#livewellmd

Cheers and bottoms up to water! Yes, water, toss it back, chug it, sip it slowly, whatever it takes, just get it down. The definition of water is: a colorless, odorless, tasteless, liquid, which makes it sound so boring and meaningless. However, in reality, water is actually the life-sustaining foundation for all living organisms. Hmm, drinking more H2O as a New Years Resolution or prolonged goal maybe isn’t so meaningless after all.

There are many benefits to drinking more water; here are seven reasons for adding it into your daily routine.

Shed Some Unwanted Weight: Shedding those extra pounds is hard enough even with healthy eating and exercise. By simply drinking the proper amount of water, you will see beneficial results to your weight loss routine. Proper hydration is a crucial component in boosting your metabolism and fighting the urge to overeat. When a person’s body is dehydrated, it can trigger hunger pains. When dehydrated the body thinks you are hungry, when you’re really only thirsty. Get into the routine of drinking 2 cups or 16 ounces of water before every meal. Water makes you feel full; you’ll consume fewer calories. It’s a two-for-one deal- better hydration and weight loss all in one glass.

Getting a Move On: Lack of water is the major cause of constipation. During digestion if your body does not have enough water to absorb, the colon and the large intestine soak up the water in the food byproducts. This, in turn, makes things more difficult to pass. There are two options: 1. Drink more water, less time on potty or 2. Don’t drink water, more time on potty, get a good book to pass the time.

Making it Clean & Clear: The consumption of water helps detoxify your body. It helps flush out toxins that can cause inflammation which may result in acne. The proper amount of water also keeps the kidneys and liver functioning.  It allows these organs to sift and eliminate waste through the urinary tract. Adding a squeeze of lemon to your water not only helps with adding flavor but with the liver’s bile production, which in turn pushes out toxins. Next time the waitress asks you if you want lemon with your water, say yes, please.

Getting on With It: So you have the afternoon drag. Don’t reach for that 5-hour energy shot, grab a big glass of water. We get busy at work and forget to properly hydrate or we reach for the old standby caffeinated drink for that boost. It’s not the lack of caffeine that causes the problem, it’s dehydration. Water is our body’s primary energy source, it helps with the function of red blood cells that provide oxygen to your lungs. Fight fatigue, drink more water. If anything adding more water to your day, will keep you moving. Going back and forth to the bathroom should keep anyone awake.

No Worries, Be Happy: Feeling refreshed and hydrated, actually improves your mood. How do know your good mood is proper water intake and not just Friday afternoon? A rough estimation of daily water consumption is to drink 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water over the course of the day. Adding more or less based on lifestyle and level of activity. Check with Cooper Family Med Center/ Live Well MD Mississippifor a more comprehensive and accurate formulation. One additional benefit to drinking more water is the regulation of sex hormones. A healthy sex drive should make anyone happy.

Getting Wise To It: Consume more water to improve your brain function. Water gives support and energy for thinking and attention span. It improves brain response too. The brain is 75% water, it’s no wonder that water helps with blood and oxygen flow, concentration, memory and maintaining healthy brain cells. If you ever experience “brain fog” drink more water.

Protecting Your Health: Water adds a balance to the body. With an average of 60% of the adult human body being made of water, not being properly regulated can become a problem. Water helps with body temperature, tissue repair and the functionality of your spinal cord. It is also a vital component of the immune system. Your body is designed to run on water.

Water is the simple cure for thirst. Let the caring and professional staff at Cooper Family Med Center provide their unmatched level of quality and service for you.

Cooper Family Medical Center has two convenient locations in Pascagoula and Biloxi, Mississippi. We offer quality MediSpa and medical services to our valued patients and strive to keep you looking and feeling your best! Our entire staff is here to care for YOUR needs. If you are interested in becoming a new patient, please call us today at 2287622044 ext. 302 or visit us online at www.CFMedCenter.com. We look forward to seeing you!

Your teen is driving. Their excitement is your worry. How can you keep them while ensuring their safety? Check out these tips for parents of driving teens.

SET RULES IN A PARENT-TEEN DRIVING AGREEMENT. The CDC has a great printable agreement that outlines the responsibilities of your teen when driving. From the basic rules of the road to phone etiquette, alcohol use, and school attendance, this agreement covers every aspect of driving. Many of these pointers are good for adults as well, and we sometimes need a reminder to focus on our driving as well. Having a long conversation before handing over the keys will go a long way. Remember that all privileges can be taken away, and various forms of punishment should also be discussed so that you both are clear on the expectations up front. 

SET THE PHONE UP TO GO INTO DRIVING MODE AND AGREE TO PLACE IT IN THE GLOVEBOX OR TRUNK. Nearly every phone manufactured today has this capability, and it should be set up and occasionally checked for compliance. Call your child now and then and let them know that you will do so. A tracking app may also be installed, with the understanding that if the teen is in compliance, it won’t be used to check up on them consistently.

GIVE YOUR CHILD SOME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE COSTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF OPERATING A VEHICLE. Like other privileges, it costs money to operate a car. Whether you give them the full costs of the car, or partial costs, make sure that you enforce whatever boundaries you set for them. Maybe they should pay for gas and oil changes all the time, insurance during the summer when they are working, and the car payments upon graduation, if there are any. There are many variations on teaching responsibility. Let them help. They need to feel invested in this stepping stone in life. They will be more responsible when paying some of the expenses themselves.

TEACH MINOR MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP SO THE VEHICLE IS IN GOOD REPAIR. You will both have peace of mind if the vehicle is being driven in good condition, and you are confident that they can change a tire if necessary. Teach them basic inspection tips and help them identify new sounds when something is going wrong so they will be able to isolate a problem if it happens later.

LIMIT THE DISTRACTIONS CAUSED BY PASSENGERS BY KEEPING THEM TO A MINIMUM WHEN POSSIBLE. Although everyone wants to pick up their friends and head out, it is true that a large percentage of accidents occur when there are passengers. Unless necessary, don’t load the car up with kids. It just isn’t a good idea, and the statistics prove it. Some states even have limitations and laws prohibiting underage passengers, so be sure to know your state’s requirements to avoid a ticket.

Now, trust your teen to follow the rules, and know that you have done your part. It does get easier as they gain experience and maturity.

Cooper Family Medical Center has two convenient locations in Pascagoula and Biloxi, Mississippi. We offer quality MediSpa and medical services to our valued patients and strive to keep you looking and feeling your best! Our entire staff is here to care for YOUR needs. If you are interested in becoming a new patient, please call us today at 2287622044 ext. 302 or visit us online at www.CFMedCenter.com. We look forward to seeing you!

Humans have approximately 150 hormones.  These substances are used regularly to trigger and aid the internal tasks that are needed to live a happy and healthy life.  Hormones are actually cells which have been identified as chemical messengers.  This amazing and complicated system of elite chemicals operate in the bloodstream and affect digestion, growth and many other aspects of everyday life.

Here are some of the most familiar hormones present in the body and a few of their common functions:

Insulin

Insulin is a hormone.  It is actually a small peptide protein which is secreted by the pancreas.  Insulin is needed to help the body use the foods we eat.  They do this by helping it metabolize carbohydrates and also store and regulate glucose, which is needed for energy.

Testosterone

Primarily considered a 'male' hormone, it is actually produced in smaller quantities by females as well. Low levels can attribute to problems such as mood swings, increased body fat, poor muscle tone, and impotence. Low testosterone levels also may contribute to developing a larger belly in many men.  Men should see a doctor immediately if they experience any of these symptoms.  

Estrogen

Estrogen is found in both males and females also, though commonly considered a 'female' hormone.  Women need estrogen more in order to increase the possibility of conception and birth.  As a woman ages, menopause causes estrogen levels to decrease significantly.  In addition to becoming infertile, women often experience disrupted sleep patterns, mood swings, fatigue, decrease in sexual urges, and changed cholesterol levels.  Research has also shown a connection between low estrogen levels and bone health and density.

Adrenalin

Also known as epinephrine, adrenalin is a stress hormone produced by the adrenal gland.  This is where the term ‘a rush of adrenalin' comes from.  Adrenalin increases the heartbeat, accounting for the increased heart rate during extreme activities.  It also may trigger responses to fear, and even a rush of energy needed in extenuating circumstances.

Dopamine

Dopamine is commonly referred to as the 'feel good' hormone.  The release of  the chemical in the brain is what causes the feeling of euphoria or excitement. It gives a feeling of pleasure. There has been research showing the connection between lack of dopamine and depression, along with other psychological issues.

Melatonin

Produced by the pineal gland, melatonin helps to regulate other hormones in the body. It's main function, however, is to help control and regulate sleep patterns. Light can affect how melatonin is produced in your body. This is the primary reason why our bodies seem tired earlier in the day during winter time. The darkness triggers our bodies to produce melatonin, resulting in sleepiness.  During the bright hours of day time, our bodies produce much less melatonin.  Daytime sleepers rest much better by increasing melatonin.  

Thyroid

The thyroid gland produces two types of hormones.  They are Thyroxine and Triiodothyronine.  These can affect metabolic processes.  The imbalance in the thyroid hormones can cause weight fluctuation and affect body temperatures. A common problem which most often requires surgery is a goiter, or an enlarged thyroid gland.  The thyroid should be routinely checked during your normal physical exams.

Cortisol

This is a steroid hormone, produced within the adrenal gland.  Cortisol increases the metabolic rate of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. It also helps to ease joint discomfort by preventing the body from releasing inflammatory causing substances.

Progesterone

The greatest importance of progesterone is that it levels helps to regulate the menstrual cycle, and also regulates ovulation in the reproductive system.  It is often referred to as the 'pregnancy hormone' since its vital before as well as during pregnancy.  Healthy levels of progesterone prepare the uterus to support a pregnancy.  It also nurtures the unborn baby during pregnancy.  Your doctor will determine the specific levels needed, and prescribe any supplements which may be required.

Hormones affect literally every single function of your body.  There are many factors that can cause chemical variations at any stage of life.  Cooper Family Medical can diagnose these imbalances and create a customized treatment plan to keep them in harmony.

If you feel like you are suffering from any of the symptoms listed above call us today.  We have the experience and expertise to get you back to your best self. Our wonderful staff is here for all of your medical needs!  If you are interested in becoming a new patient give us a call at (228) 762-2044 ext. 302 in Pascagoula or (228) 207-1016 to reach us at our Biloxi Location.  You can also make an appointment online at CFMedCenter.com.  We look forward to seeing you!