Wellness Solutions Blog

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Category Archives: Men’s Health

12:58 pm - May 23, 2021 -

The Healthy ‘Dad Bod’: 5 Essential Habits for Every Age, Shape and Size

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By Dr. Stan Headley, natural health consultant for Cypress Pharmacy

In the last decade, body positivity has been a hot topic – yes, even among men.

This newer era is responsible for coining the comical phrase, “dad bod.” A popular term used for the less-sculpted physique of a man who still practices a moderately active lifestyle. A national survey found that around 75% of participants favored the soft and round male body type, compared to a toned one.

All joking aside, this trend serves as an important reminder that you can achieve a happy, healthy lifestyle – regardless of age, shape or size.

A great way to feel comfortable in your own skin is to start from within and adopt new healthy habits.

A Healthy Waist

While someone’s figure can’t properly determine their overall health, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute says your waistline reveals more than you think.

Research suggests that a waist measuring more than 40 inches can be a cause for concern for obesity-related diseases. And often, larger waistlines mean higher risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

While a healthful diet and plenty of exercise are among the best strategies for weight management, other natural approaches like CBD and a daily probiotic can also play a role in promoting a balanced, healthy metabolism.

A Vitamin-rich Diet

Getting the necessary vitamins and minerals can help lower your chances of certain diseases. For example, a heart-healthy diet is vital and should include vitamin- and mineral-rich foods, such as fruits, leafy greens and whole grains. But meeting daily nutrient requirements can be difficult to achieve with today’s Western diet of processed foods.

One of the best ways to fill nutritional gaps and achieve optimal health is by taking a daily multivitamin and other beneficial supplements to assure you get the necessary amount of daily nutrition. Vitamins and supplements can help address specific conditions that are common among men, including heart and prostate disease, and can also support optimal aging, digestion, joint health and correcting nutrient depletions caused by medications.

For example, recent men’s studies show that vitamin D may help promote a healthier heart, slimmer waistline and thicker head of hair.

Break Harmful Habits

Many major health risks can be prevented by breaking some of the most common yet harmful habits among men – bad diet, tobacco use, stress and over consumption of alcohol.

Harvard Medical School research shows that men are more likely to abuse illicit drugs and alcohol, revealing 11.5% of males over age 12 have a substance use disorder, compared to 6.4% of females.

Tobacco cessation products such as gum and patches are available to help stop smoking. Men are also advised to limit alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks per day. Exercise and meditation also offer many health benefits, including stress relief.

Good Skincare Practice

Men over the age of 50 have a higher risk of developing one of the deadliest types of skin cancer, melanoma, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. By age 65, men are twice as likely to get melanoma than women and three times more likely by the age of 80.

Other than daily use of good ole-fashioned sunscreen, Harvard research says that nicotinamide, or vitamin B3, has shown to reduce the number of serious skin cancers.

Routine Health Checks

Recent studies show that up to 60% of men are unlikely to seek medical care, even if they believe to have serious health risks.

Routine checkups are essential. It can play a big role in monitoring your weight, cholesterol levels and blood pressure as well as catching health risks early.

For example, testosterone in men play a major role in their sex drive, strength and energy, which can then create a domino effect of other issues, like depression and weight gain.

Seeking advice from a medical professional can help provide a variety of solutions – prescriptions, CBD or customized compound medications – to help boost testosterone levels in your body.

Be sure to speak with a health care professional before making any changes to your daily regimen.

Category: Men's Health
6:49 pm - July 9, 2020 -

Men’s Health: It’s Time to Check In

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men's health

In 2020 enhancing health and well-being is likely on the mind of all genders. One valuable addition men (and women!) can make to their daily health routine is including daily vitamin and mineral supplements. These function as both regulators and inhibitors and play an important role in hundreds of different bodily functions.

 How does diet affect men’s health?

Approximately 75% of today’s typical Western Diet is comprised of processed foods, meat and carbohydrates. As a result, many people are not meeting daily vitamin and supplement requirements essential to keeping our bodies healthy. Factors that increase nutrient deficiency include declining levels of nutrients in our soils, increase in chronic diseases that influence nutrient needs and prescription medications causing certain key vitamin and mineral depletions like statin drugs and CoQ10, for example.

Consequently, even when consuming fruits and vegetables in recommended daily amounts, our diets fail to deliver the nutrients our bodies need to stay healthy. Unexplained lethargy, depression or change in weight may be an indication that you are not acquiring the needed nutrition to stay both mentally and physically healthy.

Even short-term vitamin deficiencies can result in many unhealthy outcomes, including softened bones, muscle weakness and nerve damage. Long-term deficiencies, meanwhile, can lead to inflammation, weakened bodies and increased risk of chronic illnesses including cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes and cancer. Neurological issues, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, are also tied to diets lacking in vitamins and minerals over time. Vitamins A, B complex, C, E and K are all vitamins the human body needs to thrive.

Your needs may shift

To make it more complicated, vitamin and supplement needs will shift with hormone and lifestyle changes. After the age of 40, vitamin A and beta-carotene help vision stay strong. To reduce the chances of heart disease, men in their 40s should consider taking magnesium, vitamin D and Omega 3s. Fluctuating testosterone levels affect bone density, fat distribution, facial hair, sex drive, sperm count and muscle strength. Vitamin D, D-aspartic acid, zinc, L-arginine, and nitric oxide can successfully boost testosterone.

A study from the University of Southern Denmark showed young men who take fish oil supplements appear to have better sperm quality and high testosterone levels. These factors can lead to overall improved fertility.

Particularly of interest to men as they age are supplements supporting prostate health. Saw palmetto facilitates healthy testosterone metabolism, while nettle root maintains healthy hormone metabolism in prostate cells. Zinc, pygeum africanum and pumpkin seed oil also aid healthy prostate gland and urinary tract function.

If not taken in the proper dosage, some supplements will interact with medications or have unwanted side effects. Therefore, it’s important to consult your pharmacist to develop tailored supplement regimens to help achieve personal goals. In addition, supplements are not all created equal, so quality matters. All dietary supplements should come with a Supplement Facts label, listing all active ingredients and serving size. Finally, it is vital to purchase only pharmaceutical-grade supplements that are manufactured under strict quality control GMP (good manufacturing practices) and also validated by independent third-party laboratories for purity and potency.

Cypress Pharmacy can help you determine the best approach for your wellness needs. Learn more with a FREE consultation or contact us at 239-481-7322.

Make an Appointment

Categories: Men's Health, Nutrition & Supplements
4:53 pm - June 2, 2020 -

A fresh start for 2021: Natural tips for navigating stress, anxiety and depression

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By Dr. Stan Headley, natural health consultant for Cypress Pharmacy

The new year brings the promise of a fresh start. Yet, while many are feeling joyful and recharged after the holiday season, others have found that financial demands, family obligations and altered traditions have been a source of added stress compounded with the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With isolation, anxiety and worry over health concerns and job loss due to the pandemic, it’s no surprise some are struggling to find a renewed outlook for the year ahead. While managing the pressures and stresses of life looks different for each person, we must make the commitment to take extra care of our minds and bodies in 2021.

About 16.1 million adult Americans suffer from major depression, and approximately 40 million struggle with anxiety disorders. The pandemic has also led to higher rates of depression, with a recent study reporting that the number of U.S. adults experiencing depressive symptoms has tripled compared to before the pandemic.

Many who are suffering with stress, anxiety and depression are turning to natural solutions for helping ease symptoms and improve their mental states.

Full-spectrum, pharmaceutical-grade CBD, or cannabidiol, continues to rise as a popular natural approach for calming stress, anxiety and depression. Derived from the hemp plant, CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is made up of receptors that act as messengers to give your body specific directions in regulating anxiety, depression, appetite/hunger, mood, sleep and more. We have cell receptors everywhere in our bodies, and external sources like CBD can help to balance and maintain the ECS by binding to the brain receptors responsible for controlling your nerves, which keep you feeling less anxious and more in control.

The quality of CBD is a key factor in its effectiveness, so consumers must ensure that they are purchasing CBD products from a trusted source. The amount of CBD oil in a product will have a direct effect on its efficacy, and the methods used to manufacture CBD oil will impact the safety and quality of products you might buy. A knowledgeable health care professional can provide guidance on product quality and safety as well as formulation selection, drug interactions, usage and application.

Additional steps for enhancing mental health include:

  • Get moving. In addition to its many physical health benefits, exercise is also an all-natural mood booster. Exercise releases endorphins that help us feel good, which play a key role in enhancing our mental outlook.
  • Get enough sleep. Getting the proper amount of sleep is a critical factor for health and wellness, especially when navigating symptoms of anxiety and depression.
  • Balance your diet. Maintaining a balanced diet is a major step to helping reduce stress. Follow a diet that is rich in vegetables, fruit, meat, fish and whole grains, and remember to drink enough water.
  • Consider supplements, including probiotics. Probiotics provide a safe, powerful way to help alleviate some of the symptoms regarding anxiety and depression when taken daily. They have also been shown to boost overall mood and outlook. Additional supplements, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B-12, vitamin D, amino acids, iron, GABA and CoQ10, can also help provide a mental health boost.

While natural solutions can help mitigate some of the effects of stress, it’s important to speak with a trusted medical professional or pharmacist about changes to your health care regimen to determine any risks, interactions or unwanted side effects with other medications you may be taking.

Feeling our best helps us be better prepared to handle life’s stressful situations. With a new year ahead, developing practices that support our mental and physical health offers a great fresh start.

Categories: Fitness, Lifestyle, Men's Health, Women's Health
5:55 pm - June 1, 2020 -

Checking in on Men’s Health

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By Dr. Stan Headley, natural health consultant for Cypress Pharmacy

June is Men’s Health Month, and in 2020 enhancing health and well-being is likely on the mind of all genders. One valuable addition men (and women!) can make to their daily health regimen is including daily vitamin and mineral supplements that function as both regulators and inhibitors and play an important role in hundreds of different bodily functions.

With approximately 75% of today’s typical Western Diet comprised of processed foods, meat and carbohydrates, daily vitamin and supplement requirements essential to keeping our bodies healthy are likely not being met. Factors which increase nutrient deficiency include declining levels of nutrients in our soils, increase in chronic diseases that influence nutrient needs and prescription medications causing certain key vitamin and mineral depletions like statin drugs and CoQ10, for example.

Consequently, even when consuming fruits and vegetables in recommended daily amounts, our diets fail to deliver the nutrients our bodies need to stay healthy. Unexplained lethargy, depression or change in weight may be an indication that you are not acquiring the needed nutrition to stay both mentally and physically healthy.

Even short-term vitamin deficiencies can result in many unhealthy outcomes, including softened bones, muscle weakness and nerve damage. Long-term deficiencies, meanwhile, can lead to inflammation, weakened bodies and increased risk of chronic illnesses including cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes and cancer. Neurological issues, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, are also tied to diets lacking in vitamins and minerals over time. Vitamins A, B complex, C, E and K are all vitamins the human body needs to thrive.

To make it more complicated, vitamin and supplement needs will shift with hormone and lifestyle changes. After the age of 40, vitamin A and beta-carotene help vision stay strong. Magnesium, vitamin D and Omega 3s are recommended for men in their 40s to reduce the chances of heart disease. Testosterone levels that fluctuate as men age play a critical part in bone density, fat distribution, facial hair, sex drive, sperm count and muscle strength. Vitamin D, D-aspartic acid, zinc, L-arginine, and nitric oxide can successfully boost testosterone.

A study from the University of Southern Denmark showed young men who take fish oil supplements appear to have better sperm quality and high testosterone levels, factors that can lead to overall improved fertility.

Particularly of interest to men as they age are supplements supporting prostate health. Saw palmetto facilitates healthy testosterone metabolism, while nettle root maintains healthy hormone metabolism in prostate cells. Zinc, pygeum africanum and pumpkin seed oil also aid healthy prostate gland and urinary tract function.

Some supplements will interact with medications or have unwanted side effects if not taken in the proper dosage, so it’s important to consult your pharmacist to develop tailored supplement regimens to help achieve personal goals. In addition, not all supplements are created equal, so quality matters. All dietary supplements should come with a Supplement Facts label, which lists all the active ingredients, as well as the serving size. It is vitally important to purchase only pharmaceutical-grade supplements that are manufactured under strict quality control GMP (good manufacturing practices) and validated by independent third-party laboratories for purity and potency.

Categories: Men's Health, Nutrition & Supplements
1:53 pm - January 16, 2020 -

Could it be your Thyroid?

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thyroid

According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, nearly 30 million Americans have thyroid disease. Unfortunately, many go undiagnosed or undetected for years.  This number includes three times more women than men and includes something called subclinical hypothyroidism.

Subclinical hypothyroidism presents clinically with many of the same symptoms as classic hypothyroidism, but, is just below the threshold in terms of diagnostic lab values regarding TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), and T4 or thyroxine.

If you suspect a thyroid problem, the first thing your doctor will probably do is order a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test.  This is covered by insurance and typically might be the only component of the thyroid test panel to be checked by the doctor. Typically, the higher your score, the more likely you are to be hypothyroid.  The American Academy of Clinical Endocrinologists believes levels between 0.3 and 3 are indicative of an underachieving thyroid.  However, many functional or natural medicine practitioners believe any score higher than 2.0 on the TSH score, plus classical symptoms is indicative of hypothyroidism.

Conventional doctors will follow the standard of care and recommend Synthroid or Levothyroxine, which may temporarily improve symptoms, but not address the underlying cause.

According to Dr. Mark Hyman M.D. functional medicine expert and Chief of the Functional Medicine Division at the Cleveland Clinic, it is important to consider changes in diet, lifestyle, and to prescribe a natural prescription form of thyroid like Armour Thyroid or Natur-Throid as a starting point, with combinations of both T4 thyroxine and T3 or triiodothyronine, which is the active form of thyroid.

Classic Low Thyroid Symptoms to Consider

If you experience some of the following, you may want to rule out classic hypothyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism, or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis as the underlying cause of why you are not feeling like yourself or feeling your best.

Do you experience any of the following symptoms?

  • thick or brittle fingernails
  • dry skin
  • cold hands and feet regardless of warm temperature
  • fatigue
  • lack of stamina
  • brain fog
  • course or thinning hair
  • thin eyebrows
  • excessive sweating
  • menstrual irregularities
  • swollen hands or feet
  • palpitations
  • high cholesterol
  • changes in weight with difficulty losing weight
  • mild depression
  • anxiety
  • muscle aches or joint pain

Many times this exhaustive list of symptoms or a cluster of these signs is indicative of a disturbed thyroid which deserves further clinical investigation.  Doctors may overlook thyroid disease because sometimes the symptoms are non- specific, and the lab results fall within the normal reference range.

Typical Patient Story of Missed Thyroid Diagnosis

Angelina Smith is a busy mother of two young boys who suddenly found herself exhausted in the middle of the morning.  Her doctor told her to “get more sleep” and to try to relax.  When she reported that her hair was falling out and she was feeling more sad or depressed, her doctor attributed her symptoms to everyday ups and downs of life.  Angelina also noted, that her regular clothes were fitting tighter, and she was gaining some weight despite some regular moderate exercise, and no change in diet.  The doctor shunned this off as just her age of 35 years, and that her “metabolism was changing”.  Angelina knew something was just not right with her body and decided to change physicians for another opinion. After deciding to step outside the traditional medicine box and make an appointment with a functional medicine doctor educated on hormonal imbalance, Angelina’s issue was uncovered as hypothyroidism with an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone which was contributing with her present symptoms. Once these hormone issues were addressed and treated with compounded formulations specific for her body, Angelina began to regain her health and feel once again like her old self.

What are the Different Types of Thyroid Disease? 

Thyroid disease can be classified according to overactivity or under activity of the gland.  The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located anatomically at the base of your throat and produces hormones that control every function in your body.

Thyroid disease consists of hyperthyroidism, goiters, nodules, hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and sub-clinical hypothyroidism.  Thyroid hormone, when it is in balance, helps improve moods, skin, hair, sex drive, heart function, cholesterol, infertility, muscle aches, joint pain, body temperature, and metabolism to name a few.  In addition, hypothyroidism has been associated with fibromyalgia and osteoporosis according to Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum M.D., medical director of the National Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers.

Trusting the Thyroid Thermostat

According to Brian F. Mandell M.D., Ph.D. contributing author in the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 2019 February:86 (2):77-78 who suggests that the natural history of all patients with subclinical hypothyroidism is not alike, and it thus should not be surprising that there does not seem to be a one-size-fits-all approach to management of the disorder.  Furthermore, the management of subclinical hypothyroidism or other forms of thyroid disorder should be based on both good clinical examination and laboratory testing that includes complete thyroid profiles with TSH, T3, free T3, T4, free T4, TPO, and reverse T3.

Simple, At-Home Thyroid Testing

Many functional medicine or holistic medical doctors recommend doing your own thyroid screening test in the comforts of your home.  This can be accomplished by placing a thermometer under the arm ( axillary area) upon awakening.  Hold still for 5 minutes, then record your time and temperature.  Do this for three consecutive days to see a pattern of your basal body temperature.  If your reading is below 97.2 consistently, and you suffer from the cluster of symptoms mentioned above, it is likely your thyroid is underactive and needs some medical attention.

Proactive Approach to Managing Your Thyroid

Early detection of thyroid disease is very important, just like any other major condition.  The sooner you have a definitive diagnosis, the faster you can begin to get your life back and expect to feel as if you are in control again.  Encourage your physician to order a complete thyroid profile, take your own basal body temperature test at home, and start appropriate therapy to regain homeostasis once again. In addition, there are some very good nutritional supplements that support the thyroid gland and can help rebalance your metabolism and give you more energy.  One, in particular, called THYROID SUPPORT WITH ZINC improves low thyroid and metabolic function by combining key vitamins, minerals, and herbal ingredients specifically targeted at this gland.  This supplement can be taken as an adjunct to prescription natural thyroid medicine, or as a stand-alone product for milder symptoms.

If you have questions, you may reach us at Cypress Pharmacy by calling (239)-481-7322 or stop by to discuss with one of our healthcare professionals.

Categories: Anxiety and Depression, Compounding, Men's Health, Nutrition & Supplements, Thyroid, Weight Loss, Women's Health
11:50 pm - November 17, 2019 -

Managing a Life With Diabetes

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diabetes management

November marks National Diabetes Awareness Month, an annual focus on the risks, preventative measures and ways to improve the lives of those with the disease. According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 30 million children and adults are living with diabetes in America, and nearly 1.5 million adults are newly diagnosed each year. Coping with diabetes can be challenging. Although there is no cure, diabetes can be managed with the right resources, support, proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.

The first step to managing a life with diabetes is to understand what it means. Every day, your body breaks down sugar and starches into simple sugars known as glucose, which the body uses as energy. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, is used to move the glucose from the bloodstream into the cells of the body. Living with diabetes means that the body is unable to regulate its blood glucose levels, causing the levels to fluctuate severely. A diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes means that your body is unable to produce insulin and will require daily injections of insulin. Usually diagnosed in children or young adults, Type 1, or previously known as juvenile diabetes, affects only 5 percent of those with the disease. Type 2, the most common form of diabetes, means your body doesn’t properly use insulin and is unable to make enough insulin to keep your blood glucose levels normal.

Being diagnosed with diabetes can be daunting or even hard to believe. However, this diagnosis doesn’t mean that your life is over and that you can’t still enjoy the things that make you happy, it simply means that you will need to slightly alter your daily routines. Regardless of the type of diabetes, adopting a healthier lifestyle that includes proper diet and physical activity can aid in controlling the disease, helping to lower or delay the chances of any complications.

Follow these simple steps from the American Diabetes Association to manage your life with diabetes:

  1. Take care of your body: Type 1 diabetics will need multiple daily injections of insulin using either an insulin pen or syringe or an insulin pump. It is important to work closely with your physician to determine the appropriate dosage of insulin, the method and how to effectively monitor your blood glucose levels. It is vital for people living with Type 1 or 2 diabetes to monitor their blood glucose levels using a lancing device. Logging and regularly reviewing your results to see how your diet and physical activity levels affect your blood glucose will help you to maintain a healthy balance. Consult with your physician to determine the best lancing device and logging system for your body and needs.
  2. Stay active: Physical activity is a key component to properly caring for your body. It is necessary to balance your blood glucose levels with your nutrition and activity level – whether a high-intensity workout or a daily task like cleaning. To prevent low glucose levels, check your level prior to starting an activity and be sure to monitor the intensity of the activity, length of time and if any changes to your insulin doses are needed. It is important to note that blood glucose can run high during high-intensity workouts. Work with your physician to determine the best exercise plan that will have a perfect balance with your food intake and insulin.
  3. Eat properly: Over the years, meal plans for people with diabetes have become less restrictive. Those with diabetes can now plan a diet that includes a few of their favorite foods or variations of them. It is important to consult with your physician to understand how different foods affect your blood glucose levels and to develop a customized meal plan. The key to adopting a healthy lifestyle is to plan your meals with a variety of foods, including vegetables, fruits, lean meats, healthy fats and non-fat dairy. For optimal health, consider adding dietary supplements to support your glucose levels such as alpha-lipoic (ALA), chromium, coenzyme Q10, garlic, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids. Consult with your physician to determine the best supplements to support your diet, activity levels and other factors that affect your glucose levels.

Cypress Pharmacy supports the American Diabetes Association’s efforts to focus the nation’s attention on diabetes and its mission to prevent and cure diabetes and improve the lives of those living with the disease. To learn how Cypress Pharmacy can assist you on your journey with diabetes or for more information on dietary supplements that aid those with diabetes, call 239-481-7322 or visit www.cypresspharmacy.com.

Categories: Diabetes, Health, Lifestyle, Men's Health
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