How to Prevent Heart Disease

Heart disease is one of the top leading health conditions in America today. Although risk factors, such as family history can’t be changed, there are a few steps you can take to protect your heart’s health:

Eat a healthy diet. It may seem obvious, but making changes to your diet can significantly impact your overall health and help lower your chances of heart disease. Make it a habit to add plenty of vegetables and fiber-rich whole grains to your meals (or choose them for afternoon snacks). Fish oil (omega-3s) should also be ingested at least twice per week, even if that means taking supplements. 

Create a workout routine. Staying active is one of the most essential ways to strengthen your heart and prevent disease. Choose a fitness routine that best fits your schedule and physical limits and stick to it. Listen to your body and know when it’s time to change up your routine, whether that means speeding it up or slowing it down. 

Avoid smoking. By now, you’re well aware that smoking is bad for your health. But did you know that secondhand smoke is just as hazardous to your health (if not, more)? In fact, non smokers are up to 30 percent more likely to develop heart disease or lung cancer due to secondhand smoke. With that being said, try to stay away from restaurants and other facilities that enable smoking, and ask loved ones to smoke outside your home and vehicle.

Maintain your stress levels. Research shows that long-term stress can increase your heart rate and and blood pressure. And as a result, your may cause harm to your heart’s healthy by damaging the artery walls. If you find yourself feeling stressed on a regular basis, take a look at your busy schedule and prioritize. What can be sacrificed and what is necessary? Once you sort through your schedule and learn new stress management techniques, you can boost your quality of life (and health).

Preventing heart disease means making smart choices when it comes to your health. Without a healthy diet, exercise, and precaution, your health could suffer. So consider these steps as more of a necessity to keep your heart and strong for years to come!

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we pride ourselves in the multitude of services and procedures that we offer to our patients in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Comprised of eight leading doctors in the surgical field, our team is committed to providing exceptional services by using state of the art technologies while upholding our traditional values of caring and quality.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, click here to view our website or call 631-321-6801 today.

How To Cure Varicose Veins

Did you know that more than 40 million people in the United States suffer from varicose veins? If you’re one of the many affected by these twisted, bulging veins, you know very well how uncomfortable they can feel.

Fortunately, doctors have created advanced technology to cure varicose veins right down to the source of the problem. One of the most effective methods of treatment is called laser varicose vein surgery.

What is laser varicose vein surgery?

Typically, varicose veins are caused by weakened valves and veins in the legs and stop the blood from flowing up towards your heart. When this occurs, it creates pressure in your legs and a buildup of blood, making your veins become weak and swollen. Laser varicose vein surgery is a form of treatment that can cure the source of this problem through the use of a laser. This laser works to close and shrink the affected vein.

What can I expect during treatment?

When a patient chooses laser varicose vein surgery, they can expect to be numbed from any pain. The doctor will use an ultrasound device to examine the vein before treatment and will then insert a catheter and guide it into the vein to close it up and return blood flow to normalcy. This procedure is quick and minimally invasive, so you should not experience any downtime after treatment.

Although varicose veins aren’t always a medical concern, it’s important that they are treated - especially if you are in a significant amount of discomfort. At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we offer minimally invasive laser treatment to help you feel good as new. To learn more about our laser varicose vein surgery and other types of vascular surgery, click here or call 631-321-6801.

How to Prevent Colds This Season

Just because the peak of cold and flu season is approaching, doesn't mean you have to catch it. Protect yourself from seasonal sneezing and headaches by following the guidelines below:

1. Wash hands. Think of washing your hands as a necessity - it's one of the most important steps we can take to keep our bodies healthy. By lathering up with soap and running your hands under warm or cold water, you can lessen your chances of getting sick and spreading germs. Below is a list of the most essential times you should be washing up:  

• Before preparing or eating food
• After blowing your nose
• After touching garbage
• Before treating a cut or wound
• Before and after caring for someone who is sick

2. Be careful when sharing. Be cautious when sharing food with others, as this can be an immediate way to spread germs. If you have children at home, teach them the importance of not sharing food or other things at school that come in contact with your mouth. For example, drinking from the same juice box or double dipping potato chips. 

3. Cover when coughing. Whether you’re sick or not, it’s a good idea to cover your mouth when coughing (or sneezing). It’s easy for germs to spread through saliva, so help protect your community and your loved ones by taking precautionary steps to stop the spread of germs. Coughing or sneezing into a tissue is the best way to cover up, but if you don’t have time to grab one, sneeze into your elbow instead. 

4. Avoid touching your face. Touching your eyes, nose, and mouth after being exposed to germs is one way to boost your odds of getting infected. But if you do need to touch any of these spots, wash your hands prior to doing so. This will at least help to protect you from the virus if you’ve come in contact with it.

Catching a cold isn’t fun for anyone, but if you take steps to prevent the spread of germs, you can significantly lower your chances of becoming sick.

For more tips on how to stay healthy this season, connect with Great South Bay Surgical Associates on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+!

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we pride ourselves in the multitude of services and procedures that we offer to our patients in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Comprised of eight leading doctors in the surgical field, our team is committed to providing exceptional services by using state of the art technologies while upholding our traditional values of caring and quality.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, click here to view our website or call 631-321-6801 today.

Types of Vascular Disease and How to Treat Them

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, it is our goal to provide the highest quality care for all our patients when it comes to their vascular health needs. There are many types of vascular disease out there, and we are prepared to help you get better. Below are a few common vascular diseases and how we can treat them:

Varicose Veins and Spider Veins - These two medical terms are typically used interchangeably, but they have their differences. For example, varicose veins are often bulky and protruding from under the skin while spider veins are slightly smaller and flatter. Although there are multiple procedures that can be used for both, some work better for one than the other. Sclerotherapy injection treatments are effective in curing both varicose veins and spider veins, but sometimes a more invasive surgical procedure is necessary for varicose veins.

Pulmonary Embolism - Essentially, pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that forms in a vein, travels through your bloodstream, and lodges in your lungs. Shortness of breath and chest pain are common symptoms you may experience as a result of Pulmonary Embolism. This vascular complication calls for a medical emergency due to its life threatening effects. An effective form of treatment is IVC (inferior vein cava) filter replacement, which involves the use of image guidance to place a filter in the IVC, the large vein in your abdomen that returns blood from the lower body to the heart.

Aneurysm - An aneurysm is an abnormal enlargement in the wall of a blood vessel, which occurs when the artery wall weakens. Although they can develop slowly over time without any symptoms, an occurring condition near the skin’s surface can be quite painful and may include swelling near the affected area. To cure an aneurysm, surgeons often rely on AAA (Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm) Surgery. AAA surgery is a minimally-invasive procedure use to repair a weakened area in the wall of the aorta (the main artery).  

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we understand our patients’ needs for vascular surgery to restore good health, which is why we offer several types of treatments: Laser, Sclerotherapy injections, inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement, and more.

To learn more about our vascular surgery options, click here or call 631-321-6801 to schedule a consultation today.

Why Early Detection is Important

You may notice that more people are wearing pink this month in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast Cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, which accounts for more than 182,00 women.

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we know that early detection is key in treating this disease. So let’s take this opportunity to learn how certain steps for early detection can better our health:

Catching breast cancer early when it is localized means you are more likely to prevent it from spreading. Whether you go for yearly mammograms or routinely follow the five steps of a breast self-exam, you can significantly improve the chances of early diagnosis. At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we recommend the following guidelines:

• Women over the age of 40 should go for an annual mammogram, which can detect up to two years before the tumor can be felt by your doctor.

• Women in their 20s or 30s should have a Clinical Breast Exam (CBE) around every three years as part of their annual medical checkup.

• Women over the age of 20 should perform a breast self exam monthly to help you recognize changes in the body.

Being able to detect early signs calls for a more successful treatment. Research shows that the earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the more curable it can be. This is because the disease is simpler to treat when located in one spot. With that being said, take time this month to start becoming more aware of what your body is trying to tell you.
 
At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we pride ourselves in the multitude of services and procedures that we offer to our patients in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Our team is committed to providing exceptional services by using state of the art technologies while upholding our traditional values of caring and quality.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, click here to view our website or call 631-321-6801 today.

Varicose Veins FAQs

If you’re like the millions of people who suffer from abnormally enlarged veins known as varicose veins then you know what a nuisance it can be - aches, pains, fatigue, the list goes on. From the causes of varicose veins to various forms of treatments, there’s probably a lot you didn’t know about this vein condition whether you deal with it or not.

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we’d like to help you understand a little more. So here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about how you can prevent varicose veins and how you can treat it:

Q: What are varicose veins?
A: Varicose veins occur when the blood can’t easily return to your heart. As a result, your valves become weak and cause the flow of blood to slow. As a result, the pressure in your veins builds up and causes a blockage, which ultimately leads to dilated veins. 

Q: What are the causes?
A: It is commonly said that standing or sitting for long periods of time is one of the causes of varicose veins. However, the more likely cause is family history. In fact, more than 50 percent of those with family history of this condition are likely to develop it as well. Other reasons for varicose veins include pregnancy, obesity, and trauma.

Q: How serious are varicose veins?
A: In most cases, varicose veins are a cosmetic issue. But if left untreated, the condition can cause other symptoms, such as itching, infection, swelling of the feet, and pigmentation around the ankles.

Q: Can varicose veins be treated?
A: Absolutely, there are several forms of treatment. Laser treatment, sclerotherapy injections, IVC filter placement are non-invasive forms of treatment that can help return blood flow to normalcy.

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we understand our patients’ needs for varicose vein treatment, which is why we offer three types of treatments: laser, sclerotherapy injections and, inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement.

To learn more about our vascular surgery options, click here or call 631-321-6801 to schedule a consultation today.

Common Habits that Can Damage Your Heart

There’s a lot you’re probably doing to achieve a healthy heart. But did you know that a few overlooked habits can counteract all your efforts? Below are a few factors that can be damaging your heart - see if any ring a bell with you:

Prolonged sitting. Do you work a desk job? According to the American Heart Association, sitting for at least five hours a day can double your risk of heart failure. However, going for a quick five-minute walk can help - any slight change in your daily routine to get you on your feet and moving.

Alcohol indulgence. Drinking too much alcohol can affect your blood pressure and increase your risk of stroke, which ultimately means you’re more likely to develop heart disease. While it’s more than acceptable to have a cocktail or glass of wine at dinner, make a conscious effort to recognize indulgence.

Sodium overload. You might love salty foods, but make sure to eat them in moderation. Processed foods, such as canned soup, lunch meats, and chips have more sodium than you might think. It is recommended that you consume less than 1,500 mg of sodium per day, but make sure you read nutrition labels and know about healthy alternatives.

Stress. Try to eliminate unnecessary stressors in your life, as these can increase your heart rate and blood pressure. If you want to lower your risk of heart damage, exercise regularly and plan your day in advance to prevent procrastination. 

Lack of sleep. It’s safe to say that sleep is good for many things, especially when it comes to having a healthy heart. Much like stress, not getting enough sleep can boost your adrenaline levels, making you more susceptible to illness and heart disease. With that being said, it’s recommended that you get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.

To learn more about factors can can be damaging your heart, click here.

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, we strive to provide surgical solutions for all of your vascular needs. Serving patients in Nassau, Suffolk and the surrounding areas, our team of leading surgeons is committed to providing exceptional services with state of the art technologies. For more information or to schedule a consultation, here to view our website or call 631-321-6801 today.