower at the physician's office than they are at home.
Experts aren't completely certain why it happens, but scientists have recently discovered that people with this form of hidden hypertension have a 55% increased risk for heart attack or stroke, compared with those with normal blood pressure, according to a research review. The same analysis found that home blood-pressure monitoring helps identify masked hypertension.
Doctors may recommend home monitoring (in addition to regular check-ins at that office) for people diagnosed with high blood pressure, those with pre-hypertension, or even people who just have risk factors for the condition, including family history, advanced age or obesity. Left untreated, hypertension can damage your heart, arteries and kidneys and lead to stroke and vision loss, among other complications.
Keep tabs on your pressure at home; that can help doctors make an earlier diagnosis, as well as track your treatment and encourage better blood-pressure control. Talk to your physician; if home blood-pressure monitoring is suggested for you, here are some tips to help you get started:
Choose an arm monitor.
It's more accurate and reliable than the devices that take readings from your wrist or finger. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends this type of monitor. Measure around your bicep, and choose a monitor that comes with the correct cuff size. Digital devices are more expensive than manual ones, but they're easier to use - they automatically inflate and deflate the cuff (instead of you having to pump), and they provide digital readings, as well as pulse rate; certain manual monitors require the use of a stethoscope.
Measure at the same time every day.
Either in the morning or at night, according to the AHA. Don't smoke, drink caffeinated beverages or exercise 30 minutes before taking a reading. Sit in a chair, with your back straight and both feet flat on the floor and make sure your arm is supported on a flat surface at heart level. Take two or three measurements each time, one minute apart.
Track your results.
Record every reading, including the date and time; the AHA offers online and printable trackers at heart.org. You can also download apps to note your pressure, as well as your weight and other lifestyle factors. Some monitors can store your numbers; others allow you to upload readings to a website. One high reading is not a cause for concern, but if your numbers are consistently elevated, consult your doctor. If your pressure reaches a systolic (top number) of 180 mm Hg or higher ora diastolic (bottom number) of 110 mm Hg or higher, wait a few minutes and take it again, the AHA says; if it's still at or above that level, seek emergency treatment.
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Be Sure You Have Our Correct Address!
| Paradise Valley Medical Clinic
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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Fitness Bracelets -- Get in Step with Technology
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They monitor your movement, heart rate and blood pressure, calories burned and sleep quality. Some even alert you if you've been inactive for too long.
Fitness wristbands are all the rage, and for many, they inspire healthy changes. These high-tech devices - popular models are made by Fitbit, Jawbone and Nike, among others - can serve to increase awareness, according to some experts. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of these activity-trackers:
Ignore it at first.
That's the best way to establish your baseline. Just slip on the wristband and go about your regular routine for the first few days, to help you see how much activity you typically get, suggests the Mayo Clinic.
Give yourself goals.
The trick is to start small so the goals are attainable and then improve in increments. Say you want to walk 10,000 steps a day, but your baseline is 2,000. Try to add 500 steps a day for a week, suggests the Mayo Clinic. After you meet that goal, add a little more until your reach your target.
Check out the charts.
Many devices chart or graph your data on a mobile app or website, which makes it easier to follow your progress and can offer some insight. If you see your exercise levels are highest in the morning, but stop past 6 p.m., that may motivate you to take a quick walk after dinner.
Share your stats.
Some wristband technology lets you connect with fellow users so you can encourage and root for each other; others have websites where you can challenge others and compete. Some thrive on that motivation; but even if you're more private, talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise routine.
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Not Just Love: Pets Offer Health Benefits Too!
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Animal companions may provide more than affection:
Pets may protect your heart.
Owning a dog is associated with reducing your risk of heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. One study found dog owners who walked their pooches had a 34% higher chance of getting the federally recommended amounts of physical activity.
Dogs can tell when you're sad (and happy).
Scientists in Hungary captured dogs' and humans' brain activities while they listened to people and canine sounds. They processed emotional cues the same way- the happier the barks or giggles, the more that brain region lit up; the sadder the growls or whines, the less it responded.
Children with autism may benefit.
Dogs offer companionship, stress relief and opportunities to learn responsibility, says a University of Missouri study; they can also serve as a bridge to help kids with autism communicate with their peers.
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Here Comes the Sun -- Tips To Protect Your Skin From Melanoma
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 It accounts for a small percentage of skin cancer cases, but melanoma is the most serious form and responsible for the majority of skin-cancer deaths. When found in its early stages, melanoma is almost always curable. But when the cancer spreads to lymph nodes and other organs, the five-year survival rate drops to as low as 16%.
There's hope on the horizon: This year, the FDA approved the first combination drug treatment for certain patients with advanced melanoma. A clinical trial found that patients who used both Mekinist (trametinib) and Tafinlar (dabrafenib) experienced a reduction in size or disappearance of their melanoma for a longer period of time than those who treated with Tafinlar alone. More research is needed to see whether the combination improves survival rates.
Some treatment centers across the USA are offering adoptive cell therapy (ACT), in which doctors take a patient's disease-fighting T-cells, grow them in a lab and transfer the expanded supply of cells back to the patient to help the immune system fight melanoma. And an early study on an experimental drug has shown promising results, helping some patients keep their melanoma in check for several years. (Larger studies are underway.)
Scientists will continue to research new therapies to fight melanoma, but when it comes to reducing your risk, they know what works. Here are three proven strategies:
Protect yourself from the sun. Slather on broad-spectrum, SPF 30, water-resistant sunscreen (on sunny and cloudy days); seek shade when the rays are strongest (between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.); and wear sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves and pants when possible (dark colors and tightly-woven fabrics work best).
Stay out of tanning beds. More than one third of Americans have used them, according to a recent survey analysis. But consider this: Some sunlamps can emit up to 12 times more UVA light than that of the sun, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. UVA penetrates the skin more deeply than UVB; it ages skin cells to cause wrinkles, and damages their DNA, which contributes to skin-cancer risk. Previous research has shown that people who tan indoors have a 75% increased risk of developing melanoma.
Scan for abnormal moles. The five-year survival rate for melanoma that is localized and treated early is 98%. Do a self-exam about once a month so you become familiar with your skin and notice changes. Using mirrors, check the front, back and sides of your body; the tops and undersides of arms and hands; between toes and soles of your feet; the back of the neck, scalp and buttocks. If you see a mole or marking that is changing in size, shape or color, or one that looks different from any other spot on your body, talk to your doctor.
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Relieving Arthritis Pain
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It's not just age-related aches and pains - that's the first thing you should know about osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis. About 27 million Americans are diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA), and according to government estimates, nearly half of all adults will develop knee OA in their lifetime. The chronic condition occurs when the cartilage that cushions joints wears down.
There's no cure for osteoarthritis, and the cause is not fully understood. Here are some of the latest findings and tips:
Your hand may predict knee OA - well, your fingers, more specifically.
A recent study of more than 14,000 middle-aged and older adults suggests the closer in length your ring and index fingers are, the greater your risk of developing osteoarthritis in your knee, severe enough to require total knee replacement. More research is needed to explain the association.
What we do know, however, is that osteoarthritis becomes more common with age and that women are more likely to develop it than men. Obesity is a big risk factor for knee OA in particular, with research showing two in three people who are obese at risk. Previous joint injuries, overuse or repetitive stress and even genetics may also play a role in osteoarthritis risk.
Drinking milk may delay development of OA.
This one is for women only: Newly published research found that the more low-fat or fat-free milk women drank, the slower the progression of knee OA. (The same benefit wasn't seen in men.) Also interesting: Women who ate higher amounts of cheese actually sped the progression, but eating more yogurt had no effect (in men or women). The results are preliminary, but when it comes to your overall diet, there's no question that choosing good foods to help maintain a healthy weight can reduce symptoms. Even a small amount of weight loss makes a difference - dropping just 1 pound, for example, can take 4 pounds of pressure off your knee joints, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
Exercise to ease symptoms.
It's a widely held myth that people with arthritis should avoid regular physical activity; on the contrary, exercise is considered the most effective non-drug treatment for reducing pain and improving movement, the Arthritis Foundation says. And a new analysis of research found that for knee OA, focusing on aerobic conditioning or resistance training (especially moves that target the quadriceps) is the most effective exercise strategy. The researchers suspect that people who mix the two may not get enough of either to achieve the maximum benefit. Still, both types are beneficial. Before starting new exercises, talk to your doctor.
Ask before trying supplements.
A variety of medications and treatments can help manage symptoms, including over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; lubrication injections for the knee; and even joint replacement surgery for more severe cases. Some people opt for alternative therapies, such as glucosamine and chondroitin supplements. The science on the supplements is mixed, and a new study found one type of glucosamine failed to prevent deterioration of knee cartilage. Supplements may interact with medications, so talk to your doctor before taking any.
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Question On Your Lab Results?
Check out:
DoctorDoug's Academy 
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Dr. Lakin's guide videos on how to better understand your lab work results.....
Check the first edition here: | | DoctorDoug's Academy: Lesson #1 CBC |
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Medication Take Away Program At Costco Pharmacys
|  TAKEAWAY:
TakeAway is an environmental medication return system that is offered at any Costco pharmacy. If you have any old, unused prescription medications, this company will dispose of it free of charge. Simply get their mailer, insert the unused medications, and drop it in the mail box. You can pick up the mailers at any Costco pharmacy, or at our office. This is one way we can work together to help our environment! For more information,
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We Need Your Help!
|  Keeping you on your correct medication is as important to us as it is to you. With your help, we can be more efficient and be sure you are getting your refill requests on time and to your correct pharmacy.
Tips:
1. If you need a refill, be sure to call your pharmacy FIRST, not our office. They will know if you have more refills, and if not, they will call/fax/electronically message us with your request. Then we will contact you if there is a question or concern.
2. Remember to call your pharmacy in plenty of time so you do not run out of your medications. Sometimes we need up to 48 hours to complete a request and we do not want this to be a hardship for you.
3. Register and use our SECURE PATIENT PORTAL for refill requests. We monitor this continually and again will contact you if there is a problem.
4. Remember we do not refill pain or routine medications on Fridays or weekends and all pain medications must be picked up at our office. We cannot mail or any medications outside our office. Please plan ahead and make arrangements!
We are always here to help you and appreciate the opportunity to care for your healthcare needs!
Yours in good health,
Dr. Lakin & Staff
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The World Cup is the most widely viewed and followed sporting event in the world, exceeding even the Olympic Games; the cumulative audience of all matches of the 2006 FIFA World Cup was estimated to be 26.29 billion with an estimated 715.1 million people watching the final match, a ninth of the entire population of the planet.
The 2014 FIFA World Cup is currently being contested in Brazil. The next two World Cups will be hosted by Russia in 2018, and Qatar in 2022.
Enjoy the games!
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Dr. Ernst's Journey Across the Gulf of California, Sea of Cortez . . . . .
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Our own Dr. Richard Ernst, along with 5 other swimmers, took the challenge of swimming across the
A team swim event for a good cause, but also as a personal challenge for each one of them. It's never been done before, so if successful they will know what it's like to be 'the first' in the world to accomplish this feat.
Unfortunately, because of weather conditions, the team needed to stop on June 5th.
Here is Dr. Ernst's update: https://vimeo.com/97679991
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Best Summer Dining in Town!
Reviewed By Anita R.
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Currently, there is the delightful "Hollywood Costume Show" at the Phoenix Art Museum. The actual costumes from numerous well-known films are on display along with computer screens containing interviews with the designers and scenes from the various films. I'd allow about 2 hours to see the show. The admission fee is $20 per ticket, and the show is on until July 6th.
Restaurants that I would choose for lunch before the show are:
Essence Bakery, 3830 E. Indian School Road ( E.39th Street & Indian School on the north side of the street). Telephone no. 602/296 - 4958. Breakfast and lunch are served. It is an unpretenious restaurant. You place your order at the counter and it is brought to your table. The restaurant closes at 3.P.M and you need to arrive by 2:30 for lunch. The food is delicious; local and organic greens are used as much as possible. Prices are reasonable. I've eaten there several times and enjoyed the following: chicken pot pie with organic greens, a quiche lorraine, spanokopita, and a mini grilled blue cheese sandwich with greens and pears poached in red wine.
Vincent's Bistro on the north side of Camelback Road and E.39th Street behind Vincent's on Camelback, 602/224-3727, which has a french style bistro environment. There is table service, and delicious luncheon meals are served until 5 P.M. and dinner thereafter. I've eaten there many times and enjoyed the following: coq au vin with organic greens, filet of sole and quiche lorraine. Prices are reasonable and a complimentary dessert is served.
Blu Burger Grille is a new restaurant in the Scottsdale/Shea area, located near the entrance to the Shea 14 movie complex.They serve very tasty bison burgers and hamburgers with sweet or regular potato fries and other sides. There is a 15% senior discount on Tuesdays.
For a special occasion or when visiting any one of the numerous fine art galleries in downtown Scottsdale on Main Street and Marshall Way, I have had excellent meals at
two great restaurants:
Cafe Forte, 7032 Main Street, 480/994-1331, serving lunch and dinner. Call for their summer hours. The restaurant is owned by three women from metro New York and has been operating in Scottsdale for 18 years. They have an extensive menu. Hormone free beef and chicken product, organic vegetables and local produce and products are used as available. I've eaten delicious salads with organic greens, fresh carved turkey sandwiches, chicken breast with smashed yams and vegetables. The dark chocolate triple tart was yummy. Fruit pies are baked at the restaurant; the apple pie is delicious. Service is excellent.
Arcadia Farms, 7014 E. First Ave, 480/ 941-5665, serving breakfast and lunch until 3 P.M. I have eaten delicious organic salads, tasty sandwiches and a delicious mushroom goat cheese tart there. Their tuxedo chocolate cake is scrumptious. Service is excellent.
Bread Basket Bakery a great source for baked goods in downtown Scottsdale, 4436 Miller Road, 480 423-0113. It is open Monday through Friday from 7A.M. to 3 P.M. and on Saturday from 8 A.M. to 2 P.M.Their breads are made without oil, dairy, eggs or sugar. I love their muffins. They make five different kinds: blueberry, dark chocolate, apple, rasberry, peach and by special order cherry. They do not contain salt or dairy ingredients and are made with whole wheat, unsweetened applesauce, honey and rolled oats. Blueberry and dark chocolate are my favorites. The pumpkin loaf and cinnamon pecan bread are also great favorites of mine. Their cookies are large and very tasty. What I appreciate about these items is that they are not overly sweet.
Anita R.
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Have You Scheduled Your Physical Yet?
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As you all know, Dr Lakin is a strong supporter of annual physicals. This is a time we can visit and explore any unresolved medical problems and any new health issues that need to be addressed. Annual physicals are one of the best ways to safeguard your health. The American Medical Association recommends that if you are between the ages of 40 - 49 years, physicals should be done every two years. If you are 50 years plus, it is recommend you have yearly exams, especially if you have any chronic medical conditions that need to be monitored. Call to schedule your well care visit today!
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Are You registered For Dr. Lakin's Secure Patient Portal?
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Now is the time!
For help on how to register and FAQ, check our these videos:
It's as easy as that!
**Please note that our Patient Portal is not 100% optimized for
Internet Explorer 11. Some of the functions will not work as intended. The software development team is working on it. Until then, please use Internet Explorer 8, 9, 10, or Mozilla Firefox, a free browser.
Please contact Nan at nan@doctordoug.com if you have further questions or concerns.
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AT THE MOVIES WITH BARB A. . . . .
|  A MUST SEE! + + + + +
GREAT + + + +
ENTERTAINING + + +
RENT THE MOVIE + +
FORGET IT! +
**EMAIL ME! ???
Two great stars. Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman. An incidental meeting on a railroad car starts an adorable romance and an eventual marriage. The initial conversation between Eric (Colin) and Patti (Nicole) reveals his interest in the railroad. Eric was a prisoner of war in Thailand for an extended period of time which leaves him with attacks of fear and night terrors. This is based on a true story and has many scenes which I could not bear to watch because of the violence. Lots of flashbacks so pay attention. A good movie.
Edge Of Tomorrow +
Well I really messed up on this one. After church yesterday and lunch I dashed off to a movie at the101 Harkins. I was late for the movie and bought a ticket for this movie instead of the one I wanted to see...Can't stand Tom Cruise but thought "What the heck,give it a try". The theater was packed and I was in the third row. Well I stayed for an hour and then got up and left. I told the manager that it was the worst movie I had ever seen. He said, "Really, you didn't like it?". So much for the managerial staff at the 101. I guess it was just me. If you like science fiction and invading extra-terrestials, you may enjoy it. I just wanted my money back. I think Warner Brothers is in trouble. Maybe Jersey Boys will save them. Can't wait for that one. Oh so many memories. The 60's were my favorite as were the Four Seasons. I was young, had three adorable boys 4,5,and 6. My husband worked for Clint Eastwood Sr. and we were guests in his and Ruth's home in Piedmont, CA often. My best friend Sally Shepard was dating Clint Jr. I loved both the stage musical and this film. They cannot be compared with each other. The musical was fab and we stood up and danced to the music. The film had the same wonderful music but you learned a great deal about Frankie Valli - his teenage years and adult life. Fascinating. My ole buddy Clint did a good job. A story with heart and soul. I think he could have done a better job with the sets however. Some looked like just that...movie sets. You must stay for the Encore when the movie is over. Just a great finale. Think it is a must see. I left with such a wonderful mellow feeling. In the 60's we said Clint would never make it. He showed us!!!!!!!!
See you at the movies! Barb A. Back To Top |
Recipe: Seared Salmon With Moroccan Spice Crust
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Searing brings out the best in fresh fish.
Ingredients
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 teaspoon caraway seeds
1 teaspoon anise seeds
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
3 tablespoons light sesame oil
Four 6-ounce salmon steaks
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
Coarsely grind the coriander seeds, caraway seeds, anise seeds and black peppercorns in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. In a bowl, combine the spice mixture with the sesame oil and mix well. Season the salmon steaks with salt and pepper. Rub both sides of each salmon piece with a generous amount of the spice and oil mixture. Heat a pan large enough for all of the fish over medium-high heat. Add the salmon and cook, turning once, until the fish is browned on the outside and opaque in the center, about four minutes per side. Serve at once.
Enjoy!
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Have a safe and healthy Summer!
Dr. Douglas Lakin & Staff
Paradise Valley Medical Clinic PC
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