Gulf Coast Health Center, Inc.

Gulf Coast Health Center, Inc. Gulf Coast Health Center, Inc. is dedicated to promoting a healthier community by providing quality

One Egg Per Week Linked To Lower Alzheimer's RiskEating eggs regularly is linked to less buildup of toxic proteins in th...
07/31/2025

One Egg Per Week Linked To Lower Alzheimer's Risk

Eating eggs regularly is linked to less buildup of toxic proteins in the brain, according to a recent study on human brains. Eggs have been a dietary staple for centuries. Although they are packed with nutrients, not very expensive and easy to get, they have been the subject of much controversy in health and wellness circles for years.

A recent study has improved their good reputation. The study concluded that eating one egg per week was associated with a 47% reduction in Alzheimer’s risk compared with eating eggs less than once each month. The study showed that those who eat eggs have a reduced buildup of the toxic proteins associated with Alzheimer’s.

So are eggs good for you or bad for you??? One hundred years ago, eggs were considered essential. Full of vitamins and rich in protein, eggs were a staple throughout the world. Then, a few decades ago, scientists found that high levels of cholesterol in the blood were a risk factor for heart disease, so high-cholesterol eggs were considered undesirable. However, it has now become clear that dietary cholesterol does not significantly impact blood levels of cholesterol.

Thanks to this new understanding, and a healthy dose of research funding from the Egg Nutrition Center, eggs have edged slowly back into play. Because their saturated fat content is still a concern, eggs are still partially sidelined. However, they are likely to be much healthier than many of the low-fat, highly processed snacks that have replaced eggs in modern kitchens.

So today, doctors have a neutral view of eggs. In general, the advice is that they can be part of a healthy, well-balanced diet, but at the same time, eating multiple eggs per day may be unhealthy.

Eggs and Alzheimer’s: What is the link?
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, and despite decades of research, there is no cure, and treatments that can slow the disease are severely lacking. Previous research has shown that choline is important for cognitive function. And, eggs are the top food source of choline.

Although our body can produce some choline, it's not enough to meet the body’s needs, so some choline must be taken in with our diet. Eggs also contain essential omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain health as we age. Unfortunately, studies show that the majority of adults in the United States do not consume enough of these essential fatty acids. These facts led researchers to investigate links between egg consumption and Alzheimer’s risk.

The recent study included data from 1,024 older adults with an average age of 81.4. All participants lived in retirement communities and residential facilities and the researchers followed them for an average of 6.7 years. During this time, over one-quarter of them developed Alzheimer’s disease.

The study found that people who ate at least one egg per week had a 47% reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s compared with those only eating one egg per month or fewer. Researchers also looked at the brains of 578 participants and found that those who ate one or more eggs each week were more likely to have less Alzheimer’s protein buildup. Overall, the research suggests that consuming at least one egg per week may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.

So for now, if you like eggs – enjoy them! They may reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s, but if not, they will at least provide you with a good, healthy dose of protein!!!

Gulf Coast Health Center Employees would like to offer sincere condolences to the victims and families of the recent Hil...
07/10/2025

Gulf Coast Health Center Employees would like to offer sincere condolences to the victims and families of the recent Hill Country flooding. We support and pray for all those affected by this horrific disaster!

Summer Blind Spot: The Deadly Skin Cancers People OverlookAs sunscreen sales surge and more people focus on shielding th...
07/08/2025

Summer Blind Spot: The Deadly Skin Cancers People Overlook

As sunscreen sales surge and more people focus on shielding their skin from those harsh summer UV rays, experts warn that some of the most dangerous skin cancers are not caused by sun overexposure.

Every year, thousands of Americans are diagnosed with rare forms of melanoma and other skin cancers that develop in areas that rarely see the sun – like the eyes, mouth, throat, feet, toes and ge****ls.

Acral melanoma affects between 2,000 and 3,000 Americans annually. It appears in places like the soles of your feet, the palms of your hands, and the nail beds of fingers and toes. While scientists are still uncovering the causes of these non-sun-related skin cancers, emerging data on acral melanomas shows they have a unique genetic structure – a finding that could be key to not just prevention, but also better treatment.

Anyone can get these mysterious skin cancers. Here's what to know: Melanomas are a group of cancers that develop in the cells that produce melanin and give skin its color. Melanoma is highly treatable if caught early, but in later stages, it's one of the deadliest cancers due to its ability to spread to organs like the lungs and brain.

Like acral melanoma, mucosal melanoma shows up in parts of the body not typically exposed to the sun, like inside the nose, throat, mouth, and ge****ls. Uveal melanoma, the most common eye cancer in adults, starts in the pigmented layer of the eye and has no known link to sun exposure.

Even basal cell carcinoma cases – typically a sun-related skin cancer – can develop in areas generally protected from the sun, with some estimates suggesting this happens in up to 20% of cases.

All these cancers often go unnoticed and are diagnosed late, making them more dangerous. "If people have a black stripe on their fingernail or a lesion on their foot, cancer is not the first thing [they think] about," said Keiran Smalley, PhD, director of the Donald A. Adam Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center of Excellence at Moffitt Cancer Center. And what’s worse - Acral melanoma is "a lot less responsive" to available treatments, said Smalley.

Acral melanoma may be caused by mechanical stress or injury. Studies have shown that it's more common on pressure-bearing parts of the foot – the heel and ball. This may lead to inflammation, producing DNA-damaging molecules called reactive oxygen species.

The Role of Ethnicity and Skin Tone

Acral melanoma can be especially sneaky for people of color. "I always thought of melanoma as a White person's disease," said Trena Brown, 76, a Black woman from Baltimore who has had three acral melanomas since 2013. First, a blister-like lesion was removed from her big toe. When the lesion returned, she had her big toe amputated. Then in 2016, a chest X-ray showed the cancer had metastasized to all four corners of her lungs.

"It's hard to believe when they say you have cancer in your lung from the melanoma on your toe," Brown said. She finished an intense round of immunotherapy in 2018 and now gets regular MRIs of her brain, since that's where melanoma often spreads next.

Although acral melanoma accounts for only 2% to 3% of melanoma diagnoses in the U.S., it's responsible for more than half of cases in non-White people. It's the most common type of melanoma in people of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent.

Looking for More Information

As is the case with other rare diseases, acral melanoma lacks data. Surgery is the primary treatment – cancerous tissue and some of the bordering healthy tissue are removed – sometimes followed by radiation.

For advanced cases - doctors may also rely on immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy aimed at the tumor's genome. All of these were tested and approved for cutaneous melanoma. To date, no treatments have been approved specifically for acral melanoma.

Risk factors are also still emerging. There are no signs that acral or mucosal melanoma risk is inherited, though families at high risk of cutaneous melanoma may also be at higher risk of acral melanoma. Some data suggests that the risk of acral melanoma is higher in people who generally have more moles.

For now, the best strategy is to be mindful. Pay attention to your skin (even weird places like between your toes) and don't hesitate to have suspicious spots checked out. Many acral melanomas are subtle, easy to miss, and different from typical skin cancer. The Melanoma Research Alliance recommends the acronym CUBED to assess a spot or mole for acral melanoma:

• Colored: Any part of the lesion is a different color than the skin.
• Uncertain: It's unclear what the lesion is.
• Bleeding: The lesion bleeds or oozes fluid.
• Enlargement: The spot gets bigger or worse despite treatment.
• Delay in healing: The lesion hasn't healed for two months.

Don't assume all doctors will be familiar with acral melanoma. You have to be your own advocate. And, if you're diagnosed with acral or mucosal melanoma, see a melanoma specialist.

Did You Know............Gulf Coast Health Center Inc. offers a range of dental services at the 2548 Memorial (Port Arthu...
06/18/2025

Did You Know............

Gulf Coast Health Center Inc. offers a range of dental services at the 2548 Memorial (Port Arthur) and 561 State Street (Jasper) locations. Dental services include:

Emergency Office
Extractions (Limited)
Preventative Services
Exams
Hygiene (Cleaning)
X-Rays
Fluoride
Sealants (Ages 6 - 18 years old)
Restorative Services
Fillings
Root Canals (Limited)
Dentures
Medicaid Dental Services (Ages 6 mths - 8 years)
Referrals

Make an appointment for you and your family for any of these dental services. Call 409-983-1161 today!!!

Sitting Less May Lower Alzheimer's Disease RiskSitting may negate the benefits of exercise according to a recent study c...
05/27/2025

Sitting Less May Lower Alzheimer's Disease Risk

Sitting may negate the benefits of exercise according to a recent study completed in the Vanderbilt Memory and Aging Project. Past studies have shown that regular exercise may help lower a person's risk for Alzheimer's disease.

This new study however, shows that older adults who spend more time sitting may be at a higher risk for lower cognition and brain shrinkage in areas linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease - no matter how much they exercise.

The study also provided evidence that sitting is more detrimental to health than not exercising often enough. Because there are no current treatments to cure Alzheimer's disease, modified health factors that may prevent Alzheimer's are of great interest and need.

This finding is significant because the common thought has always been that if you exercise regularly, it does not matter what else you do. However, the Vanderbilt study showed that even after accounting for how physically active people were, the amount of time spent sitting was still a better predictor of brain decline. An active lifestyle and less time spent sitting appears to be the best advice for all of us.

5 Reasons You're Always Tired and What to Do About ItIf you are feeling excessively sleepy lately, you're not alone.  Ac...
05/07/2025

5 Reasons You're Always Tired and What to Do About It

If you are feeling excessively sleepy lately, you're not alone. According to the Sleep Foundation, excessive daytime sleepiness is on the rise in the United States with 25 percent of people experiencing it in 2022 compared with about 13 percent a decade ago.

Sound like you? Keep in mind, that there's a difference between feeling the urge to nap in the after-lunch hours and tiredness that's potentially problematic. "The usual midafternoon fatigue that many of us experience is part of the normal circadian rhythm" says Peter G. Polos, MD, PhD, sleep medicine specialist with Sleep Number, who's based in Basking Ridge, New Jersey.

But tiredness that hangs around most of the day or naps that aren't restorative indicate a potential problem that could impact your daytime functioning, Dr. Polos says. For instance, you may find yourself having trouble focusing or making decisions, feeling easily irritated and experiencing slowed reaction times, according to the Sleep Foundation.

Being perpetually tired can also impact your overall health by negatively affecting your immune system and increasing your risk of infectious disease, obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, according to Mayo Clinic.

That's why it's so important to figure out what's causing your middle-of-the-day fatigue. Here are five potential reasons you're always tired.

1. Sleep Deprivation
The most straightforward explanation for your daytime sleepiness: You're simply not getting enough sleep. Adults need seven or more hours of sleep each night, according to Mayo Clinic. If you're routinely clocking short of that, you're developing a sleep debt that you won't bounce back from easily.

One way to improve your sleep quantity and quality is by practicing good sleep hygiene. This includes developing and sticking with a bedtime routine, avoiding screens, meals and alcohol close to bedtime; and staying active during the day, according to Cleveland Clinic.

2. Sleep Disorder
Say you're getting enough sleep and still not feeling rested. This likely indicates that your sleep quality is poor, and you should see a healthcare profession about screening for a sleep disorder.

Common Sleep disorders to look for include:
Sleep apnea
Narcolepsy
Restless legs syndrome

All of these can be treated, so it's important to consult a doctor to receive care.

3. Underlying Health Issue
There are also health issues not directly related to sleep that could be triggering your daytime sleepiness.

Fibromyalgia
Thyroid disease
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Kidney disease
Anemia
Lupus
Parkinson's disease
Multiple Sclerosis
Cancer
Chronic pain
Obesity
Mental health issues: depression, anxiety & schizophrenia

To determine if an underlying health issue is to blame, your doctor will likely analyze your sleep habits, lifestyle, medication use and overall health to make a diagnosis.

4. Nutritional Deficiencies
Sometimes, what's missing from your diet can influence how energetic you feel. Your doctor may check for:

Magnesium Deficiency
Iron Deficiency
Vitamin D Deficiency

Checking these levels may help you understand why you always so sleepy. Your doctor can check these and recommend vitamins for these deficiencies.

5. Certain Medications
Sometimes, the underlying cause of sleepiness is a medication you're taking to treat another health issue. It can be the timing of the medications, meaning that a medication may cause sleepiness if given in the morning or a medication that keeps you awake when taken at bedtime.

Common medications to blame include:

Antihistamines
Some antidepressants
Antipsychotics
Some blood pressure medications
Anti-anxiety drugs
Pain medications

However, don't stop or change your medication on your own. Instead bring your concerns up to your doctor. Your physician may want to substitute other medications or simply leave them off for a day or two to see if the medication is contributing to your problem.

When to See Your Doctor About Sleepiness
It's time to seek professional help if tiredness is interfering with your daily life or you suspect there's an underlying health issue involved. Based on the patient symptoms and medical history, your doctor can help determine if a referral to a sleep center and a sleep study is needed.

Drinking Alcohol Contributes to Serious Medical ConditionsAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C...
04/22/2025

Drinking Alcohol Contributes to Serious Medical Conditions

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drinking alcohol can increase the risk of cancer, and excessive use can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

A recent study explored the impact of alcohol consumption on various aspects of the brain, specifically dementia-related neuropathologies. It found that moderate, heavy and former heavy drinking were associated with hyaline arteriolosclerosis, a distinct thickening and narrowing of blood vessels that can happen in older people and those with certain health conditions.

Former heavy drinking was also linked to having a lower brain mass ratio and poorer cognitive abilities compared to never drinking. While more research is needed, the results indicate the possible damaging effect of alcohol on the brain.

How Alcohol Impacts the Brain
This study was a cross-sectional population-based autopsy study. Researchers were able to examine the brains of 1,781 participants. It specifically excludes brain samples where someone died due to trauma. The average age of participants was around seventy-five years old, and the sample was ethnically diverse.

Participants were at least fifty and had a next of kin who had been contacting them at least weekly in the 6 months before their death. Researchers were able to gather data from next of kin regarding factors like participants’ medical histories, alcohol consumption, and the presence of dementia.

Participants were divided into groups based on the level of alcohol they consumed. There were never drinkers, moderate drinkers, heavy drinkers, and formerly heavy drinkers. For this research, 1 dose of alcohol was 14 grams (g). Moderate drinkers had up to 7 doses of alcohol in a week, while heavy drinkers had 8 or more doses in a week. Former heavy drinkers were heavy drinkers who had ceased drinking up to 3 months before their deaths occurred. Of all participants, 965 never consumed alcohol.

Researchers then sought to examine the brains for several changes, including those that indicated Alzheimer’s disease. They were also able to determine brain weight.

Heavy Drinkers Face 133% Higher Risk of Brain Damage
Overall, the results showed worse outcomes related to alcohol consumption. Researchers adjusted for clinical variables and sociodemographic data, and found that moderate, heavy drinkers, and former heavy drinkers were at a greater risk for having hyaline arteriolosclerosis compared to participants who never had drunk alcohol.

Former heavy drinkers also had lower brain weights. They had slightly higher average clinical dementia rating scores compared to never-drinkers. In this case, higher scores indicate worse cognitive function. There was no association between heavy and moderate drinking and cognitive function.

The findings also indicated that drinking alcohol did not have an overall or direct effect on people’s cognitive abilities. Instead, researchers found that hyaline arteriolosclerosis mediated the association between alcohol consumption and cognitive abilities. This could indicate that alcohol affects hyaline arteriolosclerosis, which then may affect aspects of brain function.

Haris Kamal, MD. a neurologist at Memorial Hermann, who was not involved in this research, noted the following about the study findings to Medical News Today:

“The effect of alcohol on the human brain is dependent on multiple factors such as age, number of years of heavy alcohol use, overall health, nutritional intake etc. This study demonstrates that moderate to heavy alcohol use or even a history of prior heavy alcohol use is associated with more arteriosclerosis in the smallest arteries in the brain; such a progressive thickening of the arterial walls and increased deposition of neurofibrillary tangles of tau protein can lead to cognitive impairment including dementia.”

Striking’ Findings Despite Limitations
The research does have some limitations. For one, researchers had to rely on family members for information such as clinical information and data on participants’ drinking habits. It is possible that these reports from next of kin were inaccurate.

They also missed “longitudinal follow-up data” before participants’ deaths, such as on how long participants had been consuming alcohol. Also, researchers did not examine participants’ vitamin deficiencies, which could have amplified the observed cognitive decline.

Study author Alberto Justo, PhD, a researcher at the University of São Paulo Medical School, explained that: “Future research should focus on cohort studies to better understand the causal relationships between alcohol consumption and brain changes over time. This research will help clarify how different levels and durations of alcohol intake affect cognitive health.”

Heavy Drinking Causes Vascular Changes in the Brain
So far, the data indicates some very real potential dangers that alcohol consumption can pose to the brain. Justo noted that: “Our study found that even moderate alcohol consumption may lead to vascular changes in the brain, such as hyaline arteriolosclerosis.

We also observed that former heavy drinkers had reduced brain mass and poorer cognitive abilities. This highlights how alcohol, even in moderate amounts, can significantly impact brain health. These findings suggest the need for increased awareness about the risks of alcohol consumption on brain health, even at moderate levels.”

These findings could be highly relevant to clinical practice down the road. “Potential clinical implications of this study are the finding that heavy alcohol use or a history of heavy alcohol use can lead to accelerated subcortical disease in the brain which would manifest as a cognitive impairment,”

Kamal stated that “Such people over time may progressively demonstrate paucity/slowness of thought, memory issues, trouble with executive functioning etc,” He further explained that “accumulation of such small vessel disease in the brain typically can lead to a condition called vascular dementia.”

Yes, It’s That Time of Year…..Allergy SeasonIf so-called hay fever is new to you, don't be surprised.  Doctors say we ca...
04/10/2025

Yes, It’s That Time of Year…..Allergy Season

If so-called hay fever is new to you, don't be surprised. Doctors say we can develop allergies as adults. And - if you've always had allergies, but feel they're worse now, join the crowd – warmer weather means more pollen in the air, scientists say.

Welcome to the golden age of seasonal allergies. About one in four adults have them, whether they were sneezy kids or not. "It is possible to develop an allergy at any age," said Margaret Huntwork, MD, an immunologist and allergist at the School of Medicine at Tulane University in New Orleans. The Big Easy has become the Big Sneezy, jumping to second place in a list of Allergy Capitals released in March by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Many Southern and Eastern cities carry a greater burden of seasonal allergies, and Wichita, Kansas, has topped the list the last three years.

The foundation ranks cities based on pollen counts, use of over-the-counter allergy medication, and the number of allergy specialists in the city. New Orleans, which previously held the 34th spot, saw exploding w**d pollen counts in 2024, probably because of Hurricane Francine's mid-September rains combined with the warmest November on record. "As temperatures rise and humidity patterns change, we are seeing changes in pollen patterns," Huntwork said. And, warming climates mean plants produce more pollen, which is the main trigger of "allergic” bouts - AH-CHOO!!!.

Why Am I Sneezing So Much?

Your runny nose and prickly eyes are signs that your body's immune system is working. Your body is reacting to a foreign material – pollen, dust, mold, whatever – and it releases histamines, chemicals that make your eyes water and trigger coughing or sneezing to dislodge the irritant. Most people develop their allergies between 10 and 30 years old," said John James, MD, an allergist and immunologist at the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

It's hard to put a number on how many people first have hay fever as adults, James said. But there are some trends about who is most likely to start sniffling. Women are more likely than men to have seasonal allergy symptoms (30% versus 21%), according to the National Health Interview Survey. White adults (28%) are slightly more likely to have the symptoms than Black adults (24%), Hispanic adults (24%), and Asian adults (17%). Symptoms vary, depending on what's blooming and what plant pollen causes your allergies.

The three big pollen seasons are:
• Tree pollen season: Late winter through mid-spring and includes oak, elm, maple, and cedar
• Grass pollen season: Spring through summer and includes Bermuda, rye, and Kentucky blue
• W**d pollen season: Summer through fall and includes ragw**d, pigw**d, and mugwort

Southern states, like muggy Louisiana, can have fewer frost-free days, extending the allergy season on both sides. "We experience an extended tree pollen season [spring], followed by aggressive grass [summer] and w**d [fall] pollen seasons. High humidity contributes to increased mold counts and dust mite exposure," said Andrew Abreo, MD, a pediatric allergist and immunologist at Manning Family Children's in New Orleans. "It's less of an allergy season and more of a year-round challenge."

Why It Feels Worse These Days

It's not your imagination – allergies really are getting worse. "People are surprised allergy seasons are getting longer and stronger, but that's due to climate change," said Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist and spokesperson for the Allergy and Asthma Network, a nonprofit patient advocacy group. Over the past decade, Parikh has noticed patients having more severe symptoms over longer periods of time. On top of warming weather, higher carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere "are making plants produce more pollen as well," Parikh said. "The higher amounts of pollen make allergies more severe."

There's also evidence that extreme weather like high-wind thunderstorms, wildfires, and hurricanes can send pollen out farther than before, said James. This can cause some allergic reactions in people far away from the original plant. And, air pollution is yet another factor.

What Can I Do About It?

The science is complicated – pollen grains range in size from a few microns wide to 100 microns, playing a role in how severe symptoms are and how well treatments work. To protect yourself and your family, experts recommend closing windows and doors to keep pollen from coming inside, changing clothes worn outside, showering after outdoor activities to keep exposure to pollen to a minimum, regularly cleaning home surfaces, including bedding and using an air purifier with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter.

Plenty of over-the-counter allergy medications can help control mild to moderate bouts. However, if medications and behavioral changes don't help, consult an allergist, James said. An allergist can help identify the trouble pollen and give guidance on whether sublingual immunology (.....drops placed under the tongue.....) or allergy shots will help. These medications can improve an allergic person's life, especially for people who like to spend time outside or have moderate to severe symptoms, James said.

Seasonal allergies can sometimes cause more than sniffles and sneezes. Pollen allergy symptoms can include rashes and eczema, Parikh said, and adults can even get asthma if their allergies are bad enough. "If you have any breathing symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, this is a sign of asthma and you need to see a doctor," Parikh said. Trouble breathing shouldn't be treated with over-the-counter medicines, she said. "We see a rise in asthma attacks this time of year. This is important to treat, as it can be deadly. We have 11 deaths per day in this country from asthma – which is entirely preventable with appropriate treatment," Parikh said. So please seek medical advice when you experience tough allergy symptoms.

Employees of Gulf Coast Health Center provided valuable information and giveaways to many area citizens during the recen...
03/25/2025

Employees of Gulf Coast Health Center provided valuable information and giveaways to many area citizens during the recent "Spring Into Health" - Health Fair sponsored by the Lamar State College Port Arthur Allied Health Society. The event was held at the Carl Parker Multipurpose Center on Lamar's campus and guest speakers were Dr. Robert and Linda White and Ms. Kim Arrington, M.Ed, LPC. Lots of vendors and campus resources participated in the health fair. And, participants enjoyed a variety of entertainment and door prizes.

Daily Omega-3 Supplements and Regular Exercise May Slow AgingAccording to new research, regularly taking Omega-3 and Vit...
03/13/2025

Daily Omega-3 Supplements and Regular Exercise May Slow Aging

According to new research, regularly taking Omega-3 and Vitamin D supplements can support health and mitigate aging-related issues. In a recent study, researchers reported that taking these supplements over 3 years slowed biological aging by 3 to 4 months, with even greater effects observed when combined with exercise.

Although a reduction of a few months in aging may seem modest, the researchers said this could have meaningful public health benefits, including a lower prevalence of certain age-related conditions. The researchers analyzed data which examined the impact of supplements and exercise on older adults across five countries. They reviewed information from over 700 participants aged 70 and older, who were assigned either a placebo or Omega-3, Vitamin D, and exercise alone or in combination. Approximately half the participants were in good health, with no major chronic illnesses or disabilities.

Heike A. Bischoff-Gerrari, MD, MPH, DrPH from the University of Basel - Department of Aging Medicine explained the key findings in the journal Medical News Today. “In our prior studies of generally healthy adults age 70 and older, we found omega-3 lowered the rate of falls by 10% and reduced the rate of infections by up to 13%, while omega-3, vitamin D and exercise combined lowered the risk of pre-frailty by 39% and invasive cancer by 61%,”

Bischoff-Ferrari stated that “Given these health benefits, we explored whether these treatments also translated to slowing of biological aging. “Our findings provide a strong signal that Omega-3 supplements (1 [gram per day] algae-based) slows biological aging in humans, and that the combination Vitamin D and exercise may make this effect even stronger. Biological age was slowed by 3-4 months in 3 years.” Further research is needed to draw broader conclusions. However, the research noted that although the treatments slowed down aging at the molecular level, there is no clear proof that this leads to a longer life or better health.

So what do these findings mean for patients? While further research is needed, tried and tested strategies can still be implemented. “Everyone should consider exercising as we age as it will help us stay young.” Bischoff-Ferrari further says, “I often tell my patients that ‘if you don’t use it, you will lose it’.” However, “using the right combination of supplements may be helpful and someday the use of supplements may be fully evidence based,” the physician suggested.

Address

2548 Memorial Boulevard
Port Arthur, TX
77642

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 8pm
Tuesday 7am - 8pm
Wednesday 7am - 8pm
Thursday 7am - 8pm
Friday 7am - 8pm
Saturday 8am - 8pm

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Gulf Coast Health Center, Inc. posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Gulf Coast Health Center, Inc.:

Share

About Gulf Coast Health Center, Inc.

📷

As a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), we are committed to serving the community and providing high quality comprehensive care. Gulf Coast Health Center, Inc. has been serving the greater Southeast Texas residents for over 29 years. In 2018, Gulf Coast Health Center, Inc. served over 36,000 patient visits in its Port Arthur facility alone. Our additional facilities in Orange, Silsbee, and Jasper served an additional 17,000 patient visits. Comprehensive care gives patients access to pediatrics, OB/GYN, family medicine, internal medicine, mental health, dentistry, ophthalmology, and pharmacy all in one central location.

Our services are available: Monday through Friday a week 7am to 8pm and Saturday from 8am to 5pm. Our satellite Centers (Silsbee, Jasper, and Orange) are open Monday through Friday a week 8am to 5pm.

Gulf Coast Health Center, Inc. offers a sliding fee scale and will see patients regardless of income and/or their ability to pay. In addition, the Center accepts all Medicaid, Medicare, CHIPS, and private insurance plans. Based on the Federal Poverty guidelines, the Center has fees as low as $30 to uninsured and under-insured patients.