Heart attacks are a jolting experience. They can make anyone overwhelmed, anxious, fearful, and like their world has been turned on its head, and for good reason. Heart attacks are the leading cause of death in the United States. The following are ways you can begin recovering from a heart attack, and help yourself avoid one.
Continue reading What To Know About Recovering From A Heart Attack | Fullerton, CA
How long and how well you sleep each night has a profound impact on your health. It is recommended everyone get no more than eight hours of great sleep per night, as too little or too much sleep sharply influences your well-being. Here are some simple ways you can improve your sleep.
Continue reading Top Tips To Improve Your Sleep | Fullerton, CA
In 1991, the National Institutes of Health (N.I.H.) launched the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), designed to test the effects of hormone therapy on heart disease, bone fractures, breast cancer and colon cancer. One group of women who had undergone a hysterectomy received oral estrogen (Premarin) alone [estrogen replacement therapy or ERT]. A second group received a combination of Premarin and progesterone (PremPro) [combination hormone replacement therapy or HRT]. A third group received a placebo, which contained no hormones. In 2002, the study was stopped because the Provera group was associated with a slight increase in the incidence of breast cancer, heart attack, stroke, and blood clots.
Continue reading A Brief History About Estrogen Replacement | Fullerton, CA
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) are more common in women than men, primarily due to the normal female anatomy, with the urethra (tube leading from the bladder to the outside), located very close to the vaginal opening. This allows bacteria from the vagina, and especially the rectum, to enter the bladder, and subsequently cause an infection.
Continue reading How To Diagnose, Treat, and Prevent Urinary Tract Infections | Fullerton, CA
It is estimated that for ten million Americans (85% of whom are women), incontinence of urine is socially embarrassing, physically limiting, or a significant disability. In fact, after psychiatric and neurological disorders, the uncontrollable or accidental loss of urine is the second most common reason individuals are placed in nursing home facilities.
Among women, between the ages of 45-64, 40% are estimated to have experienced incontinence of urine. Women often perceive that their problem is a normal result of bearing children and getting older, and therefore just cope with it. The true number of non-institutionalized women who have quietly altered their lives because of accidental loss of urine is actually unknown because they are reluctant to discuss their urinary incontinence. Women are frequently embarrassed and hesitant to admit their problems to their family, friends, or even to their personal physician.
However, they also limit exercising, dancing, traveling, and other activities, which would otherwise require them to be away from nearby toilet facilities. They frequently will change the style of clothes they wear to avoid embarrassment.
Urinary incontinence occurs when there is a sudden increase in abdominal pressure during certain activities such as laughing, coughing, sneezing, running, bending, lifting, etc. The primary cause of the problem is a weakness of the pelvic tissues (prolapse), which normally supports the bladder (cystocele) and its sphincter. The amount of urine loss with each episode of stress, varies with the degree of weakness, the volume of urine in the bladder, and the intensity of the abdominal pressure. Yet, urinary incontinence is a symptom of a condition, which is not normal and usually can be successfully treated to restore normal bladder function.
There is a type of urinary incontinence known as urge incontinence, in which someone perceives the urgent need to urinate, and will likely fail to get there in time. The amount of urine loss can vary with the cause of the urge, the volume of urine in the bladder, and the strength of the pelvic tissue. The most common physical cause is an infection of the bladder (cystitis) and/or urethra (urethritis), and it is corrected with the treatment of the infection. There are other causes such as chronic inflammation of the bladder, polyps or tumors, and certain medications. When no physical cause can be found after a complete medical evaluation, the cause is usually a result of a learned habit. Treatment may include medications, bladder retraining programs, and pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegel exercises).
There are other less common, but important types of urinary incontinence:
Overflow incontinenceis a frequent spilling of a small amount of urine when the bladder is over-distended and can occur with certain medications, after pelvic surgery, or trauma.
Reflex incontinenceis the loss of urine when the person is completely unaware of the need to urinate, such as while sleeping or washing their hands. This type of incontinence may indicate an underlying neurological disorder.
The first step in correcting urinary incontinence is sharing the problem with your physician. Before your visit, you will be asked to fill out a patient history for urinary function form. This form should be completed prior to your office consultation.
You may be given a two-day “voiding diary” to record the number of liquids you drink and the number of times and amount you urinate during the day and night. You will also list the circumstances under which you regularly experience urinary urgency or incontinence.
After your patient history, physical examination, and voiding diary are completed and reviewed, simple office tests are performed which will further identify the primary cause of your incontinence. Once the cause (or causes) is determined, the proper treatment and alternative will be recommended and explained. Treatment begins with having a thorough understanding of normal urinary function, the cause of your urinary problem, and your treatment alternatives. Successful treatment is a patient-physician team mission and is an achievable goal.
If you would like more information on cholesterol, contact Dr. Gordon C. Gunn MD at 714-912-2211 or visit www.gordongunnmd.com to schedule an appointment today.
Dr. Gordon Gunn proudly serves Fullerton and all surrounding areas.
Menopause is a natural occurrence in which a woman’s ovaries cease producing estrogen, usually in their early fifties. Post-menopause is diagnosed when a woman has not menstruated for one year and marks the end of the reproductive period of her life.
Perimenopause is diagnosed when the menstrual cycles vary in frequency and length indicating a woman’s cycle is ending, and may be associated with psychological, emotional, and/ or physical symptoms. These disturbances are due to a declining ovarian production of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone that may be periodic or continuous.
The history of hormone replacement in women has seen many swings in popularity over the past few decades. In 1991 the National Institutes of Health (N.I.H.) launched the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study involving about 161,000 healthy postmenopausal women aged 50-79 years with an average age of 63 years. The study was designed to test the effects of hormone therapy on heart disease, bone fractures, breast cancer, and colon cancer. One group of women who had undergone a hysterectomy received oral estrogen (Premarin) alone [estrogen replacement therapy or ERT].
A second group received a combination of Premarin and progesterone (PremPro) [combination hormone replacement therapy or HRT]. A third group received a placebo, which contained no hormones. In 2002 the study was stopped because the Provera group was associated with a slight increase in the incidence of breast cancer, heart attack, stroke, and blood clots.
Millions of women in the U.S. stopped their hormones out of fear and they entered into “hot-flash hell”. A recent careful re-analysis and follow-up review of the data has revealed that the actual risks of breast cancer, stroke, and heart disease were not increased over time and were, in fact, decreased; especially in women who were perimenopausal when they initiated hormone therapy.
Following years of fear and confusion regarding the risks and benefits of estrogen replacement therapy, medical studies have now clearly established its safety and its health benefits. In March 2012 the North American Menopause Society released a statement that supports these findings, stating that combination hormone therapy (both estrogen and progesterone) initiated around the time of menopause is safe.
Gunn Center of Fullerton, CA offers some interesting and useful information on menopause and hormone therapy. If you would like more information, contact Dr. Gordon C. Gunn MD at 714-912-2211 or visit www.gordongunnmd.com to schedule an appointment today.
Dr. Gordon Gunn proudly serves Fullerton and all surrounding areas.
How much do we really understand about the different types of cholesterol, how high cholesterol can impact our health, and what we can do about mitigating the likelihood we develop high cholesterol? Many don’t, so we have put together a guide so you can better understand cholesterol, and make informed decisions for your well-being. To start, the liver produces 90% of the body’s cholesterol and does so while we sleep, while only 10% of cholesterol is derived from the foods we eat.
Cholesterol is an essential building block for the normal metabolism of the body. Cholesterol is a type of fat known as a lipid. Lipids cannot circulate alone in the bloodstream, they require a means of transportation. Water-soluble proteins, called lipoproteins transport cholesterol in the blood, and the amount of lipoprotein determines how much cholesterol can be moved. The three types of lipoproteins are:
High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) – This is casually known as “good” cholesterol because it removes cholesterol from arterial plaque and transports it back to the liver to be metabolized. If the plaque within an artery were to build to the point it begins to restrict the flow of blood to the heart, a heart attack may ensue.
Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) – This is the “bad” cholesterol your doctor will warn you about because it deposits cholesterol into the inflamed plaque of the artery wall.
Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) – This lipoprotein is created by your liver to be released into the bloodstream and is considered “bad” for your health. It mainly carries triglycerides (another type of fat) to your tissues, and if we have this in high volumes, it can put us at risk for a stroke.
To calculate your cholesterol levels, your doctor will evaluate the sum of all three of these lipoproteins and your triglycerides to generate a lipid profile. Then, total cholesterol is divided by your high-density lipoprotein level, resulting in your cholesterol ratio number, and you want it to be low.
The implication of high cholesterol on your health is an increased risk that the fatty deposits along the walls of your artery or arteries clot, and cause a heart attack or stroke. While you may be able to survive a heart attack or stroke, it can be fatal. Thankfully, you can begin to restore the health of your arteries by incorporating heart-healthy foods into your diet, regularly exercising, drinking alcohol in moderation, losing weight, and quit smoking if you are someone who does smoke.
If you would like more information on cholesterol, contact Dr. Gordon C. Gunn MD at 714-912-2211 or visit www.gordongunnmd.com to schedule an appointment today.
Dr. Gordon Gunn proudly serves Fullerton and all surrounding areas.
One of the most common diseases afflicting Americans is hypertension or high blood pressure. While many enlist the help of medication to lower their blood pressure, that is not the only way to mitigate the associated risks. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or are at risk due to your lifestyle or habits, it’s important to understand easy changes that may dramatically improve your disposition.
Diet. The foods we eat and beverages we regularly consume are correlated to our blood pressure. Foods saturated in fat and cholesterol increase blood pressure, but fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy can help lower it.
Mind your weight. As your weight fluctuates, so can your blood pressure. An increase or decrease of 10 pounds may not seem like a lot, but it can make a big difference in your blood pressure.
Reduce Stress. When we become stressed, our cortisol increases and our blood pressure rises. To maintain or reduce your blood pressure, analyze the stressors in your life and find activities that help you overcome those stressors.
Watch your sodium intake. Even seemingly harmless amounts of sodium intake can adversely affect your blood pressure. If you are at risk or have recently been diagnosed with hypertension; begin reading food labels, reduce the amount of processed foods in your diet, and don’t oversaturate your meals with salt.
Exercise. Your blood pressure fluctuates, but cardio-driven activities such as walking, swimming, cycling, and dancing are all great activities to help reduce blood pressure.
If you would like more information on blood pressure, contact Dr. Gordon C. Gunn MD at 714-912-2211 or visit www.gordongunnmd.com to schedule an appointment today. Dr. Gordon Gunn proudly serves Fullerton and all surrounding areas.
Depression is a common illness that can affect anyone, especially during this time of year. About one in twenty Americans (more than 11 million people) suffers from depression every year, and it occurs twice as often in women as in men. Depression is a medical disorder that can be treated.
Depression is a medical disorder, like heart disease and thyroid disease. It is more than feeling sad for a short time or feeling grief after a loss. These feelings are difficult to cope with, but they usually get better with time. Depression disrupts your daily life, and affects your thoughts, feelings, behavior and physical health. It is not a weakness, or a fault and it is not something you can ‘just get over’. Depression has been associated with many causes:
Symptoms of Depression
The period of time when you experience symptoms of depression is called an episode. An episode lasts at least two weeks with several symptoms occurring every day.
Depression may vary in severity from mild to severe. If you have mild depression, you will only have a few symptoms. It takes an extra effort to do the things you have to do, but you can usually accomplish those tasks. Moderate depression means you have many symptoms, and you may not be able to do things you need to do. If you have severe depression, you have nearly all the symptoms of depression. This type of depression almost always keeps you from performing your daily tasks.
Diagnosing Depression
A doctor diagnoses depression after assessing both your physical and mental condition. In looking for the cause of your depression, the provider will ask questions about other medical problems, use of certain medications, and the use of drugs or alcohol. Blood chemistries, including a thyroid work-up should be current, and if not, will be ordered. If your doctor determines that a medical problem may be causing your depression, treating that problem may correct your depression.
Treatment of Depression
Treatment may include antidepressant medication, psychotherapy or both. Antidepressant medications are helpful and are used to treat mild, moderate and severe depression. Antidepressants relieve symptoms in more than half of the people who take them. They work by changing the balance of chemicals in the brain. Most people who take them start to feel better after a few weeks. There are several types of antidepressant medication. All antidepressant medications can have some side effects. About half the people who take them will experience some side effects early in their treatments, usually within the first 2 weeks. Side effects usually subside after 2 to 4 weeks.
Common Side Effects
Dry mouth
Nausea
Dizziness
Constipation
Skin rash
Feeling sleepy or having trouble sleeping
Gaining or losing weight
Feeling restless
Decreased sex drive (libido)
Serious Side Effects (uncommon):
Trouble urinating
Heart problem
Seizures
Fainting
Finding the Right Antidepressant Medications
When an anti-depressant medication is recommended to relieve the symptoms of depression, your doctor will prescribe one from the following categories:
A. SSRI’s (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
First introduced in the 1980’s, the overall side effects of SSRI drugs tend to be less severe than the older antidepressants known as tricyclic (TCA) antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI’s). SSRI’s helped restore the brain’s chemical balance by increasing the available supply of the chemical messenger called serotonin (a neurotransmitter). SSRI’s appear to relieve depression by increasing serotonin levels without affecting the other chemicals in the brain and have fewer side effects than those of the MAOI’s and TCA’s. Available SSRI’s include: Celexa, Lexapro, Paxil and Paxil CR, Prozac and Zoloft.
B. SNRI’s (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)
Similar to the SSRI class of anti-depressants as discussed above, SNRI’s also blocks the reuptake of another neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, in addition to serotonin.
Available SNRI’s include:
C. Other Available Antidepressants
For more information about depression contact the following organizations:
National Institute of Mental Health
6001 Executive Blvd., Room 8184 MSC 9663
Bethesda, MD 20892-9663
1-800-421-4211
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/depression.cfm
National Mental Health Association
1021 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-2971
1-800-969-NMHA (6602)
http://www.nmha.org
National Alliance of the Mentally Ill
Colonial Place 3
2107 Wilson Blvd., Suite 3000
Arlington, VA 22201-3042
1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
http://www.nami.org
If you would like more information about depression, contact Dr. Gordon C. Gunn MD at 714-912-2211 or visit www.gordongunnmd.com to schedule an appointment today.
Dr. Gunn proudly serves Fullerton and all surrounding areas.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among American women, affecting around 268,600 women and men each year. Breast cancer does not discriminate; it affects people of all ages and races. One of the first steps we can take towards effectively identifying and treating breast cancer is by taking preventive action and being aware of the symptoms that come along with this terrible disease. The following list includes breast cancer symptoms that we should all be aware of:
The way the breast or nipple feels
Breast or nipple appearance
Nipple discharge
Particularly if you have clear discharge or bloody discharge
Most times these symptoms are not due to cancer, but if you have any breast cancer symptoms you should be seen by your doctor immediately to be sure you’re healthy and cancer free. Your doctor is the expert and will always be able to check for breast cancer before you have any noticeable symptoms.
If you would like more information about breast cancer symptoms, contact Dr. Gordon C. Gunn MD at 714-912-2211 or visit www.gordongunnmd.com to schedule an appointment today.
Dr. Gunn proudly serves Fullerton and all surrounding areas.
