Innovative Primary Care (IPC) is excited to begin a series of articles on topics most important to our providers.

 

We begin this month with a look how movement throughout our day plays a role in how we look and feel. In fact, our very own Todd Schuster (PA-C) is a firm believer that the more we move - through every age of our lives - the better we'll be.

 

Todd admits that after a long day at work, it's tough to choose to exercise, but he's found ways to work a little extra movement into each of his days. If he isn't able to enjoy one of his favorite outdoor activities such as mountain biking or hiking, he makes use of his stationary bike at home to unwind and watch a sporting event.

Besides the impact exercise can have on our mood and outlook on life, Todd encounters patients who suffer with chronic low back pain and weight concerns that could be reduced with even a few laps around the block each day.

	IPC's Todd Schuster, PA-C, gets refueled after a ride on his mountain bike.

So how do we put one foot in front of the other to kick start a "movement" routine? Todd encourages us to start by setting a routine. Time recently explored ideas for bringing more discipline to fitness goals and setting a daily appointment is at the top of the list, along with shortening workouts and randomizing what you do.

Spring is in the air and it's the perfect time to get inspired. We hope you'll try one of these suggestions to get started or change up your routine:

As you move more, good nourishment is the best next step to a better you. Next month, we'll hear from our Nurse Practitioner, Kay Southwell, about the benefits of a whole food diet.

Consider testing your taste buds with a Vegan Lasagna recipe that includes a plethora of ingredients to satisfy even the pickiest eater...and they are all vegetarian. This recipe derives protein sources from eggless lasagna noodles and tofu. A serving of this comfort food has 219 calories, 6 grams of fiber and 13 grams of protein.

Over the past several months, Innovative Primary Care has introduced many new offerings and we want to be sure you keep them in mind as you plan for swimsuit season, seek natural pain remedies and invest in looking and feeling your best.  

Just as we've introduced new wellness offerings, we are also keeping our line of supplements stocked with quality, safely-sourced products. As always, we encourage you to speak with your IPC provider before beginning a supplement regime.

 

This month we are featuring two products aimed at natural pain relief. The active ingredient in both products is CBD which is an abbreviation for cannabidiol, a prominent naturally-occurring cannabinoid component found in cannabis sativa. And yes, cannabis sativa is the scientific name for marijuana. However, Med 7 CBD Oil and RapidCBD IsoDerm Cream are devoid of any psychoactive effect.

 

Dr. Levitt recommends use of Med 7 or IsoDerm Cream for anxiety, insomnia, pain, tremors and to lower dependence on opioids. As an example, the IsoDerm Cream can be applied to the back of the neck twice a day or as needed for pain.

 

Industrial hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species that is grown specifically for the industrial uses of its derived products. Commercially it has been refined into paper, textiles, clothing, biodegradable plastics, paint, insulation, biofuel, food, cosmetics, nutritional supplements and animal feed. Although industrial hemp and the cannabis drug, marijuana are both members of the Cannabis sativa species, they have distinctive biochemical compositions and uses.

 

Phytocannabinoids are harvested from industrial hemp which is high in CBD and low in THC. Hemp is the male counterpart to the female flowering plant: marijuana which is high in THC and low in CBD. Industrial hemp is naturally high in CBD and naturally low in THC, whereas most marijuana is just the opposite (high THC, low CBD). Industrial hemp is considered Cannabis sativa L., although advanced testing has cultivated higher yielding CBD hemp strains.

 

CBD helps regulate the endocannabinoid system (ECS). There are two types of cannabinoid receptors found throughout the body (CB1 and CB2), but they are most abundant in the brain and immune system respectively. While clinical studies are pending, the ECS is being tested and evaluated for its role in pain management, anti-inflammatory effects, anti-anxiety, memory, appetite suppression, movement disorders including seizures, and ADHD to name a few.

 

We encourage you to visit or call our office soon to place a hold on a product before it sells out. Contact our office at 480.776.0626 to place an order or for any questions.