Newsletters

June 2024

 

 

June 2024 Health Newsletter

 

2024| JUNE

CHAPALA MED HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Dear Friends and Valued Patients,

Welcome to our June edition of the Chapala Med newsletter! This month, we are excited to bring you a wealth of information and updates as we recognize Brain Health Month. As we delve into the importance of brain health, we aim to provide you with the latest insights and valuable resources to help you and your loved ones maintain optimal cognitive function.

In this edition, you’ll find a variety of articles that cover crucial aspects of brain health, including the latest research on Alzheimer’s disease and strategies for preventing cognitive decline. We also address the complex issue of elderly polypharmacology, offering guidance on managing medications to avoid adverse effects and enhance overall well-being.

Local health concerns are also on our radar. We provide important information on dengue fever and the types of scorpions found in our area, along with tips for prevention and treatment. Additionally, we discuss osteoarthritis, a common condition among our aging population, and share effective management strategies to improve your quality of life.

We continue to stay informed on broader health topics affecting our community. This month, we include updates on lung cancer treatments and preventive measures, as well as critical information on Medicare fraud in Mexico, helping you stay vigilant and protected.

Given the recent debates and discussions in the political arena, we also offer a medical opinion on the cognitive performance of President Biden during the latest presidential debate. This analysis aims to shed light on the importance of cognitive health at every stage of life, including for those in positions of leadership.

At Chapala Med, we strive to address the most pressing health issues that impact our expat population in the Chapala Lakeside and Guadalajara Metropolitan area. Our commitment to your health and well-being remains our top priority, and we hope this newsletter provides you with valuable information and support.

Thank you for being a part of our community. Stay healthy, stay informed, and take care of your brain!

Warm regards,

Santiago Hernandez, M.D.

Stay connected with us for more updates and follow us on our social media channels.

Experts (and a trivia buff) share tips to boost memory

 

Full NPR article – CLICK HERE

Full Article – Click Here

Still Too Many Inappropriate Prescriptions Among the Elderly

People over 60, who may take daily medications for multiple chronic conditions, are at risk for overmedication and other complications of polypharmacy.

FULL ARTICLE

Visit Article Website

 DENGUE UPDATES – 2024

Visit DENGUE article website

Lung Cancer Expert at ASCO:

From Fatal to ‘Chronic Disease’

 

Visit our Website – LUNG CANCER ARTICLE

It´s Scorpion Season – Venomous vs Safe

Here are 5 key physical differences between venomous and non-venomous scorpions:

  1. Venom Glands: Venomous scorpions have a pair of venom glands located in the telson (stinger) at the end of their tail, while non-venomous scorpions lack these specialized venom glands.
  2. Aculeus Shape: Venomous scorpions typically have a more curved and sharper aculeus (stinger barb) compared to non-venomous species, which tend to have a straighter and blunter aculeus.
  3. Chelae Size: There is a general inverse relationship between chelae (pincers) size and venom toxicity – venomous scorpions often have smaller chelae compared to their body size, while non-venomous species have larger chelae.
  4. Eye Count: Most venomous scorpions have 3 pairs of lateral eyes, while non-venomous species usually have only 1 or 2 pairs of lateral eyes.
  5. Geographic Distribution: Venomous scorpions are more commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, while non-venomous species are more widely distributed, including in temperate zones.

In summary, the presence and structure of venom glands, aculeus shape, chelae size, eye count, and geographic distribution are key physical differences that can help distinguish venomous from non-venomous scorpion species.

FULL ARTICLE and MEDICAL OPINION – CLICK HERE
  • The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) has also been active in investigating and resolving cases of Medicare Advantage fraud. They have published numerous examples of criminal and civil cases, including a $6.3 million settlement with a Medicare Advantage provider and a $270 million settlement with another provider
  • Medicare Advantage fraud in Mexico is an area of concern that U.S. authorities are actively working to address through civil and criminal enforcement actions against providers engaging in fraudulent activities. Beneficiaries must remain vigilant to protect themselves from becoming victims of such schemes.
  • RED FLAGS of potential fraud should be raised when a business entity asks for your MEDICARE INFORMATION or Social Security up front without having an active medical case pending.
  • The U.S. law that generally forbids felons from accessing medical records, Medicare information, or Social Security information is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).HIPAA establishes strict guidelines for the protection of protected health information (PHI), which includes medical records, insurance information, and other sensitive health data. Under HIPAA, it is illegal for felons or other unauthorized individuals to access or disclose PHI without the patient’s consent.
  • Specifically, HIPAA prohibits the following actions by felons and others:Obtaining, accessing, using, or disclosing medical records or medical information without authorization.
  • Accessing or using Medicare or Medicaid information for fraudulent purposes.
  • Accessing or misusing Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers found in medical records such as a business posing as a clinic or a hospital which often happens outside the continental U.S.
  • Violations of HIPAA’s privacy and security rules can result in civil and criminal penalties, including fines and even jail time. Healthcare providers and organizations that fail to properly safeguard PHI can also face enforcement actions.
  • Please verify that any business and its proprietors that ask you to “sign up” without having an active clinical case have no past criminal history or have been found guilty of a felony.
MEDICARE FRAUD RESOURCE PAGE

CHAPALA MED’s Functional Longevity Medicine Program: Unlocking the Secrets to Longevity and Vitality

At CHAPALA MED, since last month, we are thrilled to have rolled out our revolutionary “Functional Longevity Medicine” program, designed to empower you with the tools and knowledge to lead a long, vibrant, and fulfilling life. Based on the principles outlined in the insightful book “OUTLIVE” by renowned physician Peter Attia, MD, our program adopts a proactive and personalized approach to healthcare, focusing on five key areas to enhance your overall well-being.

1. Metabolic Health Optimization: Our program delves into the intricacies of your metabolic health, addressing factors such as insulin sensitivity, blood sugar regulation, and metabolic flexibility. By understanding and optimizing your metabolism, we aim to help you achieve sustainable weight management and reduce the risk of metabolic diseases.

2. Nutritional Excellence: Nourishing your body with the right nutrients is vital for longevity and vitality. We emphasize personalized nutrition plans, tailored to your unique needs and goals, to ensure you receive the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants required for optimal health.

3. Sleep and Stress Management: Adequate sleep and effective stress management play pivotal roles in longevity. Our program focuses on identifying sleep patterns, addressing sleep disorders, and implementing stress-reducing techniques to promote restorative rest and mental well-being.

4. Physical Fitness and Resilience: Building physical resilience is essential to thrive as we age. We design personalized exercise regimens, considering your current fitness level and long-term goals, to enhance strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health.

5. Cognitive Performance Enhancement: Mental acuity and cognitive health are integral to a fulfilling life. Through brain-boosting activities, cognitive exercises, and neuroprotective strategies, our program aims to keep your mind sharp and agile as the years go by. Our REHABILITATION DEPT. has already had weeks of success stories with our patients referring success and improved steadiness and functional mobility.

At CHAPALA MED, we believe that age is just a number, and by embracing the principles of functional medicine we are confident in our ability to help you unlock the secrets to a long and vibrant life. Our dedicated team of healthcare professionals is excited to guide you on this transformative journey towards functional longevity. Let’s embark on the path to lasting health and vitality together.

COME IN AND ASK ABOUT OUR NEW LONGEVITY MEDICINE PROGRAM

Chapala Med Mission Statement

 

 

“We pledge to preserve our humility, integrity, and all the values which brought us to the practice of medicine. We will engage in honest self-reflection, striving for excellence but acknowledging our limitations, and caring for ourselves as we care for others. We will seek to heal the whole person, rather than merely treat disease, committing to a partnership with our patients that empowers them and demonstrates empathy and respect. We will cure sometimes, treat often, and comfort always.” 

 
 
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