December News 2009

By Paula Hendricks - Nutritionist on December 4, 2009

PRODUCTS & SPECIALS

• Our 20^th Anniversary Celebration!   Visit the office on December 10^th in Sacramento or December 11^th in Roseville and join us in celebrating our 20^th year in practice.  We will offer specials, discounts, raffles, and have some healthy snacks for you to enjoy as well.  So come join us and help us celebrate your success and ours! 
• Product Special of the Month – Wafers, Vanilla or Chocolate flavor.  Skip the high sugar desserts this season and enjoy these delicious dessert wafers instead.  Special Price of $11 per box of 5.  Regular price – $13.   
• Supplement Special of the Month – ChromeMate Chromium 200 mcg. – Help ward off those sugar cravings you will be tempted with this holiday.  Studies have shown that chromium intake reduces sugar cravings and improves glucose metabolism.  Special Price $9.00 + tax. Regular price – $11.00.
• Need a Protein?  When you are in the office, ask a staff member to prepare you a protein meal.  Choose either a Single or a Double.  Purchase Price: Single $2.00, Double $4.00.

 FROM THE DOCTOR    You Want to Take my Blood Pressure Again?

Why so many?  Beginning in November, the medical assistants have been taking 2-3 blood pressure readings per patient visit.  Many of you are asking, “Why did we start doing this?”   Well, there are several reasons.  First, many patients are nervous when they first arrive at the office, and many have been rushing to make their appointment on time, or are anxious about their weigh-in.  In these situations, the first blood pressure reading may be higher than normal.  A second reading a few minutes later is often lower.  Second, averaging two (or more) blood pressure readings is now the recommended standard of practice for measuring blood pressure in a physician’s office. Our own research has confirmed that a single blood pressure reading is sometimes inaccurate and misleading.

What do the blood pressure numbers mean and what should they be?   The higher (systolic) number represents the pressure while the heart contracts to pump blood throughout the body.  The lower number (diastolic) represents the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats.   Review the chart below to determine your blood pressure category.

 Currently, the experts recommend lifestyle changes and/or weight loss as the only treatment for prehypertension. Patients with Stage 1 or Stage 2 hypertension are typically advised to make lifestyle changes, lose weight, and take anti-hypertensive medications. Untreated elevations in blood pressure are associated with higher mortality. It is now well-known that reducing blood pressure to normal levels extends life-span. This is the major reason a more accurate blood pressure measurement is important for your health. 

What change should you expect with weight loss?  If your blood pressure is above normal, you should begin to see a decrease in blood pressure with just a few pounds of weight loss. This is true even if you are already on medications to control hypertension. If your blood pressure is normal, less than 120/80 to begin with, you may see only a slight decrease in blood pressure. Of course if your blood pressure goes down with weight loss, it will go right back up if you regain the weight lost.  An exercise program will also help to lower your blood pressure. Blood pressures for everyone tend to rise gradually as the years go by so if weight loss lowers your blood pressure, it may go back up with the passage of time even though you maintain your weight loss. If your blood pressure remains above normal, even with weight loss and exercise, we may recommend starting a blood pressure medication.

What about blood pressure medications?  If you are on blood pressure medications, you may be able to reduce the dose or discontinue your medications entirely with weight loss. If you begin to experience lightheadedness or dizziness, it may mean your medication dosage should be adjusted.  As with any medical concern, always discuss with your practitioner.

 FROM THE NUTRITIONIST

• Recipe of the Month – Appetizers for the Holidays.  Skip the chips and dip, cookies, and other snacking pitfalls this holiday.  Make it simple this year with great-tasting and beautiful presentations for your holiday appetizers that are both healthy and full of flavor.  Download from our website or pick up a copy in the office today.
• Pick up a copy of the Quarterly News, “Did You Know? – Winter 2009” in the office today called “Think 30!”  Eat like the Hendricks’ family eats and enjoy eight quick recipes with at least 30 grams of protein per serving.  Download from our website or pick up a copy in the office today.

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