Doctor's Life Magazine Vol. 5 Issue 3, 2017

Look Who’s Joined BayCare Medical Group Julie Braddy-Roberts, MD, FAAFP Family Medicine 3890 Tampa Road Suite 407 Palm Harbor (727) 781-3150

Benjamin Rambicure, MD Family Medicine 620 10th St. N., Suite 1D St. Petersburg (727) 824- 7161

Theresa Dam Lohmiller, MD Family Medicine 4541 S. Dale Mabry Highway Suite 100 Tampa (813) 533-7030

Kristine Rietsma, DO Pediatrics 4712 N. Armenia Ave. Suite 102 Tampa (813) 879-5716

Bhavik Gedia, MD Neurology 2727 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite 700 Tampa (813) 321-1429

Monica Rivera-Amill, MD Family Medicine 5617 Skytop Drive Lithia (813) 530-4585

Emily A. Ostrowski, MD Family Medicine 5617 Skytop Drive Lithia (813) 530-4585

Robert Wyko, DO Family Medicine 1022 Main St., Suite M Dunedin (727) 733-7922

If you’re a primary care physician or a specialist, we have exciting opportunities for you. Whether you’re a new or experienced physician, if you’re looking for a new professional home, consider BayCare Medical Group.

To learn about employment opportunities, visit BMGPhysicians.org or contact a recruiter at (813) 636-2009.

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Contents 6 8

8

Direct Primary Care vs.

Concierge Medicine

10 14

Is Your Front Desk Making or Breaking Your Practice?

4

Feature Direct Primary Care vs.

Concierge Medicine

10

Feature 5 Steps to Be Your Best ... at Any Age

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Feature Is Your Front Desk Making or Breaking Your Practice?

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Feature Summertime is Vacationing Time

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5 Steps to Be Your Best ... at Any Age

From the Publisher

Feature 25 Superfoods for Optimum Health

Advertisers Anise Restaurant 7 BayCare Medical Group 2 Cena 5 HealthE Gourmet 11 JW Marriott 23 The Meridian Club 21 PNC Bank 24 Point Grace 13 Tomlin ST CYR 3

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25 Superfoods for Optimum Health Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay

Issue 3, 2017

From the Publisher

www.doctorslifetampabay.com

S

ummertime is vacationing time and Florida living is like a vacation all year around. However, July and August are typically the hottest months of the year, so it is no coincidence as Floridians we like to travel outside our paradise of borders surrounded by water during these months. Where should you vacation off to this year? The choices are limitless, so we helped a little with our top 10 places to visit in the U.S. and abroad this year on page 16.

In this issue, we open the discussion about front desk staff. Are they making or breaking your practice? The saying, “first impressions are everything” is correct and front office staff is almost always your patients first impression. Are you making sure your practice is represented the way you intend it to be? Do you offer praise to your staff when hectic days are handled smoothly? There is a saying in advertising, “you can run the best advertising and marketing campaigns, but without the best people you’ll never fully reap the rewards.”

TAMPA BAY

™

Published by

The American Medical Colleges are estimating a physician shortage of 91,500 by 2020 in the United States.

A shortage of that size will lead to even more patients per doctor, spending less time with patients and an even higher increase in paperwork. Nick Hernandez, the CEO of ABISA, LLC discusses a few alternatives in the ever evolving concierge medicine model on page 8.

Tampa Headquarters 1208 East Kennedy Blvd.

Tampa Fl, 33602 813-867-0916 Group Publisher Ed Suyak publisher@doctorslifetampabay.com

Age is just a number, and you are only as old as you feel. Okay, so we know that is not entirely accurate. The one absolute is everyone and everything ages. On page 6, we give you five simple steps to be your best at any age and on page 18, Kate B. Forsyth a contributing writer for Be Healthy Today breaks down 25 Superfoods for optimum health.

Creative Director Rob Stainback Editorial Director Danielle Topper Associate Publisher CJ Cooper

Have the best summer ever, and we’ll be back in the fall. Be happy, always smile and laugh often. As always, we thank you for your readership.

Advertising Account Executive Ryan O’Neil Contributing Writers Nick Hernandez Kate B. Forsyth Kellie Morrison

Be well,

-Ed

Doctor’s Life Magazine’s mission is to provide physicians content and information that may assist in creating a better professional and leisure life. Our focus is to provide articles that can help to better your practice and your lifestyle outside of the white coat. We want to be your source for inspiration and content on living a good life.

Ed Suyak Group Publisher publisher@doctorslifetampabay.com

Doctor’s Life Magazine wants to know about extraordinary physicians and staff, upcoming events, and article ideas or contributors. Please email us if you have an event, idea or know of a doctor making a big difference. We want your suggestions and feedback. For all comments, ideas, advertising inquires or to request a media kit contact publisher@doctorslifetampabay.com.

Doctor’s Life Magazine, Tampa Bay does not assume responsibility for advertisements or articles published, nor any representation made therein, nor the quality or deliverability of the products themselves. Reproduction of articles and photographs, in whole or in part, contained herein is prohibited without expressed written consent of the publisher, with the exception of reprinting for news media use. Doctor’s Life Magazine is considered a form of entertainment and should not be deemed as medical, legal or business advice without consulting the appropriate professional regarding the specific subject matter. Printed in the United States of America.

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Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay

Issue 3, 2017

V

DIRECT PRIMARY CARE

By Nick Hernandez

Concierge

There are many varieties of concierge medicine, but the traditional The shortage of physicians was already form is where the patient pays a monthly fee or annual fee that an issue in the United States ... and then gives them direct access to the physician. The practice profits not only from this fee but also bills insurance companies for visits. came the Affordable Care Act, which One benefit of this approach to the provider is having a small, exacerbated the problem immensely. In preset number of patients to care for, which allows for a more fact, the Association of American Medical personal interaction with patients. From the financial side, practices may collect money from two streams and thus not be as concerned Colleges now estimates that there will be with fighting insurance companies as they would in a traditional medical practice. a shortage of 91,500 doctors by 2020.

One key drawback is that if the provider is still accepting This added demand for healthcare Medicare (or commercial payers with nondiscrimination clauses in their contracts), then the provider is subject to those government means physicians will simply have less regulations for payment (e.g. meaningful use). and less time to spend with patients.

Direct Primary Care Moreover the increase in paperwork With the direct-primary-care model, many providers do not take and administrative burdens placed on insurance at all, but rather rely solely on the monthly/annual fee from patients. physicians over the past few years has As with the concierge model, providers benefit from being able many physicians questioning their career to keep their practice small and tailored to how many patients they wish to see. choice. Consequently, more and more As far as pros and cons, they are fairly reversed from the physicians are looking at concierge concierge model. A key benefit from not taking insurance is that the practice is not subject to Medicare regulations. The practice also models. As you begin to weigh this does not have to concern itself with contracting and credentialing consideration, keep in mind that there are with insurance companies, nor worry over denials, pre-certification, collecting co-pays, etc. three primary routes: concierge, direct A drawback, however, is that there is only one source of revenue: primary care, and hybrids.

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Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay

Issue 3, 2017

VS

CONCIERGE MEDICINE

from the patient. Consequently, the practice must be diligent with its financial planning to ensure the patient fees are enough to support the practice operations.

Hybrid The last model is a hybrid of a traditional practice and the concierge model.

Essentially, providers with a hybrid model have a number of patients in the practice in the traditional sense and a smaller set of patients that are under the concierge model.

A practical reason to go with this approach is that it allows you to determine if eventually going entirely off of a traditional practice model is right for you. Physicians also like this model because they are able to retain many of their established patients (under the insurance payment side) without have to hand them off to another practice.

A key downside, however, is that this model takes a lot of operational planning and scheduling finesse because, simply put, patients paying a fee for concierge medicine expect to be at the front of the line. This does not have to be an internal juggling act, but rather does take significant planning and staff training. Another downside is that the practice still has a significant number of Issue 3, 2017

traditional patients, and thus it is subject to some of the insurance rules and regulations mentioned earlier, as well as the continued headaches of billing and collection.

If you are considering taking your practice in one of these directions, there are many things to consider. New providers or providers new to an area may consider a concierge or direct-primary-care model, whereas providers with existing practices who are contemplating a change may want to start slowly by implementing a hybrid model.

Hiring a consultant to help guide you in the right direction will be money well spent, especially given that such a change in your practice means changing your financial operations and marketing.

Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay

Nick Hernandez, MBA, FACHE is the CEO and founder of ABISA, LLC, a consultancy specializing in strategic growth initiatives for physician practices. He can be contacted at nhernandez@abisallc.com.

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5

Steps to Be Your Best ‌ at Any Age

They say you're only as young as you feel, and if you're an older American, the ability to feel young a little while longer is always appealing. Having a youthful state of mind goes a long way toward accomplishing this goal, but you can't ignore the importance of solid physical health.

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To improve your physical and mental health and prove age is just a number, apply these five tips from Mayo Clinic today.

1. Find the perfect interval. If you've never participated in high-intensity interval training before, here's a compelling reason to start. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found high-intensity aerobic exercise actually reversed some cellular aspects of aging. The research also found that the exercise improved muscle proteins, enlarged muscles and increased energy levels.

2. The benefit of brain games. A sharp mind is every bit as important as a healthy body, and exercising your brain can be a lot of fun. Spend time learning new things on the internet, enroll in a class for that craft you've always wanted to master, go out with friends or sit down and play a board game. All of these activities can greatly

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Issue 3, 2017

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

improve your mental health. For example, a Mayo Clinic study found playing games decreased a person's risk of mild cognitive impairment by 22 percent making this enjoyable activity healthy as well.

3. Supplementing your health. Health supplements should never completely replace whole food offerings, but they may offer you real health value as well. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, supplements may be ideal for vegans and vegetarians or those who consume less than 1,600 calories per day. People with a condition affecting the way their body absorbs nutrients and those who have had surgery on their digestive tract should also speak with their doctor about supplements that may improve their overall health.

4. The importance of sleep. A good night's sleep offers health benefits at any age, but getting enough rest can be more difficult as you get older. To get a better night's sleep, review your medications with your doctor to see if anything is impacting your rest. You should also try to limit your daytime napping (just 10 to 20 minutes per day is best) and avoid alcohol, caffeine or even water within a couple hours before bedtime.

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5. Focus on your sexual health. This topic may not be as widely discussed as your physical or mental health, but it is no less important. Men should talk to their doctors about their lessening testosterone levels, which drop about one percent per year after age 30. Women may experience a similar drop in estrogen levels as well and should consult their doctor for treatment options. Don't be shy about discussing sexual health with your doctor even as a doctor, maintain regular annual checkups and have a thorough understanding of your current sexual health - and what you need to do to protect or improve it - will benefit every other part of your life.

With aging comes new challenges and the need to be more vigilant in maintaining your overall well-being. By incorporating some of the tips above from the experts at Mayo Clinic, you'll make sure the best years of your life are still to come. You can learn more about improving your health at any age through the advice offered in Mayo Clinic on Healthy Aging, or visit http://www.mayoclinic.org/ healthy-lifestyle for more healthy lifestyle ideas.

Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay

Issue 1, 2017

Ad

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One Heart Magazine

www.heartbeatsaveslives.org

IS YOUR FRONT DESK

Making or Breaking

YOUR PRACTICE?

B

By Kellie Morrison

When it comes to first impressions, whether you want to admit you do it or not, quick judgments are made in that vital seven second window. This is no different when it comes to the front desk of your practice. How phones are answered and patients are welcomed into your office is the first impression they get of you before even meeting you. How your front desk is managed can make or break your practice.

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Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay

efore a patient enters your office, a phone call is most likely made. Whether it be for an insurance question, office hours, directions, or an appointment, how that phone conversation is handled will steer that patient either away or toward your waiting room. Ask yourself the question: Who do you have sitting at your front desk?

Issue 3, 2017

Michele Krohn, the Founder and President of Full Circle PR (FCPR), a national medical practice marketing and public relations agency based in Tampa, Florida, says, “Physicians need to be more involved and aware of who is managing their front desk and how they are conducting their practice.

Who the patient sees and hears is their first impression. They are an extension of you, the physician.”

How your front office staff conducts themselves has a direct correlation to your ability to keep patients returning to your practice; and returning patients most often bring referrals.

For a position that is so critical to your success, it is often overlooked and undertrained. But when it comes to the bottom line, it is worth the investment to properly train your front desk staff.

In addition, proper training also builds confidence for your employees.

Undertrained front desk staff can spiral into an unmotivated staff. The morale of your office goes down which then trickles down to how your patients are being treated. An unhappy patient eliminates loyalty to your practice.

Before you know it, your practice is then struggling to get people in the waiting room.

“The average front desk employee’s wage is just $13 per hour. Investing in employees also means investing in staff training. Too often, someone is put at the front to answer phones and greet patients, but they are given little to no training on how to conduct themselves and what to say,” Krohn says.

It all comes back to the first line of communication: the phone. What happens in that first conversation on the phone can be a death sentence.

“In the 10 years FCPR has helped market and advertise for physicians, it still surprises me to find out how many practices are simply not answering the phones at the front desk. People want to hear a voice on the other end. In Issue 3, 2017

the technological age that we are in, when it comes to personal healthcare, people want to hear a live voice when they call. They want to know that they matter,” Krohn recounts.

What are some of the requirements to keep your front desk making your practice and not breaking your practice?

The first requirement to keep your practice running: answering your phones. That is Front Office 101. When the phone call is taken, then you can focus on the details of whether or not your staff are answering with a smile, are warm and engaging, and how long the patient is being put on hold.

Smiling is one of the easiest and most attainable requirements of your front desk staff. Research has shown that people can actually pick-up on the tone of your voice and whether or not you are smiling. The tone of voice conveys 84% of the conversation to the other party. Smiling immediately puts people at ease and make them feel like they are important.

The next item to troubleshoot is hold time. The staff at your front desk are multi-tasking an endless list of demands. From answering simple questions, scheduling and rescheduling appointments, to redirecting phone calls to the medical staff, being put on hold is almost unavoidable. To help keep calls flowing smoothly, having a phone answering system in place can help; however, the bottom line is to make sure that the person on the other end of the line is being helped.

Tying all of this together is simple when front desk training is made to be a priority. The training of your front desk staff will bring a significant return on your investment. It is so important to the success of your practice that FCPR offers this service in addition to marketing, advertising, and branding for your practice. Follow-up is also done with secret shoppers that bring office staff insight.

“We come in and identify the key problems and get your practice on the right track. From how to answer phones to what kind of leading questions you can ask to get the patient in your waiting room,” Krohn explains.

Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay

These four essential principles are a start to keeping your practice going in the right direction:

The Right Employees As stated earlier, the person answering your phones is often the lowest paid position at the practice. For the first line of public relations for your office, you want to consider the old adage, “you get what you pay for.” Focus on hiring someone who is friendly, has great communication skills and is a patient listener. And when you find this person, pay them well. It’s worth it.

Build a Team Realistically look at how busy your practice is. An understaffed front desk will become overwhelming and ultimately bring the morale down for everyone. You may be thinking that you are saving money by having fewer employees, but the reality is that you are probably losing even more revenue with patients leaving your practice due to poor customer service.

Train, Train, Train Once you’ve found your good employees and have built your team, train them.

Train them well. Bringing in a service, like FCPR, that focuses on front desk training is worth it. Your staff will get the one-onone guidance that they need to make your office successful. Scripting and roll playing is also a tool that can help. Training your front desk employees to simply ask leading questions will have an incredible impact on patient numbers.

Answering the Phone As simple as it sounds, it needs to be stated again. Picking up the phone and answering with a warm and friendly voice will make the patient feel welcomed and wanted.

Healthcare is as personal as you can get, and a patient wants to feel respected and cared for when they call. That phone call will bring them in or keep them out.

Remember, your front desk staff is the first impression that people have of you and your practice. Take the time and revisit and evaluate how you can improve on how your front office is conducted. Focusing there will benefit your staff, your practice, your patients and you.

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Summertime is Vacationing Time

Considering where to vacation and travel this summer? Several considerations should be made.

Do you want to travel abroad or stay within the borders, weekend warrior or two-month getaway, bricks or beaches, site seeing or seeing nothing, family vacation or romantic getaway and of course hot or cold?

T

he choices are practically limitless even with global events having an impact on the destinations you may choose. However, let's begin in our own 3.8 million square miles. The U.S. has a lot of ground to cover and can often be overlooked when considering a summer vacation. No one wants to brag about spending their summer in North Carolina or Nebraska when colleagues are showing pictures from their French Riviera trip on the Mediterranean coast of southeastern France. Or do you? 16 hours, 15 minutes and two stops both ways versus a two hour direct flight to North Carolina. France in the summer can be amazing, and like most, the vision or memory of cruising along the coastal French Riviera, sipping on rose', frolicking in lavender fields and picnics in Parisian parks sound incredible. And they are but keep in mind more than 85 million people visit France, with the majority during the summer months. The two-hour flight to North Carolina may start to sound a little better.

According to lonleyplanet.com, they compile the best 2017 U.S. destination list.

Every year the site's staff travels from the sweeping mountain ranges to the tropical coastlines to provide their list of America's unmissables, underrated and off the radar places to visit.

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Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay

1. Ashville, North Carolina It may not be the French Riviera but it does have the French Broad River, River Arts District, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The area has been emerging with a good amount of James Beardnominated chefs, craft spirits, and beers along with over 200 artists showcasing their work.

2. Western Washington State 3. Lincoln, Nebraska 4. Coachella Valley in California's southern desert 5. Montana's Flathead Valley 6. Atlanta, Georgia 7. The Adirondacks, New York 8. Texas Hill Country's wine region 9. Denver, Colorado 10. Florida's Emerald Coast

Issue 3, 2017

We went with Travel and Leisure's (travelandleisure.com) 50 Best Places to Travel in 2017 for abroad. Travel and Leisure survey writers based around the world and work with their A-list travel specialists for several months to develop their list. Here are ten of their best abroad:

1. Angra dos Reis, Brazil Angra dos Reis means "Bay of the Kings." Angra dos Reis is a Brazilian municipality in the southwest Rio de Janeiro state. It’s made up of 365 islands and a small port surrounded by steep, forested coastline. The region is known for its many pristine beaches and biodiverse Ilha Grande, the largest island. Vila do Abraão is the island’s main village, with restaurants, bars and the St. Sebastian Church at its heart.

5. Cambodian Coast 6. Cape Town, South Africa 7. Devon, England

2. Belfast, Northern Ireland

8. Guayaquil, Ecuador

3. Belgrade, Serbia

9. Hamburg, Germany

4. Bermuda

10. Hampi, India

Issue 3, 2017

Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay

The most important decision you make this summer whether traveling the U.S. or abroad, make the decision to smile, laugh, have fun and share with others. Have a great summer!

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25 SUPERFOODS T

FOR OPTIMUM HEALTH

By Kate B. Forsyth hese days, most Americans have heard about superfoods and what they are. They can provide our bodies with plenty of benefits. Superfoods are loaded with tons of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Many of them are readily available in grocery stores, supermarkets, and health food stores. There are plenty to choose from and people who can educate you about what a particular superfood can do. There are even individuals who can help you choose which brand of superfood can give you the most bang for your buck.

However, I’m going to concentrate on 25 that offer optimum health.

Plenty of superfoods exist. Some are very popular, while some are still somewhat obscure and are just waiting for the spotlight to shine on them. Given that there is an abundant supply of superfoods eagerly awaiting exposure, here’s an ultimate list of the best superfoods that you should try out.

Chia Seeds

Here’s one of the superfoods that even the non-healthy populace are aware of them.

Chia seeds are a nutrient powerhouse. They contain essential fatty acids like linoleic acid and alpha-linoleic acid. Also, they have strontium and mucin. In addition, Chia seeds have vitamins A, B, D, and E and minerals like iron, sulfur, manganese, magnesium, iodine, niacin, and thiamine.

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All these components give the seeds their ability to reverse inflammation and regulate blood pressure and cholesterol. The seeds can reverse the harmful side effects of oxidative stress. Because of their high content of fiber and protein, they may help you lose weight as well. These seeds absorb significant amounts of water and expand in the stomach; providing a feeling of satiety and slows down the absorption of food. The protein in chia seeds may reduce appetite and food intake.

Yogurt

That’s right; yogurt is considered a superfood.

Yogurt contains probiotics, which are considered safe and healthy bacteria that help with digestion. This food has a high content of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B12, and riboflavin. It also has other nutrients, like protein, healthy carbs, and healthy fat. Yogurt has vitamins A, B1, B5, B6, C, D and folate and choline. Also, it contains minerals like zinc, selenium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron, and copper.

There are plenty of benefits you can get from this dairy product. First and foremost, it’s ideal for promoting a healthy digestive system, which means healthy weight management. It’s known as a brain booster, energy booster, and immunity booster. It fights against some illnesses, like diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain heart diseases.

Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay

Dark Chocolate

Surprise! Yep, dark chocolate is also a superfood. Who would’ve thought, right? It has antioxidants, caffeine, and theobromine, as well as the antidepressants phenylethylamine and serotonin. For its vitamin content, dark chocolate has pantothenic acid and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, and E. For its mineral content; it possesses calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc.

Dark chocolate is useful in fighting off free radicals. Moreover, it improves brain functions, provides an energy boost, prevents cancer, promotes heart health, improves mood, and gives better eyesight. Not too shabby for something many people consider unhealthy.

Kale

Of course, kale has to be part of the list of ultimate superfoods. Though many believe it to be overrated and overexposed, you can’t deny the many benefits kale has. It’s known to be one of the most nutrient-dense superfoods in the planet. It has vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, and K. It also has iron, phosphorus, manganese, calcium, copper, potassium, and magnesium. In addition, kale has antioxidants that are very powerful, like quercetin and kaempferol. Kale possesses omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids as well.

Kale is excellent for improving heart health and improves antioxidant function. It can be a great detoxifier for the body. Studies Issue 3, 2017

Eggs

Here’s another surprising food on the superfoods list. Eggs are nutritious foods since they are packed with practically every nutrient the body needs. They are a great source of high-quality protein. Eating them is an excellent way to increase the body’s overall nutrient intake. The choline content in eggs is an essential nutrient for proper brain development and good brain health in developing fetuses. Eggs are also known to improve heart health, help with eye health, and aid in losing weight.

Salmon

have suggested when regularly eating this vegetable during pregnancy it may even help in the child having an adequate birth weight, proper face and heart development, and healthy neural tube formation. Kale has also been linked with the aid of combating cancer; specifically breast cancer, colon cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, and liver cancer.

Chives

Who knew that an herb could be a superfood?

Chives are a common and easy-to-find herb.

They possess antibacterial properties that affect the gastrointestinal system. They can also lower cholesterol levels and plaque in the arteries; in return could reduce the risk of stroke and heart attacks.

Chives have been known to prevent various types of cancer, like breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer. Chives can also maintain mineral density in bones, improves eyesight, detoxify the body, and boost the immune system.

Parsley

Here’s another herb that has earned the title of superfood—parsley! This garnish is very rich in vitamin K, and also has vitamins A, C, and E. Additional vitamins include riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, and folate. Parsley contains iron, zinc, copper, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and manganese. To add to that, it also possesses protein, omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and healthy carbohydrates.

This herb has been known to give clearer skin, improve eye health, improve oral hygiene, boost the immunity, fight off cardiovascular diseases, strengthen bones, Issue 3, 2017

combat cancer, improve menstrual troubles, and aid in gastrointestinal issues.

Chicory

Chicory is a flowering plant whose root is used in coffee. It is abundant in vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K. Its mineral content comprises of calcium, iron, folic acid, potassium, manganese, magnesium, and zinc. With all these nutrients, it’s no wonder chicory can help the body in so many ways. It eases digestive issues, reduces pain from arthritis, prevents heartburn and other cardiovascular problems, detoxifies the liver and gallbladder, boosts the immune system, fights against bacterial infections, protects against kidney stones, helps in weight loss, and soothes anxiety as well as stress.

Endives

Meet the chicory’s close cousin, the endive. It is a green leafy vegetable with a slightly bitter flavor. It’s one of the most difficult vegetables to grow as it undergoes a two-step growing process that can take months. As with other superfoods, it has plenty of nutrients. Endives are abundant in vitamin K, followed by vitamin A. Its other vitamins include folate, pantothenic acid, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin E, niacin, and pyridoxine. For its minerals, it has manganese, copper, iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Endives assist the body in many ways. How? Well, endives regulate blood sugar levels, metabolize carbs, help absorb calcium properly, and help form tissues, bones, and sex hormones. They make sure the nerves and the brain are functioning properly. It aids in eye health, prevents anemia, makes sure the liver and gallbladder are working correctly, and combats cancer.

Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay

Bet you didn’t know that salmon is one of the most nutritious foods on the planet. It is known to have a high dose of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin B12 and vitamin D. Salmon is loaded with selenium, vitamin B3, phosphorus, and vitamin B6. Also, this fish contains iodine, choline, vitamin B5, biotin, and potassium.

The benefits of salmon include improvement in bones and joints, brain and neurological repair, prevention of ADHD in young children, better eyesight, a wellfunctioning heart, healthy skin, and cancer prevention.

Watercress

Watercress is a close cousin to cabbage, arugula, and mustard greens. It has small, round, and slightly scalloped leaves. This plant is low in calories but has tons of other nutritious properties. It is also rich in protein and vitamins A, C, K. Watercress boosts the immune system, helps promote stronger bones, helps treat Alzheimer’s disease and prevents iron deficiency.

Swiss Chard

This beautiful vegetable is not only a sight for sore eyes; it has plenty of benefits to boost your body as well. Despite its salty and bitter flavor, many people still enjoy consuming Swiss chard because of the many nutrients, vitamins, and minerals it provides. Swiss chard is loaded with plenty of antioxidants and vitamin K. Other vitamins include riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, and vitamins A, B6, C, and E. Its mineral content is composed of manganese, magnesium, iron, potassium, copper, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc.

Swiss chard is an anti-hypertensive vegetable as it has many trace minerals essential for proper circulation, blood vessel health, heartbeat regulation, red blood cell formation, blood vessel constriction, blood pressure levels regularization, as well as nerve signaling. In addition, this veggie also fights cancer, maintains bone health, prevents diabetes, improves digestion, promotes healthy brain function, boosts eye health, and improves nerve and muscle function.

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Spinach

Just a single cup of spinach yields a lot of nutrients and benefits for the human body. For one, it has a high amount of chlorophyll. It also has a low amount of calories and carbohydrates. Spinach has vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K. It has dietary fiber, folate, choline, riboflavin, and protein.

For its mineral content, it has magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, copper, iron, calcium, and potassium. And finally, it also contains amino acids like glutamic acid, aspartic acid, leucine, and lysine.

Because of the many vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients found in spinach, it’s expected to have plenty of benefits for you and your body. First, it provides amazing skin, promotes eye health, fortifies the immune system, protects the heart, fosters a good digestive system, fights against diabetes, boosts bone health, improves brain function, helps in fetal development, and combats cancer.

Chinese Cabbage

Of the many kinds of cabbages around, the Chinese cabbage places second in the nutrition density chart with a score of 91.99. This vegetable, also called bok choy, not only tastes good, it boasts of plenty of vitamins and minerals too. It has thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, and vitamins A, B6, C, D, and K. It has folate, dietary fiber, protein, and a lot of antioxidants. For its minerals, Chinese cabbage has phosphorus, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, and potassium.

There are many advantages that Chinese cabbage can offer. It is known to improve blood circulation, lower blood pressure, protect the body from cancer, promote good eye health, help in digestion, aid in weight loss, build strong bones, boost the immunity, increase energy, reduce inflammation, and provide healthy skin and hair.

Romaine Lettuce

We all know what this is as it’s usually the number 1 ingredient in salads.

Romaine lettuce is one of the fastest growing vegetables regarding popularity and is quite impressive due to its high level of antioxidants and other crucial vitamins and minerals. It has virtually zero grams of sugar and fat and very low in calories. It has dietary fibers, essential amino acids, and healthy fatty acids. It also contains thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, folate, and vitamins A, B6, C, and K. Also, it has calcium, copper, manganese, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, potassium, and sodium.

Romaine lettuce helps prevent bone loss, boosts heart health, improves eyesight, prevents the signs of aging, heals skin, strengthens the immune system, helps fight cancer, helps maintain a healthy pregnancy, eliminates extra pounds, and improves digestive and intestinal health.

Green Leaf Lettuce

This vegetable is another one that’s chock-full of vitamins and minerals.

It contains vitamins A, C, K and five of the eight B vitamins (vitamin B6, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, and folate. It also has a trace amount of the minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and manganese.

For its benefits, green leaf lettuce strengthens the immune system, promotes good eyesight, regulate the mineralization of bones, help with cardiovascular health, and fights against arthritis, repels insomnia, and boosts brain health.

Collard Greens

These are dark-colored edible leaves with a slightly bitter taste. Collard greens have a super high vitamin K content, as well as soluble fiber and vitamin, C. Other vitamins are pantothenic acid, folate, riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, and vitamins A, B6, and E. Collard greens detoxify the body of harmful toxins, support cardiovascular health, promote a healthy digestive system, maintain a healthy weight, maintain bone mass, reduce the risk of osteoporosis, promote a healthy pregnancy, reduce inflammation, and combat cancer.

Beet Greens

These are cool-season crops and can survive almost freezing temperatures. It’s best to use these veggies two to three days after refrigeration. They contain dietary fiber, protein, and vitamins A, B6, C, and K. Its mineral content is composed of magnesium, copper, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, calcium, and iron.

Beet greens prevent retinal detachment, protect against agerelated macular degeneration, prevents lung cancer and oral cavity cancer, promote bone formation and bone strengthening, improves the body’s metabolism, improves, red blood cell formation, and helps with Alzheimer’s disease.

Turnip Greens

This type of greens has been known to be highly researched because of their high effectivity in fighting inflammation. They contain an impressive list of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They contain 0 grams of fat, just a few calories and sugar, fiber, and protein. For the vitamin content, it is made up of vitamins A, B6, C, E, K, and folate.

Lastly, the greens have the minerals manganese, calcium, and copper.

The antioxidants in turnip greens prevent many kinds of diseases, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, autoimmune disease, Alzheimer’s disease, as well as Parkinson’s disease. The same antioxidants also strengthen the immune system and help naturally slow down aging. Turnip greens are also known to prevent bone breaks and strengthen bones and improve eye health.

Mustard Greens

Mustard greens boast a rich and peppery flavor that will surely delight everyone’s taste buds. They’re packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients—but are super low in calories. They have a very high vitamin K and A content. They also have vitamin C, folate, manganese, calcium, potassium, vitamin B6, phosphorus, and copper.

Mustard greens have properties that prevent certain types of cell damage and DNA mutation. They are known to combat harmful free radicals, fight against oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and ensure healthy cells for the proper functioning of the digestive system, respiratory system, nervous system, and the cardiovascular system.

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Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay

Issue 3, 2017

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Avocados

Blueberries

Blueberries have a high amount of antioxidant content. For the vitamins, they contain vitamins C, E, and K. They also have vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), and B6 (pyridoxine). For their mineral content, blueberries contain iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and zinc.

So what can these tart berries do? For one, they can give you smoother, healthier, and younger-looking skin. They make sure your vision is in tip-top shape. They reduce the risk of cognitive decline. The berries promote a healthy digestive system, which will lead to weight loss and proper weight management. Blueberries also fight against diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.

People love this fruit for its rich flavor and unique texture. And for its whole contents, vitamin K tops the list, followed by folate, vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, and vitamin E. Other nutrients include vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, manganese, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, and phosphorus. Avocados have no cholesterol and sodium and are low in saturated fat. Also, it’s known as the fruit full of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and lots of fiber.

Avocado consumption can assist in lowering cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels. They help to ensure you are absorbing nutrients from other food properly. They improve eye health, prevent cancer, improve kidney function, and relieve the symptoms of arthritis. Avocados can help you lose weight, help in oral hygiene, fight off morning sickness, and improve the conditions of your skin and hair.

Lemons

Lemons, most especially in juice form, are a favorite among healthconscious individuals. And this is no joke. Lemon water does improve the overall body. It is very high in vitamin C content, has 0 grams of fat, and minimal calories and sugar. Other nutrients are potassium, folate, vitamin B6, thiamin, copper, fiber, magnesium, and vitamin E. The list of the benefits of lemon water is a long one, so hold on to your seats. First, it’s a great aid in proper digestion and detoxification.

It stimulates white blood cell production, fights off the common cold and flu, gives you younger-looking skin, improves collagen production, keeps the body properly hydrated, and helps in healthy weight loss.

Besides, lemon water improves your mood, boosts your body’s energy, fights off constipation and indigestion, helps in dental care, treats dandruff, soothes burns and minor scrapes, and helps with acne and eczema. And finally, it contributes to stopping internal bleeding, relieves breathing problems, treats cholera and malaria, treats rheumatism and arthritis, eases throat infections, and lowers high blood pressure.

Watermelon

Apples

Apples are a favorite snack for a lot of people, young and old alike.

That’s because they have a crisp and sweet flavor that’s sure to be an instant hit. And not only do they taste great, but they also make you great too. This fruit contains a healthy dose of dietary fiber as well as vitamins A, B2, B6, C, E, and K. They also possess manganese, copper, and polyphenols.

There are many ways that apples benefit the body. First, they’re a great tool in losing weight as they are high in fiber and water, ensuring that you feel full longer. They’re great in promoting heart health, reducing the risk of stroke, decreasing bad cholesterol levels, lowering the risk of diabetes, promoting healthy gut bacteria, preventing breast cancer, fighting against asthma, improving bone health, preventing dementia, and boosting brain functionality.

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The last on our list is the refreshing watermelon. Watermelon is one of the favorite summer foods to many. It is fat-free and is low in sodium and calories. It has very high lycopene levels, as well as antioxidants, amino acids, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. Watermelons lower the risk of heart disease due to their high lycopene content. They also improve blood flow, reduce the accumulation of excess fat, reduce hypertension, and also lower blood pressure. Their high water content also makes sure the body is properly hydrated and can also prevent heat stroke. Also, this fruit also promotes a healthy digestive system, relieves muscle soreness, keeps skin moisturized, promotes collagen production, prevents cancer, lowers inflammation, prevents macular degeneration, and helps with erectile dysfunction.

Kate B. Forsyth is a writer for Be Healthy Today, who specializes in health and nutrition. Her passion is to help people get an overall transformation of health that lasts a lifetime. In her blog posts, she goes beyond research by providing health-concerned citizens doable and simple tricks to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Doctor’s Life Tampa Bay

Issue 3, 2017

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