Tag Archives: Dr. Gordon Gunn

Diamonds Are Made Under Lots of Pressure | Fullerton, CA

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Heart HealthHigh blood pressure, or hypertension, currently affects 1 out of every 3 American adults. High blood pressure often has no signs or symptoms and is therefore called the “silent killer” as it is one of the most important factors leading to heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, kidney disease and early death. Here are some steps that can help to lower your blood pressure:

Monitor blood pressure. This will result in the most accurate assessment of your blood pressure.

Regular exercise. Keeping active improves blood vessel flexibility and heart function. It can be as simple as walking regularly and may decrease blood pressure by 10 points.

Eat well. The American Heart Association recommends the ‘Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension’ (DASH) diet. This diet emphasizes fruits and vegetables, low fat dairy products, whole grains, fish, poultry and nuts.

Lose weight. Losing even 10% of your current weight can make a big difference.

Quit smoking. Nicotine constricts blood vessels and can cause a 20 -point increase in blood pressure.

Drink alcohol in moderation. One drink a day for women may be good for the heart and blood vessels.

Limit salt intake. Too much sodium and too little potassium can increase blood pressure, so aim for less the 1.5 grams of sodium and more than 4.7 grams daily.

Sleep at least 6-8 hours a night. Chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to high blood pressure and increased chance of developing heart disease.

Reduce stress. Mental and emotional stress can increase blood pressure while meditation, deep breathing and other stress-reducing activities can lower it.

Take prescribed blood pressure medication. Taking blood pressure pills should not make you feel differently and can keep you from having a stroke or heart attack.

If you would like more information on high 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.

Good News Regarding Hormone Replacement Therapy | Fullerton, CA

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When it comes to menopause, there has been a lot of controversy surrounding the involvement of hormone therapy. Traditionally, doctors would provide hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as a treatment option in order to augment the patient’s hormone levels. However, in 2002, the Women’s Health Initiative, a government-funded study took place and revealed many questions regarding the HRT’s benefits and risks.

In 2012, The North American Menopause Society released a statement stating, “the concept of lowest dose for the shortest period of time was inadequate or even harmful for some women”. But in 2017 the stance had changed. They released a paper stating that the use of hormone replacement therapy for menopausal and postmenopausal women “guarantees to make healthcare providers and the women they treat more comfortable using HRT when women want it to improve their quality of life”.

So, what does that mean for women going forward? Here are some of the highlights:

  • The benefit-risk ratio is most favorable for women in their 50’s with hot flashes and night sweats, or at elevated risk for bone loss or fracture. Those younger may not have as many advantages.
  • Longer durations of HRT should be for documented indications and discussed with a physician.
  • Women with vulvar and vaginal symptoms, or with a loss of libido, can benefit from having hormone replacement therapy for sexual-function difficulties.
  • Women who enter menopause early will experience an estrogen-deficiency related consequence. Early estrogen treatment, in addition to endometrial protection.

To read more about the NAMS statement, click here.

If you would like more information on hormone replacement therapy, 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.

Eat Away Your Chances of Developing Heart Disease | Fullerton, CA

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Heart Healthy

Heart disease kills thousands of Americans every day and clogged arteries are the main culprit. Clogged arteries don’t happen overnight, and is caused by diet, genetics and lifestyle choices. However, you can reverse the clogging with these foods:

Garlic. According to studies, garlic can prevent coronary artery calcification and blood clots, while garlic powder can reduce the buildup of nanoplaque.

Chia seeds. 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 and the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.

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 can 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.

Cold water fish. Fish rich in healthy fats such as tuna, salmon, mackerel, and sardines can help clear arteries.

Turmeric. By adding turmeric to your diet, you 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 more information on heart disease, 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.

Overactive Bladder? Read This | Fullerton, CA

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Do you have to get up more than once in the middle of the night to use the bathroom? When you are in public do you find yourself always looking for the restroom? Not only is it an inconvenience, but it can be cause for concern if it is a developing occurrence. After all, having an overactive bladder make daily life hard but there are many reasons it has developed. Diabetes, urinary tract infections or trouble walking can all be reasons you have an overactive bladder, so it is important to seek medical advice when you find you are urinating more frequently. But worry not – there is hope. With dietary changes and therapy, an overactive bladder can be treated.

Diet. Dietary changes can help manage your overactive bladder. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol and artificial sweeteners can help decrease bladder activity.

Pelvic muscle exercises. These types of exercises help prevent and/or alleviate symptoms since they strengthen the pelvic floor. They send a signal to the bladder to relax and resume filling. Through regular exercises, you can build strength and endurance to help regain and maintain bladder control.

InterStim therapy. The process of delivering electrical stimulation directly to the sacral nerves. It is shown to be successful in 4 out of 5 patients. InterStim therapy involves two stages. First, a test. Second, a permanent implant. The implant delivers electrical stimulation without having to revisit the doctor and is an outpatient procedure. The implant is surgically placed under the skin in the upper buttock or abdomen to stimulate the sacral nerve using electric pulses.

If you would like more information on overactive bladder treatment options, 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.

Your Broken Heart May Be Cause for Concern | Fullerton, CA

Health, Heart Attack, Heart Condition, Heart Disease, Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program, Heart Health, Womens Health, , , , , , , , ,

Of all the emotions one tries to avoid at all costs, it would have to be heartbreak. The end of a relationship or situation that you are emotionally invested in can not only affect your spirit and cause a spike in your sugar intake but can actually cause health issues. Believe it or not, but broken heart syndrome is real and closely imitates 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 a sudden chest pain caused by an 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. It can be life-threatening, but most make a complete recovery. So, before you write off your feelings as just that, take a look at these signs and symptoms:

  • 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

If you would like more information on broken heart syndrome, contact Dr. Gordon C. Gunn MD in Fullerton, CA at 714-912-2211 to schedule an appointment today. Or visit www.gordongunnmd.com for additional information regarding women’s health. 

Dr. Gordon Gunn proudly serves Buena Park, La Mirada, Yorba Linda, Diamond Bar, Walnut and all surrounding areas.

Start the New Year with a Healthy Heart | Fullerton, CA

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It’s January – and we are all in the midst of our new year resolutions. Some focus on life, others focus on health, but all are working towards building healthy habits going forward. One of the main focuses for becoming healthier is heart disease prevention. After all, more and more Americans are becoming diagnosed with many health conditions. Being diagnosed with problems such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol should be a wake up call to start to strive toward a healthier lifestyle. Good news is, there are many ways to prevent and even go about lowering both your high cholesterol and high blood pressure. And since we are all in the mood to make some changes for the better, this is the ideal time to make that start. Fortunately, these prevention tips aren’t difficult to work into your lifestyle, so it won’t be an overhaul to your current situation. Take a look at the following lifestyle changes that will help get your heart health on track:

  • Lower & maintain healthy weight
  • Eat heart-healthy meals
  • Be or get more active
  • Reduce blood sugar
  • Manage blood pressure
  • Quit smoking
  • Control cholesterol

Making heart healthy changes before you develop conditions such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol is extremely crucial. Many of us aren’t aware that heart disease is the No. 1 killer in the US, so taking action to keep your heart healthy is very important. Not only for you, but for your loved ones as well. Lifestyle changes affect everyone, and these are some great tips to carry with you throughout your life.

If you would like more information on healthy heart tips, contact Dr. Gordon C. Gunn MD in Fullerton, CA at 714-912-2211 to schedule an appointment today. Or visit www.gordongunnmd.com for additional information regarding women’s health. 

Dr. Gordon Gunn proudly serves Buena Park, La Mirada, Yorba Linda, Diamond Bar, Walnut and all surrounding areas.

National Self-Improvement Month

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As you’ve probably heard, we are our own worst critics. Many of us are guilty of focusing on our weaknesses instead of our strengths. There are many areas of our lives that we may like to improve, however, improvement requires hard work and motivation.

September marks National Self-Improvement Month. During the entire month of September, you can take the time to improve aspects of yourself and your life that may be holding you back from being a happier and healthy version of yourself. Below is a list of ways that you can celebrate National Self-Improvement Month:

  • Get physical- Physical activity is very important to your overall health. Focus on the physical aspects of your life that could use some improvement. Whether you want to lose weight, boost your energy level, or just cut your salt intake, you can set a goal to do so. If you have a certain fitness goal, create a realistic plan that you’ll be able to stick to for the long haul. This could be exercising 30 minutes a day or at least 3 days a week.
  • Eat a healthy diet- When you eat healthy food, you’re getting the nutrients your body requires. Nutrition is one of the main foundations to overall health. Evaluate your diet and see if there are any eating habits that need improvement. Making even just a few small changes in your diet can affect your health and the way you feel about yourself.
  • Take time to de-stress- Stress can take a major toll on your health and mentality. Be sure that you take some time to yourself every month. Schedule a designated day each month that you take time to do something that you enjoy. Whether it be getting a massage or taking a hike, the “me time” will do your body good.

National Self-Improvement Month is the perfect time for you to take step back to evaluate yourself, find the areas you wish to improve and get motivated to take back control of your life. There is always room for improvement in anyone’s life.

If you would like to learn how you can take control of your health, contact Dr. Gordon Gunn MD in Fullerton, CA at 714-912-2211 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit our website at www.gordongunnmd.com for more information regarding overall health. 

Dr. Gordon Gunn proudly serves Buena Park, La Mirada, Yorba Linda, Diamond Bar, Walnut and all surrounding areas.

5 Ways To Naturally Lower Blood Pressure

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Heart Healthy

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with high blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension, you may be worried about having to take medication to lower your numbers. While it’s true, medication can lower your blood pressure, there are also other ways you can go about lowering your blood pressure.

Most people can actually bring down their blood pressure naturally without medication -by using at-home remedies. If you can successfully control your blood pressure with a healthy lifestyle, you may be able to avoid medication completely. Here are five lifestyle changes that can naturally lower and control blood pressure:

  1. Maintain a healthy weight. Blood pressure typically increases as weight increases. Being overweight can also cause sleep apnea (disruptive breathing while asleep), which can further raise one’s blood pressure. Losing weight is one of the most effective ways you can lower your blood pressure. Losing just 10 pounds can reduce your blood pressure immensely.
  2. Exercise on a regular basis. Regular physical activity can help you lower your blood pressure. It’s important to be consistent because if you aren’t, your blood pressure can increase again. If you already have slightly high blood pressure, physical activity can help you avoid it turning into full-blown hypertension. The best kind of exercise to lower blood pressure include, walking, jogging, swimming, cycling and dancing.
  3. Eat a healthy diet. Consuming a diet that consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy can help lower your blood pressure. Be sure to avoid foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol, as these foods can increase blood pressure. It can be difficult to change your eating habits, but with determination it’s possible.
  4. Be smart with your salt intake. Even just a small reduction in your sodium intake can reduce blood pressure. The effect of sodium intake varies among different groups of people. To decrease your sodium intake you can read food labels, eat fewer processed foods and not add salt to meals.
  5. Reduce your stress. Chronic stress contributes to high blood pressure, as well as occasional stress, if it leads you to eating unhealthy foods, drinking alcohol or smoking. To reduce your stress levels, you should take some time to think about what is causing your stress in the first place. Once you figure out what is causing your stress, think about how you can eliminate or reduce it.

As you can see there a simple ways you can go about lowering your blood pressure naturally without the use of medication. If you would like additional help lowing your blood pressure, contact Dr. Gordon Gunn MD in Fullerton, CA at 714-912-2211 today. Or visit our website at www.gordongunnmd.com for more information regarding high blood pressure. 

Dr. Gordon Gunn proudly serves Buena Park, La Mirada, Yorba Linda, Diamond Bar, Walnut and all surrounding areas.

How to Boost Women’s Health

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We all want to look and feel our best at every age, which is why it’s important that we make smart lifestyle and health choices. There are many simple things women can do every day to help ensure good health throughout their lifetime:

Eat a healthy diet. You want to eat as close to natural foods as possible. That means including fresh fruits and vegetables and less processed foods.  Eat whole grains and high-fiber foods, also choose leaner meat and fish. Be sure to also include low-fat dairy products in your diet too. Eating healthy can help maintain a proper weight for your height, which is important because obesity can lead to a variety of illnesses.

Exercise. Heart disease is one of leading causes of death among women in the United States. Exercise can help keep your heart healthy and in good working condition. To ensure good heart health, work out for 30 minutes, five days a week or every day. Walking, jogging, swimming biking and dancing are all good for women’s health.

Manage stress. No matter the stage in life, a women often deals with a lot of pressure and stress. Professionals encourage women to take a few minutes from her day to take a step back and relax. Mental health is very important to women’s health. Women can also manage stress with exercise, relaxation techniques and meditation.

Avoid harmful habits. Women should stay away from tobacco products and people who smoke. Don’t use any drugs. If you do drink alcohol, drink it in moderation. According to some women’s health studies most women can consume one alcoholic beverage a day.

Sunbathe safely. Too much exposure to the sun’s rays can cause skin cancer, which can be deadly. To help protect yourself from the harmful rays, wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPH) of at least 15 if you are going to be outdoors for a little bit. You should still check for signs of skin cancer, even if you do wear sunscreen.

Check for breast cancer. While the American Cancer Society no longer recommends monthly breast self-exams, it still suggests them as an option for women. You should keep an eye out for changes in your breasts and report your concerns to your doctors. Women 40 years of age of and over should get yearly mammograms. Mammograms are the most effective way to check for breast cancer in its earliest stages.

As you can see there are simple things you can to do boost women’s health. If you would like to learn more about how you can ensure your health, contact Dr. Gordon C. Gunn MD in Fullerton, CA at 714-912-2211 or visit our website at www.gordongunnm.com for more information regarding women’s health. 

 

Dr. Gordon Gunn proudly serves Buena Park, La Mirada, Yorba Linda, Diamond Bar, Walnut and all surrounding areas.

Heart Disease Prevention Tips

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Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, taking the lives of about 610,000 people every year. However, there are certain risk factors that make some people more likely to develop heart disease. Those risk factors are divided into two categories; modifiable risk factors which you can control, like weight, and non-modifiable risk factors which you can’t control, such as genetics.

Fortunately, your lifestyle choices can influence your heart health immensely. With lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, exercise, quitting smoking and managing blood pressure, diabetes and stress you can greatly reduce your risk of developing heart disease. The following list includes steps you can take towards preventing heart disease:

Quit Smoking- If you do smoke, one of the most crucial steps you can take to reduce your risk of heart disease is to quit smoking. Smoking causes plaque buildup in the arteries, which will eventually lead to the hardening of the arteries. Not only does smoking damage your organs, it also worsens other risk factors for heart disease. It lowers your amount of good cholesterol and raises blood pressure, which in turn, can cause increased stress on your arteries. In just one year after quitting, your risk for heart disease is reduced by 50%.

Heart Healthy Diet- Your nutrition and diet play a big role in heart disease prevention. According to research, a diet that’s high in raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains and omega-3 fatty acids can go a long way in reducing your risk of heart disease. You’ll also need to avoid or limit food or beverages that can worsen heart disease. This includes foods and drinks high in salt and sugar, alcoholic beverages, and foods that contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. It’s also important for you to watch your calorie intake. Focus on eating foods that are high in nutrients and low in calories.

Exercise- Exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are both vital in lowering blood pressure and preventing heart disease. Most experts recommend getting 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day, or most days of the week. Your exercise doesn’t even have to be intense. Activities such as taking your dog for a walk, doing some gardening or cleaning your house all count as exercise. The main goal of exercising is to maintain a healthy weight. Maintaining a healthy weight will help lower blood pressure and reduce risks for other health complications.

Lower Blood Pressure- Hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure, is known as “the silent killer” since it usually goes without symptoms in most people. High blood pressure can contribute to heart disease and cause increased stress on your cardiovascular system. You can lower your blood pressure by exercising, eating heart healthy, managing weight, avoiding stress, and smoking. If you do have high blood pressure, work closely with your health care provider and monitor your blood pressure regularly.

Avoid Stress- Though it’s still not fully understood, there is a link between people who experience high amounts of stress for long periods of time and heart disease. Stress can cause pain, headaches, sleep loss and body exhaustion. If you deal with chronic stress, it can cause your heart to work harder and worsen any other risk factors for heart disease you may have. Exercise, yoga, meditation and letting go of worries are all things you can do to reduce your stress.

Manage Diabetes- Diabetes is a very serious risk factor for heart disease. If you do have this medical condition, be sure monitor your blood sugar levels. Your health care provider may recommend certain lifestyle changes to help keep your blood sugar under control. Those certain lifestyle changes will help reduce your risk for heart disease.

While being diagnosed with heart disease can be quite alarming, there are many lifestyles choices you can make to help prevent this terrible disease. All of the things mentioned above can have a significant impact on heart disease prevention.

Make yourself a priority and ask Dr. Gordon Gunn about his Lifestyle Longevity Program by contacting his office in Fullerton, CA at 714-912-2211 or visit www.gordongunnmd.com for additional information.

Dr. Gordon Gunn proudly serves Buena Park, La Mirada, Diamond Bar, Walnut Creek and surrounding area.