Controlling obesity continues to pose a major challenge to the country. With healthy food options remaining expensive and patient education continuing to lag behind the taste buds of the community, it is no wonder why patients are having trouble controlling their weight. The obesity problem is even starting to impact children. Type 2 Diabetes used to be a problem exclusive to adults. Now, even children are developing this disease. One of the tricks to remaining healthy is controlling cholesterol levels. While this can be challenging, there are a few tips that everyone should incorporate when trying to keep cholesterol levels low.
Avoid Trans Fat
First, try to avoid trans fats. Trans fats are short for trans-saturated fats. The trans refers to the bond structure that holds the molecule together. Trans fats lower HDL (the good cholesterol), raise LDL (the bad cholesterol), and increase the risk of serious medical problems, such as heart disease and strokes. Trans fats are found in many baked goods, making them difficult to avoid. The FDA is trying to remove them from the industry, but in the meantime, read food packages to avoid these dangerous fats. They stick together and cause problems for everyone’s health.
Decrease Portion Sizes
Next, try to decrease portion sizes. By using smaller dishes, the mind will think the plate is still full and makes many people feel like they’re still stuffed when the meal is finished. Lower portion sizes translate to weight loss. Every dropped pound counts and will lead to a lower LDL. Try to incorporate a daily exercise routine along with smaller portion sizes. By cutting around 1,000 calories per week, people will realize that they will lose a pound per week on average. These pounds add up over time but people need to remember to avoid cheat days, as these will add up just as quickly.
Use Fiber
Lastly, try to focus on using fiber. Foods such as apples, beans, and oatmeal are high in their fiber content. Fiber is important because it binds to cholesterol and helps the body excrete it as waste. Try to find foods that add around ten grams of fiber each day. Research studies have shown that incorporating a higher fiber content into a diet will cause people to drop their LDL. Furthermore, fiber is filling. This will help people avoid snacks throughout the day. Try not to eat an excessive amount of fiber because this can cause cramps.
Everyone should see a physician regularly to make sure their cholesterol levels are healthy. A physician will have even more ways to keep cholesterol levels under control. For people looking for a Conroe family physician, consider visiting Conroe Family Doctor and Dr. Trang Nguyen in Conroe, TX. Dr. Nguyen went through the arduous path of medical school to make sure patients are provided with the latest information on controlling cholesterol. With a long track record filled with happy and heathy patients, Dr. Nguyen can put the same knowledge to work for patients with high cholesterol. Call today to schedule an appointment.
Many North Americans struggle with weight loss, whether the scale just won’t budge or fluctuates up and down like a yo-yo. Diet and exercise are an excellent start to a healthy weight, but sometimes stubborn pounds need an extra boost to keep them from hanging on. Our office offers medically supervised weight loss in that helps our patients achieve healthy weight goals using advanced methods that have been proven to work time and time again.
Did you know…
that more than 35 percent of American adults are overweight? According to an estimate from the Centers for Disease Control, obesity is directly responsible for more than $140 billion in medical costs each year – primarily for the treatment of weight-related diseases like heart disease, type-2 diabetes, and stroke. Losing just 10 to 20 pounds can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, alleviate chronic pain, and reduce cancer risk – not to mention improve the quality of life…
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for medical weight loss?
You may be a candidate for medical weight loss if your previous attempts to lose weight have been unsuccessful. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and find out more about our treatment options for overweight and obese patients.
What should I expect during a medical weight loss program?
We take a multifaceted approach to helping our patients lose weight. We always begin with nutritional counseling and lifestyle modifications that help increase cardiovascular output, lower stress, and improve sleep – all factors that can aid in healthy weight loss. Additional interventions are necessary on a case-by-case basis. For example, some patients are struggling with weight loss due to nutritional imbalances or skipped meals. Others may be facing hormonal imbalances that pack on the pounds. Our treatment options help break through weight loss barriers and turn the body into a fat-burning machine.
What types of results can I expect after completing a medical weight loss program?
Weight loss outcomes vary from patient to patient and treatment carries no guarantee of results. However, patients who are a part of a medically-personalized weight loss program are more likely to obtain significant long-term results than those who attempt to lose weight using diet or exercise alone.
SculpSure is the latest successful innovative approach to fat removal. Approved by the FDA, this non-surgical method of removing fat can be performed in less than 30 minutes. Unlike liposuction, there is absolutely no recovery or downtime when using the SculpSure fat loss laser system. The treatment now allows patients to immediately return to their daily routine, no painful hospital recovery required.
With SculpSure Permanent Fat Loss, people can easily get that toned body look they desire but just can’t seem to accomplish on their own. Women and men alike sometimes have a trouble spot where fat just seems to gravitate. This can encumber movement in the particular area especially when exercising. This fat loss technique targets each individual area for maximum results.
The ability to reduce that stubborn fat has never been safer. With SculpSure, there are no medications or anesthetics needed. There is absolutely no surgery involved whats-so-ever. This procedure is painless, using an applicator that provides a window around each targeted area separately. The laser beams destroy the fat which then enables your body to eliminate it over time. The results will be noticeable within six weeks and after 12 weeks.
Patients with a body mass index of 30 or less are ideal candidates for this type of fat reduction procedure. This technique is gaining popularity all over the United States. Whether it is used to get rid of belly fat or define abs, patients are seeing amazing results with this simple process.
Plastic surgery can be quite costly and intimidating to the average person. With SculpSure, there is no need to “go under the knife” to get results. This non-invasive device melts the fat away with a warm and cooling sensation. The procedure is comfortable and non-irritating. This non-intrusive method is rapidly becoming one of the most effective fat fighters around.
Body fat has a way of sneaking up in certain areas. Whether excess body fat is from bearing children or simply getting older, SculpSure can target the desired area and give great results. Within a few weeks time, it will make a noticeable difference. It is ideal for adults of all ages because there is no surgery involved. SculpSure had been approved by the FDA and the low-energy that it uses makes it very safe. All questions or concerns regarding this treatment can be covered during treatment planning. Patients over the past few years have been excited and amazed with their personal results. The solution needed to finally get rid of those few extra pounds of fat has been found in SculpSure! It’s an affordable, safe technique recommended by plastic surgeons throughout the United States so schedule an appointment with Dr. Trang D. Nguyen at Conroe Family Doctor in Conroe, TX today.
Obesity is linked to over 60 chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. These are some of the leading causes of preventable death. At Conroe Family Doctor, we can help you on your journey to losing weight and reducing your risk for chronic disease. There are several weight loss medication options available as a supplement to diet and exercise. In addition to medication, our staff can give you the resources, accountability, and encouragement you need to be successful in weight loss.
Suit Up for Summer! How to Find the Most Flattering Swimsuit for Your Body Type
Finding a swimsuit that flatters your figure doesn’t have to feel like you’re hunting for buried treasure. No matter what your body type, there’s a swimsuit for you. Read on to find a suit that makes the most of your best assets.
Pear Shape
If you’re wider at the hips and narrower up top, avoid suits with extra fabric at the bottom like boy shorts. Suits with unembellished skirts can help balance out your frame, or try a one-piece with a plunging neckline or other eye-catching features to draw the eye up. The key to the perfect swimsuit is balancing your proportions and getting the coverage you need for your bottom half.
Small Bust
Bold prints, ruffles and other detailing are your friends. Ditto bows and patterns. You might also try tops with padding or a push-up effect to give the illusion of a bigger bust. Strapless bandeaus are another great option – choose ones with horizontal stripes or other embellishments.
Large Bust
If you’re large busted you need support- string bikinis won’t give it to you. Look for underwire or molded cups and avoid ruffles, loud prints and patterns. Suits with a high back and thicker, adjustable straps are also important to hold everything up and in place whether you’re lounging or taking a swim.
Large butt
High cut and other revealing bikini bottoms can show more skin than you want to. Find a suit with a good amount of fabic in the seat to give you the coverage you need. Stay with solid colors and leave the prints for your upper half.
Extra Tummy
High-waisted suits that come up over the belly button will help disguise excess belly fat and muffin top. Tankinis are also a great choice with looser fabric that comes down over the stomach. A one piece with fabric gathered at the middle can also conceal the stomach. With a two-piece, you might want to try a more eye catching top to keep the focus on your upper half.
Do you have stubborn fat that doesn’t seem to respond to diet and exercise? That can make it particularly tough to get a good fit in a swimsuit. If you’re looking to reduce fat in your problem areas, SculpSure, an innovative non-surgical body contouring system, may be an option. SculpSure can help you achieve a slimmer appearance with a 25 minute treatment. The procedure works by raising the temperature of body fat in problem areas, like love handles, that seem resistant to diet and exercise. The treated fat cells are naturally absorbed and eliminated by the body over time. There is no bruising or damage to the surrounding skin with SculpSure, and results are typically seen in six to 12 weeks.
Whatever option you choose to put your best body forward this summer, be sure to get all the information you need to make the best choice for you.
