Steve Stiles, PA-C, joined our medical staff in November 2019, and let’s just say that having him around the office on a daily basis is just the breath of fresh air we needed. Among his areas of focus, Steve conducts medical screenings, collaborates with our medical director on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and Erectile Dysfunction (ED) treatment plans, and assists the rest of our medical staff with a number of other patient-related essentials. A certified physician assistant since 2006, Steve began his healthcare career by working in emergency medicine and neurology after graduation from college, and then moved into HRT- and ED-focused medicine. Before joining us at BioDesign Wellness, he worked in a medical clinic 100 miles to the north of us in Ocala, Fla. Steve received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and holds dual bachelor’s and masters’ degrees in […]
For many people, a bit of heartburn in the middle of the night from a double burger with cheese and extra mayo at dinner can be remedied by chewing a couple of dry antacid tablets. Between these chalky tablets and that little purple pill endlessly advertised on Matlock and Murder, She Wrote television reruns, the problem appears solved. Almost instantly. And when we say heartburn, we’re also referring to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux, and ulcers. But here’s the thing. Yes, those over-the-counter cures do the trick for many sufferers, but have you considered the potential impact on your health? We’re talking about cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and even cancer. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently recalled the prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) ranitidine medication commonly known by the brand name Zantac. The feds said their scientists discovered a probable human carcinogen — a substance
What could make a happy-go-lucky child develop symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) seemingly overnight or start throwing temper tantrums and banging his head when he gets frustrated? What could make another child instantly develop an aversion to food so strong she vomits at the sight of it? What would explain a straight-A student suddenly developing a learning disability or difficulty with their handwriting? Tragically, more and more parents are asking these questions as their children, teens, and even some young adults suddenly develop neuropsychiatric illnesses that have no clear connection to a cause. And these parents are rarely getting any clear answers or effective treatment options from their primary care physicians. Frequently, parents are advised to seek psychiatric care for their children, which often leads to medication that fails to treat the underlying medical issues and causes other health issues. Fortunately for these children and their parents, there are possible
There ought to be a Liver Appreciation Day. The liver is not only the largest solid organ in the body, but it is the only organ that can regenerate. And it performs more than 500 functions in the body, including filtering and eliminating toxins from the blood, producing bile (to break down fats), making proteins and blood plasma, turning excess glucose into glycogen for storage, and facilitating the clotting of blood. Unfortunately, the liver is susceptible to a wide range of factors that can negatively impact its health and function — factors that cause different types of liver disease, which can be grouped by cause: Liver diseases caused by viruses, such as hepatitis Liver cancer Liver diseases, including cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), caused by alcohol, drugs, or other toxins Inherited liver diseases, such as hemochromatosis and Wilson disease Fatty liver disease (an accumulation of excess fat in the liver),
According to Zion Market Research, the global anxiety disorder market is expected to surge at a steady rate in the coming years, due, at least in part, to the COVID-19 pandemic. This forecast is no surprise, and it’s due to more than the pandemic. Social unrest, which is both a symptom and a cause of anxiety, is also a big driver, as are the 24/7 cycle of bad news and negativity and the constant stimulation delivered by electronic devices and social media. In this world of increased connectivity, we here at BioDesign Wellness Center see people struggling more and more with isolation, relationship and family conflict, financial strain, and uncertainty. Others we see are suffering from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) — ongoing anxiety about a variety of issues — which may have started with an early childhood trauma. And marriage, raising children, and dealing with uncomfortable situations at work haven’t
Do you feel bloated? Abdominal bloating refers to the sensation of abdominal inflation or swelling that may or may not be accompanied by measurable distension of the belly. According to an article by Dr. Brian E. Lacy, Dr. Scott L. Gabbard, and Michael D. Crowell, Ph.D., titled “Pathophysiology, Evaluation, and Treatment of Bloating,” studies have shown that 15–30 percent of the U.S. population experience bloating symptoms. Obviously, that statistic doesn’t represent occasional bloating, such as a full belly after Thanksgiving dinner. Instead, the stat refers to people who suffer from chronic or recurring bloating that cannot easily be traced to a specific cause. If you’ve experienced such bloating, you know all too well that it can be uncomfortable, annoying, painful, and embarrassing. At BioDesign Wellness Center, a Tampa Functional Medicine practice, we often hear complaints from patients that their clothes no longer fit or that they look pregnant! Bloating can