is always a hot topic. Especially as we age, it becomes more difficult to lose weight and keep it off.
Let’s be honest, most people would like to shed pounds without having to do endless exercise and starve yourself. We want to lose fat and do it with the least amount of physical effort possible.
The good news is we now have injectable weight-loss medications called GLP-1s that have taken the world by storm.
It’s an exciting time for all who qualify for these medications to meet their weight-loss goals and lower their risk factors for certain illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, to name a few. GLP-1s perform several different actions to promote weight loss, it mimics a hormone that reduces appetite, stabilizes blood sugar, and slows down digestion so you feel full faster.
This all sounds great, but the drawback is that if you had an unhealthy diet to begin with, the desired outcome you are looking for could lead to malnutrition or dehydration. According to the National Institutes of Health and Science Direct,
12.7% of users had nutritional deficiencies diagnosed within six months and 22.4% within one year of starting GLP-1 treatment.
You might ask, “How you can become malnourished or dehydrated?” The side effects of this GLP-1 can cause a feeling of constant nausea leading to vomiting. So, if you are vomiting the food you are eating and can’t keep fluids down, your stomach is not able to absorb any basic, vital nutrients that your body needs to function efficiently.
Diarrhea is also a reported side effect with a similar idea. Diarrhea prevents your body from absorbing vital nutrients. When you become malnourished, you’re
missing vitamins B12, D, and E, as well as minerals like magnesium and potassium, to name a few, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN.org) and the National Center for BioTechnology Information (Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
Another potential side effect is muscle loss, known as wasting, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Because GLP-1s can potentially cause rapid weight and muscle loss, wasting is a reality. This is especially worsened if you cannot keep food or fluids down. If you’re able to keep some food down, GLP-1’s because you get full quickly, so again you may not get the important nutrients your body
needs to function at its fullest potential. In this case, it is paramount to prioritize protein in your diet.
Bone loss is another problem that also is related to nutritional deficit and lack of regular exercise. Who wants to exercise when you can’t keep food or liquids down because you’re nauseated. Not only are you nauseated but you’re probably feeling weak because you haven’t been able to keep a nutritious meal down. In this case, you really should consult with your doctor and a registered dietician who could help design an appropriate diet plan.
If you decide to use GLP-1s, here are some guidelines to avoid malnutrition and enjoy the benefits of weight loss:
♦ Prioritize protein, fruits, and high-fiber vegetables
♦ Avoid processed foods
♦ Decrease sugar intake
♦ Avoid alcohol because it can irritate the gastrointestinal system
♦ Eat high-quality foods in small portions frequently
♦ Avoid spicy foods
♦ Eat whole foods
It may be helpful to write out a meal plan so you can cover all the bases.
You decide: Are GLP-1s right for you? For more information, consult your doctor and follow up with a registered dietitian.
For more information, visit nih.gov, Sciencedirect.com, or ajcn.org
Adobe Stock photo
Nurse’s CorNer
sheri Griffiths
Brentwood Dental Excellence an ‘excellent fit’ in Brentwood and far East Contra Costa County
Something stuck out to Dr. Vishnu Shankar when he opened Brentwood Dental Excellence on Lone Tree Way in late May.
“One of the key things with Brentwood is the layout of the community,” Dr. Shankar said. “Where the growth has been, with the new homes coming in and new communities being built, we wanted to be somewhere where there is active growth. We want to be where the people need us, basically, and Brentwood seemed to be an excellent fit for our vision and we see great potential for growth.”
Brentwood Dental Excellence, his newest practice that’s inside Lone Tree Plaza across from the Chevron gas station, is the city’s newest dental office, offering all kinds of dental services seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. They offer everything from cleanings to whitenings, and the latest in dental surgery options with their Yomi robot technology, the city’s first robotic dental system.
For Dr. Shankar, a graduate of the University of Pacific School of Dentistry, providing advanced patient care has been his goal since he started studying medicine back in the Fijian Islands over three decades ago.
“I have a passion for patient care,” he said. “I’ve worked closely with hospitals there (in Fiji) and saw how people (there) kind of always had a vision for advanced medical care, be it in the dental field and the medical field.
“Here in Brentwood, we have brought the technology home, and I call it ‘home’ because I’ve been closely affiliated with the Brentwood community for a very long time as a teacher, a volunteer, and as a healthcare worker providing dental services.”
Dr. Shankar’s practice, his third in the Bay Area – the others are in San Bruno and in Danville – offer the Bay Area’s first experience with Yomi.
“I see our practice growing and being able to reach out to the newer communities, helping more patients, bringing this technology to the people, instead of people reaching out and traveling out of the way,” Dr. Shankar said. “We want to become part of the new community here, and we have had so many patient testimonials, cards of appreciation, saying how the technology has benefited them.”
Yomi was introduced to the United States in 2016 after spending four years in development by Neocis, a surgical dental robotics company in Florida, and the manufacturer of Yomi. Neocis says on their website that Yomi is the first and only FDA-cleared robotic system for dental surgery.
Yomi works in two parts. First, a separate device takes a 3D scan of the patient’s head using a technology that is more focused than a CT scan viewing on the mouth and jaw area so the dentists can see on a separate screen the area that they plan to work in. The imagery is sent to the Yomi via Wi-Fi where it plans and navigates the placement while the dentists are able to design where they want the implants to go, location and distance.
“It might sound strange, but (Yomi) does use A.I.,” Dr. Shankar said. “Robotics has been a good vehicle for placing dental implants, which is the growing trend in the (dental) community. It uses A.I. to exactly guide the surgeon, in this case the dentist, to go into and place a dental implant safely, precisely, and in good bone. The dentist has the sense of security knowing that this is going to last a patient’s lifetime.
“(Yomi) basically guides the surgeon. We call it ‘robotics that is human driven,’ and it’s just very efficient and a safer way to do dental implants. We can do single, multiple, and in most cases, we can do immediate placements where we take the tooth out, in absence of infection, we’re able to navigate into the solid bone and place an implant that has initial stability to temporize and heal.”
Dr. Shankar added that “the patient has the advantage of knowing minimal discomfort and a faster and more predictable healing time. With these advantages, why would someone not use the technology to their advantage?”
Dr. Shankar has worked with Yomi for several years and has done over 1,000 dental procedures with the new technology throughout his practices. Shankar said there have been no reported problems with Yomi.
“(Patients) love the advances (in technology),” Dr. Shankar said. “They love how we are able to relate the technology to their benefit, and we are in a very technologically advanced era moving forward. And especially with the inception of A.I., we love the technology that makes our
work so much safer.”
As Brentwood Dental Excellence continues to welcome new patients, Dr. Shankar says that the office offers free consultations, and has brochures that “educate the patient as to how the technology can benefit and be customized to the patient’s dental needs.”
The office also has in-house dental plans, a feature along with their flexible financial options.
“We want to be your friend when it comes to your dental care,” Dr. Shankar said. “We want to educate you, tell you what the advances are, how this can benefit your health, and you’ll be amazed at the way the practice is set up. It’s a very modern practice, I’m very proud of it, we’ve spent a lot of time planning it, and we have the greatest staff.”
To schedule your appointment with Dr. Shankar and meet Yomi, call the office at 925-420-5030 or stop in the new office at 5611 Lone Tree Way, suite 140, or visit www.brentwooddentalexcellence.net.
To view a video of the interview, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
JEFF WEISINGER
ON THE COVER: Dr. Vishnu Shankar, DDS of the new Brentwood Dental Excellence stands next to the office’s Yomi Dental Robot, Brentwood’s first robotic dental system.
Advertorial
Photos by Jeff Weisinger
Dr. Vishnu Shankar, DDS of the new Brentwood Dental Excellence brings something new to dentistry locally – a dental robot named Yomi.
Doctors stress the importance of sleep for good health
Just over one-third of men and women in the U.S. are not getting enough sleep every night, and a 2024 study showed that child care was the number one culprit for 49 percent of women and 41 percent of men not getting enough shut-eye.
The Sleep Foundation’s research, among other studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shows that the number of adults with sleep deprivation from 2013-2022 ranged from 30 to 48 percent, depending on the state, which equates to less than seven hours of sleep per night, according to Dr. Raheel Khan, a psychiatrist with Sutter Health with 15 years of experience.
“There’s no clear answer on the number of hours these people are getting, but my experience in working with patients that are suffering from sleep deprivation is about 4-6 hours,” Khan said. “Those that are sleeping well are getting about 7-8 hours.”
According to Khan, the ideal amounts of sleep are as follows:
♦ Newborns: 14-17 hours of sleep per day
♦ Toddlers: 11-14 hours of sleep per night
♦ Kids (ages 3-5): 10-13 hours of sleep per night
♦ Kids (ages 6-12): 9-11 hours of sleep per night
♦ Teens (ages 13-18): 8-10 hours of sleep per night
♦ Adults (ages 18-64): 7-9 hours of sleep per night
♦ Seniors (65 and older) : 7-8 hours of sleep per night
Khan added that chronic sleep prob-
lems increase risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, including heart attacks, diabetes, weight problems, memory problems, thyroid problems, a weakened immune system, dementia, and mental illness. Furthermore, psychiatric and substance use problems can potentially occur, while Khan also stressed problems could arise from overuse of caffeine-related products, interfering with sleep and also potentially leading to heart problems, gastrointestinal (GI) problems, kidney problems (including kidney failure with higher amounts of use), along with increased irritability, anxiety, and headaches.
“Typically I recommend avoiding energy drinks all together, even for generally healthy adults,” Khan said. “When it comes to coffee, I recommend not drinking coffee after 3 p.m., ideally after 12 p.m. if possible. A lot of the energy drinks are high in sugar and a lot of people put creamer and sugar in their coffee, which increases the risk for diabetes as well.”
Dr. Melody Brewer, a pulmonary physician and intensive care director with Sutter Health, said sleep is meant to heal and reenergize, rebuild lost energy, solidify memories and knowledge. However, Brewer added there is a strong connection
between sleep and depression, as depression can make sleep worse or less efficient or less restful, while a lack of sleep can trigger or worsen depression.
“A lack of sleep increases cortisol, the stress hormone, which can trigger or exacerbate depression,” Brewer said. “It also causes imbalances in serotonin and dopamine, which are major factors in depression. If someone is dealing with both, they really need to address both and not assume that addressing one will fix both. In some cases, it can but in most cases both issues need to be managed to reach optimal health.”
In addition to aiding with weight loss and weight management, Brewer added that sleep is also important for after surgeries, fractures, training for events, and injuries, including burns. Brewer also added that another group that gets overlooked is pregnant women, since they are growing a whole new human to go along with their own energy needs, so seven to nine hours might seem insufficient.
“All of these require extra energy and therefore extra sleep,” Brewer said. “If someone is trying to max at the gym, their muscles need energy to heal and grow so they should try to get more sleep. An older adult that has incidental compression fractures likely needs more sleep to allow the body to heal. We know there is a significant connection between sleep apnea and the heart and some of that may be related to lack of restful sleep and lack of healing sleep.”
Khan added that good sleep promotes a healthy heart, reduces risk of heart disease, regulates blood sugars, improves immune systems, helps with stress and weight management, provides more energy, and helps people think more clearly and sharp.
“The worse our sleep is, the more likely that we will have multiple health problems to manage,” Khan said. “When evaluating depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, one of the first things we look for is how they are sleeping. That’s the first symptom I focus on. If I’m able to help them sleep better, then it’s easier to start to get the rest of their symptoms under control.”
SEAN TONGSON
Photo from Adobe Stock
Insufficient sleep could lead to various health problems.
What is holistic medicine, and how can it
The medical community has made many notable advancements in the treatment of various diseases and conditions over the first quarter of the 21st century. The general public has reaped the benefits of those advancements, as many challenging medical conditions are now more treatable than ever.
Changes within the health care sector also include a growing emphasis on treating the whole person. Such an approach to health care is known as holistic medicine, a term many might recognize but not necessarily understand.
What is holistic medicine?
According to the Pacific College of Health and Science, the word “holistic” means “dealing with the whole.” Medical practitioners of holistic medicine treat physical ailments and conditions as well as the emotional, mental and spiritual aspects they feel might aggravate the condition. Holistic medicine practitioners believe there is an interconnectedness between a person’s physical and emotional state.
What else does holistic medicine entail?
The Pacific College of Health and Science notes practitioners of holistic medicine follow several guiding principles when treating patients. Those principles include:
♦ A belief that everyone has inborn healing abilities
♦ A belief that patients and doctors must work together as a team to address all areas of life that affect health and wellness
♦ A philosophical commitment to treating a
patient as a person, not a disease
♦ A commitment to addressing the cause of the ailment, not just relieving its symptoms
♦ Focusing on the mind-body connection to treat the whole person
Are holistic medicine practitioners limited to natural remedies?
No. WebMD notes that some holistic medical practitioners employ conventional treatments, including medication, when caring for patients. Practitioners who practice
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naturopathy, a form of holistic medicine, use only natural remedies, including herbal medicines. This distinction is significant, as it helps people recognize that there are various types of holistic medicine practitioners.
What are some types of holistic medicine practitioners?
Various disciplines fall under the umbrella of holistic medicine, and approaches can very considerably depending on which type a person sees.
♦ Integrative physician: WebMD notes integrative physicians are licensed medical doctors (MDs) who may combine holistic practices like massage and acupuncture with treatments such as medication.
♦ Osteopath: Osteopaths (DOs) also are licensed and these professionals are trained in what WebMD characterizes as “manual medicine.” Hands-on manipulation of tissues and joints may be recommended by osteopaths.
♦ Ayurvedic medicine: The Pacific College of Health and Science notes that ayurvedic medicine employs herbs, metals and dietary changes to address health issues. Practitioners of ayurvedic medicine also focus on the interaction between patients and their environments.
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How you know when you have ‘wellness’
Wellness is an oft-heard buzzword among those looking to live a healthy lifestyle, but it’s also something of a mystery. People aspiring to be the best version of themselves with a strong body and mind may be curious about how various wellness strategies can help them achieve that goal.
The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health. Some experts break wellness down into four categories: spiritual, social, psychological, and physical. Similarly, the Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program says wellness is promoted through self-care, including four key strategies: rest, relaxation, replenishment, and release.
Although the terms wellness, health and well-being often are interchanged, each of these factors are their own unique entity.
Health
The University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign says health often is defined as the absence of illness and disease, so various physical, social and mental conditions
The concepts
fall under the health umbrella. Well-being
Although there are different definitions for well-being, the term generally refers to living a fulfilling life in which a
person feels content. The World Health Organization says well-being is “a positive state experienced by individuals and societies.”
Wellness
The whole-health organization Take Care® says wellness refers to the pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that create health. Wellness acts as the plan or individual pursuit to achieve health and thus a greater sense of well-being.
Better understanding of the niche components of overall health and wellness can help people enjoy physical and mental benefits and live more fulfilling lives.
Promoting wellness
The following are some avenues for pursuing wellness.
♦ Self-care
♦ Routine medical exams and immunizations
♦ Healthy diet and exercise habits
♦ Being aware of one’s feelings
♦ Cultivating an optimistic outlook
♦ Learning ways to avoid or manage stress
♦ Being open to new ideas and perspectives
♦ Engaging in social activities, volunteerism and contributing to the community
♦ Finding meaning or purpose
Caring Haven offers respite care services to support caregivers
Caring Haven has launched its dementia-specific respite care program, made possible through a grant from the Center for Dementia Respite Innovation.
This initiative is designed to provide much-needed relief for caregivers supporting people living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, according to a press release from the Antioch-based organization.
“With the support of the CDRI grant, we are launching a new respite care program in the Bay Area, giving caregivers the opportunity to rest and recharge while the person living with dementia receives highquality, dementia-capable care,” said Chief Executive Officer Nikki K. Lopez. “Caregiving can be overwhelming, and we want families to know they don’t have to do it alone.”
Why respite care matters
There are more than 11 million unpaid caregivers in the U.S. providing care for people living with dementia, Lopez said. Many struggle with stress, exhaustion, and burnout, yet access to respite care remains limited. This program aims to bridge that gap by offering caregivers flexible, compassionate care solutions so they can take a much-needed break.
What this means for caregivers
Through this program, Caring Haven offers:
♦ In-home care, adult day programs, overnight stays, weekend hours, and evening hours
♦ Flexible scheduling options to accommodate caregivers’ needs
♦ Trained staff who specialize in dementia care
♦ Affordable options
Caregivers interested in learning more about dementia-specific respite care can contact Caring Haven at 925-331-0590 or visit www.caringhavenhomecare.com.
Caring Haven
nikki Lopez
How seniors with limited mobility can stay active to be healthier longer
Physical activity can help you fight against chronic disease and other conditions. In fact, the Cleveland Clinic highlights physical activity among its nine ways to prevent disease in an effort to live a long and rewarding life.
Children, adolescents, young adults, and even men and women in middle age may not face too many physical hurdles when they try to exercise, but seniors are not always so lucky. Aging men and women with mobility problems may wonder if they can reap the rewards of physical activity, and thankfully there are many ways to exercise even if getting up and going isn’t as easy as it might have been in years past. Sometimes referred to as “aerobic exercise” or simply “cardio,” cardiovascular exercise is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide range of physical activities that raise the heart rate and improve endurance. Seniors with mobility problems can look to various forms of cardio for inspiration as they seek to be more physically active without compromising their overall health.
Even seniors with mobility problems can find safe and effective ways to be more physically active. Prior to beginning a new exercise regimen, seniors with limited mobility are urged to discuss activities with their physicians.
Walk your way to a healthier you.
Walking is a form of cardiovascular exercise that is ideal for older adults with mobility issues because it need not be physically demanding and it’s safe to walk just about anywhere. Walking in a place such as a local park can be particularly good for older adults because they can take periodic breaks
on benches if aches, pains or stiffness is affecting their ability to keep moving.
Swimming might be tailor-made for seniors with mobility issues because it’s a great workout and exercising in water tends to be less taxing on muscles and joints. The Cleveland Clinic notes that swimming promotes heart health, strengthens the
lungs, helps to burn calories, and builds muscle, among other benefits. And many seniors find swimming is just as fun in their golden years as it was in their youth, which means aging adults might not face problems with motivation when the time comes to get in the pool.
Use an exercise bike or portable pedal exerciser. Cycling is a wonderful exercise but one that seniors with limited mobility may feel is no longer possible. If doctors advise against riding a traditional bike, an exercise bike or portable pedal exerciser can provide many of the benefits of cycling without as great a risk for accident or injury. A portable pedal exerciser can be carried to a park, where seniors can still spend time in the great outdoors, which is one of the most appealing reasons to get on a bike and go.
Take beginner yoga or tai chi. HelpGuide.org notes that gentle yoga or tai chi can help to improve flexibility and reduce stress and anxiety. Though yoga and tai chi can provide as much demanding physical activity as individuals allow, beginner classes in each discipline don’t require much movement but do provide enough for seniors hoping to be less sedentary.
