Adult Hypertension

High Blood PressureNew guidelines recently released from the Joint National Committee proposed less restrictive BP targets for certain individuals.  These include adults aged 60 years or older, as well as individuals with diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

The new 2014 guidelines have increased the blood pressure treatment goal from less than 140/90 to 150/90 for individuals aged 60 and older.  For adults with chronic kidney disease and diabetes, the new blood pressure guidelines are 140/90.  This is an increase from the previously recommended blood pressure guideline of 130/80.

Blood pressure is the force of blood against your artery wall as it circulates through your body.  Hypertension (high blood pressure) typically has no warning signs or symptoms until the disease is advanced.  It is estimated that 67 million American adults have high blood pressure – 1 in every 3 adults.  Having hypertension greatly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, which are the first and third leading causes of death in the United States.

It is important to keep your blood pressure within the target range for optimal health, and to limit the risk of serious health complications.  Measures you can take to maintain your blood pressure include keeping a healthy weight, limiting sodium (salt) intake, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco use and limiting alcohol consumption.

Dr. Anne Hermann is double board certified in internal medicine and as a physician nutrition specialist.  Offices are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Qsymia- A New Medication For Weight Loss Management

qsymiaQsymia is an FDA approved combination medication of phentermine and topiramate (Topamax) indicated for chronic weight management. Although the precise mechanisms of action are not known, multiple mechanisms regulate hunger. Qsymia works on multiple pathways to help achieve and maintain weight loss. According to the CDC nearly 40% of adults in America are obese or extremely obese.

Qsymia is indicated as an adjunct to increased physical activity and reduced caloric intake in obese and overweight individuals.  Eligible patients should have a  body mass index (BMI) of 32 or greater (obese) or a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) with a weight -related comorbidity – such as high cholesterol, hypertension or type 2 diabetes.  Qsymia is prescribed for once daily dosing in the morning.  Physician follow-up is usually monthly.

Dr. Anne Hermann is double board certified in internal medicine and nutrition.  She offers many weight loss and nutritional treatment options to her patients, including Qsymia.  Office locations are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

 

 

 

What Is A Paleolithic Diet?

The Paleolithic or “Paleo” diet is based upon the consumption of foods that were available prior to the agricultural era. It consists of organic lean meats, fish, nuts, fruits and leafy vegetables. In addition, dairy, refined cereals, margarine, and refined oil/fats are avoided. The diet is low in sodium and extremely high in fiber, vitamins, proteins, folic acid, magnesium and potassium.

Studies have shown that the Paleo diet promotes antioxidant activity and healthy weight. Thus, the incidences of prevalent illnesses in Western societies such as: diabetes, stroke, heart disease and certain cancers may be reduced by following the principle components of the Paleo diet.

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

The HCG Diet

HCG is a hormone produced during pregnancy called human chorionic gonadotropin. This hormone suppresses hunger and triggers the body’s use of fat for fuel. During the HCG diet, Caloric intake is restricted to 500-1000 calories daily of whole, unprocessed foods. Typically, HCG is delivered via an injection in your physician’s office. A moderate exercise program is also recommended to enhance weight loss during the diet. At Dr. Anne Hermann’s office the HCG diet is just one of the weight loss programs offered. We typically recommend beginning a successful weight loss program with a 30 detox diet, which limits the craving for sweets. The detox diet eliminates processed foods and promotes the consumption of whole foods, lean proteins and fresh fruits and vegetables. Dr. Hermann also offers the Optifast full liquid meal replacement diet for patients who need to lose a significant amount of weight. Typically patients with diabetes and/or hypertension are able to stop their insulin and blood pressure medications with the weight loss achieved. Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition, and thus is able to offer meal planning services to her patients. Office locations are maintained 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.