April 7 marks one of our favorite celebrations: World Health Day. We believe that this year, more than ever, it is important to honor this special occasion and celebrate by prioritizing our health. Here at VIDA Wellness and Beauty, we are firm believers that just as we celebrate our birthdays, the day we met our better half or the beginning of summer, we should mark World Health Day on our calendars and make some special plans. 

 

The World Health Organization defines health as being in “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” But being healthy is more than a definition, rather, it’s a sum of actions, activities, and choices that enable us to be, feel and look well. Join us for a special post and our favorite ways to celebrate World Health Day! 

Celebrate by choosing wellness.

Yes, we believe wellness is a choice, a process, and a journey. What better way to celebrate world health day than by choosing your health and wellbeing every day?  Wellness is not only part of our name, it’s part of our DNA and what we hope we can help our patients achieve. Little things like sipping green tea in the morning, taking 5 minutes to be thankful, or looking at yourself in the mirror and loving what you see are all important aspects of wellness. What are other ways you can choose wellness? As experts in the medical field, we can tell you one thing: no one should live with a disease, unhappy with their appearance or ignoring uncomfortable symptoms. Sometimes this means programming a visit to the doctor.

Celebrate by doing an annual checkup

When you read the word celebration, seeing the doctor is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. Nevertheless, think about the stressful year we’ve all had: the masks, the sanitizing gel, social distancing, missing friends, and not being able to hug your loved ones. That is intense! Your body has gotten you through all of that and more, so celebrate and show yourself some love by doing an annual check-up. 

Even if you feel well, having a regular exam with your doctor can ensure you remain healthy, detect any early signs of disease and if needed, get you started on a treatment or offer support on how to adopt new healthy habits. Prevention is key!

When you do a once-a-year checkup, the doctor will do an extensive review of your medical history and check: 

• Blood Pressure 
• Order blood work to do a complete blood panel, check your hemoglobin levels, lipids (such as cholesterol), glucose levels, and more. 
• Perform a urinalysis, a simple and ultra-effective test to detect and manage urinary tract infections, diabetes, and kidney disorders.
• Chest radiography, to adequately examine your lungs and heart.
• An electrocardiogram to thoroughly monitor your heart function

…And so much more! Think of your annual check-up as the day where you are putting yourself first.   

Celebrate by knowing if your hormones are in balance. 

 

Dr. Medina is an expert on Hormone Replacement Therapy

 

Hormones, we need them, we love them and sometimes, things get a bit wacky with them. The reality is that we need to stay on top of them because hormones are directly related to our overall health for men or women, young or old. We have seen so many patients that come in feeling “just a little off” but they can’t exactly describe what’s bothering them. A lot of the time the answer is hormones. 

There are more than 50 types of hormones in your body and they regulate different vital functions, from your mood, your growth, and reproductive health to your metabolism and sexual health.  

How do you know if your hormones need some attention? Dr. Ruben Medina, our in house expert in hormone replacement therapy and regenerative medicine, has a simple guide that can help you determine when you need to have your hormone levels checked: 

• Constant, unexplained, weight gain. Even if you seem to be doing everything right, eating veggies, and working out regularly; if you just cannot stop gaining weight this can be a sign of a thyroid problem, testosterone deficiency, or an overall hormonal imbalance that you need to address. 
•  Lack of muscle mass. If you are unable to build muscle, particularly if you are sticking to a diet and exercise regime and if that is something you did easily when you were younger, your hormones can be at fault. 
• Sexual health changes. Both men and women should check their hormone levels if they notice a decrease in their sex drive or changes to their overall sexual health. For men, this can also manifest as erectile dysfunction and for women, extreme vaginal dryness and painful intercourse. 

• Unexplained fatigue. Lack of energy and unexplained fatigue that is interfering with your life is almost always a sign that your hormones are out of balance. It is not just a “normal” part of aging because when your hormones are doing their job, you should be able to enjoy life without constantly feeling burned-out. 
• Overwhelming anxiety and stress. When your emotions are becoming too much for you to handle, you might need to check your hormone levels. It is not something you can simply “forget”, when your emotions become extreme, your hormones could be the ones to blame. 

For some patients, hormonal imbalances might manifest themselves as mild discomfort, a decrease in energy levels, and unexplained weight gain. For others, it can be a sign of low testosterone or the beginning of menopause. Regardless if it interferes with little things or if it is forcing your life to change completely, celebrate your health by paying attention to those signs, that might indicate a hormonal imbalance. As a rule of thumb, if something is feeling off and it is preventing you from doing the things you love or from feeling 100% yourself, don’t ignore it. 

A quick consultation with a doctor that specializes in hormonal health can identify the problem and prescribe treatment that will not only alleviate the symptoms but solve the root problem. Comprehensive treatments such as hormone replacement therapy are designed to address your hormonal imbalances by using bio-identical hormones that guarantee no side effects and will get you back to feeling healthy in no time. 

Celebrate your health by learning about bariatric surgery

 

Gabriela Rodriguez Ruiz MD PhD FACS

And completely change your life for the better! Obesity is a disease that takes a toll on your physical and mental health; it can put you at high risk for coronary heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes and dramatically increase your chances of having a stroke or heart attack. Not to mention the limitations a lot of people experience in regards to socialization, independence and mobility. 

What better way to celebrate world health day than by taking the first step against obesity?  

Bariatric surgery, also called weight-loss surgery is often the only way some patients can quickly and effectively reach a healthy weight, which not only makes them feel better but enables them to recover their health. We have seen how bariatric patients rediscover an appreciation for their bodies, improve their mobility, recover their capacity to move unaided, reverse their diabetes diagnosis and get off hypertension medications. When we say bariatric surgery changes your life, we mean it. 

There are different types of bariatric surgeries:

• Gastric Sleeve 
• Gastric Bypass and mini gastric bypass
• Duodenal Switch 
• Lap Band 

Some work by restricting the amount of food you can eat, some limit the body’s ability to absorb nutrients and some do both. A board-certified bariatric surgeon can help you decide the best approach for you and support you throughout your weight-loss journey. What better way to celebrate world health day than by taking decisive action against obesity and all of the diseases it puts you at risk for? You might be a good candidate for bariatric surgery and be closer to health and wellness than you think. 

 

Celebrate your health by seeking professional help for your intimate problems. 

 

Dr. Saldaña | Gynecologist 

Gynecology. Complete health for women also means taking care of their intimacy and reproductive health. There are many health benefits to going to a gynecologist at least once a year and also, it is a proactive way to stay on top of all your intimate concerns.  When you visit a gynecologist you can get a Pap Smear test, a test designed to detect abnormal cells in the cervix (that can become cancerous), check your breasts for any changes or bumps, discuss if you need a new contraceptive method, or perhaps adjust the one you are currently on, prescribe treatment for painful periods and PMS and so much more! In addition to that, women who have had vaginal births or have gone through menopause, who are uncomfortable during intercourse, or are experiencing vaginal dryness and itching can also find different vaginal rejuvenation treatment options and explore the possibility of having genital plastic surgery. 

Oftentimes when experiencing discomfort during intercourse or urinary incontinence after giving birth, women feel embarrassed and uncomfortable. If you are going through something similar, it’s important to remember that you are not alone! A gynecologist can address the problem, prescribe treatment and improve your overall quality of life.

With a special emphasis on gynecology and gynecological plastic surgery, our experts can help you feel comfortable during the most intimate moments of your life. 

Urology.  When it comes to men’s intimate health, we feel it is not stressed enough how important it is to see a urologist regularly. Urologists are doctors that specialize in the genitourinary tract, which includes the male reproductive organs, kidneys, bladder, urethra, and adrenal glands. 

First of all, urologists are an integral aspect of adult men’s wellness and general health. A urologist can perform a vasectomy, do proactive prostate cancer screening, diagnose and treat kidney disease and bladder disorders among other health issues. 

In addition to that,  they are experts in male sexual health. Urologists not only prescribe medication to help improve erectile dysfunction, but they also run a variety of tests and comprehensive diagnostics to find the root cause of the problem and offer long-term solutions. Experiencing intimate problems can be especially demoralizing, but it is important to remember that you don’t have to suffer in silence or learn to live with that. Sexual health conditions can disrupt your life, your relationships, and your self-confidence. In the most extreme cases, they can signal a more serious disease. Visiting a urologist is simple, painless, and incredibly rewarding!

Just as women need to go to a gynecologist every year, men aged 40 or older should get into the healthy habit of scheduling an annual check-up with a urologist.  Celebrate world health day by feeling comfortable inside and out, with every aspect of your body.

Celebrate by showing your skin some love. 

 

Dr. Alberto De La Fuente | Dermatologist 

Did you know that the skin is the largest organ in your body? When was the last time you visited a dermatologist and checked the health of your skin, hair, and nails? 

Our last suggestion on how you can celebrate world health day is by going to a cosmetic dermatologist. Dermatologists are doctors who focus on your overall skin’s health. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there are more than 3,000 skin conditions that go from acne, eczema, and psoriasis to skin cancer. Cosmetic dermatologists are our go-to’s for two main reasons: health and beauty. Beautiful skin is a sign of healthy skin! 

A cosmetic dermatologist has gone through dermatology training (that is medical school and completed a residency in dermatology) in addition to cosmetic rotations that include proper training on the use of lasers and surgical procedures. As medical professionals, they focus on making your skin healthy with special attention to its appearance as well. Some of the conditions you can id and treat with a cosmetic dermatologist include: 

• Skin cancer screening 
• Keloid scar treatment 
• Acne and acne scars
• Contact Dermatitis
• Hyperpigmentation
• Rosacea
• Melasma
• Boils, cysts, and carbuncles
• Psoriasis
• Vitiligo 
• Signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles 
• Sun damage and brown spots
• Hair loss

…and many more. 

A quick visit to the dermatologist is the best way to check any skin concerns you might have, whether it’s adult acne, an irregular-looking mole, or a psoriasis flare-up. In addition to regular checkups, a visit to dermatology can help you determine if you are a candidate for laser skin resurfacing treatment, tattoo removal, or skin tightening to rejuvenate your skin without having surgery. 

Health is being aware of your body, how it feels, and giving it the attention it deserves. If you need professional help, just remember that the doctors at VIDA Wellness and Beauty are here for you. With board-certified physicians in plastic surgery, bariatric surgery, dermatology, gynecology, urology, hormonal health, and more, we are dedicated to helping you in your journey to health and wellness. Celebrate World Health Day by taking care of yourself! Call us today at +1(619) 738-2144 to schedule an appointment with any of our board-certification doctors.