Advanced Nerve & Laser's online newsletter for February 2018
FEBRUARY 2018
3941 FM 2181, Corinth, Texas 76210 940-202-1218 www.nerveandlaser.com
Traditions of the Lunar NewYear I NV I T I NG H E A LTH AND GOOD FORTUN E
Last month, we focused on New Year’s resolutions and leading a healthy lifestyle. This month, I want to share some stories about New Year’s again, though I promise I’m not forgetting what month it is. My family is Vietnamese, so every year, we celebrate the Lunar New Year. Rather than being on a set date, the Lunar New Year follows the cycle of the moon, which means the exact day varies from year to year. This year, Friday, Feb. 16, marks the beginning of the new year, which happens to be the Year of the Dog. As a whole, Asian cultures are very superstitious, and we have a lot of traditions that surround the new year. For example, on the evening before the first day of the new year, everyone leaves the house. At midnight, you walk through the front door, but the first person who enters your home should be someone who enjoyed the most good fortune during the previous year. This is symbolic and is meant to represent inviting good fortune into your own home. All the traditions celebrated for the Lunar New Year are symbolic like this. On the first day of the new year, families and friends gather to share a big meal with enough food to rival an American Thanksgiving. This is considered good luck, and the hope is that food will be equally as plentiful the rest of the year. Another tradition I really enjoy is when older people give younger kids little red envelopes with money inside. In exchange, the young person wishes their elder health, happiness, and good fortune in the coming year. The idea here is to give luck and good fortune to others in your family and to have it offered to you in return. When all is said and done, the goal of the Lunar New Year traditions are to help people start the year off on the right foot. All these traditions bring people together and encourage us to reach out to our families and recognize they are our greatest source of happiness and good fortune.
“Health and happiness can be rare, and I am so fortunate to have an opportunity to empower patients to have the best year of their lives.”
I am always proud to help my patients, and that’s especially true this time of year. When I see someone come in who has struggled with pain and lost hope, I am able to help them, and it fills me with joy. Health and happiness can be rare, and I am so fortunate to have an opportunity to empower patients to have the best year of their lives.
I wish you a Happy New Year! May health, happiness, and good fortune come to you and your loved ones.
–Dr. Bao Tha i
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BE SOCIAL MEDIA SAVVY AND STAY CONNECTED It’s Okay to Hit Unfriend Likewise, if you find yourself sick of Judy’s moment-by-moment updates of her dog’s kidney stone, feel free to cut ties. That might entail unfollowing (you remain friends, but no longer see their posts in your feed), unfriending, or blocking a person entirely. There’s no reason to keep in touch with someone whose very profile picture makes you angry. Check a Source Before Sharing Just because something is online, that doesn’t make it true. It’s just as easy for someone to post a lie about a celebrity or politician as it is for Judy to post about her dog. If you read a news story that gets a rise out of you, double check the facts before you hit share. Googling the article’s claims and main points will bring up similar articles — if those claims are true. This will help you determine if it’s breaking news or a big hoax. Just 10 years ago, snail mail and expensive long-distance calls were the only way to keep in touch with the people we couldn’t see every day. Thanks to social media, we can stay connected to our loved ones around the world. Now that’s something that deserves a like.
Testimonials No one wants to see a feed clogged with posts from the same person. Your friends might like reading about exciting vacations or days with the grandkids, but they don’t need updates about your wait in line at the grocery store. Sharing TMI (too much information) will put you on the fast track to losing friends. It’s time to break the bad news to your grandkids: Social media isn’t just for them. A study from the Pew Research Center found that 47 percent of baby boomers are using social media. Facebook in particular proves to be an excellent resource for adults moving through the later stages of life. This social media platform helps keep you in touch with friends, family members who live far away, and workplace acquaintances who you don’t see during retirement. Social media can help you gather the people you want to keep in contact with in one centralized location. Here are a few things to remember for keeping your digital friendships enjoyable. Social Media Isn’t a Diary
“Excellent! The girls here are so supportive and kind. They all want me to be well and always improve in my treatments. I would highly encourage anyone who has a problem with their body to come and see Dr. Thai for an evaluation and get the treatments you need to get better!” –Al R. “Everyone is helpful and encouraging. I am experiencing wonderful results in a short time and am looking forward to even better results as I complete more treatments!” – Dannette W. “Dr. Thai is an amazing doctor! Very friendly, and the staff is incredible. The office is very clean and everyone always has a smile on their face. Dr. Thai’s treatment works wonders! My mother is a hair stylist and she was having a lot of pain in her right hand. Whenever she went to the doctor, they suggested surgery on her hand, but after a couple of treatments with Dr. Thai, she was feeling great! After hearing my mom’s story, I had to go and see him because I had a neck problem, which, thanks to him, is now gone!” –Alex G.
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HOW TO RECOGN I ZE I T DIABETIC NERVE DAMAGE
Diabetes comes with a host of health issues that can make life difficult. While modern medicine has mitigated many of the complications caused by the condition, one of its most painful and pernicious side effects often goes untreated. Diabetic neuropathy is a form of nerve damage caused by an abundance of glucose in the bloodstream, and it can afflict those with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes with debilitating pain. There are three major types of diabetic nerve damage. It’s important to recognize the symptoms early so you can seek treatment before the condition becomes widespread. Peripheral Neuropathy The most common form of diabetic nerve pain is also the most debilitating. This is because it manifests in the legs and feet, making walking unbearable. Worse still, it can spread to your arms and hands. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include muscle weakness, sharp pains or cramps, tingling or burning sensations in the feet or hands, and numbness. Autonomic Neuropathy This insidious form of nerve damage affects your most sensitive organs. It can strike your heart, bladder, lungs, eyes, and
genitals. Symptoms vary depending on the affected area, ranging from difficulty swallowing to erectile dysfunction or vaginal dryness. If your eyes struggle to adjust between light and dark, it may be due to autonomic neuropathy. Similarly, if your heart rate is abnormally high at rest or if you have problems regulating your body temperature, your heart may be affected. Diabetic Amyotrophy Also known as radiculoplexus neuropathy, this nerve pain is most commonly found in those with Type 2 diabetes. It often results in sudden, severe pain in your hip, thigh, or buttock. The abdomen can also be affected, causing abnormal swelling. Any of these conditions can severely complicate your life, making mobility painful. The best way to combat neuropathy is to avoid it in the first place. By keeping your glucose levels controlled, you significantly reduce the chance of nerve damage. If these symptoms still arise, seek nerve therapy. Proper treatment can rehabilitate you and even heal damaged nerves.
SWE E T AND Z E STY DETOX SALAD
SUDOKU
(Recipe inspired by GimmeSomeOven.com.)
Hoping to shave off those extra holiday pounds or keep up with your New Year’s resolution? Look no further than this easy winter detox salad!
INGREDIENTS
For the Salad: •
For the Dressing: •
3 cups chopped kale leaves 2 cups chopped broccoli florets 2 cups chopped red cabbage 1 cup matchstick carrots 1 cup chopped cilantro ½ cup toasted slivered almonds 3 cup sliced green onions ¹ /
1 large carrot, roughly chopped
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• • • • • • •
¼ cup rice wine vinegar 2 tablespoons olive oil
• • • •
1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon white miso ½ teaspoon sesame oil Salt and pepper, to taste
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•
1 diced avocado
DIRECTIONS
1.
To make the salad, add all ingredients to a large bowl; toss to combine.
Season to taste with salt and pepper or add extra honey for a sweeter taste. 3. Drizzle dressing over salad and serve immediately.
2. To make the dressing, add all ingredients to a blender or food processor. Pulse until smooth.
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3941 FM 2181 Corinth, Texas 76210 940-202-1218 www.nerveandlaser.com
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Year of the Dog
Are You Committing a Facebook Faux Pas? Testimonials How to Spot Diabetic Nerve Damage Whip Up This Winter Salad in a Flash!
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3
Can Snoring Threaten Your Health?
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STOP H ITTI NG SNOOZE ON YOUR HEALTH THE THAI REPORT
With offices right next door to each other, Dr. Bao Thai of Advance
cautions that sleep apnea can make it more difficult for diabetics to manage their condition. Heart Disease Oxygen deprivation causes extra strain on your veins, resulting in high blood pressure. If left untreated, this can lead to heart disease. The American Heart Association reports individuals with sleep apnea are more likely to suffer a heart attack. Stroke Stoke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, and experts suggest many of these causes may be the result of untreated sleep apnea. The American Stroke Association found patients with untreated sleep apnea are 3 times more likely to suffer from a stroke than patients who do not have or are properly treating sleep apnea. If you suspect you or a loved one may be struggling with sleep apnea, call 940-312-6939 and schedule a consultation at Swisher Dental. A simple, painless sleep test is all you need to determine if you have sleep apnea and to empower you to improve your health and well-being today. –Dr. Suzanne Thai
Nerve and Laser Center and Swisher Dental’s Dr. Suzanne Thai are a couple who strive to promote wellness in their family and community. The Thai Report will provide patients with additional resources to
take control of every area of their health.
Last month, we covered sleep apnea, a condition in which a person’s airways become blocked during sleep. Often associated with loud, erratic snoring, if someone you love is suffering from untreated sleep apnea, they are literally choking in their sleep every night. Hours of oxygen deprivation puts a terrible strain on a person’s body and can severely damage their physical well-being. Here are just some of the ways sleep apnea can harm your health. Type 2 Diabetes Sleep apnea patients often see increases in glucose and chronic fatigue, conditions which can lead to Type 2 diabetes. For this reason, the International Diabetes Federation warns of a strong connection between Type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea and
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