Do you wake up feeling exhausted, no matter how much you sleep? You may have sleep apnea, a chronic condition that causes repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. Other symptoms include snoring, excessive sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and restless tossing and turning during sleep.

Sleep apnea is about more than just not getting enough zzz’s. When left untreated, it can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke and other cardiovascular problems. Further, it’s linked to Type 2 diabetes and depression, and it even doubles the risk of being in a car crash.

Sleep apnea also has a close relationship with weight. It’s most commonly seen in overweight and obese adults, particularly in men over age 40.  As one’s weight increases, so does their risk of developing sleep apnea. Meanwhile, evidence also  suggests that sleep apnea may lead to weight gain. This is due to the fact that it causes sleep deprivation and tiredness, which typically results in increased snacking and overeating.

The good news is that losing 10 percent of your body weight can significantly reduce the severity of the condition. SENSA® is a great tool to help you lose weight, while helping you control your appetite and reduce cravings. Additionally, studies show that a well-balanced diet combined with exercise can help improve sleep apnea’s symptoms. Foods that may help alleviate the symptoms include fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean meats.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million American adults suffer from sleep apnea. If you suspect that you have it, you’ll want to make an appointment with your physician so you can get treatment to help you sleep peacefully!

In Good Health,

Dr. Hudson

The risk of obesity and its secondary health issues such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome and hypercholesterolemia are known risk factors for stroke and heart attack, but did you know that obesity is also a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia?  It is estimated that 5.4 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and that the cost to the American society to care for these individuals is estimated to be in excess of $200 Billion in 2012*….Billion, not Million!  These numbers are expected to rise significantly over the next four decades as the baby boomers continue to age and as the obesity rate rises.

Recent studies have also suggested that obesity may be linked to higher incidences of dementia and that physical activity and proper diet may limit the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease*.  SENSA has been proven to help individuals lose weight and maintain a healthy BMI.  Using SENSA, along with a proper diet and exercise program will help you to move closer to your ideal body weight, and lower your risk of having a stroke or heart attack.  This may also help you to maintain your memory and cognitive abilities, and lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.  What else can you do to help keep your brain healthy?

• Increase your intake of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in salmon, walnuts, and kiwi fruit.  This essential fatty acid can help decrease the risk of several mental and mood disorders as it helps keep those synapses firing efficiently.
• Limit the intake of junk food which contain a high saturated fat content and sugar content.  Your really are what you eat, as your body can’t survive without your brain, so if you feed your brain junk, you will notice a decrease in concentration and cognitive ability.  Get those fruits and veggies in daily, as well as lean protein and whole grains to positively enhance your learning and memory output.
• Make sure you get enough sleep to help strengthen your brain’s synapses and help de-stress and de-clutter your body’s most important organ.  Exhaustion and stress can make you feel slow and irritable.  You’re also more likely to make poor nutrition choices when you’re sleep-deprived.
• Give your brain a workout!  Your brain needs to be challenged just like any other muscle.  The games on theCognitiveReserve.com will help keep your mind fresh and young as you age.
• Shake your SENSA on every meal and snack to help you maintain a healthy caloric intake and lose excess weight.  If you haven’t tried SENSA yet, it’s never to late to start.

Good luck to you all!

*Circulation 2009;119(8):1093-1100, Neurology 2009; 73(21):1774-1779), JAMA. 2009 Aug 12;302(6):627-37, Am J Geriatric Psychiatry. 2011 May; 19(5):471-81, J Alzheimer Dis. 2010; 22(2):483-92

We all know that alcohol isn’t exactly a nutrient. However, the question remains – Is it good or bad for your weight-loss goals?  While some studies say that drinking can cause you to pile on the pounds, others claim it does your body good.  With all of this contradictory info, it can be hard to know whether to abstain entirely or to raise a glass. As April is Alcohol Awareness Month, we spoke with Dr. Jason Gruss – a bariatric physician and a member of the SENSA® Medical Advisory Panel – to get his take on the effect that alcohol can have on weight loss.

To Drink or Not to Drink?
As a general rule of thumb, Dr. Gruss says that drinking alcohol makes weight loss difficult. “Alcohol is empty calories, and it doesn’t contribute to satiety,” Dr. Gruss explains. In fact, the average pina colada packs over 600 calories – and despite this staggering calorie count, it won’t satisfy your hunger. Excess calories from alcoholic beverages can quickly add up and set your weight-loss efforts back.

But what if you’re not ready to give up the occasional drink? Rest assured – this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the occasional drink and still lose weight. Aim to sip low-calorie drinks like wine or light beer, and stay clear of sugary cocktails which are loaded with calories. Ultimately, weight loss comes down to calories in versus calories out, so as long as you choose diet-friendly drinks and don’t overdo it, you should be able to still achieve your weight-loss goals.

Eat Smart

That said, it’s important to keep an eye on your eating habits when drinking. In fact, research shows that people consume 20% more calories when they drink alcohol before or during a meal.  “Alcohol can lower inhibitions, which can make sticking to a weight-loss plan more difficult,” says Dr. Gruss. “For some people, a drink or two can lead to an order of nachos, and then another round.”

If you’re the type who tends to overindulge, it’s a good idea to have a healthy snack beforehand, like a piece of fruit or a slice of wheat bread with peanut butter. This will not only help keep hunger at bay, but it will also help you avoid a hangover. And of course, don’t forget to bring along your SENSA® so you can stay in control of your appetite!

The Bottom Line
Although alcohol isn’t the best option for weight loss, it doesn’t necessarily have to wreak havoc on your waistline. If you choose to drink on occasion, be sure to drink wisely; Dr. Gruss says that men should limit themselves to 1 to 2 drinks per day and that women should have no more than 1 drink per day. And if you are still not seeing the results you’re looking for, cutting back on drinking may just do the trick.

February is not just the month of love; it’s also the month of heart health.  So this year, why not do something for your heart as well as your special someone?  Cardiac surgeon Dr. Hilton Hudson – a SENSA® medical advisory board member – shares his top tips to enjoy a heart healthy life.

1) Say “yes” to antioxidants!

What do dark chocolate, red wine and strawberries all have in common? You probably know that they’re aphrodisiacs, but these super foods also contain antioxidants. So they’re perfect for turning up the heat – and protecting your heart. However, that doesn’t give you license to go overboard: For a healthy dose, Dr. Hudson recommends consuming no more than 1.6 ounces of dark chocolate, and 1 glass of red wine for women and 2 glasses for men per day. Other heart-saving foods include salmon, tuna, almonds, sweet potatoes, barley, cherries, blueberries and grape juice.

2) Enjoy a home-cooked meal.

Cooking at home is your best bet for exercising control over what you eat, plus it’s an easy way to save money. “Always remember to cook using olive oils, not lards,” says Dr. Hudson. He advises first serving a salad with almonds and peppers, dressed with olive oil, salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon.  Another heart- healthy appetizer he recommends is roasted shrimp with rosemary, olive oil, salt and pepper. For a main course, Dr. Hudson suggests searing and cooking chicken, fish or lean meat in a simple marinade of salt, pepper and olive oil.

3) Eat smart when dining out.

If you already have a restaurant reservation, there’s no need to fret. According to Dr. Hudson, it is OK to splurge a little sometimes, so long as you eat well the rest of the time. That said, it’s still a good idea to use your best judgment when dining out, so you don’t waste calories without  realizing it. “Be educated and don’t be afraid to make requests when dining out,” says Dr. Hudson. He suggests checking out a restaurant’s menu online beforehand so you can get a feel for their healthier dishes and plan ahead. Steer clear of anything fried or sautéed, and instead, go for fresh fish or lean meat. Don’t forget that sauces and dressings tend to be loaded with hidden calories, so ask for them on the side whenever possible, or request a vinaigrette salad dressing.  And if you insist on dessert, either share it with your date, or go for a lighter option like sorbet.

4) Get moving!

Spend some quality time with your loved one participating in a heart-healthy activity that you both enjoy. Get your heart rates up and break a sweat together by going on an active date like ice skating, skiing, sledding, bowling, hiking, dancing or even walking.

Remember, taking care of yourself – and your heart – is the best gift you can give your Valentine!  Need more tips on how to take better care of your heart?  Check out Goredforwomen.org and get informed!