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OptumMD
Our doctors care for patients in the Atlanta, GA communityCT Calcium Score: A valuable proactive screening tool for assessing heart disease risk 11 Feb 2025, 6:30 pm
February is American Heart Month, a perfect opportunity to focus on heart health and the importance of screening. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death, but early detection can significantly impact outcomes.
One effective tool for assessing heart health is the CT Calcium Score. This quick, non-invasive scan evaluates the amount of calcium buildup in your heart’s arteries. Since calcium buildup is an indirect indicator of plaque accumulation and atherosclerosis, a CT Calcium Score can provide valuable insights into your cardiovascular health.
When combined with other essential screenings, such as blood pressure checks, diabetes assessments, and cholesterol measurements, the calcium score can help determine your risk for heart disease even before symptoms arise. For those identified as being at moderate risk, this test can be pivotal in shaping treatment strategies, including cholesterol management and necessary lifestyle modifications.
Take charge of your heart health this American Heart Month by discussing the CT Calcium Score with your healthcare provider at OptumMD. Early detection can lead to proactive measures that protect your heart and enhance your overall well-being.
~ Dr. Edward Espinosa
The post CT Calcium Score: A valuable proactive screening tool for assessing heart disease risk appeared first on OptumMD.
Prediabetes: Understanding the Role of Nutrition Experts in Your Health Journey 27 Dec 2024, 7:51 pm
Prediabetes: Understanding the Role of Nutrition Experts in Your Health Journey
Prediabetes is a condition that often flies under the radar, yet it holds the key to a healthier future when addressed proactively. If you’ve been diagnosed with prediabetes—or are concerned about your risk—working with a nutrition professional can be transformative. But how do you choose the right expert to guide you? Let’s explore the difference between dietitians and nutritionists, and how a Registered Dietitian (RD) can help you take charge of your health.
What Is Prediabetes and Why Does It Matter?
Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are high, but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. This condition is a red flag that your body is struggling to manage blood sugar effectively. Left unmanaged, prediabetes can progress to type 2 diabetes, significantly increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other complications.
The good news? Prediabetes is reversible. With the right lifestyle changes—such as a healthier diet, increased physical activity, and weight management—you can prevent its progression and reclaim control of your health.
Dietitian vs. Nutritionist: What’s the Difference?
When searching for guidance on managing prediabetes, you might come across both dietitians and nutritionists. While both are passionate about nutrition, their qualifications and scopes of practice differ significantly.
What Is a Registered Dietitian?
Registered Dietitians (RDs) are highly trained healthcare professionals with expertise in food and nutrition. They complete rigorous academic and clinical training, including:
- A bachelor’s degree in nutrition or dietetics (many also hold master’s degrees).
- At least 1,200 hours of supervised practice in clinical, community, and food service settings.
- Passing a national examination to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
- Continuing education to maintain their credentials and stay up-to-date on evidence-based practices.
RDs are qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), which involves personalized nutrition care for managing chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and gastrointestinal disorders. They work collaboratively with physicians and other healthcare providers to create individualized plans that address both immediate and long-term health needs.
What About Nutritionists?
The term “nutritionist” varies widely in meaning. While some nutritionists have formal education and certifications, the title is not as regulated as “dietitian.” In some cases, individuals can call themselves nutritionists without formal training. Nutritionists are often well-suited to provide general guidance on healthy eating and lifestyle habits. However, for managing chronic conditions like prediabetes, the clinical expertise of a Registered Dietitian is unmatched.
How Can a Dietitian Help with Prediabetes?
Working with a dietitian isn’t just about learning what to eat—it’s about creating a personalized, sustainable plan for better health. It’s important to recognize that nutritionists and dietitians both play valuable roles in promoting better health. Nutritionists can inspire healthy habits and educate on general nutrition principles. However, when it comes to managing prediabetes—a condition requiring detailed medical insight and personalized care—a dietitian is uniquely qualified to provide the support you need. Here’s how a dietitian can help if you’re managing prediabetes:
We Provide Personalized Nutrition Plans
No two bodies are the same, and your approach to nutrition shouldn’t be either. A dietitian will consider your medical history, lifestyle, food preferences, and goals to design a plan tailored specifically to you.
Reversing Prediabetes
Through evidence-based strategies, a dietitian can guide you in making dietary and lifestyle changes proven to lower blood sugar, improve insulin sensitivity, and even reverse prediabetes.
Behavioral Support
Nutrition is more than what’s on your plate—it’s also about how and why you eat. Dietitians are skilled in behavioral coaching to help you overcome challenges like emotional eating or sugar cravings.
Accountability and Guidance
Managing prediabetes can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. A dietitian provides regular check-ins, meal-planning tools, and ongoing encouragement to keep you on track.
Preventing Complications
Even before diabetes develops, prediabetes can increase your risk of heart disease and other complications. A dietitian helps you address these risks proactively with targeted nutrition strategies.
Take Charge of Your Health Today
Prediabetes is not a life sentence; it’s an opportunity for change. With the support of a dietitian, you can build a realistic plan to improve your diet, stay active, and lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Whether you’re seeking to reverse prediabetes or simply maintain your health, a dietitian offers the expertise and partnership you need to succeed.
Ready to take the next step? Visit OptumMD or call our office at 404-793-8560 to schedule an appointment with a Registered Dietitian and start your journey to better health today.
~ Emily Peterson, Registered Dietician at OptumMD
The post Prediabetes: Understanding the Role of Nutrition Experts in Your Health Journey appeared first on OptumMD.
Importance of Lifestyle: Daily Movement 14 Dec 2024, 7:55 pm
As a doctor, I’ve witnessed the incredible impact that movement can have on someone’s health.
But let me be honest—when my patients hear the word “exercise,” many of them picture long, intensive gym sessions early in the morning or after a long day of work. With such a cumbersome thought, I totally understand the dejected “sighs” when I mention “exercise.”
I’m here to share some good news: staying active doesn’t have to mean signing up for extreme workouts or devoting hours to the treadmill. Small bursts of activity, like a quick walk around the block, a quick yoga session in your living room, or some light stretching while you watch TV, can work wonders for your body and mind.
Here’s another point I must emphasize: making movement a consistent part of your day makes the most impact. Over time, these small, simple habits can lead to big changes—better energy, improved mood, sharper focus, and more.
Movement is so much more than just burning calories. It’s a form of self-care that nourishes your entire body. How so? It keeps your heart healthy, it supports digestion, it strengthens your immune system, and even it helps you sleep more soundly.
Allow me to shift the perspective for you. Let’s think of movement as an act of kindness to ourselves—rather than just another thing on the to-do list. When you keep this notion in mind, it becomes a lot easier to stick with a regular practice of exercise.
You really don’t need to overhaul your life or commit to a complicated fitness routine. Just start where you are. Take a walk. Dance to your favorite song. Stretch out that stiff back. Each step, no matter how small, brings you closer to feeling your best.
~ Dr. Valerie Pershad
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Over the counter remedies for cold, flu and COVID symptoms. 2 Nov 2024, 11:17 am
As the cold, flu, and COVID season approaches, I’d like to share some fundamental recommendations for those experiencing mild to moderate symptoms, including cough, congestion, sinus pressure, and increased drainage. These suggestions may vary based on individual circumstances.
I often recommend Mucinex, which contains guaifenesin, a mucolytic that helps break down and thin the mucus, which ultimately helps to decongest the sinuses. The typical dosage is 600 mg twice a day for 7 to 10 days to optimize mucus flow. It’s important to stay well-hydrated, as water enhances the effectiveness of Mucinex.
Mucinex is available in several formulations:
Mucinex DM: This combines guaifenesin with dextromethorphan, the “DM” stands for Dextromethorphan, an ingredient that helps suppress coughing. This can be a good option if you’re dealing with both sinus drainage and cough.
Mucinex D: This formulation combines guaifenesin with pseudoephedrine, the “D” indicates this ingredient, a vasoconstrictor that tightens blood vessels and reduces sinus drainage. It’s especially useful for managing a wet, runny nose.
Important Note: Both Mucinex D and DM can elevate heart rate and blood pressure, so they should only be used for a short duration and should be avoided if you have hypertension or heart disease. If symptoms worsen or persist, it may indicate a more significant viral illness, such as RSV or COVID, or even a bacterial infection like acute or chronic sinusitis, which may require different treatment and likely necessitate a visit with your doctor.
I also recommend Flonase nasal spray, an over-the-counter topical steroid nasal spray. A short course of use of 7 to 10 days at twice daily in each nostril, can help reduce inflammation and improve nasal airflow. Prolonged use is not recommended, as it can lead to paradoxical inflammation of the sinuses.
For additional symptom relief and to help dry up nasal passages, I prefer antihistamines such as Zyrtec, 10 mg once daily for 5 to 10 days. Like other medications, be mindful of potential side effects, as it can also increase heart rate and blood pressure.
These recommendations provide a foundation for managing cold, flu, and COVID symptoms. It’s essential to listen to your body and consult with a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen. Stay safe and take care!
~ Dr. Edward Espinosa
The post Over the counter remedies for cold, flu and COVID symptoms. appeared first on OptumMD.
Stomach pain and gastritis symptoms and how to treat with over the counter remedies 3 Oct 2024, 11:23 am
In this discussion, I want to focus specifically on basic gastric issues like gastritis, which can manifest as a burning sensation or irritation in the stomach. There are several potential causes for these symptoms, such as consuming foods that are overly spicy, rich, or simply don’t agree with you. Additionally, viral or bacterial infections, such as those caused by H. pylori, as well as medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (e.g., Advil, Aleve), alcohol consumption, or acidic foods like tomato sauces, are common triggers.
After a thorough evaluation, we may advise patients to adopt a bland diet for a few days, steering clear of spicy foods, rich meals, and excessive fiber or roughage like salads, to see if their symptoms improve. If food poisoning or exposure to food toxins is suspected, medications like Pepto-Bismol may be helpful, as bismuth can assist in binding toxins. Over-the-counter remedies such as antacids (e.g., Tums, Gaviscon) can provide symptomatic relief. For those seeking to reduce stomach acid, short-acting medications like Pepcid and Zantac can also be effective options.
Patients experiencing chronic or persistent gastritis symptoms should consult with their primary care physician for further evaluation. Long-term symptoms may indicate conditions like GERD, peptic ulcers, or other gastrointestinal issues. In such cases, doctors often prescribe longer-acting medications known as proton pump inhibitors, such as Protonix, Nexium, and Prilosec. These medications work by inhibiting the stomach’s acid-producing cells, offering more sustained relief over time.
For patients who do not respond well to these treatments, a referral to a gastroenterologist may be necessary. They may recommend an endoscopic examination to inspect the stomach lining more closely.
~ Dr. Edward Espinosa
The post Stomach pain and gastritis symptoms and how to treat with over the counter remedies appeared first on OptumMD.