Dr Max Hernandez-Dr Manuel J. Mercado

03/30/2024

The heart rate, measured as the number of beats per minute (bpm), varies depending on factors such as activity level, emotional state, age, and certain medications. A typical resting heart rate for adults falls between 60 and 100 bpm, with variations based on individual factors like fitness level and medication use. Athletes and those on beta-blockers may have lower resting heart rates, while children generally have higher rates. Monitoring heart rate during exercise is crucial for determining optimal intensity levels.

The American Heart Association suggests target heart rates during exercise should be between 50 to 85 percent of one's maximum heart rate, calculated by subtracting age from 220. Tachycardia (fast heart rate) above 100 bpm and bradycardia (slow heart rate) below 60 bpm can be indicative of underlying health conditions and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to prevent potential complications. Regular monitoring and consultation with a doctor are essential for maintaining heart health and addressing any abnormal heart rate patterns.

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Heart rates vary from person to person, influenced by a variety of variables. But how do you know if your heart rate is in the dangerous category? Learn more.

03/10/2024

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle involves various strategies, including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and minimizing sugar and alcohol consumption. Prioritizing one's health is paramount for personal well-being and that of loved ones.

There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to healthy living, as individuals can adopt different practices such as increasing fruit and vegetable intake or incorporating daily walks. By being mindful of lifestyle choices and daily habits, individuals can initiate positive changes that promote long-term health.

These recommendations serve as a foundation for embarking on a journey towards a healthy lifestyle, enabling individuals to live their best lives to the fullest extent possible. So follow the link below to read about them!

Exercising regularly, eating nourishing foods, and reducing your consumption of sugar and alcohol are just some of the recommendations for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Learn more.

02/11/2024

Pain serves as a crucial signal from the nervous system, alerting individuals to potential injuries, with typical pain diminishing as injuries heal. However, chronic pain presents a distinct challenge, persisting long after injuries have resolved, lasting weeks to years. Chronic pain disrupts daily functioning, impacting mobility, flexibility, strength, and endurance, complicating routine tasks and activities. Defined as lasting at least 12 weeks, chronic pain manifests as various sensations, from sharp or dull to burning or aching, occurring intermittently or persistently across different body areas, each with its unique qualities and effects.

Chronic pain typically arises from initial injuries, like sprains or strains, initiating nerve damage that intensifies and prolongs pain sensations. This nerve damage contributes to the chronic nature of pain, persisting even after the underlying injury has healed. Consequently, addressing the initial injury may not suffice to alleviate chronic pain, underscoring the complexity of chronic pain management, which often necessitates comprehensive approaches targeting both the initial injury and the subsequent nerve damage.

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Chronic pain is pain that lasts for at least 12 weeks. Learn about the causes, risk factors, and treatments for chronic pain.

01/06/2024

Recognizing the early symptoms of the flu is crucial for prompt care and containment of this highly contagious virus. Differentiating the flu from a common cold is essential, given the flu's typically more severe and rapid onset of symptoms. Early signs include fatigue, fever, sore throat, cough, chills, muscle aches, and a runny nose. Practical tips are provided for managing flu symptoms, including frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and acquiring essential supplies. Adequate rest and diligent hygiene are underscored as crucial elements in flu recovery, while cautionary measures involve avoiding crowded places, refraining from physical contact, and abstaining from smoking.

At the onset of flu symptoms, precautions are advised, such as staying home from work or school, avoiding physical contact, and refraining from crowded places to prevent spreading the virus. Rest is emphasized to aid recovery, with recommendations against skipping meals and opting for nutrient-rich options like soup, yogurt, fruits, and vegetables. Caution is advised when considering herbal remedies, urging individuals to purchase from reputable sources or consult with a doctor. Additionally, smoking is discouraged, as it can exacerbate respiratory symptoms.

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It's important to recognize flu symptoms early so you can start taking care of yourself. These tips will not only help you feel better faster, but help prevent the spread of the virus.

12/19/2023

To foster a longer and healthier life, consider incorporating these lifestyle tips:

- Avoid Overeating: Practice mindful eating to prevent overconsumption.
- Try Out Turmeric: Embrace the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric in your meals.
- Eat Plenty of Healthy Plant Foods: Prioritize a plant-based diet for overall well-being.
- Stay Physically Active: Regular exercise contributes to longevity and vitality.
- Don’t Smoke: Quitting smoking is a crucial step for a healthier life.
- Moderate Your Alcohol Intake: Consume alcohol in moderation to safeguard your health.
- Prioritize Your Happiness: Cultivate joy and fulfillment in your daily life.
- Develop a Good Sleeping Pattern: Prioritize quality sleep for overall physical and mental health.

If you want to read more about these and more tips, click on the link below!

How long you live is largely within your own control. Here are 13 diet and lifestyle habits to adopt in order to live a long life.

10/28/2023

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne virus transmitted by Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes. Although the majority of cases are asymptomatic, serious disease and death are possible outcomes. For 2 to 3 days, you'll feel weak and tired and have symptoms like high fever and chills, severe headache, pain when you move your eyes, severe aching pain in your back, legs, and joints and rash on your face.

There is no treatment for dengue fever. Doctors will prescribe pain relievers and fever reducers, such as acetaminophen, and may administer IV fluids.

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Dengue fever is a disease spread by mosquito bites. There’s no vaccine to prevent it. Dengue can be mild or severe.

10/17/2023

Colorectal cancer is cancer that develops in the colon or re**um. It is the third most common cancer in the U.S. and the second cause of cancer-related deaths. Some of the symptoms are unexplained weight loss, anemia, changes in bowel habits, diarrhea or constipation, blood in f***s, fatigue or tiredness, abdominal pain and bloating. If you have somo of these symptoms you might recommend some tests to find the cause. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults ages 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer, screening strategies, including stool tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy).

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Here, learn about colorectal cancer in detail, including its symptoms, treatments, life expectancies by stage, and steps for prevention.

10/14/2023

Every day, more than 700 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with breast cancer. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign dedicated to raising awareness about this devastating disease that affects millions of individuals worldwide. During this month, organizations, communities, and individuals unite to emphasize the importance of early detection, regular screenings, and support for those battling breast cancer. Pink ribbons, events, and educational initiatives flood the public sphere, encouraging women and men to prioritize their breast health and seek information about prevention and treatment options. Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against this disease, inspiring hope and solidarity among those affected and the broader community.

Learn more about how you can get involved and help, clicking the link below!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Join us in Helping Women Now! Share your story, get free resources, and help spread awareness.

09/23/2023

Fibromyalgia, also called fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body. This condition, even for healthcare professionals, is hard to understand since its symptoms mimic those of other conditions, and there are no tests to definitively confirm a diagnosis. As a result, fibromyalgia is often misdiagnosed.

Some of the primary symptoms of Fibromyalgia are: widespread pain, that is often described as a constant dull ache that has lasted for at least three months, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties, commonly referred to as "fibro fog", that impairs the ability to focus, pay attention and concentrate on mental tasks.

There’s no cure for fibromyalgia at the moment. Instead, treatment focuses on reducing symptoms and improving quality of life with medications, self-care strategies, and lifestyle changes. Common medications for fibromyalgia include pain relievers, antiseizure drugs, and antidepressants.

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Fibromyalgia causes symptoms such as musculoskeletal pain. It has a range of potential causes, risk factors, and treatments. Learn more.

09/08/2023

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements. Dopamine, produced in a part of the brain called substantia nigra is responsible for smooth and coordinated bodily muscle movements and is diminished in Parkinson's disease. Most common motor symptoms are tremor (shaking that occurs at rest), slow movements, stiffness of arms, legs, and trunk and problems with balance. The cause of this disorder is unknown but scientists say it may have both genetic and environmental components. There is no cure and it may not be possible to slow the progression of Parkinson’s but proper treatment improves your prognosis, and increases life expectancy.

Read more about Parkinson's disease, clicking the link below!

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder that involves problems with movement. Learn the stages of Parkinson’s and what can be done to decrease symptoms.

09/05/2023

September is Su***de Prevention and Awareness Month. The National Alliance on Mental Illness states that su***de is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S., making this a significant public health issue. “Creating Hope Through Action” is the triennial theme for the World Su***de Prevention Day from 2021-2023. This theme serves as a powerful call to action and reminder that there is an alternative to su***de and that through our actions we can encourage hope and strengthen prevention.

Some ways you can help are by donating to organizations tha help prevent su***de, volunteering at a crisis hotline (or text line) and sharing resources on social media (hotlines, comprehensive guides).

Remember, you are not alone. If you need help contact the 988 Su***de and Crisis Lifeline. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365.

08/26/2023

Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease characterized by a lifelong, persistent enlargement of the bronchial airways, as well as recurrent infections that encourage bacterial invasion and mucus buildup in the lungs. A long-standing cough that occasionally has purulence is a sign of bronchiectasis. Progressive shortness of breath, sporadic wheezing, a bloody cough, chest pain, and related weariness and weight loss are further symptoms.

Usually, the first test done when bronchiectasis is suspected is a chest radiography. The goal of treatment is to find and address the underlying cause while also improving lung clearance, reducing infection risk, removing blockages, and changing one's lifestyle, such as quitting smoking. Some patients with advanced or complex diseases may benefit from surgery as an important supplemental treatment. If postural drainage is regularly done and antibiotics are administered judiciously, the prognosis can be fairly good.

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Bronchiectasis has symptoms like chronic coughing, wheezing, coughing up blood, and shortness of breath. Read about treatment options.