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Introduction Are you struggling to achieve your weight loss goals despite diet and exercise? We'd like to introduce you to a potential solution that may help you on your journey to a healthier you – Contrave is a prescription weight loss medication designed to support individuals in their weight management efforts.


Weight Loss Challenges Many people face obstacles when trying to lose weight. Factors like genetics, metabolism, and lifestyle can make it difficult to shed those extra pounds. Contrave is here to offer additional assistance in your quest for a healthier lifestyle.


After ruling out metabolic issues that cause weight gain, such as elevation in blood insulin level, high blood estradiol levels and hypothyroidism, hunger may be safely reduced in an attempt to lower weight through caloric restriction. That is, make dieting a little easier by making you less hungry. How is this possible? Medications exist that have been proven safe for other uses that reduce the desire to eat, smoke or consume alcohol.. When used appropriately, they can help you reduce your appetite.


  1. Contrave works by suppressing your appetite, helping you consume fewer calories. It also enhances your metabolism, making it easier for your body to burn fat. This dual-action approach can assist you in achieving your weight loss goals more effectively.

  2. Contrave is a prescription medication that is used to assist in weight loss and weight management. It is a combination of two active ingredients: bupropion and naltrexone. Here, we'll explore the benefits of Contrave in helping individuals achieve their weight loss goals.


Dual Mechanism of Action. Contrave's unique advantage lies in its dual mechanism of action. Bupropion, an antidepressant and smoking cessation aid, helps reduce appetite and cravings, making it easier to consume fewer calories. Naltrexone, primarily used to manage opioid and alcohol dependence, complements this by dampening the reward system associated with food, reducing the pleasure derived from overeating. This dual action can provide greater control over eating behaviors.


Effective Weight Loss. Clinical studies have shown that Contrave can lead to significant weight loss when used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Participants in these studies typically lost more weight than those who followed the same lifestyle changes without the medication.


Improved Health Outcomes. Contrave not only aids in weight loss but also contributes to improved health outcomes. Losing excess weight can reduce the risk of obesity-related conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. It can also alleviate joint pain and sleep apnea, enhancing overall well-being.




Individualized Treatment Plans Healthcare providers can tailor Contrave treatment to each patient's unique needs. They assess factors such as medical history, current medications, and potential side effects to ensure a personalized and safe weight management plan.


Clinical Studies. Contrave has undergone rigorous clinical trials to ensure its safety and effectiveness. In these studies, participants experienced significant weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.


Potential Benefits. Contrave may not only help you lose weight but also improve your overall health. Weight loss can lead to a reduced risk of obesity-related conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.


Safety Considerations. It's essential to use Contrave under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. They will assess your individual health needs, medical history, and potential side effects to ensure your safety.


Contrave is typically prescribed to individuals with a body mass index (BMI) above a certain threshold and who have struggled to lose weight through other methods. It is not suitable for everyone, and your doctor will determine if it's right for you.


Lifestyle Changes. While Contrave can be a valuable tool, it should be combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise for the best results. Your healthcare provider will work with you to create a personalized weight loss plan.


Take the First Step. If you're ready to take control of your weight and improve your health, consult with a healthcare professional today. They can evaluate your situation, discuss whether Contrave is right for you, and guide you on your journey to a healthier and happier life.


Remember, it's essential to prioritize patient safety and ensure that the medication is used responsibly and under proper medical supervision. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any weight loss medication or program.


In conclusion, Contrave offers a multifaceted approach to weight loss and weight management. Its dual mechanism of action, proven effectiveness, and potential for improving overall health make it a valuable option for individuals struggling to achieve their weight loss goals. However, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine whether Contrave is appropriate for your specific circumstances, as it may not be suitable for everyone and should always be used under medical supervision.


Contrave is available from our in-house pharmacy. At a substantial discount to the patient, it is probably the most affordable modern weight loss medication available.





David S. Klein, MD, FACA, FACPM

1917 Boothe Circle

Longwood, Florida 32750

Tel: 407-679-3337

Fax: 407-678-7246

  • Writer's pictureDavid S Klein, MD

Updated: Dec 14, 2023

Inadequate diagnosis leads to inadequate treatment
Foot Pain is a Common Complaint

 

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Pain in the foot is a very common clinical entity.  Causes of foot pain can include arthritis, tendinitis, ligament inflammation, sprain and fracture. Metabolic diseases can cause foot pain, including gout, diabetes and vitamin deficiencies.


Often overlooked causes of foot pain include enthesopathies (tendinitis) of the knee, muscular spasm in the calf and nerve irritation in the thigh.


Foot pain can be a debilitating and distressing condition that affects individuals of all ages and lifestyles. Understanding the various causes of foot pain is crucial for effective diagnosis and management.


Structural Abnormalities: One of the most common causes of foot pain is structural abnormalities. Conditions such as flat feet, high arches, or abnormalities in the bones and joints can lead to improper weight distribution and strain on the feet. This often results in discomfort, especially after prolonged periods of standing or walking.


Footwear Choices: Wearing ill-fitting or unsupportive shoes can contribute significantly to foot pain. Shoes that lack proper arch support, cushioning, or have narrow toe boxes can lead to conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, and metatarsalgia. High heels, in particular, can place excessive pressure on the forefoot and alter the natural alignment of the foot, leading to pain and deformities.


Overuse and Repetitive Stress: Engaging in activities that involve repetitive motions or excessive pressure on the feet can lead to overuse injuries. Runners, athletes, and individuals who spend long hours on their feet are prone to conditions like stress fractures, tendonitis, and ligament strains. Poor training techniques and sudden increases in activity levels can exacerbate these issues.


Arthritis and Inflammatory Conditions: Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can affect the joints in the foot, leading to chronic pain, stiffness, and inflammation. These conditions can deteriorate the cartilage and synovial fluid in the joints, causing discomfort with every step.


Trauma and Injuries: Accidents, falls, and sports-related injuries can result in fractures, sprains, and contusions in the foot. These traumatic incidents can lead to acute pain and, if not treated promptly and properly, can result in chronic pain and long-term complications.


Neurological and Systemic Causes: Foot pain can also be a manifestation of underlying systemic conditions such as diabetes, neuropathy, or circulatory problems. Nerve damage, reduced blood flow, or inflammation can affect the sensory nerves in the feet, leading to sensations of burning, tingling, or numbness, along with pain.


 

Foot pain can stem from a multitude of causes, encompassing structural issues, footwear choices, overuse and repetitive stress, arthritis, injuries, and underlying systemic conditions. Understanding the specific cause of foot pain is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Consultation with a medical professional or podiatrist is often necessary to determine the root cause and develop an effective management plan, which may include lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, orthotics, or medication to alleviate pain and improve foot health.


The very first "step" in the treatment of foot pain is to determine the precise cause or causes for any particular patient. Multiple causes are common, for example:

A. Inflammation and swelling from arthritis can cause nerve compression, like tarsal tunnel

B. Hypothyroidism, low thyroid function, can similarly cause impingement of the Tibial Nerve and cause Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

C. Swelling from Plantar Fasciitis can cause impingement of the same Tibial Nerve, causing similar symptoms.


The treatment for each of these (3) situations is entirely different. Precise diagnosis is essential to the success of treatment in each and every patient and in each and every situation. At Stages of Life Medical Institute, we are fully equipped to perform the necessary electrodiagnostic studies that are needed, we are capable of treatment using a variety of traditional medicines as well as utilizing the best of natural or functional medicine approaches. Moreover, we have our own in-house laboratory to use if needed to evaluate for underlying endocrine causes.



Stages of Life Medical Institute

1917 Boothe Circle

Longwood, Florida 32750


T: 407-679-3337

F: 407-678-7246




Tricks of the trade often come from feedback from the Patient. This one is a winner, inexpensive and came from one of my most loyal and pleasant patients!


With its potent antibacterial properties, Manuka honey offers benefits that may improve wound healing, provide cough relief, and many other such claims. Manuka honey is native to New Zealand.


Viral upper respiratory tract infections (URI) will cause nasal congestion and post nasal drip. This will irritate the throat, tonsils, uvula and cause cough. The cough itself can cause sore throat. Using a cough suppressant is sometimes helpful but topical relief can help you get some well-needed rest and do so without causing additional troubles.




Generally, I use Halls Cough and Cold lozenges. They keep well wrapped in my pocket. If left out, the packaging can stick to the lozenge making it harder to use. This makes a good first line OTC product.


One of my patients saw me open one of the Hall's drops, and offered me one of her Manuka products. (Many thanks, if you get a chance to read this.) It changed my approach to self-treatment.


The Manuka lozenge adds a little 'kick' to the process by soothing the throat mechanically and may give you a slight antiviral effect to help things heal. The good news is that they work together. Manuka is made from honey, a very special honey, and has the potential of affecting blood sugar. Diabetics should use with due caution. Neither of these products is addictive, of course, and both are inexpensive.


I buy my cough drops in the large jar, above. With a family with young grand children, somebody is usually a little sick, so we stay well stocked.




David S. Klein, MD, FACA, FACPM

1917 Boothe Circle

Longwood, Florida 32750

Tel: 407-679-3337

Fax: 407-678-7246

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