Do you suffer from Urinary Incontinence? | Fullerton, CA
An estimated 10 Million people -85% which are women- suffer from urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence, also known as bladder incontinence, is the loss of bladder control. In some cases, individuals suffer from a total loss of bladder contents or it may just cause minor leakage. This issue is more than just medical problem; it can affect emotional, psychological and social life as well.
There are many people who think urinary incontinence comes with age, but it is actually a symptom that can be caused by many conditions. The causes of urinary incontinence differs between men and women. Urinary incontinence is separated into three different types, and some may experience a mix of the types or all three. The following includes the three different types of urinary incontinence:
- Stress Incontinence- This type of incontinence occurs when you apply pressure on your bladder by exercising, laughing, sneezing, coughing or lifting something heavy. The activity causes the sphincter to weaken and release urine.
- Urge Incontinence- Urge incontinence occurs when you feel the sudden, intense urge or need to urinate. Often times, after feeling the urge to go you won’t have time between the urge and the loss of urine to make it to the restroom.
- Overflow Incontinence- This type occurs when you experience frequent dribbling or urine, due to the fact that your bladder doesn’t empty completely.
If you think you may be suffering from urinary incontinence, contact Dr. Gordon Gunn in Fullerton, CA at 714-912-2211 to schedule an appointment today or visit our website at www.gordongunnmd.com for more information.
Dr. Gordon Gunn also proudly serves Buena Park, La Mirada, Yorba Linda, Diamond Bar, Walnut, and all surrounding areas.
10 Foods that Help Unclog Arteries | Heart Healthy Fullerton, CA
Heart disease is among one of the most deadly killers in the world, killing on average 2,200 thousand Americans a day. These numbers are extremely devastating, and one of the key risks for developing heart disease is clogged arteries. Clogging of the arteries doesn’t happen overnight, and can be caused by diet, genetics and lifestyle choices. However, there are foods that can help unclog your arteries of plaque buildup:
- Garlic- According to studies, garlic can prevent coronary artery calcification and blood clots, while garlic powder can reduce the buildup of nanoplaque.
- Chia Seeds- When incorporating chia seeds into your daily diet, this superfood can help keep arteries clear by regulating blood pressure, lowering triglycerides and reducing LDL cholesterol.
- Coconut Oil- Despite popular belief that all saturated fats are bad, a regular consumption of coconut oil can help reduce plaque buildup in the arteries.
- Broccoli- This vegetable is loaded with vitamin K which can help prevent the hardening and calcification of arteries. Broccoli can also help prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol which can lead to serious heart problems.
- Avocado- Studies have shown that avocado can lead to improved blood cholesterol, while lowering LDL and triglycerides and increasing the HDL, the good cholesterol that help keep arteries clear.
- Asparagus- Full of fiber and minerals, asparagus is one of the best veggies for clearing arteries. Asparagus can also help lower cholesterol prevent blood clots that could potentially cause serious illness.
- Green Tea- Green tea contains high levels of catechins, which is an antioxidant plant phenol that hinders the absorption of bad cholesterol during digestion. It can also help reduces blocked arteries and improve blood-lipid levels.
- Cold-water Fish- Fish rich in healthy fats such as tuna, salmon, mackerel, and sardines can help clear arteries. Eating fish twice a week can help reduce inflammation and plaque buildup that can lead to heart disease.
- Turmeric- Turmeric’s main component is curcumin which a powerful anti-inflammatory. By adding turmeric to your diet it can help reduce inflammation and damage to your arterial walls which are leading cause to plaque buildup and blood clots.
- Cranberries- Full of antioxidants, cranberries can help improve cardiovascular health by reducing LDL cholesterol and raising HDL cholesterol levels.
If you would like to learn more about what you can do to stay heart healthy, contact Dr. Gordon C. Gunn at 714-912-2211 or visit our website at www.gordongunnmd.com for more information.
Dr. Gordon Gunn also proudly serves Buena Park, La Mirada, Yorba Linda, Diamond Bar, Walnut and all surrounding areas.
Improve and Manage Your Heart Health | Heart Health Fullerton, CA
Did you know that heart disease is the number one cause of death in the US? Heart attacks are commonly caused by the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which leads to the blockage of oxygen and blood flow to the heart muscle. It’s extremely important to learn what steps you can take to improve and manage your heart health to live a long healthy life. To help you do so I have provided five ways you can go about improving your heart health:
- Stay Active- Staying active doesn’t mean you have to work out for an endless amount of hours. You can do anything physical that keeps your heart rate up for at least 30 minutes. Need Ideas? Try jogging, walking, biking or hiking.
- Stop Smoking- Most people know that if you are smoking tobacco products you are more like to develop heart disease. So if you do smoke…drop the habit and quick, for your hearts sake.
- Shut Down- When you are sleep that’s when your body is recovering and rebooting. While you sleep you heart rate is lowered which gives your heart a much needed break. Make it a priority to get a proper amount of sleep.
- Chill Out- Learning how to relax does wonders for your heart. When you are under pressure your body ramps up adrenaline, which can exhaust your heart. Need ideas on how to handle stress? Try doing yoga, going on a walk, listening to calming music, or even talking to a trust friend or professional.
- Healthy Eats- The way to eat heart healthy hasn’t changed in hundreds of years, so the classis choices are still you best. Try incorporating whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds into your diet.
Now is the time to start becoming aware of your heart health. If you have questions or concerns regarding your heart health, contact Dr. Gordon C. Gunn, MD in Fullerton, CA at 714-912-2211 or visit www.gordongunnmd.com for more information.
Dr. Gordon Gunn also proudly serves Buena Park, La Mirada, Yorba Linda, Diamond Bar, Walnut and all surrounding areas.
7 Ways Stress Affects Women’s Health | Fullerton, CA
Did you know that stress affects men and women differently? Women are actually more deeply affected by the emotional and physical effects of stress than men are. When the body reacts to stress it releases hormones that cause slowed digestion, blood pressure to rise and the heart starts pumping more blood to the muscles, which in turn increases energy and alertness. This is a very important function for people when dealing with situations that require you to act fast.
The problem with calling upon these hormones to often is, that the hormones will eventually wear down the body if stressors are affecting you frequently. The following list includes both physiological and emotional effects stress has on women’s health:
- Irregular Periods– Stress can essentially mess with your body’s hormone balance, which in turn can lead to missed, late or irregular periods.
- Acne Breakouts– Stress causes raised levels of the hormone cortisol in the body that can cause excess oil production that will lead to breakouts. In some people it can also cause itchy rashes or hives.
- Depression- Your emotional health suffers when stress have in your life. Experts say that women are more likely to experience depression than men.
- Heart Disease- Stress can cause a negative reaction affecting the whole cardio vascular system. This can lead to high blood pressure, stroke and heart attack.
- Lowered Immune System- You body’s immune system can be wreaked by stress which lessens your ability to fight off common colds or viruses.
- Weight Gain or Loss– Stress can make you reach for comfort foods, or make you so upset you can’t eat. The more common stress related issues are cramps, bloating, heartburn, and sometimes even irritable bowel syndrome.
- Problems Concentrating– When you are stressing out it makes it very difficult to focus and taking care of responsibilities at home or work.
Don’t forget it’s very important to your health that you unwind every once in a while, and not let stress consume you and affect your health. For more information regarding women’s health, contact Dr. Gordon C. Gunn, MD in Fullerton, CA at 714-912-2211 or visit www.gordongunnmd.com for more information.
Dr. Gordon C. Gunn also proudly serves Buena Park, La Mirada, Yorba Linda, Diamond Bar, Walnut and all surrounding areas.
Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Tips | Heart Health Fullerton, CA
Every year, millions of Americans suffer from a heart attack, and nearly half of those heart attacks are fatal. As for strokes, they are the leading cause of disability and the third leading cause of death in men and women. It’s very important to know what steps you can take to prevent heart attack and stroke from occurring, it’s time to take control and get heart healthy. The following include tips you should take to heart to prevent heart attack and stroke:
- Don’t Smoke– If you’re already a smoker, you should stop or find programs to help you quit. As you should already know, smoking is very unhealthy. Nicotine actually narrows and restricts blood vessels.
- Exercise- You should exercise daily, or at least walk two miles a day. You don’t need to walk those two miles all at once, exercise doesn’t just burn calories. Exercise also activates genes that are very beneficial to your health.
- Reduce Stress- Stress contributes to heart disease, and if it is severe enough it can cause a heart attack or even sudden death. Try to reduce stress by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, volunteering and laughing. Also, try to avoid stressful situations and people that make you anxious or angry.
- Watch Your Cholesterol- Having high levels of LDL (“Bad”) cholesterol increases your risk of heart disease. Cholesterol levels can be improved with exercise and healthy eating habits.
- Eat Heart-Healthy- Eating a healthy well balanced diet can reduce your risk of getting heart disease. Make sure to eat your fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Take care of yourself by getting heart healthy today! For more information about heart health, contact Dr. Gordon C. Gunn, MD in Fullerton, CA at 714-912-2211 or visit www.gordongunnmd.com to learn more.
Dr. Gordon Gunn also proudly serves Buena Park, La Mirada, Yorba Linda, Diamond Bar, Walnut and all surrounding areas.
Lifestyle Change after a Heart Attack | Heart Health Fullerton, CA
After having a heart attack you may feel overwhelmed with anxiety and fear, you may also feel like your world has be flipped upside down. It takes time to fully recover from a heart attack but don’t let that stop you from pushing forward. A lifestyle change is the best way going about recovering, listed below are a few common lifestyle changes you may want to take charge of.
- Stop Smoking- Smoking cigarettes is one of the primary risk factors in heart disease. One of the most important things you can do is quit smoking cigarettes. In just one year after quitting your risk for heart attack drops severely.
- Healthy Diet- Eating a well-balanced diet keeps blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, and body weight within healthy rages, which can greatly reduce risk of heart attack.
- Control Stress and Anger- When stress or anger are uncontrolled it can lead to increased risk of heart disease. Skills Such as yoga, relaxation and time management can lower risks.
- Body Weight- Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight to lower your risk of heart attack. Being overweight makes the heart pump harder due to having to support the extra weight.
- Exercise- Physical activity is a key factor in maintaining long-term heart health after suffering from a heart attack. Enrolling in cardiac rehabilitation is a recommended step towards resuming normal physical activity.
- Medication- Taking medication is considered a lifestyle change because taking your medication at the right times can be vital and takes some time to adjust to a new schedule.
If you fear you may be at risk of having a heart attack and would like more information, contact Dr. Gordon Gunn, MD at 714-912-2211 or visit www.gordongunnmd.com to learn more about heart health.
Dr. Gordon Gunn also proudly serves Buena Park, La Mirada, Yorba Linda, Diamond Bar, Walnut and surrounding areas.
What is Broken Heart Syndrome? | Heart Health Fullerton, CA
Not many people have heard of broken heart syndrome, but did you know some mistake broken heart syndrome with a heart attack. Like a heart attack, broken heart syndrome has similar symptoms such as increased heart rate, shortness of breath and chest pain.
Broken heart syndrome, also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy, can strike even the healthiest of people, but the exact cause is still unclear. Women are more likely to experience sudden chest pain (a surge of stress hormones) which is caused by the emotionally stressful event. Known triggers of broken heart syndrome are unexpected death of a loved one, divorce or separation, betrayal, or even a surprise party. In broken heart syndrome, a part of your heart enlarges for a short period and doesn’t pump as well, while other parts of your heart function just fine.
What makes broken heart syndrome different from a heart attack?
- EKG (test that records hearts electric activity) results aren’t the same as someone who is having a heart attack.
- Tests show no signs of blockage in the coronary arteries.
- Blood tests show no or little signs of heart damage.
- Tests show ballooning of the lower left heart chamber.
- Fast recovery time, typically within days or weeks.
In some cases broken heart syndrome can be life threatening, but the good news is most people usually tend to make a full recovery.
Take care of yourself and get heart healthy today by contacting Dr. Gordon C. Gunn, MD at 714-912-2211 or visit www.gordongunnmd.com to learn more about hearth health.
Dr. Gordon Gunn also proudly serves Buena Park, La Mirada, Yorba Linda, Diamond Bar, Walnut and surrounding areas.
Know the Signs of a Heart Attack | Heart Health Fullerton, Ca
With all the focus on the American Red Cross and their Go Red for Women campaign this month we thought we’d focus on women’s heart health for this months blog with focus on knowing the signs of a heart attack in women.
You may have heard how women don’t experience the same signs as men do when experiencing a heart attack. So lets be aware and take the warning signs to heart.
Here’s what you should know:
Sweating. Pressure. Nausea. Jaw pain. Believe it or not, these are all symptoms of a heart attack in women. They’re also symptoms that women often brush off as the flu, stress or simply feeling under the weather—which could put their lives in jeopardy. As with men, the most common heart attack symptom in women is chest pain or discomfort. But it’s important to note that women are more likely to experience the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.
Symptoms of a heart attack:
- Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
- Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort.
- Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
Women who consider themselves healthy often misdiagnose the symptoms of a heart attack because they don’t think it could happen to them. That is why it’s crucial to learn about heart disease and stroke, know your numbers, live a heart-healthy lifestyle and be aware of the risk factors of heart disease. (Source: goredforwomen.org)
Contact Gordon Gunn, MD. Dr. Gunn can access your health status and put you on the road to a healthier you. Call today at 714-912-2211 or visit our website at gethearthealthytoday.com.
The Effects of Stress on your Health | Heart Health Fullerton, CA
Wellness is a dynamic process and it changes with age and circumstance. Understanding your current state of wellness improves your knowledge, helps you set goals and empowers you to make better choices for a healthier life. Stress can greatly affect your wellness. Understanding more about stress and how to limit your stress can help lead you to a path of wellness.
Common Symptoms of Stress:
- Headaches
- Backaches
- Rapid heartbeat
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Recurring nightmares
- Irritability
- Loss of concentration
Common Causes of Stress:
- Health problems
- Financial concerns
- Communication issues at work and home
- Social isolation
It is important to investigate symptoms of stress as prolonged stress poses a potential health threat. Chronic stress is believed to raise the risk of increased blood pressure (hypertension), heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic back pain, depression and a reduced immune response.
Effective steps for dealing with stress:
- Discuss your symptoms and your feelings about them
- Keep a diary to gain insight into your concerns and emotional patterns
- Exercise regularly engaging in both aerobic and weight training
- Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation deep breathing exercises
- Maintain your immune system by eating well balanced meals, exercising regularly and
- getting sufficient sleep
- Avoid destructive behaviors, including overindulgence of alcohol, caffeine or smoking
- Seek professional help if any of your symptoms persist, interfering with your sense of well-being and/or your personal/work relationships.
- Medications
If you fear stress could be having an adverse effect on your health contact Gordon Gunn, MD. Dr. Gunn can access your health status and put you on the road to a healthier you. Call today at 714-912-2211 or visit our website at gethearthealthytoday.com.