Tag: Dr. Anne Hermann

What Is Functional Medicine?

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Practitioners who practice functional medicine attempt to address the underlying cause of diseases.  Functional medicine uses a systems oriented approach in a holistic partnership.  In essence it employs a patient –centered approach rather than a disease –centered approach.  It involves understanding the origins, prevention and treatment of complex and chronic diseases.   Functional medicine integrates Western medicine with integrative medicine focusing on nutrition, diet and stress-management techniques.  This mechanism of medicine better addresses the healthcare needs of the 21st century, as there has been a rise in individuals diagnosed with complex and chronic health conditions.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, uses a  functional medicine focus in her practice.  Offices are located in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

Tetanus, Diphtheria aand Pertussis Vaccine – Tdap

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These three diseases are caused by bacteria.  Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person and tetanus enters the body through a cut or wound.  Tetanus (lockjaw) causes painful muscle spasms, and can lead to death if not treated.  Diphtheria causes a thick covering in the back of the throat, untreated it can lead to heart failure or paralysis.  Pertussis (whooping cough) causes severe coughing and vomiting.  Pertussis that is not treated may lead to pneumonia.

The Tdap was licensed in 2005.  It is the first vaccine for adolescents and adults that protects against all three diseases.  It can be used as a catch-up vaccine for individuals who did not receive all their doses when they were children, as a booster dose every 10 years, and for protection against tetanus infection after a wound.  Mild reactions after the vaccine can include pain or redness at the injection site, nausea, headache or low-grade fever.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician located in Tampa, Florida offers this vaccine to her patients.  Self-pay pricing is competitive with the national pharmacy chains.  However, insurance and Medicare will often cover all or a portion of the vaccine cost.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

Pneumonia (Pneumococcal Polysaccharide) Vaccine

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Pneumococcal disease is caused by a type of bacteria.  Untreated, pneumococcal disease can lead to pneumonia, meningitis and blood infections (bacteremia).  Individuals at greater risk for developing pneumococcal disease include the very young, people over age 65, smokers and people with weakened immune systems or certain health problems including:  heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes.

Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV) protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria. Usually only one dose of PPSV is needed.  However, a second dose is recommended for people 65 and older who received their first dose prior to age 65, and for individuals who are younger than 65 but have weakened immune systems.  If necessary, the second dose is repeated 5 years after the first dose.  Mild side effects such as fever, or pain and redness at the injection site may occur after the vaccination.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician located in Tampa, Florida provides this vaccine to her patients.  Self – pay pricing is competitive with the national pharmacy chains.  However, insurance or Medicare will often cover all or a portion of the cost.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

What Is Adrenal Fatigue?

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Adrenal fatigue often encompasses nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue, nervousness, body aches, insomnia and digestive problems.  Your adrenal glands produce a variety of hormones.  Adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease) refers to inadequate production of one or more of these hormones.  Symptoms can include:  unexplained weight loss, body aches, fatigue, loss of body hair, and low blood pressure.  Adrenal insufficiency is diagnosed by blood tests.

Adrenal fatigue is thought to be a mild form of adrenal insufficiency caused by chronic stress.  This chronic stress leaves the adrenal glands unable to produce quite enough hormones needed to enhance your physical and emotional well-being.  Adrenal fatigue is often diagnosed with saliva testing as the hormone levels do not decline enough to be detected with blood tests.  Treatment consists of strategies to decrease chronic stress levels.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

How Does Breast Thermography Compare To Mammography?

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Thermography produces an infrared image that shows heat and blood flow patterns near the surface of the body. The technique is based on the thought that patients will have elevated breast skin temperatures over areas with cancer. Currently thermography is not approved by the FDA as a stand-alone screening or diagnostic tool to detect breast cancers. Thermography devices have been cleared, however, for use as an additional diagnostic tool for screening and diagnosis of breast cancers. Some studies have shown that thermography may be a better tool than mammography for detecting superficial cancers.

Mammography consists of an X-Ray of the breasts. It is the gold standard recommendation for detecting early stage breast cancer. Its use is endorsed by major medical organizations. If abnormalities are found, additional screening techniques (ultrasound, MRI, thermography, clinical breast exam or biopsy) may be warranted. Speak to your physician concerning screening guidelines and appropriate recommendations for you. Together, you and your physician can decide the best strategy for you to screen for breast cancer.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida. Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition. Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

Natural Methods to Decrease Inflammation

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Constant or chronic inflammation can trigger illnesses such as arthritis, certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.   Toxins may be introduced into our bodies in a number of ways, including pollution and pesticides.  A detox diet may be beneficial in lowering the acidity of the body, which in turn decreases inflammation.  There are also a number of vitamins, minerals and supplements that are beneficial in decreasing systemic inflammation.

  • Coenzyme Q10
  • Vitamin B6
  • Vitamin B2
  • Vitamin A
  • Zinc
  • Copper
  • Selenium
  • Manganese
  • Magnesium
  • Glutathione
  • Cysteine
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin E
  • Glutamine
  • Lipoic Acid

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition, and offers comprehensive vitamin testing to her patients.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

How Can I Naturally Lower My Cholesterol?

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High cholesterol or hyperlipidemia, is defined as elevated circulating lipids in the blood.  Hyperlipidemia is typically asymptomatic, and is discovered during routine screening blood work.  Left untreated, hyperlipidemia may lead to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.  Together, you and your physician can determine the best way to control your hyperlipidemia.  Along with diet and exercise, there are a number of vitamins, minerals and supplements that may be beneficial in lowering lipids.

  • Red Rice Yeast
  • Coenzyme Q 10
  • Omega 3
  • Manganese
  • Magnesium
  • Vitamin B3
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin B5
  • Carnitine
  • Lipoic Acid
  • Inositol
  • Choline
  • Chromium
  • Copper
  • Zinc
  • Selenium

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition, and offers comprehensive vitamin testing to her patients.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

Which Vitamins Can Help Hypertension?

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High blood pressure (hypertension) affects approximately 1 in 4 American adults.  It occurs when the force of blood against the artery wall is too high; which may eventually lead to health problems such as heart disease or stroke.   Often, individuals have high blood pressure for many years without symptoms.  Fortunately, hypertension can be easily detected and treated.  Together, you and your physician can determine the best way to control your hypertension.   Along with diet and exercise, there are a number of vitamins, minerals, and supplements that are beneficial in helping to lower blood pressure.

  • Zinc
  • Copper
  • Magnesium
  • Calcium
  • Folate
  • Omega 3 Fatty Acids
  • Garlic
  • Lipoic Acid
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin B2
  • Celery Seed Extract
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin B6
  • Coenzyme Q10

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition, and offers comprehensive vitamin testing to her patients.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

What Can Vitamin C Do For Me?

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Vitamin C is essential for normal growth and repair of tissues in the body; it forms an important protein to make skin, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels.  It helps form scar tissue, heal wounds, and repair/maintain bones, teeth and cartilage.   Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that assists to block damage caused by free radicals.  Free radicals are formed from exposure to radiation or tobacco smoke, and when your body breaks down food.  They are thought to play a role in heart disease, cancer and arthritis and are responsible for the majority of the aging process.

Because vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, left over amounts are excreted from the body.  Thus, a continuous dietary supply is needed.  Dietary sources include:  citrus fruits, mango, kiwi fruit, pineapple, watermelon, berries, broccoli, peppers, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, and tomatoes.  The best sources are uncooked/raw fruits and vegetables.  Side effects from too much vitamin C are rare, but doses greater than 2000 milligrams a day may lead to diarrhea and stomach upset.  Vitamin C deficiency may lead to anemia, easy bruising, dry skin, decreased ability to fight infection, and nosebleeds.  According to the National Institutes of Health, the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C is 90 milligrams for men and 75 milligrams for women.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition, and offers comprehensive vitamin testing to her patients.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

How Can Magnesium Help Me?

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Magnesium is a very important mineral needed for a normal, healthy metabolism.  It is an essential mineral that is necessary for numerous functions within the body.  It helps reduce immune reactions and malabsorption related to celiac disease.  Magnesium is a component of mineralized bone, it works together with calcium and vitamin D to help keep bones and teeth strong, and also promotes proper muscular development.  It supports normal functioning of muscle and nervous tissue, and is required for release of energy.  It also helps the body handle stress.   Individuals suffering from headaches and/or insomnia have reported reduction of symptoms with magnesium use.  Last, but not least, magnesium promotes cardiovascular health by facilitating normal platelet activity and helping to regulate cholesterol levels.

Magnesium is found in the following foods:  dark leafy green vegetables, bananas, avocados, nuts, soy products, whole grains, and beans.  Adult females should consume between 310-320 mg daily and adult males should consume between 400-420 mg daily.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition, and offers comprehensive vitamin testing to her patients.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.