You’re home from the doctor; a packet of information in one hand and a prescription bottle in the other.

You’re on strict orders to lower your fat and carbohydrate intake. Plus, add exercise to your daily routine.

We’re sorry to say; you’re not done yet.

If your primary care doctor prescribed a statin drug, such as Lipitor®, Zocor®, or the like, you need to check your coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) levels.

While your body will produce less CoQ10 as you age, you’re at a higher risk of depletion when you take statin drugs.

When this depletion occurs, the side effects of statin drugs can increase.

Those side effects include:

Your body makes CoQ10 naturally. In short, it’s the Energizer bunny to your cells.

Your cells need the energy to repair, build, and fight off intrusion. On any given day, muscle fibers break down and rebuild to get stronger. Old cells are shuffled out the door, and new cells move in.

But, when your CoQ10 levels go down, the whole system begins to collapse.

You’ll notice when you’re in short supply of CoQ10. It’ll affect your mobility — your knees might collapse, or you might experience joint pain.

To replenish CoQ10, you can try adding oily fish and organ meats (like beef liver) to your diet. Or, you can take a supplement.

CoQ10 is readily available. We won’t go into how to choose a supplement today, but you can read this post for quick tips.

CoQ10 comes in two forms: ubiquinol, the active antioxidant form, and ubiquinone, the oxidized form.

Some might argue ubiquinol is a better supplement. Basically, it saves your body one step in the breakdown process. Price wise, there’s no difference. We suggest speaking with your doctor to see which option (and what dosage) would be right for you.

When you take statin drugs, you’re improving one thing but taking away the benefit of another. But, it’s important not to be leary of taking statin drugs.

If you add CoQ10, you can protect yourself from the depletion and enjoy the benefit of strong muscles and a healthy heart.

However, we do recommend seeking more in-depth testing if your primary doctor suggests statin drugs. A cardiologist can perform a higher level of testing to see what would be the best plan for your body — and statin drugs might not be a beneficial option.

Your physician might also recommend following up with additional blood work. It’s essential you do this, so you know your liver is functioning well.

Many of our patients book a consultation with us after a physical exam with their primary care doctor. We help people make sense of their lab work and create a customized plan that treats the whole body.

If you’ve been prescribed statin drugs and are concerned about your CoQ10 levels, schedule a free consultation with us today and we’ll talk to you about the options you have for maintaining quality of life.

When you’re feeling fatigued, distracted, or depressed, who do you go to for a solution?

A nurse practitioner? Your primary care physician? A gynecologist or urologist?

Unfortunately, when it comes to your health, knowing where to go isn’t always clear-cut.

In fact, one of our most frequently asked questions is

“What’s the difference between a primary care physician and you?”

The short answer is with personalized care, you get:

But the real benefits go beyond the waiting room. And while we aren’t here to replace your primary care doctor, we offer a different look at the bigger picture.

Below are some of the key (and often unknown) differences between seeking care from a primary care physician and a personal care physician.

You get solutions that don’t require a prescription pad (or invasive procedures)

Many of our patients visit us after seeing their primary care doctor, gynecologist, or urologist. Usually, it’s because they’ve received lab work but can’t make sense of the results.

Their doctor may sign them off with a clean bill of health or write a prescription — either way; there isn’t a clear understanding of why.

So, here’s how we approach it — we examine the lab work, spend time getting to know, and then walk you through the numbers. For example, why is your vitamin D low? Is the deficiency connected to current medications or a pre-existing disease?

Why is it important to raise it? How can we do that without changing your current medication or adding more pills to the mix?

Our goal, in the long-term, is to help you get off medication. We explore alternative options, such as supplements, dietary changes, and exercise.

Plus, the better you understand what’s going on with you, the more likely you are to participate in improving your health.

You have time to ask questions and get answers

How often do you sit in a waiting room for 30 minutes? An hour? Maybe longer? All to see the doctor for a fleeting moment?

Nothing is more frustrating than arriving to your appointment armed with questions/concerns — just to be hurried out the door.

Healthcare is our expertise, but listening is our priority. Our days are scheduled to give personalized, quality time to each patient.

For example, one of our patients was experiencing bladder irritation. She was visiting her doctor for solutions and taking supplements. But nothing was changing. During our consultation, we evaluated every possible cause — from her diet to her bathroom habits.

By taking the time to investigate the subtle details of her health and lifestyle, we discovered the issue was blue dye in her supplement capsule. Then, we found a non-medicative solution — that’s easily implemented. Our patient now avoids blue dye in her food and supplements.

You get customized weight management and nutrition plans

Mythbuster: Not all of our patients need hormone replacement therapy.

In fact, we may only see you one time. Even if you’re experiencing signs of menopause or andropause, it may not be time to treat your hormones.

Maybe in ten years, but we may see other areas that can be improved first. Like your sleep, mood swings, weight gain, or deficiencies. We’ll make suggestions on your health, the type of exercise your body needs, and your diet.

This approach is unique to what we do. We have the training and experience to understand what you’re saying and how it affects your body. We focus on you and not whatever shot or pill is trending.

Our goal is to work with patients, so they can become a whole person, real person, and vital person. What other questions do you have about personal care? Ask us on Facebook or email us!

Skin care commercials can cause a lot of eye-rolling.

An older woman with perfectly-photoshopped skin uses a facial cream which gives her more perfectly-photoshopped skin. Miracle in a jar?

Doubt it. And we know you do too.

So, what can you do to protect your skin from the frustrating effects of menopause, like wrinkling, drying, breakouts, and itching?

Fortunately, perimenopause and menopause happen slowly over time, which means you don’t have to grab the first product off the shelf. You can get to know your skin (better) and find a routine that works for you.

Grow-Up Your Skincare Routine

How long has it been since you updated your skin care routine? If feathered bangs and tanning oil ring a bell, then it might be time to schedule a skin care consultation.

What worked for your skin at 15, 25, 35, and even 45 won’t cut it now that you’re going through menopause. Your estrogen levels have dropped which causes collagen, an essential protein in skin, to decrease too. Not to mention the loss of fat in your face that causes wrinkles.

We suggest skipping the guesswork and DIY tricks. Talk to a dermatologist to get customized recommendations and stay one step ahead of menopause.

Care for Your Whole Body (Not Just Your Face)

Your face isn’t the only part of your body that experiences changes. But, we probably don’t have to tell you twice.

Even if you keep your legs, thighs, and arms covered like it’s the dead of winter, your body needs some TLC. Drink eight glasses of water per day to flush your system. And moisturize every morning after showering to reclaim glow and counteract dryness.

You can also take Omega-3 fish oil supplements to lessen the impact of dryness.

Keep Your Skin Firm

As opposed to loosey-goosey, right? Of course, you want tight, youthful looking skin! But achieving this can seem daunting.

Don’t resign yourself just yet. Try using a glycolic acid moisturizer along with exfoliation to slough off age spots and rough skin. Be careful as glycolic can be irritating (which is why speaking with a dermatologist is important).

Second, invest in collagen-building cream to improve thickness and elasticity. You should also avoid collagen killers, like smoking, stress, poor hydration, and poor nutrition. And of course, we recommend hormone replacement therapy to help with declining skin elasticity.

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Most importantly, retire that tanning oil and give SPF a job. Decreasing your exposure to the sun will not only reduce your chances of skin cancer but fortify your skin against further signs of aging. For optimal protection, try SPF 30 UVA/UVB.

Want the perfect solution to your skincare routine? Everyone you talk to will have a different opinion of what works and what doesn’t. There isn’t a wrong or right answer, but you should consider your overall health, skin type, lifestyle, and family history. And getting a personalized, custom recommendation from a healthcare professional will put you one step closer to a routine that fits you.

Everybody falls behind at work. We all can’t be perfect, right?

But with age comes even greater challenges. Symptoms like forgetfulness, fatigue, or cognitive decline can decrease your levels of productivity.

But don’t order your retirement cake just yet. You aren’t alone.

The Pew Research Center studied employment data from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2016, 18.8% of Americans who are 65 years or older reported working full-time or part-time. While in 2012, only 12.8% of older Americans said they worked.

Researchers expect that number to break the 30% mark by 2022.

It’s a fact. We’re living longer and healthier lives. That gives us a choice to work past the age of retirement because we can, not because we have to.

But how do you keep up with younger coworkers who zoom around the office like the Energizer bunny?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a battery you can buy to help you reach your sales quota or knock out 40 hours of work in one day.

But there are a few things you can do right now to catch up.

Ready? Pry open those peepers. And let’s boost your productivity and finish work before the clock strikes 6.

Listen to upbeat music

Music can add zen (or rage) to your morning commute. It can empower you to finish that last quarter mile. And it drowns out your coworker who always has an endless stream of gossip.

And now researchers say happy, upbeat music helps you to be more productive and cooperative at work.

Check out this article on The Muse. Choose a Spotify playlist that fits your current mood. For example, are you prepping for a meeting or hitting the mid-afternoon slump?

Hit play and get to work!

Work smarter (not harder) with your phone

It’s no secret. With smart phones, we can quickly respond to emails, access our files anywhere, and connect to new opportunities.

But now we’ve got the stats to support it. One survey shows that people who use their smartphone to get work done are 34% more productive.

For example, download Todoist. You can assign tasks, create lists with deadlines and reminders, and collaborate on projects. Plus, you get a nice feeling of accomplishment when you tick off a task.

Procrastinating? Check out The Forest App. It helps you focus on your work–no matter where you are or what fight broke out on Twitter. When it’s time to work, you plant a tree. As long as you don’t navigate away from the app within the set timeframe, the tree grows.

You can find more apps to increase your productivity here.

Mingle with co-workers in the break room

Seems counterproductive, right?

But in a study last year, Bank of America allowed employees to enjoy break time together. After, they measured a 15-20% rise in productivity and a 19% drop in stress levels.

So this one’s pretty easy–step away from the desk. Find a co-worker or two. Socialize, spark some conversation, and make a connection. Bounce some ideas off your colleague or find someone to collaborate on that project with you.

You’ll feel a renewed sense of productivity when you head back to your desk–a suggested 15 to 20 minutes later. You don’t want to upset the boss, of course.

Take a quick afternoon siesta

We admit. You may not have the option of taking a quick nap at work. We’ve saved this last tip for the lucky ones who do.

If you can reserve part of your lunch break for a nap, you can think like you did five years ago.

Yes, you read that right. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania say a short sleep in the afternoon improves thinking and memory skills. And it makes the brain perform as if it were five years younger.

The study suggested an hour was best. If you rest for a shorter or longer period, it could actually make your performance worse.

In short…

Don’t sit at your desk in silence for 8 hours!

Turn up some tunes, chat with a coworker, and give your body some rest when it needs it.

Oh, and make that smartphone work for its hefty price tag. Find some apps that can help you focus and stay on task. Plus, you’ll impress those younger colleagues with how tech savvy you’ve are!

Still feeling drained? Check out our article for more energy-boosting tips.

Maybe you’re tired of over-the-counter medicine and want to get back to a natural way of curing your ailments.

Or you’re ready to complement your bio-identical hormone replacement therapy with herbal medicine.

Either way, you clicked this article because you need a solution to the common side effects of aging as a male —erectile dysfunction, low libido, and low energy.

Herbal health products often called “botanicals,” have been used to prevent and manage diseases and ailments for centuries. Currently, an estimated 80 percent of the world’s population have used or are using a type of herbal supplement.

Check out this article by Mayo Clinic. It covers the basics of what you need to know before buying herbal supplements.

And then in this article, you’ll read about three herbs that help men boost their libido and vitality. But what works for one person may not work for you so give us a call to discuss your health history before buying.

Maca

Want to boost your energy and increase your libido? You’re not alone—and, quite frankly, never have been.

In fact, it’s believed that about 2000 years ago, people indigenous to the Andes Mountains in Peru began consuming a plant, called Maca, after seeing how it increased the energy and fertility of their livestock.

Since the 1990s, the use of Maca has grown in popularity in the states and is now one of Peru’s top exports.

Maca is a cruciferous vegetable, like cauliflower and kale. It’s a tough plant and grows in inhospitable plateaus.

While research on the Maca plant is still in the beginning stages, one review in 2010 found evidence to support that the plant improves sexual desire after six weeks of consumption.

Plus, it has healthful fiber, complex carbohydrates, protein, and minerals, like calcium and magnesium.

The root, which grows underground, is the main edible part. You can consume it in powder form, capsules, or liquid extract. Many people describe the taste as earthy or nutty.

The dosage you take depends on why you’re taking Maca and in what form. Your doctor can help you decide what’s right for you.

To learn more about Maca and its benefits, read this article.

Korean Red Ginseng

Ginseng, nicknamed the “king of herbs” is one of the most popular herbal remedies in the world today.

Like Maca, people have used the herb for many years, with the earliest record of its medicinal use dating back to around 500 A.D.

There are different varieties of ginseng, but we’ll focus on the Korean red ginseng, which grows in Asia. It’s a high-quality variety that is steamed and dried.

In addition to cancer prevention and anti-inflammatory effects, studies show that the herb can be an effective alternative for treating male erectile dysfunction.

You can take it by mouth (capsule form) but don’t use it for an extended period. Your doctor can help you decide on the correct dosage and length of use.

As with most herbal remedies, ginseng may not be right for you. Currently, it’s not FDA-approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. And it can interfere with some medications (such as insulin) and increase the effects of caffeine.

You can find more detailed information about the herb here.

Zinc

While zinc isn’t an herbal remedy, it’s made this list because it’s a natural mineral that impacts your testosterone levels and prostrates.

In 1996, a study showed that there was a correlation between zinc deficiency and low levels of testosterone. Researchers placed young men on a low-zinc diet, and after 20 weeks, their testosterone levels dropped almost 75 percent.

Today, many men use this supplement to replace or enhance medications like Viagra.

You can find it in oysters, crab, fortified cereals, kidney beans, chicken, beef, or pork. But you can also take zinc as a supplement. This article goes into more detail about the benefits and recommendations for zinc supplements.

Taking Action

As always, we highlight a few options (along with bite-sized information) on our blog so you can make easy decisions when it comes to your sexual health and overall well-being.

Are there more supplements out there? Of course! Are there are more quick tips for boosting testosterone? Yes! For example, avoiding soy.

But, the most important advice you can glean from the plethora of information out there is to take action. If you want to increase your testosterone levels naturally, give us a call.