Total Access Medical - Direct Primary Care Blog

What are the Early Signs of Lung Cancer?

Mar 28, 2024 by Total Access Medical

Most people do not experience lung cancer symptoms early in the disease but may notice signs if it spreads. However, lung cancer treatment is much more effective when the disease is in its early stages.

Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer in adults in the United States. It is also the leading cause of death from cancer.

Some people experience subtle symptoms of early stage lung cancer, but these symptoms more often stem from other health issues or factors such as smoking.

 

Below, we describe early symptoms of lung cancer, as well as risk factors.

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How Do Microplastics Affect Health?

Mar 26, 2024 by Total Access Medical

Globally, 322 million metric tons of plastics were produced in 2016. Exposure to some environmental conditions, such as heat, causes plastic to break into smaller fragments called microplastics, which can migrate into food. 

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Can Exercise Reduce Stress?

Mar 21, 2024 by Total Access Medical

Physical activity can relieve stress and may also improve anxiety and depression symptoms. Experts think it does this by both promoting resilience and giving a person a break from their stress, boosting their mood.

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Exercise Does Not Outweigh the Risks of Cardiovascular Disease Associated with Drinking Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

Mar 19, 2024 by Total Access Medical

A new study conducted at the Department of Nutrition at Harvard Chan School found that the benefits of physical activity do not outweigh the risks of cardiovascular disease associated with drinking sugar-sweetened beverages.

Sugar-sweetened beverages are the largest source of added sugars in the North American diet.  

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Is It Possible To Get Too Many Antioxidants?

Mar 14, 2024 by Total Access Medical

Antioxidants have long been touted as disease-fighting molecules, and it's easy to assume that the more of them you eat, the healthier you will be. But research shows that larger doses can actually be harmful.

Antioxidants are nature's weapon against harmful molecules called "free radicals," which are continuously created by the body as cells do their jobs. These unstable molecules can damage our cells and cause diseases such as cancer as we age.

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Is Diet Soda Bad For You?

Mar 12, 2024 by Total Access Medical

Diet soda is soda that mimics the taste of traditional soda but provides less or no sugar.

Diet soda uses artificial sweeteners, such as saccharin or aspartame, to achieve the same sweet taste. 

In this article, learn about the links between diet soda and health, as well as whether it is more healthful than regular soda.

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Understanding Ozempic: Insights from Total Access Medical's Dr. Andrew Kirschner

Mar 07, 2024 by Total Access Medical

By now, you have likely encountered a friend or colleague who is taking Ozempic and marveling over their seemingly effortless weight loss. Alternatively, you may have come across a frustrated individual attempting to obtain Ozempic but facing obstacles. This could be due to either not medically qualifying for this new medication or struggling to find a pharmacy that stocks it.

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Heavy Cannabis Use Increases Risk of Developing Anxiety Disorder, New Study Suggests

Mar 05, 2024 by Total Access Medical

 A new study says cannabis may not be so relaxing for everyone.

Researchers report that 27% of people who went to an emergency department for cannabis use developed a new anxiety disorder within three years.

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What is an Anti-Inflammatory Diet?

Feb 29, 2024 by Total Access Medical

Anti-inflammatory diets are typically not specific regimens but rather eating styles. The Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet are examples of anti-inflammatory diets.

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Why is Cardiorespiratory Fitness Important to Prostate Cancer Risk?

Feb 27, 2024 by Total Access Medical

Men who improve their fitness might lower their odds of getting prostate cancer, according to a new Swedish study.

Specifically, improving cardiorespiratory fitness by 3% or more annually over three years reduced the chances of men developing prostate cancer by 35%, compared to those whose fitness dropped by 3% each year. 
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