Best Edge SEM, Author at Kavita Rao M.D.

15 Apr

Lifestyle Changes for Type 2 Diabetes

Living with Type 2 Diabetes can be tough. From daily finger pricks to oral medication or even insulin, managing diabetes is an all-day, everyday thing. But with a few lifestyle tweaks, you can take control of managing your diabetes and start living a better life.

Eat a Healthy Diet

You should always eat a healthy diet, but even more so if you have type 2 diabetes. Focus on whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins. Limit carbohydrate intake and try to cut out sugar entirely. Fruits and vegetables are always great options, but try to choose lower-sugar fruits and non-starchy vegetables for the most impact. Read More →

15 Mar

10 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B-12 is an essential nutrient that all humans must get from their diet. Most dietary sources of vitamin B-12 are animal-based, such as meat, eggs, dairy, fish, and cheese. However, even with a proper diet, some people are deficient in vitamin B-12.

Benefits of Vitamin B-12

Vitamin B-12 performs many roles within your body, including: Read More →

15 Feb

8 Foods That Help Lower Cholesterol

High cholesterol, also known as hypercholesterolemia, is caused by an excessive buildup of the cholesterol molecule in the bloodstream. While cholesterol is beneficial in healthy amounts and aids with cell construction, excess cholesterol can build up and impair blood flow, increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

High cholesterol has some genetic risk factors but is mainly due to poor dietary choices. By eating a healthy, balanced diet, you can mitigate the risk of developing high cholesterol. Eliminating foods like processed meats, fried foods, and sugary foods that are unhealthy and high in cholesterol is a great way to reduce risk or manage existing hypercholesterolemia.

But did you know you can also help fight off high cholesterol by eating foods that are proven to help lower blood cholesterol levels? Eight of our favorite cholesterol-busting, healthy foods are: Read More →

15 Jan

The Early Signs of Dementia

Dementia is a group of conditions characterized by the impairment of at least two brain functions. The most well-known and common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s Disease, but other types exist as well, such as vascular dementia and Lewy Body dementia. Each type of dementia has similar symptoms, albeit different causes.

The early signs of dementia to look out for include:

15 Dec

Why Getting Enough Vitamin D Is Important in the Winter

It is important to be sure we are getting a well-balanced combination of vitamins and minerals through our diets and supplementation if needed. When we don’t get enough of the vitamins and minerals the body needs, our health suffers. One of the most important vitamins we need every day is vitamin D.

Why do we need vitamin D?

Vitamin D plays an important role in strengthening bones. It also contributes to the nerve, muscle, and immune health. People deficient in vitamin D are at greater risk of developing osteoporosis, bone disorders, diabetes, hypertension, and some types of cancer. There has even been a link discovered between low vitamin D levels and depression. Read More →

15 Nov

When Should You See an Internal Medicine Doctor?

If you’ve ever been curious about what an internal medicine doctor does, you’re not alone. Many people wonder exactly what internal medicine is, or if they are even eligible to see this type of physician.

Don’t be intimidated by an unfamiliar title… internal medicine doctors are simply primary care physicians for adults from 18 to around 65 years old.

As a primary care provider, internal medicine doctors (also called internists) are trained in various subspecialties of medicine to ensure they are well prepared to care for the variety of conditions that commonly afflict adults. From diabetes to allergies to asthma, internal medicine doctors have a wide knowledge base! Internal medicine doctors are also able to write prescriptions and make referrals to specialists when needed. Read More →

15 Oct

What is Disease Management and its Benefits

According to the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy, disease management involves minimizing the effects of a disease on the patient through integrated, multidisciplinary care, which ultimately reduces healthcare costs and improves patient quality of life.

Disease management is most effective for conditions where self-care tactics can be beneficial. Through strategic communication and interventions, patients can be taught self-care for their condition and when to seek further help. Read More →

15 Sep

What to Expect From a Skin Biopsy

A skin biopsy is the removal of layers of skin for laboratory analysis. This can be done right in your preferred doctor’s office and requires no recovery downtime.

Before the Procedure:

Your doctor will assess the area of the skin in question and ask you questions about how the condition developed. They will also review your health history and current medications. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications 24 hours before the skin biopsy procedure.

At the doctor’s office, you will be asked to undress and change into a clean gown which will give the doctor easier access to the biopsy site. The biopsy site will then be thoroughly cleaned before a local anesthetic is injected. You will feel a burning sensation for a few seconds before the treatment area becomes completely numb. Read More →

15 Aug

Benefits of Chronic Disease Management Services

Chronic disease management is a care concept that focuses on improving quality of life and reducing health care costs by using a multidisciplinary treatment approach.

Health care insurers are big fans of disease management programs because the improvement in patient outcomes and reduction in avoidable costs is undeniable. Almost all insurers either have their own disease management programs or contract the program management out to a disease management vendor. While some employers have not picked up on the trend quite as universally, innovative ones have delved into the world of disease management with programs specialized for their workforce demographics. Read More →

15 Jul

Probiotics vs Prebiotics

Probiotics vs Prebiotics Prebiotic and probiotic are terms you’ve likely seen in articles or advertising. But what exactly are prebiotics and probiotics? Do you need to choose one or the other? Is a supplement required, or can you get them from your diet? What are they even good for? Follow this guide for everything you need to know about probiotics and prebiotics.

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in your digestive system. These bacteria help break down food to create energy for your body, boost your immune system, and have also shown benefits for other body systems. Read More →