Latest / Morning Medical with Dr. Chow / Exploring the Mediterranean diet, telemedicine tips, and men's mental health awareness

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Exploring the Mediterranean diet, telemedicine tips, and men's mental health awareness · Morning Medical with Dr. Chow

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  Good morning, everyone, and welcome to another episode of Morning Medical with Doctor Chow.
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  I am your host, Doctor Chi-Ming Ming Chow.
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  As always, We are here to bring you the latest updates that could have a significant and let's
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  dive into today's medical news.
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  Our first story today comes from a recent study conducted by Harvard University which has been
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  published in JAMA Network open.
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  This study sheds light on the benefits of the Mediterranean diet and its potential to help
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  women live longer.
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  The Mediterranean diet has long been associated with numerous health benefits, including a
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  reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, and obesity.
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  Chow this new study has revealed a very specific advantage for women, a 23% lower risk
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  of death from any cause.
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  The study included data collected from 25,115 healthy women who participated in the women's
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  health study over a period of 25 years from April 1993 to January 1996.
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  The average age of the participants was 54.
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  Researchers analyzed the women's blood samples biomarker measurements and self reported
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  dietary information from June 2018 to November 2023.
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  The findings were quite compelling.
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  Women who adhered to the heart healthy plant focused, meditating, and diet were found to
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  have a 23% lower risk of death from any cause.
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  So what exactly is the Mediterranean diet?
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  It is a plant based nutrition plan that mimics the regional cuisines of the countries along
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  the Mediterranean Sea, such as Italy and Greece.
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  Primary foods in the diet include whole vegetables, whole grains, fruits, nuts, seeds,
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  and herbs, and spices.
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  Olive oil is the primary source of added fat.
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  Other foods, including fish, poultry, and dairy, can be incorporated in moderation.
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  The diet limits red meat, sweets, butter, and sugary drinks.
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  The health benefits of the Mediterranean diet stem from limiting saturated fats, refined
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  carbohydrates, and sodium, while promoting healthy unsaturated fats fiber and
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  antioxidants.
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  Experts have long highlighted the benefits of the Mediterranean diet.
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  Doctor Mark Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langony Medical Center, and a
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  Fox News medical contributor was not involved in the study, but commented on its findings.
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  He stated that the study confirms what is already known.
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  That the Mediterranean diet decreases mortality.
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  Doctor Isegal pointed out that monounsaturated fats and antioxidants which are abundant in the
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  Mediterranean diet, decrease inflammation, and are heart healthy.
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  He contrasted this with saturated fats, salts, and sugars, which are not heart healthy and
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  increase the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer.
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  New Jersey based registered dietitian, Aaron Polinski Wade, also reflected on the longevity
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  boosting benefits of the Mediterranean diet.
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  She explained that one significant reason, the Mediterranean diet can improve overall health
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  and reduce mortality risk is its impact on visceral fat or belly fat.
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  High levels of fat in the mid section have been found to worsen insulin resistance and increase
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  the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer and heart disease.
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  By making dietary changes to reduce visceral fat, which align with the principles of the
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  Mediterranean diet.
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  It is possible to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce disease risk.
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  The Mediterranean diet is also rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients, which have
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  been shown to reduce inflammation in the body.
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  This can help to reduce the risk of future diseases such as type 2 diabetes and
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  cardiovascular disease.
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  Additionally, the diet has a positive impact on blood sugar balance, mood, and even sleep, all
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  of which can help to reduce stress levels and improve overall quality of life.
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  When mood and sleep improve, many individuals find it much easier to be more physically
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  active, which can play a large role in reducing mortality risk as well.
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  However, the study did have some limitations.
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  The participants were middle aged and older, well educated female health professionals who
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  were predominantly non Hispanic white individuals.
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  This may limit the generalizability of the findings.
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  Additionally, because the women's dietary intake was self reported through
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  questionnaires, there was some potential for misrepresentation.
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  Another limitation is that the researchers only had access to the blood samples provided at
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  baseline as follow-up samples were not collected.
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  There is also the possibility that other factors such as high blood pressure and high
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  body mass index could have impacted the outcomes.
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  Despite these limitations, the study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the
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  Mediterranean diet as a powerful tool for improving health and longevity.
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  Future studies should examine other pathways that could potentially mediate the
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  Mediterranean diet associated lower mortality as well as examine cause specific mortality.
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  This is an exciting area of research that holds promise for further understanding how dietary
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  choices can impact long term health outcomes.
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  Our next topic revolves around a question that many patients and health care providers are
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  grappling with.
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  How to find the right balance between telemedicine and in person care.
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  Telemedicine has gained significant traction especially in the wake of the COVID 19
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  pandemic.
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  But the question remains, when should you opt for a virtual visit, and when is it essential
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  to see your doctor face to face?
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  Telemedicine generally refers to diagnosing and treating patients remotely, often through a
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  secure video connection.
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  This can be done using a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
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  Telemedicine can also involve telephone calls or exchanging secure messages with your
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  doctor's office to discuss test results or follow-up steps after an appointment.
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  It can be an effective way to diagnose new health problems and monitor existing conditions
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  such as diabetes.
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  1 of the primary advantages of telemedicine is convenience.
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  Virtual visits can save time and offer patients a broader selection of health care providers.
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  This is particularly beneficial for those living in areas with limited access to in
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  person care or for patients who cannot easily take time off work or lack transportation.
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  Telemedicine's popularity surged during the COVID 19 pandemic.
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  And while it has declined somewhat since then, it remains more utilized than it was pre
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  pandemic, especially in fields like dermatology and mental health care.
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  However, the effectiveness of telemedicine hinges on a few key factors.
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  First, ensure that your device's audio and video functions are working correctly before
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  the visit begins.
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  You might need a few moments to adjust your device settings.
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  It is also crucial to be in a private location, particularly for sensitive consultations such
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  as therapy sessions.
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  Avoid using public wifi or being in a noisy environment like a work cubicle, library, or
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  restaurant.
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  Additionally, do not drive, walk, or eat during your telemedicine appointment as these
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  activities can be distracting and unsafe.
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  Despite its many benefits, telemedicine does have limitations.
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  A reliable fast internet connection is essential.
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  And not all patients or health care providers may have access to the necessary technology.
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  Physical exams which are sometimes crucial for accurate diagnosis cannot be performed
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  virtually.
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  For example, a patient seeking help for a urinary tract infection which could be managed
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  through telemedicine might have underlying gallbladder issues that require an in person
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  ultrasound.
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  Additionally, receiving telemedicine from out of state doctors can be complicated due to
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  varying state regulations.
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  Particularly now that pandemic emergency declarations facilitating such practices have
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  ended.
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  So how do you find the right balance between telemedicine and in person visits?
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  It often depends on the patient's comfort level with telemedicine and the specific care they
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  require.
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  In some cases, a balance may not be possible due to a lack of in person options or
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  difficulty scheduling appointments.
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  If feasible, Doctor E Jay Lee, a family physician who conducts both in person and
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  virtual visits recommends an initial in person visit followed by telemedicine for subsequent
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  checkups.
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  This initial face to face meeting is vital for establishing a rapport and ensuring both the
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  doctor and patient feel comfortable working together.
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  Ultimately, and in person care will vary from patient to patient.
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  It is essential to assess your specific health care needs and consult with your health care
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  provider to determine the most appropriate approach.
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  As telemedicine continues to evolve, it promises to remain a valuable component of
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  modern health care.
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  Complimenting traditional in person visits and enhancing overall access to medical services.
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  Chow let us move on to our next segment, which addresses a common concern that many people
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  experience hand swelling.
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  If you notice your hands are swelling, it could be both uncomfortable and unsettling.
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  But in most instances, the cause could be situational.
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  Factors such as temperature, exercise, diet, medications you are taking, or certain health
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  conditions can all contribute to hand swelling.
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  You may notice your rings are not fitting correctly, among other things.
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  To find out more about this condition, Fox News Digital asked 2 doctors what causes hand
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  swelling and what can be done to treat it.
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  Doctor Amy Kiel, a board certified rheumatologist with St.
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  John's physician partners in Santa Monica, California, explains that most commonly hand
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  swelling is due to fluid buildup in the soft tissue.
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  Soft tissue swelling or edema is not always a cause for concern.
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  And can occur with weather changes or fluid shifts in the body, said doctor Raquel.
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  She notes that fluid shifts can occur with too much salt intake which can lead to increased
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  hand or foot swelling.
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  Most patients observe some degree of soft tissue swelling or edema with hot weather and
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  with exercise.
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  Additionally, certain medications such as blood pressure medications like amlodipine steroids
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  such as prednisone or medrol or hormone treatments can contribute to soft tissue
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  swelling in the hands or feet.
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  However, there are more serious causes of hand swelling that require medical attention.
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  Doctor Kale advises that if a person notices an increase in hand or foot swelling that is not
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  reversible or intermittent, or if the hand swelling is also accompanied by leg swelling
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  with marked elevations in blood pressure or shortness of breath, medical attention should
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  be sought.
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  A person should ensure they have had proper medical evaluation to assess both kidney and
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  cardiac function as hand or foot swelling can be an indicator of kidney dysfunction.
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  Protein loss in the urine or cardiac dysfunction she cautioned.
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  Your doctor may order tests to assess your kidney function urine studies, or in some
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  cases, an echocardiogram.
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  Diuretics may be needed to remove the excess fluid if it is related to cardiac dysfunction.
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  Another possible cause of fluid buildup is lymphedema, which can occur if the patient has
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  had surgery.
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  Such as a lymph node resection for breast cancer treatment according to doctor.
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  This may be treated with local lymphatic drainage treatments arm elevation, compression
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  sleeves, and exercise.
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  The doctor said.
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  Patients should seek medical attention right away.
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  If new and asymmetric swelling and pain develop.
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  Individuals should also be cognizant of other symptoms.
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  Certainly, if the hand swelling is associated with joint pains, this may indicate an
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  underlying inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis.
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  Doctor Kale told Fox News Digital.
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  Again, an examination may be warranted to distinguish soft tissue swelling from articular
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  or joint swelling.
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  Patients should also be aware if the swelling is asymmetric.
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  This can be a sign of something more serious, such as a blood clot, doctor Cal warned.
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  If a patient notices hand swelling and association with facial or lip swelling, this
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  warrants immediate medical attention, she said.
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  If the hand swelling is deemed to be due to benign causes, this is typically reversible,
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  doctor Ron's Kale noted.
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  For instance, to reduce hand swelling after exercising, elevating the hands, and performing
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  arm circles may be helpful to increase the blood flow to the hands.
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  She said, Similarly, it may be necessary to review your medication list with your medical
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  provider to identify any pharmaceutical culprits.
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  Typically, with discontinuation of the offending medication, the swelling should
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  subside.
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  Doctor Kale said.
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  Diet should also be monitored.
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  Staying well hydrated can help keep fluids circulating.
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  Maintaining the proper balance of salt and water is important and reducing salt intake and
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  following a low sodium diet may be advisable for some patients.
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  The expert noted, lifestyle changes such as movement can also be incorporated to help
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  alleviate the swelling.
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  Stretch both arms up, move your hands and wrists, and make fist several times.
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  Said Doctor Beth Ollar, a family physician with Rooks County Health Center in Stockton, Kansas.
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  Running your hands under cool water may help.
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  She said, and taking off jewelry or constricting clothes while exercising can also
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  help prevent swelling due to temperature changes.
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  Staying well hydrated can also help keep fluids circulating.
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  Doctor Ollar added.
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  Pregnancy is another common cause of swelling.
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  In that case, doctors Mueller said that moving the extremities can help.
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  If swelling and pregnancy occurs suddenly or is extreme, Talk to your physician immediately as
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  this can be a symptom of elevated blood pressure.
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  She also said.
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  As we conclude today's episode, let's talk about an important topic that affects many, but
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  is often overlooked.
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  Men's mental health.
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  June is men's mental health awareness month, and it is a crucial time to shed light on the
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  mental well-being of men and boys.
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  The Centers for Disease Control And Prevention CDC has highlighted some alarming statistics
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  that underscore the need for greater awareness and support.
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  According to the CDC in 2020, women were diagnosed with depression twice as much as men.
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  However, men died by suicide at a rate 4 times higher than women.
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  This stark contrast points to a significant issue.
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  Men are less likely to seek help or express their emotions, often due to societal
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  expectations and stigmas.
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  Phrases like don't cry, be a man, and man up are commonly heard, but they can have a
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  detrimental impact on men's mental health by discouraging emotional expression.
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  Christie Edwards, the CEO of Centers and a therapist, emphasizes the importance of
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  recognizing that emotions are normal and that expressing them is healthy.
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  She points out that many men have been raised to suppress their feelings Chi-Ming that doing
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  so makes them more manly.
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  This mindset can prevent men from seeking the help they need exacerbating mental health
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  issues.
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  The statistics are indeed concerning.
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  From 2000 to 2021, the suicide rate among men increased by 29%.
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  Men account for 79% of all suicides amounting to roughly 105 men dying by suicide every day.
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  Edwards explains that the methods men use to attempt suicide are often more lethal, such as
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  firearms, and that men may act more impulsively especially under the influence of alcohol.
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  In the Permian Basin, Edwards has observed a significant number of men seeking help.
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  From June 1st, 2023 to June 1st, 2024, 679 men visited centers for therapy, with 3 166 being
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  under 181313 being over 18.
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  She notes that having an outlet to talk about their feelings can be incredibly relieving for
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  these men.
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  Many report that acknowledging and expressing their emotions has made them better individuals
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  and improved their relationships with their families.
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  Men's mental health awareness month is an opportunity to break the stigma surrounding
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  men's mental health and encouragement to seek help.
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  If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, it is vital to reach out
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  to a trusted friend family member, or healthcare professional.
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  Remember, expressing emotions is a sign of strength, not weakness, and seeking help can
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  lead to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
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  That wraps up today's episode of Morning Medical with Doctor Chow.
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  Thank you for joining us, and I hope you found today's topics insightful and informative.
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  Remember to take care of your health both physical and mental, and we will see you next
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  time.
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  Have a wonderful day.