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Blog Archive

How to Support a Loved One After Bariatric Surgery Apr 2nd, 2024

Having bariatric surgery is life-changing. Though results from the procedure are remarkable, adjusting to the new lifestyle that comes with the surgery is challenging for some people. Getting the right support from friends and family can go a long way. How can you support a loved one after bariatric surgery?...

What to Expect After Nonsurgical Body Contouring Mar 2nd, 2024

You’re dedicated to your healthy eating and exercise program, but you’re not getting the transformative results you expect.  We get it. Eating a balanced diet and getting regular physical activity can help you get to a healthy weight, boost your mood, and improve health, but it may not get you...

Telehealth: The Advantages of Telemedicine Feb 20th, 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus.But what...

How to Lower Your Risk for Diabetes Complications Feb 2nd, 2024

Diabetes medication can only do so much. Managing diabetes requires your daily attention and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle.  The goal of diabetes treatment is to keep blood sugar levels within the normal range. When poorly controlled, elevated blood sugar can increase your risk for diabetes complications.  Our medical...

5 Important Benefits of Medical Weight-Loss Support Jan 12th, 2024

About 50% of adults in the United States make attempts at losing weight every year. Despite these efforts and desires, a large percentage of adults continue to carry too much unhealthy weight. Weight loss on your own is possible, but going it alone can make things harder.  At Weston Medical...

Minimize Health Problems By Keeping Your Hormones Balanced Dec 2nd, 2023

Hormones are part of your body’s internal messaging system. The tiny chemicals travel in your blood until they reach their intended destination, telling the cell, tissue, or organ what to do. Hormones coordinate many functions, from sleep to metabolism to libido. When in balance, your body operates seamlessly. But any...

6 Ways You Can Optimize Your Mental Wellness Nov 6th, 2023

Life is a roller coaster ride filled with ups and downs that can take a toll on your emotional well-being. Finding ways to care for your mental wellness improves your coping skills and your outlook on life. At Weston Medical Health & Wellness in Weston, Florida, our experienced and caring...

7 Serious Conditions That Improve With a Keto Diet Oct 1st, 2023

The ketogenic diet, also called the keto diet, has become a very popular weight-loss diet in recent years, but it’s not new. It was developed by scientists more than 100 years ago as a treatment for epilepsy.  Since then, researchers have found that the high-fat, low-carb diet may improve other health conditions as...

Where Do I Fall on the BMI? Sep 1st, 2023

A thorough health evaluation should include many measures to assess overall health because no single test provides an accurate picture of your total health.  At Weston Medical Health & Wellness, our skilled internal medicine physician, Dr. Andrea Bretal, uses many tools to assess health and wellness, including your body mass index (BMI). ...

Is There a Treatment for My Menopausal Symptoms? Aug 2nd, 2023

Menopause is a normal part of the aging process for people who menstruate, marking the end of their periods and fertility. A decrease in the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone are responsible for menopause and the unpleasant side effects that come with it. Hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and a low...

I’m Technically Challenged: Can Telemedicine Work for Me? Jul 1st, 2023

Telemedicine is making health care more accessible to many. However, if you’re technically challenged, you may feel a bit leery about using your computer to see your doctor. At Weston Medical Health & Wellness in Weston, Florida, our medical director, Dr. Andrea Bretal, understands your fears. But telemedicine is easier than you think...

Is Phentermine Safe? Jun 8th, 2023

Diet and exercise alone may not help you reach your weight goals. And it’s not because you lack the willpower to eat less and exercise more. Your body is physiologically designed to hold on to fat and fights you every step of the way when you attempt to drop those...

The Dangers of Obesity May 2nd, 2023

Obesity isn’t something that occurs because of a lack of willpower or laziness. It’s a complex chronic disease that changes the physiological functions of the body. Obesity is also a risk factor for other serious health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea. At Weston Medical Health...

Why Has the Keto Diet Become So Popular? Apr 7th, 2023

It’s good for weight loss and hunger control, and it lowers insulin and blood glucose levels. These are just some of the reasons why the keto diet has become so popular, and not just for “dieters,” but for health professionals too. At Weston Medical Health & Wellness in Weston, Florida,...

Can Hormone Therapy Stop My Weight Gain? Mar 14th, 2023

Sex hormone levels naturally decline as you get older. Though the change in hormone levels causes many problematic symptoms, a decrease in sex hormone production may also lead to weight gain.  At Weston Medical Health & Wellness in Weston, Florida, our medical director and weight-loss specialist, Dr. Andrea Bretal, uses...

The Importance of Managing Your Diabetes Feb 1st, 2023

Diabetes is a complex disease that develops because of problems involving insulin, the hormone that transports glucose (energy from the food you eat) from your bloodstream into the cells.  Too much glucose in your blood damages blood vessels and organs, causing health problems like nerve damage, vision loss, and kidney...

I’m Ready to Get My Weight Under Control: Can You Help? Jan 20th, 2023

Readiness is important when you want to make a change. When it comes to weight control, studies show people have more success losing weight and keeping it off when they use evidence-based strategies.  At Weston Medical Health & Wellness, our medical director, Dr. Andrea Bretal, is a weight-loss specialist. Her...

What to Expect After VerjúⓇ Laser Treatment Dec 11th, 2022

Eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise is extremely important when it comes to health and wellness. But it’s no secret that you can’t “spot reduce” (get rid of the belly bulge and saddle bags) with diet and exercise.  At Weston Medical Health & Wellness, our medical director, Dr. Andrea Bretal,...

Five Ways to Enjoy Your Holidays and Stay Healthy, Too Nov 1st, 2022

Holiday season is here. We know, we can’t believe it either. Where does all the time go? The holidays are a time of joy and togetherness, but also a season of stress.  Here at Weston Medical Health & Wellness, our medical director, Dr. Andrea Bretal, considers your health our top...

How to Reverse the Signs of Prediabetes Oct 14th, 2022

One out of every three adults in the United States has prediabetes. If you have prediabetes, you’re at greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. But unlike diabetes, prediabetes is reversible.  Here at Weston Medical Health & Wellness, we are all about helping our patients take steps to prevent chronic...

Is Phentermine Right for Me? Sep 6th, 2022

Losing weight is hard, and many people struggle to reach their weight goals on their own. Here at Weston Medical Health & Wellness, our medical director, Dr. Andrea Bretal, is a specialist in obesity and weight loss because of her own struggles with weight. Through her personal and professional experience,...

Myths and Facts About the Keto Diet Aug 7th, 2022

The keto diet is a very low-carb, high-fat diet originally developed in the 1920s as a medical diet for the treatment of seizures in children. Though still prescribed by doctors to treat epilepsy, the keto diet has become a popular tool for weight loss. If you’re struggling to reach your goal weight, you may...

The Benefits of Functional Medicine Jul 1st, 2022

Medicine has made many advancements over the decades, benefitting millions of people. However, traditional modern medicine tends to focus too much on treating the disease or its symptoms, forgetting the most important part of health and wellness: you. Functional medicine takes a more holistic approach to health, wellness, and disease. Instead of just...

What Are Hormones and How Do They Impact Your Health? Jun 1st, 2022

Your blood pressure, blood sugar, and mood are all directed by your hormones. Made in your endocrine glands, hormones are tiny chemical messengers that travel through your bloodstream, telling various body systems what to do, what not to do, and when to do it. Your endocrine glands only need to release...

Complications of Obesity May 5th, 2022

Despite what many people believe, obesity isn’t a problem with lifestyle. Obesity is a disease. And a complex one at that.  Here at Weston Medical Health & Wellness, we understand the complexities of body weight and obesity. Our medical director, Dr. Andrea Bretal, is a diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM)...

Get Ready for Swimsuit Season With Body Contouring Apr 5th, 2022

Swimsuit season is right around the corner. You’ve been slaying it at the gym and in the kitchen for months, and yet you’re struggling to get rid of those stubborn pockets of pinchable fat. Are you going to be ready? No doubt, eating right and working out are good for...

How Diabetes Can Jeopardize Your Overall Health Mar 14th, 2022

You can live a long, healthy life with diabetes. In fact, people with diabetes are living longer and with fewer complications than they did 20 years ago, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Why? Because they’re taking their health into their own hands, making lifestyle changes to...

Important Habits to Implement for Optimal Mental Wellness Feb 14th, 2022

Your mental wellness is as important to your overall health as your physical wellness. It influences how you feel, think, connect, and function. Like physical wellness, your mental wellness is something you need to actively work on in order to grow.  At Weston Medical Health & Wellness, our medical director,...

How to Improve Your Gut Microbiome and the Benefits of Doing So Jan 9th, 2022

Trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, yeast, fungi, viruses, and parasites, live all over your body. However, most of these microorganisms are found in your gut. Collectively, the microorganisms are known as the gut microbiome. Though you may find it hard to believe that any bacteria or virus is good for...

Am I a Candidate for Reiki Therapy? Dec 17th, 2021

Are you feeling stressed, tired, or emotionally drained? Then you may be a candidate for Reiki therapy. The energy healing treatment involves light touch or hand motions that transfers healing energy from the Reiki therapist to you, improving physical and emotional well-being. At Weston Medical Health & Wellness, Dr. Andrea...

Seven Symptoms of a Hormone Imbalance Nov 1st, 2021

Hormones are your body’s messaging system. These tiny chemicals travel in your blood, telling your tissues, organs, and body systems what to do and when to do it. They control your mood, body temperature, metabolism, and sexual health.  Small amounts of hormones work to make big things happen. This means...

Serious Health Problems Linked to Diabetes Oct 10th, 2021

Having diabetes means you’re at greater risk of developing other health problems like high blood pressure, neuropathy, and heart disease. But there’s no reason you need to let your diabetes dictate your life or your future health. At Weston Medical Health & Wellness, Dr. Andrea Bretal, specializes in treating diabetes....

What to Expect at Your Body-Contouring Session Sep 8th, 2021

Nothing is more frustrating than being at, or close to, your goal weight and still being able to pinch an inch of fat on your waist.  Diet and exercise are essential components of our digital weight-loss program here at at Weston Medical Health & Wellness. However, despite your efforts and...

Adjusting to the Keto Diet Aug 12th, 2021

Rapid weight loss, a boost in energy, and improved mental clarity are some of the reasons many people love the keto diet. Though the diet offers many benefits, it can take some time to adjust to the low-carb, high-fat (LCHF) menu.  At Weston Medical Health & Wellness, our weight-loss expert...

Is There a Way to Manage Diabetes Without Medication? Jul 14th, 2021

The goal of diabetes management is to keep your blood sugar numbers within a healthy range. When blood sugar levels are consistently elevated, it damages your blood vessels, nerves, and organs, increasing your risk of developing other serious health problems. Diet, exercise, and medication are the primary tools most people...

What Happens to Your Health When You’re Overweight? Jun 29th, 2021

At Weston Medical Health & Wellness, we focus on helping our patients optimize their health and well-being.  One of the tools we use to assess health for our primary care and weight-loss patients is the  body mass index (BMI). Your BMI compares your weight to height and may help determine...

3 Reasons More People Are Turning to Functional Medicine May 11th, 2021

If you’re like most people, you may be sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. You go to the doctor and you get a prescription, but you never really feel better.  Traditional modern medicine tends to focus on the symptoms of an illness or disease, rather than the cause....

Understanding Mental-Wellness, ADHD and Nutrition Deficiencies Apr 28th, 2021

Researchers are beginning to learn how to favorably influence genes via the study of epigenetics, a gene-altering process called methylation which is involved in 70% of serious psychiatric conditions. Several studies revealed that most mental disorders involve disturbances or imbalances of essential nutrients that alter brain function. All heritable mental...

Is the Keto Diet Right for Me? Apr 7th, 2021

When searching for a diet to help you lose weight, you may find the number of options overwhelming. Do I follow a low-fat or low-carb diet? Can I lose weight if I just add salad to my meals? What about meal replacement diets? Is the keto diet right for me?...

The Benefits of Reiki Therapy Mar 7th, 2021

When in the midst of challenging situations, like work deadlines, relationship problems, health issues, or a global pandemic, the things you do to keep yourself healthy are usually the first to go.  But taking care of yourself first may help you get through these challenging situations without sacrificing your health. ...

8 Symptoms of a Hormone Imbalance Feb 1st, 2021

Are you gaining weight despite your efforts to eat less and exercise more? Is your sex drive nonexistent? These may be symptoms of a hormone imbalance. Hormones are tiny chemicals that provide messages to your cells and organs so they know what to do. These chemicals affect and direct many...

Am I Considered Overweight? Jan 6th, 2021

More than 33% of adults in the United States are overweight, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. What does that mean exactly? That means 1 out of every 3 of your adult friends is probably overweight.  This may have you wondering: Am I considered...

Give Yourself the Gift of Digital Weight Loss This Year Dec 1st, 2020

The holiday season is here, and with the New Year fast approaching, you may be thinking about your New Year’s resolutions. Like many other people, weight loss may be one of your goals.  But with so many weight-loss programs and diets, you may not know where to start. And joining...

5 Guilt-Free Treats for the Holiday Season Nov 8th, 2020

The holiday season is filled with festivities where food is the focus. Though many people overindulge during this time of year, most Americans only gain about a pound, according to the health experts at Stanford University.  One extra pound may not seem like a big deal, but it may become...

5 Health Conditions That Are Tied to Being Overweight Oct 12th, 2020

When it comes to dropping unwanted pounds, it’s important to know why you want to lose weight. Knowing your why serves as a motivator that keeps you going.  According to a survey conducted by the Calorie Control Council, most people said their motivator for wanting to lose weight was to...

Breast cancer and weight gain Oct 4th, 2020

October is Breast Cancer awareness month and today I want to discuss its relationship with weight gain. Overweight and obese women have a higher risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer, especially after menopause. Being overweight also increases the risk of breast cancer coming back in women who have had...

Who needs to have a mammogram done? Oct 1st, 2020

The final statement of the US Preventive Service Task Force in 2016 recommends mammogram every two years for every women between 50 and 74 years who has average risk for breast cancer. On average, an individual woman has a 1-in-8 chance of developing breast cancer over an 80-year lifespan. The...

What You Need to Know About Detox Diets and Supplements Sep 15th, 2020

If your diet has been less than stellar over these past few months, you may be searching for a way to “reset” your system. Scrolling through your social media news feed, you may find a number of detox diets and supplements touting that they can rid your body of all...

Is Overeating a Defense Mechanism in Times of Stress? Aug 30th, 2020

Research suggests that stress can indeed trigger emotional eating. Some people who undergo stressful events are more likely to resort to food to calm themselves and cope with the threat. Whether you’re curious about the link between stress and emotional eating or you’re simply looking for ways to shed those...

Nutritional Deficiencies and the Relationship to Weight Gain Jul 15th, 2020

There’s a dangerous myth circulating in the fitness world: All that matters is the number of calories you ingest daily.  Although many people benefit from reducing calories, ignoring the importance of getting enough vitamins and minerals may lead to a slower metabolism and an overall lower quality of life.  What...

Help Kickstart Your Weight-Loss Journey with a Phentermine Consultation Jun 11th, 2020

Although eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly are irreplaceable when it comes to weight loss, appetite suppressants are a powerful adjunct. Phentermine, an appetite suppressant, has been used in the battle against obesity since the late 1950s. And unlike the weight-loss supplements you see in supermarkets and online stores,...

Reiki Therapy: 3 Major Benefits May 27th, 2020

Reiki therapy, also called palm healing, is a type of therapy in which the practitioner places their hands over your body to channel the energies necessary for self-healing. At the base of this therapy is the concept of “rei” and “ki,” two types of energy that can be channeled to...

Control Your Diabetes Through Diet and Exercise Apr 10th, 2020

The number of people suffering from diabetes is almost four times higher than it was 40 years ago, and more and more people are living with prediabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes can have many serious health consequences that affect the whole body, including the heart, eyes, kidneys, and feet. Diabetes is a...

Is Phentermine Effective for Weight Loss? Mar 30th, 2020

If you’ve tried a lot of diets and exercise regimens with no success, you may be asking yourself whether there’s a supplement or a drug that can help you get to a healthier weight.  Weight gain happens for many reasons, but one of the most common is leptin resistance. Leptin...

National Doctor's Day Mar 30th, 2020

After I realized about the significance of the day today I have some thoughts that I would like to share here. So, this day was established to recognize physicians, their work and their contributions to society and community. But after being in this industry for almost 21 years and practiced...

Obesity is a disease, period Feb 24th, 2020

Obesity was declared a disease by the American Medical Association in June 2013 after many debates and a long history of unsuccessful trials we finally achieved another milestone. Nevertheless, we are still facing a lack of awareness of this fact not only by the general population but also by the...

Reduce your belly, reduce your risk of getting sick. Feb 15th, 2020

What is the right question? how much weight do I need to lose? or how may inches in my belly? Well, now we are understanding that abdominal fat (also called visceral fat) is the most dangerous. The abdominal fat is the one we don't see (not the muffin top, belly...

Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Feb 13th, 2020

Approximately 80% of US adults and adolescents are insufficiently active. The 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee conducted a systematic review of the science supporting physical activity and health. Health Benefits Associated With Regular Physical Activity Children and Adolescents Improved bone health (ages 3 through 17 years) Improved weight status...

How to stay mentally healthy on Valentines Day Feb 12th, 2020

From ancient times different stories and legends are circulating trying the explain the origin and meaning of the day. From pagans to christians all have different meaning. Did you know that one of the stories comes from Roman festival called Lupercalia? Apparently this festival used to celebrate the coming of...

Tips for a healthy weight loss Feb 11th, 2020

I know that at the time to decide a diet for weight loss you try it all. The reality is that no one size fits all, but when it comes to general recommendations I can tell you that in my years of experience in the subject as an expert in...

The Twin Epidemics Obesity and Diabetes or Diabesity Feb 10th, 2020

This name was created by Dr.Francine Kaufman, MD word-renewed endocrinologist for her book "Diabesity". In the United States, an estimated 70% of adults more than 20 years old are overweight or obese. According to statistical forecasts, by 2030, 51% of the US population will have obesity. Obesity and Diabetes type...

Healthy and Delicious Pizza Feb 9th, 2020

This recipe has been adapted from a popular pizza dough called "fat head dough" we eat this once a week on Saturday nights and its simply amazing! I hope you make it and try it. These are the ingredients: Dough  1.5 cup low moisture mozzarella cheese (I use Kirkland from...

Weston Diet...more than a diet Feb 8th, 2020

All inclusive medical protocol to lose weight and shred inches. We know the science and we have the technology to definitely take care of your weight gain once and for all. With a strategic combination of different treatments all acting at the same time and in different ways we can...

Prediabetes. Your chance to prevent Type 2 Diabetes. Feb 6th, 2020

Studies suggest diabetes prevalence has as much as tripled in recent decades, and data show about two in five Americans will develop type 2 diabetes at some point in their lives. An estimated 86 million Americans have prediabetes, but only one in nine of these people knows they are at...

Understanding Diabetes Type 2 and how to reverse it Feb 5th, 2020

Type 2 diabetes most often develops in people over age 45, but more and more children, teens, and young adults are also developing it.   Insulin is a hormone made by your pancreas that acts like a key to let blood sugar into the cells in your body for use...

How Lipotropic Injections Can Kickstart Weight Loss Feb 1st, 2020

Weight loss is hard. However, there’s a reason why dieters continue sticking to a healthy diet and exercise regimen: results.  Lipotropic injections can help you get results faster and motivate you to stay on your weight loss plan for longer.  Lipotropics are substances that impact fat metabolism. Lipotropic injections contain...

Tips for Maintaining Your Weight Loss Results After Bariatric Surgery Jan 1st, 2020

Keeping the weight off after your bariatric surgery, which reduced your stomach or adjusted the small intestine to take in fewer calories, can be a challenge. Medical Director Dr. Andrea Bretal, and her compassionate team, can help you stay on track before and after your surgery at Weston Medical Health...

The Association Between Obesity and Diabetes Dec 9th, 2019

More and more Americans are overweight or obese. If you’re one of them, you may be concerned about your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The two conditions are far more complicated than most people realize, but you can lower your risk and stay healthy. At Weston Medical Health &...