Harvey R. Danciger, DPM
74-000 Country Club Drive, Suite A-2
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 568-0108

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Posts for tag: stroke

By drdanciger
March 24, 2011
Category: Uncategorized
Tags: stroke   fish   toenails   mercury   heart disease   diet   healthy diet  

Ask Your Toenails If It Is OK to Eat Fish

A health study was done by Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, of Harvard School of Public Health, which measured the toxin levels in many thousands of toenail clippings.  They found out that eating fish and the mercury content did not raise the risk of people developing either heart disease or stroke.

Health experts have long told us that eating fish was good for us to lower heart risks, however they were concerned about the mercury levels in certain fish might counter-act the benefits.

This unusual study, funded by the government, measured the mercury found in toenails, which is a very good gauge of the long term exposure of mercury from fish consumption.

The study found that there were no differences in the rates of stroke or heart risks in those with the highest concentrations of mercury compared to the people with the lowest concentrations.

The conclusion was that people should eat fish as part of their healthy diet and not worry about any ill heart effects. 

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By Harvey Danciger
March 21, 2011

American Diabetes Association Alert Day

Tuesday, March 22, 2011 is the 23rdannual American Diabetes Association Alert Day.  This is a day to wake up and “Join the Million Challenge” by finding out if you are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes by taking the diabetes risk test. 

Diabetes affects nearly 26 million Americans.  Almost 25% of these people are unaware that they have they disease.  This needs to be changed.  Persons with pre-diabetes, blood sugar levels are elevated but not high enough to classify them as diabetic, account for 1 in 3 American adults.  If left untreated, these people have a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes and the resultant complications from diabetes.

Type 2 diabetics often live without any knowledge they have the disease because they have no symptoms.  Not until they develop a complication, like kidney disease, heart attack, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, nerve damage and or eye damage, do they find out they have diabetes.

The Diabetes Risk Test helps determine if you are at risk.  By answering questions about  your weight, age, family history and other risk factors, you can become better aware of the chances of developing type 2 diabetes.

Take the FREE test at www.stopdiabetes.com, or call 1-800-342-2383.  Your loved ones will thank you. 

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By drdanciger
March 21, 2011
Category: Uncategorized

Peripheral Arterial Disease-Do You Have It?

Peripheral arterial disease, (PAD), is a disease where fatty deposits can build up on the inside linings of the arteries.  This causes a restriction or decrease of blood flow to the various organs and muscles of the body.   Especially vulnerable are the stomach, kidneys, arms, legs and feet.

Did you know that this disease, PAD, accounts for nearly 50% of all the amputations which occur in diabetics!  It is also a major cause of amputations in the non-diabetic population as well.

PAD affects 12-20% of the people in the United States who are age 65 years or older.  Diabetics over the age of 50 have a 3 times greater risk of developing PAD than non-diabetics.  The reason this is important is that PAD carries with it a five year mortality rate of 30%.

If this is not enough of a concern; a patient with PAD faces a six to seven fold increase in risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Not every person with peripheral arterial disease will have symptoms.  Diabetics, because of neuropathy, may not have any symptoms but have advanced stages of PAD.  The neuropathy is masking the symptoms normally associated with PAD.  Pain in the legs, thighs, or buttocks when walking; and is relieved by rest, is a symptom of PAD.  Pain in the legs or feet while lying in bed, that is relieved by hanging the feet down or getting up and standing is another symptom.

Early detection of peripheral arterial disease is important to helping you maintain a healthy, active lifestyle and decrease the above risks associated with PAD.  Your podiatrist is often the first doctor to diagnose PAD as we are aware of subtle changes which occur in the lower extremities which can indicate the disease process.   If you have any symptoms of PAD, see your podiatrist for further evaluation.

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Podiatrist - Palm Desert, Harvey R. Danciger DPM, 74-000 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert CA, 92260 760-568-0108