Print 
Close
Host Norman Mark visits doctors from Eisenhower Medical Center to learn the best health practices. Special thanks to Eisenhower Medical Center. www.emc.org
Dr. Philip Shaver, cardiologist and Chief of Medicine at Eisenhower Medical Center, explains the importance of cholesterol. Cholesterol is necessary for our lives and is used in the production of sex hormones, steroid hormones, and the maintenance and quality of life. But one can take in too much, and our genetic dietary habits make this very easy with the modern availability of food. Certain kinds of cholesterol build up inside the arteries and are for that reason referred to as "bad cholesterol." These are low-density lipoproteins (LDL cholesterol). The "vacuum cleaners" of the bloodstream that scavenge and remove LDL are the HDL cholesterol. It's hard to get HDL numbers higher than LDL, so a realistic goal for an LDL-HDL ratio is less than 3.5.
16 million Americans know that they have hypertension, the leading cause of stroke. Millions more don't even know that they have it. Norman Mark discusses hypertension with Dr. Philip Shaver. Hypertension is basically high blood pressure. It increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and congested heart failure. A restricted sodium diet (2400 mg or less per day) is a teaspoon of salt. This amount or lest is recommended by Dr. Shaver to reduce hypertension. People often don't realize that salts are in the foods they eat all day long, whether they're adding salt or not. Check labels for sodium content. For example, a normal can of V8 juice has 800 mg of sodium.
Dr. Philip Shaver explains how diet relates to the risk factors of heart disease, the number one cause of death in America. Diet alters our lipids (fats) and obesity patterns. Certain fats, such as mono unsaturated fats and certain poly unsaturated fats can be alright to eat, while saturated fats, anything that's hydrogenated, and transfats should be avoided. The assumption that all vegetable products are good can be false. Although a product like palm oil has no cholesterol, it is high in saturated fat and will raise cholesterol.
Norman Mark talks with Dr. David Waldman of Eisnhower Medical Center's Allergy Department about allergies and medicines that can help treat them. Allergies are important because they affect quality of life, whether it's in academics, athletics, abstract thinking, or general motivation. About 20 percent of the population has allergies of some sort, and about half are considered minor. Allergies become serious when avoiding the offending substance or taking over-the-counter medications are not enough. Many of these drugs can cause sedation, and sudafed-containing drugs can speed up the heart and lead to arrhythmia, glaucoma, and prostate problems for older individuals. Most allergies can be treated with the help of a primary care physician, but if conditions are not resolved then an allergy specialist should be contacted.
Norman Mark talks with Dr. Philip Shaver of Eisenhower Medical Center to find out about the major risks factors of heart disease. Age is the primary risk factor, but cholesterol, smoking, high blood pressure, or a family history of heart disease all increase risk. Know your blood pressure numbers and do not just assume that you're fine. If you find that you are at risk, pay attention to diet and exercise, but also talk to a doctor and consider medication.
Norman Mark talks to Dr. Richardson to find out when it's safest to enjoy the outdoors. Morning and evening are the best times to walk or do other activities. When the sun is directly above, it travels through less atmosphere and is more harmful. From an angle (morning, evening) the sun travels through more atmosphere, giving more protection from harmful ultraviolet-B rays.
Norman Mark and Dr. Shaver discuss medicines for heart attacks. A daily aspirin can help men over 50, although the benefits for others are debatable. The correct dosage is not really known, though Dr. Shaver recommends an 81mg dosage. Key to heart disease prevention are statens. Although there are rumors and complaints about muscle aches, they can and do save lives.
85 million Americans have sleep problems. Dr. Mohammed Mojarad explains why sleep is important and how to maintain proper "sleep hygiene." Sleep replenishes one's memory, cognitive activities, and sense of well-being. Although age should not affect the quality of sleep, diet and drinking do affect one's sleep. For example drinking at night may allow for easy, immediate sleep, but it can cause the sleeper to wake up and have trouble returning to sleep later in the night. "Sleep hygiene" describes a series of good habits that help train the brain for sleeping at the appropriate time. Reading, watching TV, and other activities in bed can make it harder for the brain to go to sleep, in particular for people with insomnia. It is best to avoid getting in bed until you are ready to sleep. Not drinking caffeine or alcohol at night and relaxing before bed also help contribute to good sleep hygiene.
Allergies are the number one disease affecting quality of life among children and young adults. The desert does not keep one safe from allergies. Although the yearly desert pollen count for 1977 was about 5,000, it's now over 20,000 and is due strictly to population growth, including the planting of new trees and destruction of natural habitat. Bottle brush, olive, grass, and year-round ragweed are among the plants causing allergies. If allergies affect sleep, social relationships, general school/work performance, or other factors determining quality of life, the sufferer should see an allergy specialist.
Over 85 million Americans have sleep problems, which unfortunately often go ignored. Dr. Mohammed Mojarad, pulmonologist and critical care specialist, explains sleep apnea, which is when an individual stops breathing during sleep. The upper airways begin to close down, and the obstruction becomes more severe as the sleep deepens. Virtually suffocated, the sleeper wakes up to take breaths and falls back into the unhealthy sleep cycle. The next day this affects energy, memory, and general performance. Sleep apnea can affect people of all ages. Weight loss can also help with sleep apnea, although having untreated sleep apnea can make weight loss more difficult.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America. This is particularly true for women, who are typically at risk about 5 years later than men. Women don't present the typical symptoms that are indicative of heart disease, but family history, smoking, hypertension, and cholesterol should all be considered in determining a woman's risk.
Norman talks with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Timothy Richardson about the dangers of skin cancer. SPF-15 sunscreen blocks about 95% of ultraviolet-B rays, which lead to skin cancer. Lotion should be applied generously and used at the same time as long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and long pants. A white shirt has an SPF of about 4 to 6, so long clothing in combination with sunscreen provides even greater protection.
16 million Americans have hypertension, the leading cause of stroke. Millions of others have it undiagnosed. Dr. Philip Shaver, cardiologist and Chief of Medicine at Eisenhower Medical Center wants people to know their high blood pressure numbers, which he explains:
Sleep is as important as air, food, and water, but 85 million Americans have a wide range of sleep problems, including insomnia or even snoring. Dr. Mohammed Mojarad, Pulmonologist and Critical Care Specialist at Eisenhower Medical Center shares the following important information about sleep:
Allergies are the number one disease affecting quality of life among children and young adults. Dr. David Waldman, chairman and founder of the Allergy Department at Eisenhower Medical Center, passes on the following information:
Heart disease is the number one cause of death in America. Host Norman Mark joins Dr. Philip Shaver, cardiologist and Chief of Medicine at Eisenhower Medical center to learn the importance of exercise in preventing heart disease.
Skin cancer, although curable, is a deadly disease striking at all ages. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Timothy Richardson joins Norman Mark to teach us the ABCD'S of skin cancer.
Watch out for any skin growths exhibiting Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Symptoms of change. If a mole or growth meets the ABCD'S it should be examined by a doctor.
Related Links:
National Cancer Institute - Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer Foundation