Improved Hearing For A Healthy Mind

Did you know that better hearing might be a key to better brain health? A growing body of research ties hearing loss to cognitive-decline problems such as dementia. So, let’s take a look at the connections and the importance of regular hearing care.

Both dementia and hearing loss are on the rise. An estimated 55 million people live with dementia, per the World Health Organization, which predicts the rate will reach 139 million in 2025. Hearing loss, estimated at over 1.5 billion youth and adults worldwide, could climb to over 2.5 billion people by 2050.

Older adults with more severe forms of hearing loss have a significantly higher risk of dementia, according to a Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health-led study released this year. Researchers uncovered a 61% greater prevalence of dementia compared to those with normal hearing.

The study adds to ever-increasing reports on links between hearing loss and significant dementia risk. It stands apart from some other investigations by having relied not only on in-clinic data but also homebased information — including testing and interviews — comprising a more nationally representative population across a 65-plus age group.

Like a rising number of studies, the findings also showed potential benefits of better hearing in curbing the dementia threat. According to the investigators, hearing aid use was associated with a 32% lower prevalence of dementia among those with moderate or severe hearing loss.

It’s not quite conclusive that hearing aids prevent or reverse dementia — future research will continue to probe the issue. But it looks promising. In an online report, the investigation’s lead author stated, “This study refines what we’ve observed about the link between hearing loss and dementia and builds support for public health action to improve hearing care access.”

What can you do? Staying sharp and engaged is easier than you think and starts with regular hearing screenings. Whether your hearing seems to be changing or it’s simply been a while since your last checkup, contact our caring team for an evaluation today!

Dr. Izzy & his Staff are always here to answer your important hearing care questions. Please contact us today at 732-818-3610 (Toms River/Whiting) or 609-978-8946 (Manahawkin) or visit us at www.gardenstatehearing.com.

Exploring Ozempic And 8 Natural Alternatives For Weight Loss & Blood Sugar Balance

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

You may have been hearing a lot about a pharmaceutical drug called Ozempic and how it works for weight loss. Known generically as semaglutide, it’s prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes. This med belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and is given by subcutaneous injection.

GLP-1 is a hormone in everyone’s body that helps to regulate (specifically lower) blood sugar levels. By mimicking the action of GLP-1, semaglutide helps to increase insulin secretion which then reduces glucose production in your liver. In doing so, there is less glucose secreted by the liver, and this helps manage blood sugar levels in people who have type 2 diabetes.

I am glad that people are waking up to the idea of balancing blood sugar and insulin, and the more complex idea that cravings can be controlled by working on these mechanisms. I talked about this in my book called Diabetes Without Drugs and used my knowledge to formulate a dietary supplement called GlucoScript.

Prescriptions for Ozempic and other diabetes drugs have increased dramatically due to commercials and promotions about its value for weight loss. You can certainly talk to your physician about it.

Aside from medications, I recommend a ketogenic or keto-carnivore diet to help one reduce weight dramatically and quickly. The ketogenic diet will result in greater weight loss compared to the drugs. The trial I reviewed showed about a 10-pound reduction over 30 - 56 weeks for participants taking the drug. Compare that to a keto diet which might give you a 20-pound weight loss over about 6 months to a year. Naturally, the weight loss achieved is contingent on how many cheats you have.

Now let’s talk about a few natural approaches that some people consider. Many of these herbs are in my GlucoScript which I sell at my vitamin shop.

1. Dietary Changes: A low-carb, no refined sugar diet can only help!

2. Physical Activity: Regular exercise is a cornerstone of weight management.

3. Cinnamon: It’s not a substitute for blood sugar medication, however some studies suggest it helps. Sprinkle it!

4. Berberine: This herbal has been studied for its potential effects on lowering blood sugar levels and has strong evidence for its use.

5. Alpha-Lipoic Acid: Sometimes used for neuropathy, alpha-lipoic acid has also been studied for its benefit to blood sugar.

6. Banaba Leaf: Provides “corosolic acid” which may improve insulin sensitivity, helping you to use blood sugar more effectively. It blocks the absorption of some carbs in the gut leading to a reduction in blood sugar spikes after eating.

7. Holy Basil: Also known as Tulsi, it increases insulin secretion and improves insulin sensitivity. It reduces cortisol which is a stress hormone associated with weight gain.

8. Resveratrol: It improves insulin sensitivity and activates AMP-activated protein kinase an enzyme that scoops up glucose from the bloodstream.

For a longer version of this article, and more natural remedies that work well, as well as recipes, please visit my website suzycohen.com.