In Touch February Newsletter

Dr. Ramsey’s
“In Touch”
~ February~
PATIENT NEWSLETTER

Who Needs A Hug?

Dear Patient,

“Brothers don’t shake hands…Brothers gotta’ HUG!”, or so goes the famous line from one of my favorite comedies, Tommy Boy.  Truth be told, I don’t think there are many days that go by that I don’t use at least one line from that movie.  Haven’t seen it?  One recommendation if you’re planning on renting it: be prepared for frequent restroom breaks, as you may laugh so hard that you have an “accident”.

I thought that would be fitting with the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday.  With all of the candies and chocolates and deliciousness going around during the holiday, I came across this poem that pretty much sums it all up:

Sweet Mystery

For Valentines Day
My husband, so sweet
Bought hand made chocolates
For me as a treat
In a flower covered box
Came the delicious confection
But I am at a loss to answer
A most curious question
How can two pounds of chocolates
So delicious on the lips
Manage in just one night
To put 5 lbs on my hips!

     Now that you've smiled at least once today, it's your turn to give this newsletter to someone you want to bring a smile to (maybe even a chuckle.) Give this newsletter to everyone you know.

  Washington's Birthday is the official name designated to what many of us know as President's Day. During the month of February the birthday of two of our greatest Presidents takes place: both George Washington, who was born on Feb. 22nd and Abraham Lincoln, born on Feb. 12th.

However, Washington's birthday has been publicly celebrated since he was in office, before Abraham Lincoln was even born. Much of the debate over the name of the holiday springs from the fact that states can follow their own holidays how they see fit and many of them choose to also honor Lincoln, calling the celebration President's Day.

It was in 1968 that the term President's Day came up for legal consideration in the Congress but was shot down, though the holiday was moved to fall between the two President's birthdays. Again in the 1980's there was a resurgence of the term with advertisers which solidified the holiday name in American culture. Today, few Americans prefer to call the holiday Washington's Birthday in lieu of President's Day.

Avoid the Big-Time Corporate Heart Attack

By Al Sears, MD

   You probably know that Enron CEO Ken Lay's life was cut short by a heart attack. His doctors knew he had heart disease. In fact, he had suffered several heart attacks before the one that killed him ... and he'd been taking statin drugs to lower his cholesterol for years.

   Statin drugs work by blocking the body's production of cholesterol. This lowers total cholesterol - not just "bad" LDL cholesterol but also "good" HDL cholesterol. And to avoid developing heart disease - even to reverse damage that's already been done - HDL is key.

   HDL can reduce your risk of heart disease regardless of your LDL levels. The Framingham study (the most reliable and unbiased source of data for heart disease risk) shows that if your HDL is high enough, your LDL will have no negative impact on your heart health. In fact, if your HDL is above 85, you are at no greater risk of heart disease if your total cholesterol is 350 than if it's 150.

Here are four natural ways to increase your HDL:

1. Exercise in intervals - at progressively higher intensity as you get used to it - for 20 minutes every other day. TAKE IS SLOW!

2. Eliminate trans-fats from your diet. Cut out breaded/fried foods, commercially baked crackers and cookies, and anything containing hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated vegetable or soybean oil.

3. Increase your omega-3 fatty acids by adding fish oils, avocados, nuts, olives, and eggs to your diet.

4. Add fresh garlic to your meals as often as possible.

Your Health is your Most Important ASSET.

Take IT seriously.
 

We Do!

What’s Your Sign?

     Born between January 20th and February 19th, the Aquarius has strong character and personality. They are capable of dealing and solving unexpected problems.

     They are wonderful team players. They are said to have no romantic skill and they are not interested in the games of dating. However, an Aquarius is a straightforward person. It is a fact that an Aquarius is not only logical but also practical, in dealing with issues pertaining to personal or official life.

Aquarius Greatest Strength: Your eclectic way of seeing things

Aquarius Possible Weakness: Know-it-all attitude puts others of

   Pisceans were born between February 20th and March 20th. "Understanding" is a most appropriate keyword for this gentle, affectionate sign. Easygoing and generally accepting of others around them, the Pisces are often found in the company of a variety of different personalities. Their willingness to give of themselves emotionally lends to an aura of quiet empathy. A Pisces is comforting to be around. While not likely to be the leader, this sign's presence is strong and vibrant in any cause they put their hearts into.

   Pisces Greatest Strength: Your compassion for those in need

   Pisces Possible Weakness: Confusion can put you at a disadvantage

SPECIAL NOTE

• SEND a copy of this newsletter to your friends& family in the area!    
• Please feel free to sign up for our health updates! Go to www.drrobertramseyblog.com and enter your e-mail into the sign-up box on the right hand side of the page!
• Don’t forget to REFER your friends, co-workers and loved ones for a checkup. There health is their most important asset.                                                     

P.S. Have a great February!

Celebrate the month and your family’s health!