The good news is that there are ways to age well. While there is no fountain of youth (yet), your physician can improve many aging changes and conditions with simple techniques. One of those techniques is hormone replacement therapy.

Hormone loss is a natural part of the aging process, but thanks to medical advances, we now have the ability to add hormones to our system. This creates the hormone balance that has been lost as we age. This balance may help alleviate signs that are typically associated with aging.

As we age, our hormones levels start to decline. This decline is a major contributor to age-related problems. Hormones are generally at their highest levels when we are young. In our 30s, they start to decrease. Women observe changes in hormone levels as they progress into perimenopause and then menopause. Hormone imbalances in women and in men can lead to a number of unwanted aging issues such as:

. Dry/saggy skin
. Muscle tone and mass loss
. Vaginal tissue thinning
. Decreased vaginal lubrication
. Increased frequency of UTIs
. Weakening or disappearance of erections
. Diminished sex drive
. Decreased bone density
. Depression
. Weight gain
. Mood swings
. Brain fog
. Memory problems
. Fatigue
. Insomnia

How does hormone replacement therapy (HRT) work?
Although the name is somewhat self-explanatory, we need to understand that the goal of HRT is not just to replace, but to also create balance. This is due to the fact that excessively high hormone levels are also a risk. Correcting imbalances is really the key.

Estrogen is an important hormone for females. It comes in 3 different forms: estradiol, estriol, and estrone. These are different both in chemical structure and in function. Estrogen’s main role is to promote the development of sexual characteristics in women. It is crucial in the maintenance of reproductive health. During the years leading up to menopause, estrogen levels drop significantly and result in such problems as vaginal dryness and loss of elasticity, decrease in sex drive and pleasure, increase in frequency of UTI, depression, and osteoporosis.

When estrogen levels are low, a woman may begin to feel more tired and may have trouble sleeping at night. She may also have mood swings and headaches because of fluctuating blood pressure during this time. Hormone replacement therapy using estrogen can help with these symptoms and help with wrinkles, lower bone mass, and weight gain.

Progesterone is another important hormone for women. Its importance lies in the fact that is helps to regulate the balance of estrogen. Low levels of progesterone are associated with sleep issues. It is an essential component in quality sleep. It also helps with mental and immune functions. Symptoms such as “brain fog” and mood swings are likely from low levels of progesterone. When combined with estrogen (especially estradiol) the efficacy of progesterone replacement is increased.

Testosterone is also key hormone for both men and women. It helps with sex drive and maintaining muscle mass. The hormone enhances mental alertness, mood, and an overall sense of well-being. A person who lacks testosterone will be predisposed to weight gain, will feel less interested in sex, and have trouble getting a good night’s rest. Replacement of testosterone can also alleviate other signs of aging like wrinkles since it rejuvenates the skin by improving muscle elasticity, increasing sebum production, and improving blood flow to the cells.

Is HRT the fountain of youth?
Nothing can stop or reverse the process of aging. It is a natural process. However, hormone replacement therapy may help alleviate the symptoms associated with aging like wrinkled skin, dry skin, and loss of muscle tone. Doctors recommend combining hormone replacement therapy with exercise and healthy clean diet to keep you youthful and vibrant.

At Lima MD Direct Primary Care & MedSpa, we offer a revolutionary concept to put patients and doctors in charge of your health…NOT insurance companies. Direct Primary Care is the single best alternative to regular “fee per care” medicine. It is a medical practice that does not deal with insurance companies, and focuses on providing convenient, affordable and the highest quality medical care directly to patients without any third parties being involved.

The contract of care is straight between the patient and the doctor. Transparency is key. The high quality, evidence-based medicine will be provided to you directly by a board-certified PHYSICIAN (Dr. Murilo Lima), at an affordable cost. The low monthly membership fee will include virtually unlimited access to your doctor for all your medically related needs.

Be mindful that Direct Primary Care is not a health insurance! Our patients are strongly encouraged to acquire a “catastrophic” high deductible health insurance for hospitalizations and emergencies. Come talk to us at Lima MD Direct Primary Care & MedSpa or visit our website for more information about our membership plans.

The post What is the Key to Healthy Aging? appeared first on LIMA MD.

When we talk about mental health, we are talking about more than just emotions, although those are included. We are also talking about our psychological and social well-being. Our mental health affects how we feel, think, and act. It determines how we handle our daily tasks, how we relate to the world around us, and the choices we make.

Throughout our life, we will experience ups and downs. Our thinking, our mood, and our behavior are affected by what happens to us and around us. How we react, how we process, how we recover, and how we go forward are all aspects of our mental health, yet we neglect this part of a “healthy lifestyle” all too often.

Mental health problems can occur and can affect every aspect of our life. How do we know when our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are “normal” or when we might have an actual mental health problem? Some factors that may contribute to a mental health problem are:
• Biology (genes or brain chemistry)
• Life experience (abuse, trauma, accidents)
• Family history of mental health problems

The truth is mental health problems are common and they are treatable. Many people get treatment and get better. Sometimes a few modifications or someone to talk to is all we need. However, sometimes there are deeper issues that will need to be worked on over time. Those who suffer from issues such as PTSD, or OCD, for example, will need to learn to live with and manage their mental health problems, but even still, treatment is available and living a “normal” life is possible.

At Lima MD Direct Primary Care & MedSpa, we offer a revolutionary concept to put patients and doctors in charge of your health…NOT insurance companies. Direct Primary Care is the single best alternative to regular “fee per care” medicine. It is a medical practice that does not deal with insurance companies, and focuses on providing convenient, affordable and the highest quality medical care directly to patients without any third parties being involved.

The contract of care is straight between the patient and the doctor. Transparency is key. The high quality, evidence-based medicine will be provided to you directly by a board-certified PHYSICIAN (Dr. Murilo Lima), at an affordable cost. The low monthly membership fee will include virtually unlimited access to your doctor for all your medically related needs.

Be mindful that Direct Primary Care is not a health insurance! Our patients are strongly encouraged to acquire a “catastrophic” high deductible health insurance for hospitalizations and emergencies. Come talk to us at Lima MD Direct Primary Care & MedSpa or visit our website for more information about our membership plans.

The post Mental Health as Part of a “Healthy Lifestyle” appeared first on LIMA MD.

Mental and physical health are very closely related. Mental health plays a role in a person’s ability to maintain good physical health, and a person’s physical health affects his or her mental health. They are interconnected in a variety of ways, so as we look at ways to stay healthy mentally, we are also looking at ways to improve our physical health as well.

Let’s look at some of the ways that our body and our mind are influenced by the same things.

Nutrition
What we eat plays a key role in both our physical and mental well-being. Diet influences a variety of aspects of our physical health, such as weight, physical activity, and the risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes. It is also a proven factor in mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. A diet that includes adequate nutrients will decrease deficiencies that cause these conditions. Our food choices impact our mood, which impacts our desire to make healthy lifestyle choices in future foods and in physical activity. It is a never-ending cycle.

Sleep
When our minds are deprived of sleep, it affects our body and our mind. Sleep is your mind and your body’s time to rest. Getting proper sleep is like filling your car with gas. Without proper sleep our mind and body begin to slow and are unable to do much physically or to process our thoughts and emotions properly. That’s why when we are tired and someone cuts in front of us in line at the grocery store, we get all bent out of shape and react in ways that are just “not like us”. We feel lethargic and run down both physically and mentally.

Hydration
The human brain is made up of about 73% water. All of our organs need water to function properly, but an organ that is made up of that much water is seriously impacted by our water intake. Our physical health is impacted as well as our mental health. Dehydration has been linked to a number of mental issues. Among them are anxiety and depression, as well as dementia. Drinking water can affect your brain in ways that then impact your physical health. Dehydration can lead to brain fog and even dizziness. A person experiencing these symptoms isn’t likely to get up and get moving much at all. It’s another ugly cycle.

Exercise
Physical activity is good for your body and your mind. It doesn’t require gym memberships or going to CrossFit. Exercise, even moderate exercise like taking a walk, releases chemicals in the brain that boost your mood, increase your self-esteem, help you concentrate, make you sleep better and make you feel better in general. Being active relieves stress and metal fatigue. It can give you a sense of accomplishment and leave you feeling more motivated. As an added bonus, it is usually fun to participate in a physical activity!

Hormones
Hormones are chemicals that live in our bodies as part of our endocrine system. They communicate between cells and different parts of the body. Each has a specific function and chemical formula. They affect most parts of our body and their functions. Sleep, memory, growth, metabolism, reproduction, cognition, body temperature, and mood are all affected by our hormones. When our hormones get out of whack (for any number of reasons), we are impacted physically and mentally. That is why it is important to keep a close eye on them when we are feeling “off”, either mentally or physically.

In summary, this is a short list of ways we are affected both mentally and physically by forces in and outside of our body. What we put into our body matters. What we do with our body matters. Taking care of our physical health impacts our mental health and our physical health. They cannot be separated. So next time you are feeling down, check your diet, your sleep routine, drink some water, and go for a brisk walk. If none of those things helps you to feel better, it may be time to ask your doctor to do some tests on your hormone levels. It is all interconnected.

If you are experiencing a mental health problem, it’s essential to talk with your primary care doctor about treating any symptoms you experience — and just as important to prevent or manage symptoms by taking good care of yourself. It is also important to have a doctor who takes the time to listen to your comments and discusses your overall health. At Lima MD Direct Primary Care & MedSpa, we offer a revolutionary concept to put patients and doctors in charge of their health…NOT insurance companies. Direct Primary Care is the single best alternative to regular “fee per care” medicine. It is a medical practice that does not deal with insurance companies, and focuses on providing convenient, affordable and the highest quality medical care directly to patients without any third parties being involved.

The contract of care is straight between the patient and the doctor. Transparency is key. The high quality, evidence-based medicine will be provided to you directly by a board-certified PHYSICIAN (Dr. Murilo Lima), at an affordable cost. The low monthly membership fee will include virtually unlimited access to your doctor for all your medically related needs.

Be mindful that Direct Primary Care is not a health insurance. Our patients are strongly encouraged to acquire a “catastrophic” high deductible health insurance for hospitalizations and emergencies. Come talk to us at Lima MD Direct Primary Care & MedSpa or visit our website for more information about our membership plans.

The post Are Mental and Physical Health Related? appeared first on LIMA MD.

Screening tests and the HPV vaccine can help prevent cervical cancer. When cervical cancer is found early, it is highly treatable and associated with long survival and good quality of life.

Risk Factors:
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can be passed from one person to another during sex. There are many types of HPV. Some HPV types can cause changes in a woman’s cervix that can lead to cervical cancer over time, while other types can cause genital or skin warts.

HPV is so common that most people get it at some time in their lives. HPV usually causes no symptoms so you can’t tell that you have it. For most women, HPV will go away on its own; however, if it does not, there is a chance that over time it may cause cervical cancer.

Other things can increase your risk of cervical cancer:
• Having HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) or another condition that makes it hard for your body to fight off health problems (Immunosuppression).
• Smoking.
• Early onset of sexual activity.
• Using birth control pills for a long time (five or more years).
• Having given birth to three or more children.
• Having several sexual partners, or a high-risk sexual partner.

The HPV Vaccine is the BEST way to reduce your risk:
The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.

• HPV vaccination is recommended for preteens aged 11 to 12 years but can be given starting at age 9.
• HPV vaccine also is recommended for everyone through age 26 years, if they are not vaccinated already.
• HPV vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. However, some adults aged 27 through 45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their doctor about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination. HPV vaccination in this age range provides less benefit, as more people have already been exposed to HPV.

HPV vaccination prevents new HPV infections but does not treat existing infections or diseases. This is why the HPV vaccine works best when given before any exposure to HPV. You should get screened for cervical cancer regularly, even if you received an HPV vaccine.

Yearly HPV Screenings are Important:
The Pap test and the HPV test can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early.
• The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, and cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated
appropriately.
• The HPV test looks for the virus (human papillomavirus) that can cause these cell changes.

When to Get Screened:
You should start getting Pap tests at age 21. If your Pap test result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test.

If You Are 30 to 65 Years Old
Talk to your doctor about which testing option is right for you:
• A Pap test only. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test.
• An HPV test along with the Pap test. This is called co-testing. If both of your results are normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test.

If You Are Older Than 65
Your doctor may tell you that you don’t need to be screened anymore if:
• You have had normal screening test results for several years, or
• You have had your cervix removed as part of a total hysterectomy for non-cancerous conditions, like fibroids.

At Lima MD Direct Primary Care & MedSpa, we offer a revolutionary concept to put patients and doctors in charge of their health…NOT insurance companies. Direct Primary Care is the single best alternative to regular “fee per care” medicine. It is a medical practice that does not deal with insurance companies and focuses on providing convenient, affordable, and the highest quality medical care directly to patients without any third parties being involved. No Co-Payments, No Deductibles.

The contract of care is straight between the patient and the doctor. Transparency is key. The high-quality, evidence-based medicine will be provided to you directly by a board-certified PHYSICIAN (Dr. Murilo Lima), at an affordable cost. The low monthly membership fee will include virtually unlimited access to your doctor for all your medically related needs.

Be mindful that Direct Primary Care is not health insurance. Our patients are strongly encouraged to acquire “catastrophic” high-deductible health insurance for hospitalizations and emergencies. Come talk to us at Lima MD Direct Primary Care & MedSpa or visit our w

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The first step in raising awareness about heart health is to educate people about the risk factors for heart disease. Some of the most common risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle. These risk factors can be controlled through lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and quitting smoking.

Another important aspect of heart health awareness is promoting regular check-ups with a healthcare provider. These check-ups can include screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, and other indicators of heart disease. They can also include discussions about family history and other factors that may increase the risk of heart disease.

In addition to regular check-ups, it is also important to educate people about the warning signs of a heart attack. These can include chest pain, shortness of breath, and numbness or weakness in the arms or legs. It is important for people to know that these symptoms can be different for women than for men, and that they should seek medical attention immediately if they experience any of these symptoms.

Physical activity is also an important aspect of heart health. Regular exercise can help lower the risk of heart disease by improving blood circulation, decreasing blood pressure, and reducing the risk of obesity. Exercise can also help to reduce stress and improve overall mental well-being.

Eating a healthy diet is also crucial for maintaining a healthy heart. This means eating a diet that is low in saturated and trans fats, and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. It is also important to limit the intake of sodium and added sugars.

Finally, it is important to raise awareness about the importance of quitting smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease and can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of heart disease, and is one of the most important things a person can do for their heart health.

Heart health awareness is crucial for preventing heart disease and promoting overall wellness. By educating people about the risk factors for heart disease, promoting regular check-ups with healthcare providers, and encouraging healthy habits such as regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and quitting smoking, we can raise awareness about heart health and help people take steps to protect their hearts.

If you are experiencing a sexual health problem, it’s essential to talk with your primary care doctor about treating any symptoms you experience — and just as important to prevent or manage symptoms by taking good care of yourself. It is also important to have a doctor who takes the time to listen to your comments and discusses your overall

health. At Lima MD Direct Primary Care & MedSpa, we offer a revolutionary concept to put patients and doctors in charge of their health…NOT insurance companies. Direct Primary Care is the single best alternative to regular “fee per care” medicine. It is a medical practice that does not deal with insurance companies, and focuses on providing convenient, affordable and the highest quality medical care directly to patients without any third parties being involved.

The contract of care is straight between the patient and the doctor. Transparency is key. The high quality, evidence-based medicine will be provided to you directly by a board-certified PHYSICIAN (Dr. Murilo Lima), at an affordable cost. The low monthly membership fee will include virtually unlimited access to your doctor for all your medically related needs.

The post The Importance of Heart Health appeared first on LIMA MD.

One way of defining sexual health would be to say it is the ability to embrace and enjoy our sexuality throughout our lifetime. Sexuality is part of being human. Love, affection and intimacy all play a role in healthy relationships from childhood through old age. Achieving sexual health allows for healthy relationships, planned pregnancies, and disease prevention.

It’s essential to be well-informed about all aspects of sexual health and what it takes to have a fulfilling sex life. Similarly, it’s important to be aware of factors that can complicate your sexual health. You shouldn’t allow embarrassment to keep you from bringing up concerns or asking your doctor or health care provider questions.

The ability of men and women to achieve sexual health and well-being depends on their:
• Access to comprehensive, good-quality information about sex and sexuality;
• Knowledge about the risks they may face and their vulnerability to adverse consequences of unprotected sexual activity;
• Ability to access sexual health care;
• Living in an environment that affirms and promotes sexual health.

Sexual health-related issues are wide-ranging, and encompass sexual orientation and gender identity, sexual expression, relationships, and pleasure.

They also include negative consequences or conditions such as:
• Infections with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and their adverse outcomes (such as cancer and infertility);
• Unintended pregnancy and abortion;
• Sexual dysfunction;
• Sexual violence; and
• Harmful practices (such as female genital mutilation, FGM).1

Who can I talk to about my sexual health?
Primary care providers, such as internists, family doctors, general medicine doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nurse-midwives are trained in general medicine and to care for the whole body. They work in private doctors’ offices, clinics, community health centers, family planning clinics, STI clinics, and college health systems. Even if they do not specialize in sexual health, they can be a good starting point and refer you to a specialist, if needed.

Specialists, such as obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYNs), urologists, and women’s health nurse practitioners focus on reproductive health. They work in private doctors’ offices, community health centers, and family planning clinics.

Health educators work in clinics, community-based programs, schools, and colleges. They might offer sexual health counseling and educational materials to inform and equip people to make healthy decisions.

Mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, psychologists, social workers, sex therapists, and psychiatrists, can address the emotional and mental health issues related to sexual concerns and problems. You will find them at college campuses, private practices, clinics, community health centers, and social service agencies.2

Preventative sexual health services
Detecting and treating potential problems early is of utmost importance when talking about our sexual health. Under the Affordable Care Act, many sexual health services are now available at no cost or are covered by your insurance.

Preventative services might include:
• STI/STD screenings
• Vaccines, such as the HPV vaccine which decreases a women’s risk of cervical cancer as well as oral, anal, or penile cancer in men
• Counseling about ways to protect yourself or your partner from STIs or unwanted pregnancy

If you are experiencing a sexual health problem, it’s essential to talk with your primary care doctor about treating any symptoms you experience — and just as important to prevent or manage symptoms by taking good care of yourself. It is also important to have a doctor who takes the time to listen to your comments and discusses your overall health. At Lima MD Direct Primary Care & MedSpa, we offer a revolutionary concept to put patients and doctors in charge of their health…NOT insurance companies. Direct Primary Care is the single best alternative to regular “fee per care” medicine. It is a medical practice that does not deal with insurance companies, and focuses on providing convenient, affordable and the highest quality medical care directly to patients without any third parties being involved.

The contract of care is straight between the patient and the doctor. Transparency is key. The high quality, evidence-based medicine will be provided to you directly by a board-certified PHYSICIAN (Dr. Murilo Lima), at an affordable cost. The low monthly membership fee will include virtually unlimited access to your doctor for all your medically related needs.

The post The Importance of Sexual Health appeared first on LIMA MD.