ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Why TRT? Are you an adult male aged 30 years or more with weight problems? A study shows testosterone levels wane as you age.
Moreover, it’s associated with obesity-related chronic problems. Examples are arthritis, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Scientific studies reveal testosterone replacement therapy works for men with low testosterone. However, it doesn’t mean you just sit back and let the therapy do the entire job.
People take medications and undergo medical procedures. You need to know what to do to make it effective. Testosterone replacement therapy is not an exception. Here are some things to help you get through the therapy.
TRT comes in various forms, like tablets, gels, patches, injections, and pellets. Select the method which is most convenient for you.
For example, don’t get the shot if you are afraid of needles. At the same time, quit the transdermal patch or cream if you’re the sporty type. Chances are, your sweat interferes with the efficacy.
Choose the proper application based on your lifestyle and personality. Study each delivery method that suits you before deciding which one to choose. You also have to note which method works best since they all have pros and cons.
The therapy is customized for every person. This means that what works for your friend may not work for you, especially regarding dosage. So, follow the correct dosage and frequency once it has been given to you.
It takes more than one tablet, gel, patch, injection, or pellet. So you have to stay committed to the regimen you have chosen. It can cause more than an extended therapy if you miss a dose.
Your testosterone levels may fluctuate if you’re not consistent in taking your therapy. As a result, you may experience mood swings, low energy, or loss of libido.
Potential side effects of TRT can be mild or moderate. Here are some common examples and how to deal with them:
Other cases may include prostate enlargement or the growth of existing prostate cancer. Immediately seek medical help if these cases occur.
Specific foods may help boost your testosterone levels during TRT.
At the same time, you can incorporate beverages into your diet during TRT.
I’m sorry to burst your bubble. But according to a study, not all hormone supplements are appropriate for all men with low T. Notably, it applies to people who have had a recent heart attack or stroke.
A systematic review reveals the benefits of herbs. Researchers identified herbs in 32 studies from 2001 to 2019. Some of these herbs increased testosterone concentrations.
However, these herbs may have adverse effects or be contraindicated with your medications. Thus, it’s best to seek professional help. Additionally, these herbs may also be hard to find.
There are some things you have to avoid during TRT. These healthy habits or lifestyle modifications help boost your testosterone levels. What you eat and your lifestyle habits contribute to your therapy.
Science says low testosterone contributes to fat deposits in your belly. Additionally, a study shows men with excess body fat have less testosterone by 30% compared to healthy weighing men.
Belly fat contains aromatase which is harmful to testosterone production. So it’s best to trim your belly fat by eating healthy foods to manage your weight.
Science claims that heavy alcohol consumption causes a drop in testosterone production in men. It equates to about 16 or more drinks in a week.
The effect of alcohol on testosterone levels takes 30 minutes after drinking alcohol. Thus, continued heavy drinking can interfere with the efficacy of the therapy.
Chronic lack of sleep lowers testosterone levels based on a study of young, healthy males. Their daytime testosterone levels dropped by 10% to 15% after sleeping less than five hours in one week.
If you suffer from low T, it’s only proper for you to get enough sleep. The Sleep Doctor, Dr. Micahel Breus, said that testosterone levels increase while you’re sleeping. Moreover, you achieve the highest level of testosterone production during deep or REM sleep.
Physical activity stimulates testosterone production. Exercising short and long-term can benefit your testosterone levels based on many studies. So, staying sedentary won’t help you when you have low T.
To enhance your TRT, regularly work out in the morning. Then, when you’re at the office, find time to get up and walk during breaks. Hitting the gym after office hours would raise your testosterone levels, too.
This therapy isn’t a permanent solution. It depends on the underlying cause of your low T. But, most often, it can be a lifelong therapy. Besides increasing testosterone levels, it improves your quality of life.
Abrupt withdrawal from it can have dire consequences. You may undergo tests and regular bloodwork to determine your continued need for it. But, again, accepting the responsibility of managing your therapy and lifestyle contributes to its efficacy.
TRT for low T can be a lifelong regimen for some men. It’s best to consult us if you haven’t started on the therapy since it’s not for everyone. When you’re in therapy, there are things you can do and should try to avoid for a better outcome.
Anything with the big C attached to it is outright frightening. This Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, let us try to understand one of the fastest growing cancers in the US.
The increasing numbers are mainly due to technology and the overall ability of clinicians in the early detection of the disease. The good news though is – just like with any other form of cancer, screening, early detection, and prevention is vital for long-term survival. To date, the 5-year survival rate for thyroid cancer is at 98%.
From 2014 to 2018, thyroid cancer ranked as the 5th most common cancer among women in New Mexico. To date, statistics from the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) predict that 43,800 people living in the United States will be diagnosed with thyroid cancer by 2022 (a number largely attributed to increased awareness and screening for the disease). Do note, however, that thyroid cancer is the most common cancer among women aged 30 and below, and the second most common cancer among women aged 30 to 45 years old.
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in front of the neck, at the base of the throat. With the aid of iodine from the diet, the thyroid gland performs functions related to metabolism, growth, and development of the human body. It is also responsible for hormone production in response to environmental changes as well as in pregnancy.
There are four main types of thyroid cancer. Let’s take a brief look at these types.
This is the most common type of thyroid cancer, accounting for 85% of all cases. Early detection is the key to long-term survival rates. It usually affects both men and women between the ages of 30 to 50 and is very responsive to treatment. Only a small percent of papillary thyroid cancers are aggressive.\
This type of cancer is common among people aged 50 and above. Its metastatic spread doesn’t always include the lymph nodes, but it usually spreads to the lungs and bones. Follicular thyroid cancers are slow-growing and associated with a good prognosis.
This is one of the rare types of thyroid cancer. It begins in thyroid cells called C cells which are responsible for the production of calcitonin. Unexplained high levels of calcitonin raise suspicions about this type of cancer. Medullary cancer can also be caused by a gene called RET, making it a very highly inheritable disease.
This type of cancer is common in people over the age of 60, and it spreads rapidly throughout the body, making it relatively difficult to treat in some instances. Treatments can still slow disease progression in patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer, so early detection is very important. It often causes symptoms such as rapid neck swelling that complicates difficulty swallowing and difficulty breathing.
The thing is, most people with thyroid cancer have no known risk factors. There are a few things, however, that are believed to pose a greater risk for thyroid cancer than others:
With the threat of thyroid cancer, people within high-risk groups can still do something! So, what can we do to help reduce our chances of the disease?
If there is one thing we need to give special emphasis on in thyroid cancer prevention, it is always, ALWAYS, to educate yourself on the disease. Awareness raises suspicion on the smallest palpable mass which leads to a visit to your direct primary care center, and subsequent screening procedures thereafter.
Be aware of your surroundings. Also, if your clinician does not warrant you to have an x-ray or a CT scan after a minor fall injury, do not insist on having one. Do not force your pediatrician for scans on your little one if it is not necessary. Thyroid cancer is linked to high levels of radiation exposure, especially during childhood. On the other hand, if you are working in an environment highly exposed to radiation, always wear protective gear and never miss out on covering your neck with a lead gown accessory.
It pays to know your roots. Dig into the nitty gritty details of sickness among family members and be curious enough to know the official diagnosis. If a family member has a suspicious mass, convince them to have it checked right away at a reliable primary care clinic. Several forms of cancer syndromes predispose people to thyroid cancer. A short interview with relatives might be very useful on your end.
You can never go wrong with self-monitoring and regular wellness visits. Normal results will leave you at peace, abnormal results can be initially surprising or unexpected but in the long run, help you plan how to go about and live with the disease or disorder. Always make room for personal check-ups and open up even the slightest health concerns with your healthcare provider. This is why you need a direct primary care clinic that you can fully trust, and that can commit to helping your overall wellbeing.
There may be times when your clinician skips checking the thyroid because you have no significant family history related to it. You can politely request to add thyroid function tests or even a simple thyroid ultrasound occasionally just to keep everything in check. Remember, most thyroid cancer patients do not have identifiable risks.
This one may be difficult to achieve, with the kind of environment and society we are in. But it is never too late to start early! Your body will reward you for it. Thyroid cancer, especially follicular thyroid cancer, has been linked to low iodine levels in the diet despite speculations that iodine supplementation can also cause a temporary increase in thyroid cancer incidence.
Moreover, iodine deficiency is specifically associated with more aggressive types such as follicular and anaplastic cancers.
So be sure that you have just enough iodine in your diet. There are also some vegetables that may be linked with thyroid cancer. It is best to ask your healthcare provider about the disadvantages of cruciferous veggies such as brussel sprouts and cabbage and the reason why they may be bad news for people at risk for thyroid cancer.
This cannot be stressed enough! Everyone needs the best healthcare plan there is – one that is comprehensive, innovative, and top-tier. One that can efficiently improve health outcomes and increase overall productivity at an affordable price. Direct primary care does this for you. And it is available right here and right now at ABQ! Direct primary care helps you not just become increasingly aware of diseases, but it also helps you regularly screen against those diseases. If you are from ABQ, drop us a call now so we can sit and talk about it!
It’s almost three years post pandemic and everyone has somehow settled for the work-from-home and homeschooling norm. Now that it’s back to school season and the doors are beginning to open up, are you ready?
Somewhere in between the trips to school and trips back home, parents and children get exposed to a lot of bacteria and viruses along the way. How do we make sure we and our children are truly protected as we start to embrace another new normal? Direct primary care just might give us the answers!
Well, we have heard enough about the disaster the healthcare system in our country has become. We have had enough complaints about surprise medical bills, limited coverage, co-pays, longer waiting hours, and even unproductive clinic visits.
Direct primary care has revolutionized the way we are being taken care of. Not only does it take care of our health, but we also get to see happy clinicians because of continuity of care, lesser paperwork, and longer clinician-patient times.
DPC gives us a picture of mutually beneficial health benefits which we need the most, especially in these times when there is increasing awareness of the prevention of chronic diseases. We need direct clinician access, comprehensive laboratory exams, and easy availability of outpatient procedures minus the anxiety of long queues and rushed clinic visits.
Addressing pediatric concerns is no easy feat. What adults can easily verbalize in sentences, babies and toddlers make up for by crying and fussing.
Managing schoolchildren’s health may be a bit less challenging than that of infants and toddlers, however, it still needs time and focus. And there will be times when our full-time jobs take up most of our attention.
Now and then we need an experienced health professional to help us with what may be symptoms of something serious – whether it be to spot a nasty rash or figure out whether our kid’s bloatedness is something more.
Our post-pandemic concerns revolve mostly around infectious diseases, which are perhaps the most common in school-aged kids. With COVID concerns seemingly under control, we then have the looming scare of monkeypox on the news. We have good news for you – you don’t have to face all of these alone! Being a parent and a provider is already a huge responsibility, so why don’t you let us help ease your worries with a DPC enrollment?
The reasons are too many to mention, so we’ll break it down for you in bite-sized chunks of information:
Everyone needs to understand the value of a wellness visit – and as important as it is for adults, the more important it is for babies and schoolchildren.
It is during wellness visits that patients – especially parents of patients – and clinicians discuss strategies on how to prevent common diseases. While it seems that parents can easily google tips for preventive practices, sometimes it needs a clinician’s keen eye to differentiate between useful, rational information and fake news.
Previously unrecognized diagnoses may be uncovered during an effective wellness visit.
Wellness visits are avenues where clinicians can suggest and provide preventive services, and it has been a given fact that this helps to improve health and decrease mortality. The thing is – limited time visits also limit a clinician’s ability to properly diagnose diseases.
DPC deletes the “limited” in every clinic visit. The average wellness visit ranges from 11 to 20-minutes, as reported by 47.1% of parents in a study published back in October 2011, while 33.6% of parents report wellness visits lasting less than 10 minutes per visit. It is no wonder that many clinicians are missing out on subtle signs of disease and disease progression as visits of shorter duration are linked to reductions in content and quality of care. Many clinicians practicing DPC on the pediatric population report more satisfying outcomes. This primarily stems from unrushed wellness clinic visits allowing them to spend an average of 60 minutes per patient.
Since parents pay for subscriptions rather than paying fees per visit, patient compliance becomes easy and attainable. This is especially favorable for parents with kids suffering from frequent health issues such as asthma.
Parents are more encouraged to come back for the next visit without having to worry about finances. In return, clinicians get to focus on how to give better care rather than being controlled by insurance companies for financial gain.
Furthermore, compliance with follow-up visits is one thing, and medication compliance is another. DPC provides avenues on how to save on medications and labwork alike, making it more ideal for every employee with kids.
This is because medication compliance is especially crucial in pediatrics. It composes a very important component for the effective treatment, prevention of diseases, and overall health promotion. The right medication leads to control if not the absolute resolution of an illness. Sad to note, however, recent statistics showed that one-third of all patients fail to complete even relatively short treatment regimens. DPC plays such an important role because the commitment of the patient (and in the field of pediatrics, we mean parents of the patient) to complete treatment is seconded by the commitment of their clinician in helping the patient achieve better health outcomes.
We have to admit: we did not know that telemedicine is feasible up until COVID-19 knocked and rampaged its way into the world! Suddenly, we began to circumvent our way around old practices, and we found out it is actually possible to get prompt and ideal treatment just by having a video call.
Clinicians may have once thought a good diagnosis cannot be achieved without the actual use of the five senses. After all, it's what is being taught during nursing and medical school! But then, COVID-19 made clinicians begin to adapt and come up with ways to substitute for the senses without compromising a good and keen clinical eye.
The thing is, the new normal (of everything virtual), is slowly coming to an end. We need to embrace a new way of dealing with things, and we usher in the “hybrid” (as we call it) way of living. With schools slowly opening up, parents who have become accustomed to virtual health practices may feel anxious enough to send their kids back to school, a place where potential infection and trauma may occur.
DPC helps ease anxiety by offering 24/7 access for parents at the first sign of a fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and so on. It is no longer necessary to wait for a few days without being seen by a health professional. It is no longer necessary to wait for hours just to get a prescription for acetaminophen and a lab workup. All these queues have become history with the advent of telemedicine.
Telemedicine can be both a strength and a weakness in the implementation of an effective healthcare system. But when used cautiously and properly, it can be the best tool there is for early diagnosis, early treatment, and prevention of complications.
Our healthcare system is flawed but it doesn’t mean that our health should bear the brunt of this flawed system. Thanks to direct primary care, we begin to realize that health should be given priority and achieving competitive health benefits should come at a fraction of the cost.
Healthcare should be simple and transparent, and preventive practices should result in fewer hospital visits and referrals. And DPC can do just that, and more! Happy and healthy patients beget happy clinicians. It is supposedly a two-way process and DPC makes that possible.
If that should be the case with adults, there is no reason not to share this ideal setup with our children and the rest of the family. With the schooldays coming up, all the more we will appreciate direct primary care and how it will help us become the better parents we should be. Schedule an appointment with us, now!
Before we try to understand a life-changing law that basically affects every insured or uninsured American citizen, let us first discuss in summary a major mistake with our healthcare system – surprise medical bills.
Both patients and healthcare providers have become outright victims of this broken system. When a corporate health system starts to charge more for the same services offered, it jumpstarts a spiraling abyss of consequences that gets worse as time goes by.
Patients bear the brunt of a flawed system. The burden of waiting for weeks for a doctor’s appointment is followed by another burden of waiting for minutes to hours in the waiting room. Entry to the clinic does not guarantee a productive visit because, like patient A, patient B is waiting outside which imposes a huge pressure on the healthcare provider to speed up his electronic medical records and everything. Follow-up questions will have to wait for the next follow-up visit and the cycle repeats itself.
Even with great insurance, surprise medical bills loom over every patient because of the specificity of getting services limited only within the “network”. What happens during emergencies remains to be seen – and it is during these times of uncertainty and anxiety that patients are forced to make decisions without thinking twice about them.
With these in mind, quality compassionate empathetic healthcare becomes more expensive. Average clinic visits last for only 12 minutes – add in a cranky healthcare provider plus a weary patient in the picture, and the whole clinic visit becomes a disaster rather than establishing a pleasant and productive clinic visit.
Studies have shown that limited patient interaction is one of the strongest factors influencing the clinician burnout epidemic. In effect, most clinicians practice medicine because of their innate ability and yearning to help people. Limiting this interaction fuels dissatisfaction not just on the patient’s end but on the healthcare provider’s end as well.
Unexpected bills can drain the life of any individual. But realize how much damage it can caus if it’s a medical bill draining what is left of a patient suffering from a chronic illness.
Surprise medical bills are unexpected medical bills that happen when one is given treatment outside the specific network or their medical plan. The element of surprise sets in when the patient has no idea that the healthcare provider or the service is not within the specified plan until the final medical bill is given. It is otherwise referred to as “balance billing”.
Without a bill safeguarding patients against surprise medical bills, insurance companies will continue to fool Americans into believing they have good health insurance. And that their insurance is enough to cover everything just in case something happens. After all, that is what insurance is for, right? You give up a small amount of money for the security of having someone to cover up for you in case something catastrophic occurs.
Fret no more – one can finally be independent of the burden of surprise medical bills! Finally, a law that demands to prioritize patients over profits is now in effect and has been since January 01, 2022. This protects patients from the most common types of surprise medical bills. Here are the fast facts about the No Surprises Act:
Although the bill, No Surprises Act, has already been in effect since January 01, 2022, it remains to be seen how it will affect both patients and healthcare providers in the long run.
However, this bill coupled with having a direct primary healthcare provider seems to be a promising work in progress.
The No Surprises Act takes care of all the excess baggage that might come in when out-of-network referrals happen.
And the direct primary care provider solves the rest. This is because the direct primary care model answers flaws related to health provider accessibility, productive healthcare provider and patient interactions, healthcare provider burnout, and over-coverage done by insurance companies.
The patient enjoys immediate, high quality and comprehensive health services for an affordable fee (otherwise known as the membership fee). Worth noting: telemedicine has gone a long way in helping patients maximize their direct primary care membership further. For example - mothers no longer have to endure long waiting room visits just to get a remedy for a child who just had a fever. As a result, everything becomes timely – the immediate remedy needed, health teachings, laboratory requests (if needed), and prescription.
Happy patients make happy clinicians as well! The healthcare provider enjoys the bliss of having continuity of care towards patients under her services, with no institutions, no insurance, and no middlemen to add to the already existing problems related to the patient’s health and wellbeing.
With the No Surprises Act and direct primary care model, we get to have a promising future in healthcare. Schedule an appointment with us to get to know more about the best direct primary care provider in ABQ!
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. You pay a flat rate of $75 per employee per month. Family healthcare costs in Albuquerque can be as low as $30 a month. But it’s not traditional health insurance!
Direct primary care (DPC) is a healthcare model different from traditional health insurance. It covers all family members as long as they belong to the same household. This includes lawful or cohabiting partners, kids, and others unrelated by blood.
Find out the costs of healthcare insurance versus DPC. And see what’s in store for your employees’ families based on the rates.
Can you and your employees afford to pay for health insurance? What about additional family members? Big and small businesses struggle with fitting insurance plans to their budgets.
Employers select from metal tiers with different monthly rates or premiums. These tiers range from about $300 to $700.
Employers can also select from different types of insurance plans. The monthly rate is between $450 to $500.
The following sections show how much you need to pay for your employees and their families.
The costs dramatically vary, depending on factors like location and healthcare needs. However, these figures closely relate to each other. To give you an idea, here are some estimates from 2020 to 2022.
For example, experts say the average national health insurance cost for a person was about $450 per month in 2020. The Kaiser Family Foundation reports individual insurance costs at $7,739 as of 2021.
New Mexico ranks fourth among all states regarding rising healthcare costs. A 2021 survey shows the monthly rate jumped from $409 in 2021 to $480 in 2022. However, there are insurance plans by metal tier as low as about $250 for the younger age group.
Similar to a single person, the family healthcare cost in Albuquerque varies. It depends on a few factors, too.
For example, experts say a family's average national health insurance cost was about $1,150 per month in 2020. But it has since increased. According to KFF, Americans paid around $22,221 for a family in 2021.
According to a Forbes article, about 8% of Americans don’t have health insurance. About 55% have insurance shouldered by employers. At the same time, 20% receive it from Medicare or Medicaid.
Big businesses provide insurance coverage for their employees. But some small businesses can’t give the same coverage due to budget constraints.
Small business employers find other ways to help their employees with their healthcare. For example, they pay for direct primary care with a fixed monthly fee instead of insurance.
Health insurance works great for both employees and their families. But other healthcare benefits, like DPC, can also provide basic healthcare services.
DPC doesn’t compete with or intend to replace your existing health insurance. Instead, it works in conjunction with health insurance. However, DPC can also be an independent health benefit for your employees.
Family healthcare costs in Albuquerque cover two or more members with a fixed sum. Some health insurance companies require legitimate family members only. They may provide the following coverage:
In contrast, DPC services may have their limitations. For instance, it doesn’t cover major surgeries, hospital stays, and catastrophic health problems.
DPC, though, provides services not typically offered by health insurance companies. On top of the usual health care, it includes:
CNBC news reported that healthcare costs are rising in the US more than in any other country. This situation affects all Americans regardless of state but in varying degrees.
According to KFF, 44% of insured American adults worry about their deductibles. Yet, at the same time, about 30% worry if they can afford their health insurance at all.
At the same time, it includes uninsured American adults with low incomes. They either delay or forgo seeking healthcare because they find it expensive.
The consequences can lead to more health problems for the individuals and their families. Here are some ways to help your employees cope with healthcare costs.
It’s good for your business if you have an existing healthcare benefit. However, there are ways of choosing one if you’re looking for more affordable options.
There are many healthcare providers driving family healthcare costs in Albuquerque. You can consider the location, facility, and staff. Most importantly, check out the healthcare services to meet the specific needs of your employees.
Preventive medicine and chronic disease management are two of the most critical services. It helps in the early detection of disease, which can benefit your employees’ family members with chronic illnesses. In addition, they are monitored to prevent their condition from progressing.
A healthy workforce means a healthy business—reduced absenteeism from sickness results in better productivity. Family members also need to stay healthy. A sick family causes worry to your employees, and it adds to healthcare costs. Thus, it is crucial to what you can do to prevent chronic diseases.
For example, some employers promote healthy eating habits and exercise breaks. On the other hand, other employers provide health awareness programs for quitting smoking and weight management. These healthy habits apply to your employees’ families, too.
Not all health insurance providers offer 24/7 telemedicine or virtual consults. However, if your employees or their families feel unwell, telemedicine is an accessible and convenient option.
They don’t have to travel to a clinic and wait in line for a consultation. It lessens their risks of catching infections if they go to the ER or clinic. Moreover, it saves your employees and their families effort, time, and money.
For example, a 2021 systematic study reveals the benefit of telehealth. The researchers said it could be as effective as a face-to-face encounter for psychotherapy or family therapy.
The family healthcare costs in Albuquerque include medicine, which continues to rise. It would help your employees greatly if you could list drug stores offering discounted medications. Check out promotions offered by these drugstores and spread the word to your employees.
Some medical practitioners under a healthcare insurance network prescribe branded medicines. However, there are generic counterparts with the same ingredients at a lower price. Medical practitioners may allow their employees and families to switch from branded to generic drugs.
Insurance companies have add-on rates for family coverage. Family healthcare costs in Albuquerque vary depending on the kind of insurance plan. They offer many services, but some do not provide telemedicine, specialists, and discounted labs or medicines.
It’s best to check the different insurance companies if you are scouting for a healthcare benefit for your employees and their families. DPC can be an option.
Unlike healthcare insurance, DPC has no deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket costs. It can complement your existing health insurance or stand alone as a healthcare benefit for your employees and their families.
The rise of nutrition drinks, teas, shakes, bars, and supplements are here at ABQ. And they are unstoppable!
We see ads for specific products claiming to be beneficial for overall mental health and cancer prevention. But how sure are we that these really are?
With this in mind, we need to check from time to time and ask ourselves: what should we look for in these products to ensure that we are on the right track?
Here are answers to common questions related to nutrition that might have, in one way or another, crossed your mind. Let us discuss nutrition labels, drinks, bars, and how nutrition can affect a person’s mental health and her fight against certain cancers.
Nutrition labels are mandated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in accordance with the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA) of 1990. Nutrition labels are designed to give clear and transparent information about the specific nutrients present in a certain food. It is given via a standardized format which includes product-specific information such as serving size, calories, and nutrient information.
Now the question is, are these nutrition labels accurate? Unfortunately, these labels are not true half of the time.
Truth is that the law allows a relatively large margin of error (up to 20%) between the stated value and the actual value of nutrients. Imagine thinking that you are having a 100-calorie salad, but you are actually getting a 120-calorie vegan fix. Or if you view it on a larger scale, imagine thinking that you are having a 1000-calorie diet for the day, but you pretty much ate food equivalent to 1200 calories!
It may not sound so significant for healthy individuals, but for people on a strict diet because of medical disorders, this 20% is a major disruption for one’s diet specifications. This is bad news, especially for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and chronic kidney disease.
According to a 2008 report conducted by the Government Accountability Office on 300 randomly audited Nutrition Facts labels, values for roughly 90% of the labels fall within the acceptable 20%. It was also found out further that the problematic nutrients were Vitamin A and iron. About a third of the labels were reported to be “unacceptably inaccurate” with respect to iron content.
Although it is tempting to ignore nutrition labels, a study in 2010 focused on people trying to lose weight has shown that these labels do matter. Awareness of nutritional content somehow influences a person’s eating behavior in a positive manner. But then, knowing how flawed and erroneous these labels can be, nothing can go wrong if one chooses to go back to the basics – eating minimally processed, whole, and unpackaged food.
By 2016, these nutrition labels were updated to specifically include updated information regarding the connection between diet and chronic lifestyle diseases. This was done to help consumers become well informed about their food choices. Among the best things about the new format are the following:
We see it almost everywhere - not just in ABQ, but all over the globe! Nutritional beverages all claiming they have what every person needs to recharge – promising faster metabolism, detoxification, and an energy boost.
First, let us look at the major components of these nutrition shakes and teas. Most of these drinks claim to be low-calorie, but do these beverages appear to be what they are hyped to be?
Most nutritionists say that these nutrition shakes and teas – coming in bright hues that could almost convince everyone to give it a try – have a rather high unregulated dose of caffeine coupled with supplements.
That makes it very much like your ordinary energy drink.
Social media has created the hype that made these shakes and teas the “it” thing nowadays. Unfortunately, however, most of these beverages do not have studies to back up their claims on metabolism, detoxification, and energy boosts.
Add to that, these beverages are not obliged to disclose all ingredients. The components and supplements are not regulated by the FDA, hence, there is no absolute and reliable way to be sure that they contain what they claim to have.
One sure thing common among these beverages is their high dose of caffeine. This apparently explains the “kick” that most of these shakes and teas do to consumers.
However, very high doses of caffeine can be detrimental to one’s health. It doesn’t have to be blatantly obvious: caffeine can be incorporated in the drinks through the inclusion of plant-based sources such as guarana, green tea, or black tea. For instance, since green tea is known for its health benefits, it can serve as the perfect coverup for outrageously high caffeine concentrations.
Sad to say, there is no regulation whatsoever regarding the dose and labeling of these beverages.
Most nutritional teas and shakes claim to be “nutritious” because of an overload of B vitamins. True enough, your B vitamins contribute highly to energy boosts.
The thing is B vitamins should also be taken moderately to avoid side effects which include nausea and a rapid heart rate. Toxicity symptoms can occur anytime, and no one will take responsibility if something fatal happens.
What do we learn from this? There are no shortcuts towards achieving a healthier you. No nutritional shake or tea has ever come up with enough evidence that they can really help people boost their metabolism and perhaps aid in weight loss as well.
At the end of the day, a healthy diet loaded with fruits and vegetables, coupled with water for hydration, is still one’s best option for a reliable metabolic boost. Say no to purportedly quick fixes for your health and body!
Nowadays, it does seem that sitting down to carefully munch your lunch is already a luxury. With today’s people always on the go, one sometimes finds herself advised by her health provider to take nutrition bars to make up for lost nutrients and calories.
The thing to remember is: these nutrition bars are not made equal! Though it comes conveniently like a wrapped candy that you can just put away in your purse to munch on any time, it comes in different forms to suit different needs.
It may be nutritious, but you can’t just shove every little nutrient into one small, tiny bar. Hence, there are high-carbohydrate bars, protein bars, energy bars, meal-replacement bars, etc.
The danger comes in when you choose the bar that is not suited for your specific need. You might be in for a little overkill. Plus, there are additional warnings: some of these bars just might contain a little too much sugar and fat. Dieticians recommend that these bars be used in moderation.
Another thing to remember: anything that provides calories, provides energy. Even if it’s just a banana, it can give you a boost the same way a chocolate bar gives you energy.
Thus, although these nutrition bars come in handy, make sure you choose the bar that you need. And make sure you do not rely too heavily on them. These bars should never replace the need for whole, minimally processed foods on your diet. With nutrition bars gaining much popularity in ABQ, now you know the right thing to do!
CTA: Is your sugar and cholesterol within normal levels? Enroll in Direct Primary Care here at ABQ now to avoid wrong guesses! Click here to know more.
With ABQ serving as the medical hub of New Mexico, it is not far off that its constituents are aware enough to prioritize mental health and wellbeing.
And with a lot of focus today on mental health, it is not far off that one should discuss the relationship of nutrition to one’s mental well-being.
Mood disorders, anxiety, and depression are found to be linked to low levels of certain nutrients such as folate, iron, magnesium, and zinc. Decreased levels of B vitamins, specifically vitamins B6, B12, and low levels of vitamin D are also noted to affect mental well-being.
In 2013, a meta-analysis on 22 eligible studies indicated that high compliance to a Mediterranean diet resulted in a 32% lesser risk for depression.
Another 2019 study conducted on 1128 adults aged 50 and above noted that a diet rich in sugar and saturated fat was associated with high anxiety levels.
In 2019, a systematic review of 56 studies conducted on adolescents revealed an inverse association between the consumption of healthy foods and the risk of depression. Specifically, these foods include olive oil, fish, nuts, legumes, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. Moreover, it was also suggested to improve symptoms.
This just goes to show that eating healthy food is like giving your brain the best fuel for it to work harmoniously. The human body’s digestive system contains millions of good bacteria that ultimately influence neurotransmitter production. These neurotransmitters are responsible for brain function.
Eating junk food, fatty food, and processed food somehow disrupts the digestive tract’s ecosystem and causes inflammation. Mood disorders begin when neurotransmission goes nuts.
WIth cancer as the second leading cause of death in New Mexico, it is necessary to take all options available to decrease risk among the population. Despite the presence of an active and effective cancer coalition in ABQ, dealing with cancer remains to be an overwhelmingly difficult experience.
It is vital to remember that although there seems to be a lot of genetic influence in cancer, environmental factors are thought to be linked to 80-90% of cancer cases.
Studies have shown that a healthy diet coupled with lifestyle changes can help prevent 30 to 40% of all cancers. There are specific foods that are associated with an increased risk for cancer. Thus, avoiding these foods will likely result in lower cancer risk.
Concentrated sugars and refined flour products contribute to cancer risk. This also includes low fiber intake, eating too much red meat, and having an imbalance in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
Do you know that processed meat is already identified as a carcinogen? The International Agency for Cancer Research has established this fact after 22 scientists from 10 different countries studied the carcinogenicity of processed meat. A carcinogen is a substance that causes cancer. Processed meat includes meat that underwent various procedures to preserve its flavor. Specific examples include hot dogs, bacon, ham, salami, and chorizo.
A review of multiple studies has established that people who are regularly eating processed meat have a 20 – 50% chance of developing colorectal cancer.
Aside from processed meat, another culprit for developing cancer is overcooking food. Cooking food at high temperatures can result in the production of heterocyclic amines and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). These are harmful compounds that can cause inflammation and oxidative stress to the body.
Food high in fat and protein produce these harmful compounds when cooked through frying, sautéing, grilling, broiling, and barbequing. Gentler cooking methods are advised instead, such as steaming, boiling, or stewing.
Dairy consumption is also linked to cancer, particularly prostate cancer. A study involving 3918 men diagnosed with prostate cancer showed that increased intake of dairy also increased the risk for cancer progression.
This just goes to show that less and imbalanced nutrition highly influences cancer risk. Proper nutrition is crucial to cancer prevention.
Cancer cannot be prevented through a single superfood. Instead, cancer is prevented by loading up one’s daily diet with healthy food.
Several studies have established the effectiveness of certain food groups against cancer. This includes:
The balance of proper nutrition is vital in preventing and fighting against cancer. People who were already diagnosed with cancer are encouraged to follow a balanced diet to help them have a better quality of life.
Nutrition is a very broad topic that covers a lot of questions. With more developments in research, it is normal to find ourselves troubled as to which supplement or product is the most reliable.
If we are aiming for controlled diets, we usually rely on nutrition labels to help us count calories and identify ingredients. It turns out, however, that these are not accurate most of the time.
Nutritional shakes and teas promise to contain a lot of nutrients and are highly effective in energy boosts. It seems however that these ads are misleading. If one decides to drink these, it will be at her own risk as these beverages are not regulated.
Nutrition bars may be one of the most convenient creations today, but they are not created equal. It is highly important to identify your specific need before deciding which nutrition bar will come in handy.
Nutrition highly affects how neurotransmitters function in our brain. Thus, proper nutrition is also key for better mental health.
There may be a lot of risk factors for cancer, but it can be prevented or delayed with the proper diet. It is also crucial for cancer patients to maintain a proper diet to have a better quality of life despite cancer treatments.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – What comes to mind when you hear “brain health?” Alzheimer’s may have crossed your mind. Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a neurological disorder typically in older adults. Whether you are predisposed to have it or not, you may develop it someday.
The Alzheimer’s Association released a 2022 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures special report. It projects that the number of New Mexicans with Alzheimer’s can balloon to 53,000 by 2025. It’s a 23.3% surge from 2020’s peak of 43,000 cases.
AD is just one of several neurological problems that affect its health. Though often interchanged with mental health, here’s how to discern one from another. And here’s how you can keep healthy in Albuquerque.
Brain health has no standard definition. But it is like a computer with billions of nerve cells. It’s your central processing unit that generates all commands for the different functions of your body.
It triggers the following activities:
It is crucial for all these functions to work correctly. Thus, a study defines it as the “preservation of optimal integrity and mental and cognitive function at a given age in the absence of overt disease that affects normal function (Wang et al., 2020).”
Factors that affect its normal function include your risks, diet, and lifestyle. It goes through changes as we grow older. Aging increases the risk of developing problems.
Think of the human brain like a sponge. You absorb or gain information and experiences in your lifetime. However, the sponge gets “holey” or less absorbent as time passes. When this happens, you become forgetful. You may also find it hard to learn new things or become less mentally sharp.
Another risk factor is family history. For instance, if someone's biological mother or father carries the genetic mutation, the child has a 50/50 chance of inheriting it (per the national institute of aging). Aging and genetic risks cannot be changed, but other factors can be managed. For example, diet and lifestyle play a role in maintaining a healthy brain.
Brain health is somewhat synonymous with mental health. The distinction between the two terms can be vague. For example, not all brain disorders are considered mental health issues.
Brain disorders like AD, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease are neurological and not mental. It relates to the nerves or areas of the brain rather than the mind, mood, or thinking. In contrast, examples of mental health issues are depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or schizophrenia.
However, researchers continue to study mental health. As a result, they gradually understand the nature of mental illnesses to be similar to brain disorders.
Moreover, there is growing advocacy to replace “mental health” with “brain health.” An example is the Brain Health Bootcamp, featured in a news article by the Yale School of Medicine.
Co-founder of the Bootcamp, Bryce Bjork, said the change in terminology aims to remove the stigma on mental health and people with mental illnesses. Brain health also emphasizes mental illnesses as treatable conditions.
The two terms can be interchanged. But there are many brain and mental health conditions. Likewise, there are varied causes, symptoms, diagnoses, and medical interventions for each disease.
Neurological problems cause brain dysfunction. They are classified into three types according to a study.
AD is a neurological disorder that negatively affects brain health and physical wellbeing. It’s also degenerative, which means your brain’s function declines.
You can have trouble with cognitive functions such as:
Another example is mood disorders. These disorders can lead to difficulty in regulating emotions and processing rewards. Likewise, they can affect physical functions, balance, and gait.
These brain and mental disorders can impact the cognitive, physical, and social aspects of life. Thus, it is crucial to find the proper intervention before your condition worsens.
Now is the time to start caring for your brain health regardless of your age or current condition. There are three ways to have a healthy brain without medical intervention. Diet, lifestyle, and supplements boost your brain and improve your physical well-being.
There are many foods you can add to your diet. For example, fatty fish is an excellent source of Omega-3. Researchers found that Omega-3 plays a role in fighting inflammation that causes heart and brain diseases. In addition, a more recent study shows that eating fish improves mental functions even among healthy people.
Numerous studies reveal nuts, berries, dark chocolate, and coffee contribute to brain health. According to experts dark roasted coffee has the strongest effect on the brain whether regular or decaf. But that decaf is the type found to protect neurons.
In addition, some medical practitioners recommend the Mediterranean diet. It’s composed of seafood, whole wheat, grains, fruits, and vegetables.
While brain-healthy foods are abundant, there are also foods to avoid. For one, sugar is a culprit to many several diseases. It needs glucose to function. But too much sugar has been linked to memory problems. It also causes the brain to shrink, which leads to cognitive impairments, like dementia and AD.
“A sound mind in a sound body” or exercise benefits your body. Based on a study, physical activity improves mental abilities, learning, memory, and general wellbeing. Therefore, it’s highly recommended as a therapy for all ages.
At the same time, staying mentally active helps it to function properly. Examples of mental workouts are crossword puzzles and number games.
Sleep is another critical activity. Not getting enough of it can make it function slower. It also shortens your attention span and makes you cranky.
On the other hand, experts say about 7-8 hours of sleep boosts energy for the parts of the brain. Sleep restores neural cells and removes toxins you were exposed to during the day.
Part of lifestyle change is avoiding activities that damage it. For example, you may want to cut back on alcohol. Studies show it contributes to shrinking of the lobes of the brain more than non-alcohol drinkers. Heavy and chronic drinking also causes memory and learning problems.
A medical practitioner usually recommends vitamins for health only if you are vitamin deficient and at risk for AD. Vitamin B has been known to improve mental functions like focus and memory. But more studies have yet to validate this claim.
At the same time, Vitamin E protects neuro-cells from further damage. Unfortunately, a study shows it does not prevent AD or improve cognitive function. Vitamin E, though, may slow down the functional decline of AD without serious side effects.
Many over-the-counter supplements should be taken with caution. For instance, overdosage of Vitamin E has been linked to severe side effects such as bleeding in the brain. So it’s best to seek medical advice before taking any supplements for its health.
Alzheimer's Disease is one of its varied disorders. Aging, environment, genetics, and lifestyle contribute to its development. You can’t change your genes, but you can control factors to lessen your risks. Diet, lifestyle, and supplements are three practical ways to keep your brain healthy.
If you think you are at risk of AD or have cognitive difficulties, seek help immediately. A Direct Primary Care Provider, Well Life Family Practice, offers nutrition, lifestyle, and supplement counseling to keep your brain healthy.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.– Do you have health insurance for your employees? If not, are you planning to get one?
Employers offer various employee health benefit plans through a health maintenance organization (HMO), exclusive provider organization (EPO), point-of-service (POS), and preferred provider organization (PPO).
Some employers also consider indemnity plans, health savings accounts (HSAs), health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), qualified small employer HRA (QSEHRA), Individual coverage HRA (ICHRA), and group coverage HRA (GCHRA).
These third-party organizations provide small business health insurance plans as well as for large organizations But there’s also direct primary care (DPC). It’s an innovative alternative for your employees’ health insurance plan.
Compared to health insurance, DPC, like Well Life Family Practice, is less expensive.
DPC’s distinct feature is its patient-centered focus. DPC practitioners aren’t concerned with the number of clients they need to attend to every day. Instead, they emphasize the quality of care they give to each client.
DPC practitioners treat your employees as individuals with unique needs, unlike practitioners under a health insurance plan. The latter treats your employees like generic products in an assembly line. It's because medical service reimbursements are based on the number of clients.
DPC has a smaller patient panel of 898 clients. In contrast, practitioners under a health insurance plan receive about 2,303 clients in their panel.
It means your employees spend more time with a DPC practitioner. They get full and undivided attention for about 40 minutes. They discuss their medical concerns in great detail which creates more personalized or customized care.
DPC offers more than acute care. It promotes a healthy lifestyle through disease prevention. According to the British Medical Journal report, DPC clients experienced 65% fewer ER visits, 35% fewer admissions, and 82% fewer surgeries.
DPC offers more than acute care. It promotes a healthy lifestyle through disease prevention. According to the British Medical Journal report, DPC clients experienced 65% fewer ER visits, 35% fewer admissions, and 82% fewer surgeries.
Practitioners under health insurance usually only see employees for emergencies. Additionally, they often overbook appointments to break even with only 10 minutes of a face-to-face encounter with each client. Thus, they rarely have time to discuss disease prevention due to larger patient panels. Added to this time constraint is insurance billing paperwork.
DPC provides long-term care. Well Life Family Practice clinicians prescribe medical interventions for your employees. When your employees return for follow-ups or other medical concerns, they see the same clinician. So there’s continuity of care.
Health insurance allows your employees to be assessed by different practitioners depending on their conditions. For example, a practitioner attends to your employee in urgent care for a gout attack, like excruciating joint pain, in the ER. But another practitioner gives recommendations to the same employee for joint deformities during a scheduled check-up. It’s short-term fragmented care.
DPC practitioners give timely care whenever your employees need it. For example, your employees can book an appointment through a call. Then, they visit the clinic the following day without waiting in line for a long time.
In comparison to insurance-based practitioners, your employees book an appointment at least a week before they can visit a clinic. Additionally, they must wait in line due to many clients scheduled on the same day. Most often, these practitioners offer face-to-face consultations during work hours only.
Your employees can opt in for virtual consultations or 24/7 telemedicine. It saves them effort and time going to and from the clinic. It also prevents your employees from ER visits for urgent care.
As a result, it doesn’t affect their productivity at work and saves on travel and ER expenses. Unfortunately, these remote electronic services are not readily available under a health insurance plan.
Third parties like health insurance companies and government agencies have no direct control over DPC providers. They cannot dictate or modify the services offered by DPC providers.
DPC providers think about your employees' best interests and not the interest of third parties. Third parties often interfere with the care offered by practitioners under a health insurance plan. They mind the cost of services, whether included within the coverage or not.
Your business doesn’t have to be covered by insurance to benefit from DPC services. DPC is a separate healthcare provider that offers several services.
DPC’s monthly fee per employee is fixed. It has no co-pays, deductibles, mark-ups, or hidden charges. For example, Well Life Family Practice pegs the fee at $75 per month per employee.
In contrast, health insurance companies do not publish charges outright. It boils down to how the third-party payer (insurance) system works. Your employees only get to see the cost of the medical service when they receive the bill. Additionally, this also means huge out-of-pocket cash expenses.
Your employees may be suffering from complicated medical conditions. A DPC provider refers your employees to an in-house specialist in cases like this. However, there’s still continuity of care even if a specialist sees your employees.
The DPC provider coordinates with the specialist on your employees’ case. In comparison, a health insurance plan typically covers your employees’ basic healthcare costs. A specialist is an add-on expense.
The top chronic diseases prevalent in Bernalillo are asthma, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and arthritis. DPC offers chronic disease management for your employees who may be suffering from any of these conditions.
They benefit from unlimited consultations to control their symptoms so their conditions won’t worsen. DPC also caters to your healthy employees. As a result, they gain information based on chronic diseases prevention. These preventive services consist of screening and labs.
Not all health insurance plans cover preventive care and chronic disease management. Most private health insurance companies cover only short-term medical care for acute conditions.
Some of them may offer screenings and diagnostic tests as add-ons. It’s best to inquire about health insurance organizations in Albuquerque if they include preventive care as an essential benefit.
The Bernalillo County Community Health Profile includes obesity as one of the prevalent chronic conditions. Therefore, DPC offers nutrition counseling and weight loss management. These services help mitigate obesity, which increases the risk of developing other chronic conditions.
The Affordable Care Act requires most health insurers to cover overweight screening and dietary counseling. This stresses the importance of looking into health insurance plans for these specific services.
Some DPC providers may apply an integrative medicine approach. For example, Well Life Family Practice combines conventional and alternative therapies in addressing various medical conditions.
Some insurers may cover chiropractic therapy, acupuncture, or massage. But many health insurance companies in Albuquerque do not cover holistic medicine and complementary or alternative therapies.
The cost of medications is skyrocketing based on RAND Corporation, a research organization. They reported that US drug prices were 256% higher than 32 other nations combined.
The great news is DPC providers can offer discounted medicines at wholesale cost. But wait, there’s more. It also includes discounted diagnostics and lab works of up to 50%.
Health insurance companies in Albuquerque charge extra fees for these services. Prescription medications are at full prices, too.
Employers are finding cost-efficient ways to provide health benefits for their employees. For example, many health insurance companies in ABQ offer various packages depending on your employees’ needs within your budget.
You may have existing health insurance or consider an alternative healthcare provider at less cost. We have shown you the 10 differences between direct primary care vs. insurance. As you have read, DPC has its advantages over a health insurance plan.
DPC can be a viable option or complement your existing health insurance. It offers more services at a fixed and affordable rate. Moreover, a combination of both can be less expensive than a full-coverage health insurance plan.
Albuquerque, NM -- Testosterone Replacement Therapy has been helping men improve their energy levels, mood, sex drive and so on. What else should you know? Find out what Well Life ABQ Founder, KC Raver shares about this therapy with Jason Rigby in the ABQ Business Podcast
Males and females all have the same hormones in the body. They have testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone that follow the same pathways. The difference is that males have higher levels of testosterone. Testosterone in males causes them to be more aggressive and physically strong.
Men who are tired feel the need for testosterone. Clinics offer Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), but the manner of providing TRT varies. Well Life Family Practice (WLABQ) is a primary care clinic that applies a holistic approach. A client is seen from top to bottom to optimize health. TRT is a piece of the whole. And not everyone will be prescribed it.
WLABQ works on the business model of enhancing memberships and relationships. The staff checks on the symptoms first, like feeling tired, sluggish, or losing weight. It includes testing for testosterone levels. Other possibilities are checked like blood sugar level, sleeping behavior, vitamin D level, and mood.
Other clinics push TRT as a business model of making a profit. Clients go to these clinics to get their dose of TRT. Clinics keep giving high doses to make their clients feel great. In between doses, hormone levels drop until the body can no longer produce its testosterone. So, clients return to these clinics to sustain their high.
Men who abuse Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) have super high levels of testosterone. They develop enlarged breasts. Aromatization occurs when testosterone turns into estrogen through two pathways.
Aromatization is like a bucket full pathway. There are the 5-alpha and 5-bravo pathways. When the buckets’ too full, they will aromatize into estrogen. It’s the body’s way of getting rid of too much testosterone. As a result, the estrogen enlarges the male’s boobs.
At Well Life ABQ, we address testosterone and high levels of estrogen, an indicator of aromatization. Aromatization is blocked to prevent the development of estrogen. Therefore, there’s no need to replace testosterone. Instead, we have to make adjustments to balance the hormones.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is a lifelong therapy. Unfortunately, clinics don’t usually inform their clients. But, WLABQ ensures clients are informed of this lifetime testosterone management.
The WLABQ membership fee covers the initial discussion and TRT. There are no extra fees for prescription on topical creams and pellets insertion.
The first 30-45 minutes are spent with the client in an in-depth discussion about TRT. WLABQ staff orients the client about the present status and the expected outcome of TRT. It also includes advice on nutrition, exercise, weight lifting, and sleep even without Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT).
Clients report they feel better, they feel good, libido’s back, and erections improved. They get all the benefits without experiencing the side effects of a too high level of testosterone.
WLABQ provides Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) and considers the general wellbeing of a client. Diet, sleep and exercise positively impact a client who may or may not consider TRT.
An example is a patient from another clinic. One side effect of giving too much testosterone is prostate enlargement. It resulted in the retention of urine in the bladder as the enlarged prostate blocked the path. It led to urinary tract infections. Moreover, too much testosterone increases the red blood cells. The patient was advised to donate blood.
Unfortunately, he wasn’t informed that these conditions were caused by high doses of testosterone provided by the clinic. So WLABQ took him in and gave him medical advice to address his problem. Since then, he has normally been peeing and didn’t have to donate blood.
0:11 – Introduction of KC
0:59 – KC briefly defines TRT
1:45 – Mention about dangers that can happen, risks and benefits
2:02 – What are hormones and what makes a male a male
3:14 – TRT and advertising and how clinics offer TRT
4:11 – Different kinds of TRT: pellets, injection or intramuscular, sublingual, oral, and topical
4:51 – Whether I need testosterone or not
4:56 – WLABQ business model
5:51 – Symptoms of low testosterone
6:12 – Normal levels of testosterone and progesterone
7:50 – The answer is not just testosterone to symptoms
8:16 – Cost of TRT and profit margins
8:38 – Effect of constantly giving high doses of TRT: Inability of the body to produce its testosterone
8:59 – What sets WLABQ apart from other clinics: Conservative and science-based
9:18 – Aromatization of estrogen and testosterone
10:22 – How to address aromatization
11:39 – Testosterone replacement as a lifelong therapy
13:03 – What are the effects of TRT
13:44 – Procedure: What it’s like to get TRT
15:22 – Importance of diet, exercise, and sleep
17:07 – Effects of too much testosterone and risks to men
18:47 – The best form of TRT administration: cream and pellets
20:15 – TRT pellets administration, procedure, and cost
22:26 – Why other clinics are pushing for TRT injections/shots
24:32 – Testosterone/estrogen level tests and frequency of TRT pellets administration
25:30 – What to expect during the first TRT pellets administration and initial effects
26:15 – Supplements like Fish Oil to regulate testosterone/estrogen metabolism
27:20 – WLABQ services all in one house
28:03 – WLABQ for individuals and membership package for businesses
Employers choose to offer Direct Primary Care at Well Life ABQ as a benefit because it provides employees with convenient access to high-quality care.
