Welcome to Heart Health Month at ACHIM
This month, our practice focuses on heart health, we all know the standard drill, check cholesterol, blood pressure and manage stress. These are all, indeed, risk factors for future heart attacks. I, however, want my patients to remember that heart health often begins with nutrition and energy.
As I watch the progress my patients make, I realize that heart health begins with matching each patient to the right diet. In some patients, cholesterol and blood pressure numbers are affected by food allergies and food intolerances. These risk factors are also affected by poor dietary fiber intake and inadequate hydration. Eating out frequently (more than 3x per week), should also be a cardiovascular risk factor, since the high sodium content in restaurant food is not heart friendly.
Remember, heart disease in women is often silent. Fatigue, pain and breathlessness are all cues that your heart may not be at its best. I recommend weekly blood pressure checks on all patients with multiple risk factors for heart disease. Cholesterol screenings at least twice per year may also be helpful.
In Chinese medicine, heart health is directly connected to emotional health. The heart meridian energy wears down with chronic depression, isolation or anxiety, creating a true “broken heart.” True prevention of heart disease begins with managing your emotional landscape while still being cognizant of your heart healthy numbers.
This February, take a critical look at your diet, lifestyle, emotions, stress and numbers. Keeping these factors balanced is the key to true prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Bhatia
Medical Director and
Integrative Health Expert
Dr. Gedalia: Ayurveda and you
In India’s Ayurveda, energy flows through seven centers or “chakras”, otherwise known as “wheels” in Sanskrit. Located along the spine, the subtle energy of the HEART is the 4th chakra, and is associated with the color green. This center is involved with relationships; partners, siblings, parents, children and oneself. Therefore, the heart is the center for love and compassion.
Ayurvedic therapies will enhance the opening of the heart chakra; restore balance and overall well-being, while allowing one’s innate glow to shine through. For more see www.gedaliahhealingarts.com.
FEBRUARY AYURVEDIC SPECIALS
New Client: Introduction to Energy Therapy, 80 minutes
Regular $160
Special $135
This treatment focuses on opening and balancing energy flow according to the Indian energy system. It also helps loosen toxins in the body and promotes overall well-being. You will feel deeply refreshed after this session.
NEW! Tongue and Pulse Evaluation, 30 minutes Regular $50
Special $40
In this session I will help you discover your Ayurvedic mind/body type and uncover any current imbalances. This is an important step in knowing one’s own health profile.
Marma, Energy Therapy Package, Four 80 minute sessions
Regular $480
Special $420
Focusing on opening and balancing energy flow through acupressure points using oils, sound and gemstones. You will feel refreshed and renewed after these sessions with an improved sense of well-being.
Event: Ayurveda and the Chakras
7:00 to 8:30 pm
Thursday, February 28th
Have you always wanted to learn more about Ayurveda? Explore the practices of Ayurveda that Deepak Chopra has been talking about. In this first of a series of classes, you will discover Ayurveda, the world’s oldest integrative health system. You will also learn about its’ relationship to the chakras.
Join Gedalia for this complimentary session introducing you to Ayurveda and its’ importance to overall health, balance and well-being.
Please call 404-814-9808 to schedule an appointment or order an Ayurveda gift certificate.
Jessica Gross, L.Ac., Dipl.OM: Chinese Medicine, Taking care of your ticker
Studies have shown the drastic impact that stress can have on cardiovascular function. Acupuncture is an effective means of taking care of your heart by regulating stress levels and managing blood pressure. When the body is under continuous stress, it tends to hold onto it and even when we try to relax, we can’t.
Acupuncture increases serotonin levels, balances hormones, improves the quality of sleep and calms the nervous system, which allows the body to let go of the stress we carry. As you pay special attention to your heart this month, consider incorporating Acupuncture into your wellness routine.
Please call 404-814-9808 to schedule an appointment or order an Acupuncture gift certificate.
Fit Bit: Get active
Moderate physical activity helps keep the heart muscle strong and the arteries
flexible, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, increases overall energy and helps elevate and stabilize mood. It can also help you manage your weight – if you are overweight, even modest weight loss can significantly lower cardiovascular risks. Here are some tips to help you get active:
- Do housework, mow the lawn or work in the garden.
- Start with 5-10 minute walk before breakfast or after dinner and build up to 30 minutes.
- Walk or bike to the store instead of driving.
- Park farther away at the shopping mall and walk the extra distance.
Please call 404-814-9808 to schedule your Fitness Consultation.
Lifestyle: Support a healthy heart
KNOW YOUR RISK
Monitor weight, cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure and quit smoking.
EAT A HEART HEALTHY DIET
Select omega-rich foods, fruits and vegetables. See Dr. Taz’s recommendations in “What Doctors Eat.”
GET ACTIVE
Make it a point to get 30-45
minutes of aerobic activity most days of the week.
MANAGE STRESS
Natural and effective ways to reduce stress and maintain focus is through meditation, Yoga and Tai Chi.
Quick Tip: Clean teeth for a healthy heart
Research suggests that the bacteria that cause gum infections can also lead to or worsen the arterial disease that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Be sure you are brushing twice a day, flossing daily, seeking regular dental checkups and prompt treatment of gum disease.
February: Coming up this month HYDRAFACIAL
Purchase one HydraFacial and receive a second one for a loved one 50% off.
HEART HEALTHY TIPS
The importance of cardiovascular health and ways to get your heart healthy. Be on the look out for tips all month long!
VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT CERTIFICATES
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Our Ayurveda, HydraFacial, Cosmetic Acupuncture or Wellness Packages make the perfect gift for that special someone.
HEART HEALTH SUPPLEMENT SPECIAL
Buy all three heart health supplements and receive $10 off your total purchase.
60 count EPA/DHA Pro Omega
CoQ10
Lipotain
FEBRUARY HEALTHY HEART PROGRAM
Optimize your physical well-being and keep your heart healthy with our Healthy Heart Program. You will receive a Lipid Profile and assessment, Fitness Consultation and a patient visit with Dr. Bhatia. Please call for details 404-814-9808.
MOBILE THERMOGRAM: FEBRUARY 12
Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging offers:
* No Pain
* No Radiation
* Non Invasive
* FDA Registered
* No Compression
* Earliest Possible Detection
Thermography has been considered the EARLIEST detection for breast disease. Thermography technology monitors the physiological activity or function of the breast tissue to detect abnormal changes even BEFORE A TUMOR CAN DEVELOP. This scanning is done WITHOUT ANY PAIN, RADIATION, OR COMPRESSION!
Some studies have shown a 95% TO 97% ACCURACY RATE in the detection of breast disease, minimal false positives and 2-5 years earlier detection than that of traditional forms of breast testing. Further studies have shown a 61% increased survival rate when thermography is added to a woman’s regular breast health checkup.
Call for an appointment
404-814-9808
V.I.P: Very Important Patients
Join us on February 21st from 3-5 as we express how much we appreciate you! Check your email for more details.
Reminders: Refills and Saturday appointments
REFILL PROTOCOL
Please allow 48 hours for a refill. To expedite your refill, please either call or email once.
In your message, leave your birthdate, pharmacy telephone number, medication and dosage information.
Leaving a voicemail and sending an email prolongs the process.
Thank you for your cooperation.
SATURDAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE
To better accommodate our patients, we have extended clinic hours to include Saturday.
A Note To Our Patients: ACHIM strives to improve patient service
This year has already been filled with growth and progress for the Atlanta Center for Holistic and Integrative Medicine. We value your confidence in meeting your healthcare needs and appreciate your loyalty.
Please know we respect your time and are making every effort to ensure a pleasant experience at our practice. We look forward to seeing you in the coming year.
Vote for Dr. Taz on JEZEBEL Mag
As most of you know, JEZEBEL magazine honors the city’s best businesses each April with the Best of Atlanta Awards. Now is your chance to vote for our favorite doctor as BEST HOLISTIC DOCTOR. Just click on the link below and scroll down to HEALTH & BEAUTY to enter Dr. Tasneem Bhatia as your favorite holistic doctor.
Jezebel Best Of Atlanta, 2013: Click Here To Vote For Dr. Taz
Patients:
We’d like to hear from you
Submit your favorite gluten free, anti- inflammatory, dairy free, vegan and vegetarian recipe to share.
Send your submissions to: jessica.abadie@
What Doctors Eat by Dr. Bhatia:
Released February 12th
You can now preorder What Doctors Eat, by Atlanta Center for Holistic and Integrative Medicine’s Dr. Tasneem Bhatia and the editors of Prevention.f you’re a patient of our practice, you already know Dr. Bhatia places a lot of importance on the connection between diet and health.
Click here to order your copy now
Food of the month:
Garlic
Nutrition:Small changes big results
Instead of becoming overwhelmed by too many changes, make small changes that result in big benefits.
Replace saturated and trans fats by eating more fish.
Add more garlic – whole garlic or supplements will do the trick. Garlic is a natural, traditional medicine with antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Regular consumption of garlic has been linked with improving cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure.
Drink green tea instead of coffee or soda.
Strive to get at least 25 grams of natural fiber a day by eating fruits, grains, vegetables and legumes.
Stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
Safety:
Know the signs
Shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea and lightheadedness
Numbness or weakness, particularly on one side of the body
Confusion, vision problems and a severe headache
Discomfort in the center of the chest or pain in one or both arms
Join us for more Heart Health Tips on Facebook and Twitter.
Prevention: Health screenings
Blood Pressure
Each regular healthcare visit or at least once every 2 years if blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg
Weight/Body Mass Index (BMI)
Each regular healthcare visit
Waist Circumference
As needed to help evaluate cardiovascular risk
Blood Glucose Test
Every 3 years after 45 years of age. A normal blood sugar level is 70 to 140mg/dl. A fasting blood sugar is typically 70 to 100 mg/dl, after consuming a meal the range is 135 to 140 mg/dl.
Discuss Smoking , Physical Activity , Diet
Each regular healthcare visit
Cholesterol
All adults over 20 should have a fasting lipid profile at least once every five years. It gives information about total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. You may need to have your cholesterol checked more often than every five years if one or more of these situations apply to you:
- Your total cholesterol is 200mg/dL or more.
- You are a man over age 45 or a woman over age 50.
- Your HDL (good) cholesterol is less than 40 mg/dL.
- You have other risk factors for heart disease and stroke.
If a fasting profile isn’t possible, the values for total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol are still useful. If your total cholesterol is 200 mg/dL or more, or your HDL cholesterol is less than 40 mg/dL (for men) or less than 50 mg/dL (for women), you need to have a follow-up profile done to determine your LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Supplements:
Cardiovascular Support
EPA/DHA:are both types of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish. Taking EPA and DHA can benefit the body in a variety of ways including controlling cholesterol and blood pressure.
FOOD SOURCE: fish, seaweed, fortified foods, flaxseeds, walnuts and canola oil.
CoQ10 is an antioxidant, meaning that it helps fight free radicals in your body, protecting against several types of diseases including heart disease.
FOOD SOURCE: fish, organ meat, vegetables and grains.
LIPOTAIN is designed to support healthy cholesterol, triglyceride, and lipoprotein supplying niacin to help maintain healthy lipid levels and guggul resin, which has a long history of traditional use in the Indian system of Ayurveda and may help maintain healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
FOOD SOURCE: crimini mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, chicken, and tuna.
All supplements featured are included in this month’s Heart Health Supplement Special.
