COVID is back. Get ready, prepared and do not get caught by surprise. We have had 3 Covid patients in the past week that 'got it' on an airline, coming back from Italy. Products you must have on hand! As of the present date, the COVID-19 pandemic remains a global health crisis of immense significance. While substantial progress has been made in understanding the virus, developing vaccines, and implementing preventive measures, the situation remains dynamic and complex. One of the primary concerns in the current COVID-19 situation is the ongoing threat posed by the emergence of new variants of the virus. These variants can potentially impact the virus's transmissibility, severity, and vaccine effectiveness. Vigilance in monitoring and responding to these variants is crucial to stay ahead of the virus and adapt vaccination strategies and public health guidelines accordingly. Covid-19 Vaccination: is it right for me? Vaccination efforts have been a cornerstone of the global response to COVID-19. While numerous countries have made significant progress in vaccinating their populations, vaccine distribution disparities and hesitancy continue to be challenges. Further, it is becoming obvious that the COVID vaccines have limited durations of effectiveness. Through research done at the Stages of Life Medical Institute , looking directly at COVID-19 antibody levels, it was clear in 2021 that the vaccine would provide protection for as little as 90 days to a maximum of 150 days. Additionally, protection did not mean that an individual would not get sick, it simply meant that the severity of the illness would be reduced. In a word, you can run, but you cannot hide. The riskiest places to be are airports, airliners, movie theaters and other tightly enclosed spaces. Supplies to have on hand, if and when you get COVID-19 Hand washing will be the most effective way to protect yourself. The virus is largely fecal-orally transmitted, as is the nature of other COVID viruses. Yes, there are other COVID viruses, well known to the medical community, but particularly well known in the Veterinary community. Masks may or may not provide any protection at all. This is a matter of personal preference, but wearing one may remind you to wash your hands frequently and not take any unnecessary chances. Eating at restaurants should be done with caution. The virus does not survive well on hot foods, but can last a good while on cold foods. Wipe off your eating utensils, drink hot beverages and eat hot foods, preferentially. You can catch COVID just as easily from a sick child as from an adult. Do not share plates, portions of food or drink from the same glass. Other than that, get re-inoculated if it has been 6 months or longer . If you are adverse to getting the shot, this is a free country, at least for the time being. Booster or not, we are all at risk. Recommendations for those who get sick (Keep these on hand, just in case) Over-the counter ( Available with us at www.stagesoflifevitamins.com) \ Guaifenesin 400 mg by mouth (1 capsule, four times daily) Licorice Root Extract (1 capsule twice daily Lactoferrin Containing Colostrum (2 capsules four times daily) Prescriptions, if your physician so agrees: Plaquenil, hydroxychloroquine (200 mg, Take 2 tablets twice a day for the first day, then 1 tablet twice daily, for two weeks.) Benzonatate (100 mg by mouth twice daily, as necessary, for excessive cough.) Naprosyn (500 mg by mouth twice daily) Paxlovid (I'm not real impressed with this one) Our practice remained open, every day, during the COVID pandemic. We saw our patients in the office, in the most traditional manner. The only person that got sick during this period was me , and I got it while on vacation, not paying attention to the recommendations, above. The hydroxychloroquine is an anti-inflammatory, works well within the first 20 minutes or so of ingestion. The Naprosyn works with it through a separate mechanism. The over-the counter medications are incredibly effective, particularly if taken early in the disease. Have them handy, ready for use. I think we're winding up for a busy season. David S. Klein, MD, FACA, FACPM 1917 Boothe Circle Longwood, Florida 32750 Tel: 407-679-3337 Fax: 407-678-7246

Support for Memory Issues Inexpensively Huperzine A, sometimes known by its' chemical name selagine or the brand name, Cerebra. It has been around for many decades. It was originally used as a prescription medication for vascular dementia. As a phosphodiesterase inhibitor (PDE inhibitor,) Huperzine A is safe for general use, few side effects have been observed and it has many uses other than for support of memory. Huperzine A is a derivative of the Chinese club moss. As a cholinesterase inhibitor, is can be useful in treatment of memory impairment, focus impairment and dementia. It may take up to 6 months to fully appreciate the benefit in patients with Alzheimer's. Side Effects Side effects can include: diarrhea, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, sweating, and blurred vision, slowing of heart rate and should be used with caution in patients with stomach ulcers. A gentle 'kick' for male sexual performance. Huperzine A is an inexpensive way to enhance male sexual performance, as well The older we get, the better we used to be? Well, Huperzine may help you in the memory, focus and performance categories and do so inexpensively. We are offering an independently assayed, quality product, very inexpensively. It will work with other products, prescription or over the counter. Start with one tablet twice daily. After a week or so, take one with breakfast, dinner and one an hour or so before 'show time.' David S. Klein, MD, FACA, FACPM 1917 Boothe Circle Longwood, Florida 32750 Tel: 407-679-3337 Fax: 407-678-7246

Managing High Uric Acid, Naturally, for a Healthier Life. Levels over 5.5 increase risk of heart attack and death. High uric acid is more than an indicator of gout. It has classically only been associated with gout, a severe, inflammatory joint condition that often manifests initially in the big toe. However, recent research has linked high uric acid levels with many other chronic health conditions. Elevations of Uric Acid over 5.5 mg/dl are associated with dramatic increases in cardiac disease & mortality. The risk is far greater than the risk associated with elevated cholesterol, yet most patients never have their uric acid level tested, and fewer still receive treatment to lower it to safe levels! This article reviews the topic nicely: Serum uric acid and risk of cardiovascular mortality: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of cohort studies of over a million participants This article is one of the best that I've reviewed on the topic. Over 66 million people in the United States have high uric acid levels, even though most do not know it. It can go undetected because many people do not have symptoms until it is well advanced and presents as an acute gout attack. A significant problem with modern health care is that most primary care physicians do not screen patients for uric acid levels, even those that are at high risk. What is Uric Acid? Uric acid is a breakdown product from purines, a protein component, as well as component of DNA. There are foods that contain higher amounts of purines than others. Furthermore, our body will raise uric acid after ingestion of fructose (corn syrup), sugar, or from alcohol consumption. Once purines metabolize to toxic uric acid, the body needs to eliminate uric acid from the body largely through urine and to a lesser extent, through feces. Elevation of Uric Acid will damage the kidneys, damage the lining of the arteries & arterioles resulting in disease in the kidneys themselves and to other end organs such as the heart. Certain health conditions or genetics can make elevations in uric acid more likely to occur, but the best management practice for high uric acid is a functional medicine approach. The Functional Medicine Difference. Functional medicine doctors have a unique approach to health care. The number one pillar of functional medicine is a prevention-based approach. We want to create the best conditions for your health to prevent chronic diseases so you can enjoy a long, healthy, high-quality life. . A functional medicine doctor also takes a comprehensive approach to patent care, focusing on the root causes of conditions instead of just treating the symptoms. What can be done? Allopurinol is a prescription medication that has been used for many decades to treat gout. The approach that is taken at Stages of Life Medical Institute (SOLMI) is to start with 100 mg taken twice daily. Repeat blood work in 90 days, adjust the dosage to achieve a level between 5.3 and 5.5. If the level is lower, all the better. Uloric is another prescription medication used to treat elevations in uric acid (hyperuricemia). The dosage there is 40 mg, daily.\ Alternatively, we use an over the counter preparation called "Uric Acid Balance" in patients that prefer to use 'all natural approaches,' and it works very well. The dosage is 3 capsules every morning. Combining intelligent choices in diet and life-style, achieving a safe level of Uric Acid is easy and delivers lifelong dividends. In short, elevations of Uric Acid over 5.5 mg/dl will result in atherosclerosis, kidney disease, and joint disease. David S. Klein, MD, FACA, FACPM copyright 2023 Stages of Life Medical Institute

The Problem with Medicare 'Advantage' Plans: They are Awful! 1. There is no 'Advantage' to a Medicare Replacement plan. They are truly awful for most patients that enjoy the freedom to choose their provider, choose high quality over cheap and value the quality of the prescriptions that they receive. The advertised Medicare "Advantage" is the commission that the insurance company and their sales agents pull from your benefits from Medicare. You convert from a standard insurance model directly to an HMO model. Traditional Medicare is the best insurance that you can get. When you fall for the 'you DESERVE more benefits, you can count on the fact that someone has their hand in your pocket. Medicare covers a variety of services, pays for them and leaves you with a 20% 'Co-pay' of the negotiated fee schedule. You can elect to get insurance for this, as I do, to insure against catastrophic events. The pharmacy coverage is inexpensive, and is best shopped for your individual needs. NOTE WELL: When an insurance company offers you benefits that traditional Medicare does not, it means that they are taking money out of the funds that you may need for real medical care. NOBODY gives you 'free grocery money,' 'free dental coverage,' 'free gym membership.' The fund have to come from somewhere and it is out of what they take from their coverage for physical therapy, pharmacy and physicians. If you fall for this one, you may find yourself dealing with doctors and facilities that are somewhat below your expectations, to say, the least. In short, a. They offer 'new Medicare benefits,' such as cheap gym memberships, sun glasses, gym shorts, and what not. b. These 'benefits' are cheap compensation for the thousands of dollars in moneys that they take off of the top from the government, for 'management.' c. The government makes out because they limit what you can receive in treatment, resulting in lower quality, poorer availability, and decreased accessibility, decreased mobility. In short, there is NO ADVANTAGE to the Medicare Advantage Plans!!! 2. They take several thousands of dollars right off of the top from a fixed amount that the government pays them to 'administer' the plan. This is a poetic way of saying that they are paid to deny you coverage that you would otherwise receive, and you get second or third class coverage. 3. Regular 'Red white and blue' Medicare is the best insurance that you can get. When they cut it down with the Advantage Plan, it is clearly to your 'Disadvantage.' You lose the ability to see who you want, where you want and you have to choose from their list of contracted doctors. The card may say IPO, but if you have to 'pick their doctors' it is clearly a Medicare HMO. Recommendation: 4. I recommend to my patients that they use regular Medicare and shop for the appropriate pharmacy program to supplement Medicare. You do this by looking at your medications, the most expensive first, and then find which plan covers that medication cluster. 5. Then, you pick a different Supplemental plan. It can NEVER be the same one as your pharmacy plan, or they will roll you into their Medicare Advantage plan, without your consent or knowledge. If this were another industry, it would not be permitted. 6. As an example: a. United Healthcare for supplemental with BCBS for Pharmacy b. Mutual of Omaha for supplemental with Aetna for Pharmacy c. Cigna for the supplemental, with UnitedHealthcare for the Pharmacy There are many possibilities, most work well. Above all, do not let the insurance sales people talk you into using the same company because it is 'convenient.' It is convenient in guaranteeing them a more juicy commission. I am not an insurance agent, but this approach has served my patients well for the past 30 years. Further, This is exactly what I am doing for myself. David S. Klein, MD, FACA, FACPM copyright 2023 Stages of Life Medical Institute

We have an arrangement with Nutritional Frontiers to give you direct and full access to their full line of nutraceuticals. At Stages of Life, we stock a number of their products but it is impossible, or at least impractical to stock them all. That being said, we can share our affiliate number with you. Register using this affiliate number and you have full access to the Nutritional Products quality line of supplements. Using the instructions below, you can order items that we use, items that we would like to stock and items that are of individual interest that would otherwise be impractical to stock. For Nutritional Frontiers: Log onto: www.nutritionalfrontiers.com Click the 'login' icon, which is a little person with a head. Register and use our affiliate code: Register using the ‘Affiliate ID’ below: Code: 18368 This is an example of one of our favorite products. Useful for viral upper respiratory tract infections. A well balanced mushroom derivative. copyright 2023 Stages of Life Medical Institute To become a patient, follow this link Stages of Life Medical Institute 1917 Boothe Circle Longwood, Florida 32750 Tel: 407-679-3337 Fax: 407-678-7246

David S. Klein, MD, FACA, FACPM The market is full of powders that make all manners of claims, nearly all of which are impossible to document. What cannot be debated is that millions of people use them, in powder form, making shakes for a variety of reasons. Another thing that is not debatable is that people do not buy anything, month over month unless they derive some benefit from it. This product does just that. It delivers a remarkable slug of protein, anti-oxidants, phytonutrients and micronutrients. Within a very short period of time, the typical patient starts to 'feel better.'' Pro Lean Greens is a high quality supplement that is manufactured in the United States under the strictest of manufacturing conditions. It is only sold in health care professional's offices. The price is very reasonable, particularly when compared to the well known capsules advertised about every 10 minutes on television. No enormous advertisement budget translates into lower cost to the patient. In the powder form, mixed with water or something tasty like almond milk, Pro Lean Greens Chocolate delivers many times that amount of nutrients than do the capsules advertised on television and the monthly cost is around half as much. If you want to give this a try, you can order it on stagesoflifevitamins.com or you can get it online using our code "18368" and open an online account with them. Of course, you can stop by our store, we would love to meet you! Note: if you go to the Nutritional Frontiers Order site, use our code 18368 to create your own account, and you can choose from other flavors, and other products as well. I will feature products that I have personally tried, and if you leave me feedback on others, I'll be happy to personally get it, try it, evaluate it and stock it in the SOLMI Store. Pro Lean Greens Features: Great tasting, easy-to-mix powder. Combines nutrient rich vegetables, fruits and herbs with enzymes, and probiotic cultures. Supports the body’s ability to cleanse, detoxify, and rejuvenate. Supports the body’s antioxidant defense system and immune system functioning Supports detoxification and G.I. Tract health. Now with a Complete Detoxification Matrix! Spirulina Whole Plant Powder, Chlorella Powder, N,N-Dimethylglycine HCl,Patented Trademark Ingredient: Emothion® S-Acetyl-L-Glutathione, and N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine! – Spirulina and Chlorella are both sources of blue-green algae, which has a rich nutrient profile and is a potent antioxidant. Spirulina supports healthy functioning of the liver and immune system to aid in detoxification. Chlorella supports cell reproduction, as well as restorative processes that promote healthy organs and tissues. Chlorella also aids the body in the breakdown of unwanted materials like heavy metals and supports proper digestion by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and assisting in the elimination of unwanted materials from the body. Antioxidant Support – Red Raspberry supports capillary strength. – Cranberry supports urinary tract health and function by keeping unwanted materials from adhering to the walls of the bladder. – Blueberry supports eye, urinary tract and cardiovascular health, and gastrointestinal function. – Bilberry has traditionally been used to support proper functioning of the eye. It helps to synthesize compounds that maintain artery walls, support connective tissue health and strengthen capillaries. – Grape Seed Extract plays a role in the stabilization of collagen and maintenance of elastin, thereby supporting organ, joint, blood vessel, and muscle functions. Digestive Support FOS aids in the elimination of unwanted substances and supports G.I. Tract health. Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are considered a soluble fiber and pre-biotic that support the growth of beneficial bacteria. Since FOS is not digested it increases the material in the digestive tract and promotes regularity. Immune System Support Oat Beta-Glucans support immune system function. Non-allergenic Oat Beta-1,3-Glucans extracted from oats are a highly researched polysaccharide with immune supporting properties. They support the activity of macrophages that clear away cellular debris and other unwanted materials by digesting them. David S. Klein, MD, FACA, FACPM 1917 Boothe Circle Longwood, Florida 32750 copyright 2023 Stages of Life Medical Institute

Sleep Time by Nutritional Frontiers It costs 80 cents per day, or less. Great Value. It is a balanced sleep aid, inexpensive and of tremendous quality. About the Ingredients Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a naturally occurring amino acid that works as a neurotransmitter in your brain. Neurotransmitters function as chemical messengers. GABA is considered an inhibitory neurotransmitter because it blocks, or inhibits, certain brain signals and decreases activity in your nervous system. When GABA attaches to a protein in your brain known as a GABA receptor, it produces a calming effect. This can help with feelings of anxiety, stress, and fear. It may also help to prevent seizures. As a result of these properties, GABA has also become a popular supplement in recent years. This is partly because it isn’t available from many food sources. L-Taurine- is an essential amino acid is a GABA-receptor agonist, meaning it produces a GABA-like effect in the body. GABA is a sedating, inhibitory neurotransmitter. In animal studies, application of taurine with GABA, or taurine with glycine produced stronger effects than taking either glycine or GABA alone. Taurine is can be used to enhance sleep quality. Suntheanine® (L-Theanine) stimulates activity in the brain known as alpha waves, which are associated with a relaxed but alert mental state. Human clinical trials have shown Suntheanine® to promote an alert state of relaxation without drowsiness, as indicated by an increase in Alpha brain waves, and a decrease in Beta brain waves. Suntheanine® is protected by over 40 U.S. and international patents for its various physiological efficacies and L-isomer specific production processes. L-Glycine- is a non-essential amino acid. It has been used to protect brain cells after ischemic stroke. Glycine is also thought to promote a sense of well-being and reduce anxiety. Research has shown that glycine can subjectively and objectively improve sleep quality. In a study where people’s sleep was restricted, glycine also reduced daytime sleepiness. 5-HTP- stands for 5- hydroxytryptophan, and is used by the body to make serotonin. 5-HTP is not found in food sources, the body manufactures 5-HTP from tryptophan, an amino acid found in dietary protein. Many conditions have been shown by studies to be helped by 5-HTP supplementation, including insomnia, depression, fibromyalgia, obesity (by reducing appetite), and headaches. 5-HTP should always be used under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner. In addition, the lowest possible dose should be used first and the dose should be titrated up slowly. 5-HTP should not be taken concurrently with pharmaceutical anti-depressants unless otherwise directed by your healthcare practitioner. Vitamin B-5 (D-Calcium pantothenate)- is a water-soluble B vitamin with numerous biological roles. Vitamin B-5 is used by the body to manufacture, among other things, coenzyme A which is an important compound for energy metabolism and the production of fatty acids, cholesterol, and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. D-Calcium pantothenate is the preferred, metabolically active form of B-5 used in higher quality nutritional supplements. Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxal 5-phosphate)- is a water-soluble B vitamin that performs many functions in the body. B-6 – dependent enzymes assist in the biosynthesis of the important neurotransmitters GABA, dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Pyridoxal 5-phosphate is the preferred, metabolically active form of B-6 used in higher quality nutritional supplements. Melatonin- is a hormone naturally produced by the body to regulate circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle). Melatonin secretion may be disrupted by aging, hormonal changes, and night-time exposure to light, among other things. Melatonin supplements are well known for their ability to combat insomnia. A Marvelous Sleep Aid. No Side Effects. Reasonably Priced. Ingredients, below: Supplement facts Supplement Facts Serving Size: 2 Capsules Servings Per Container: 30 Vitamin B6 10 mg (as Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate) Pantothenic Acid 10 mg (as Calcium-D-Pantothenate) Gamma Amino Butyric Acid (GABA) 500 mg Glycine 500 mg Taurine 250 mg L-Theanine (as Suntheanine®) 100 mg 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) 50 mg (from Griffonia simplicifolia Seed Extract) Melatonin 3 mg Other Ingredients: Hypromellose (Capsule), Rice Flour, Vegetable Stearate. Warning: Consult a healthcare professional if you are pregnant or nursing, experiencing long-term sleep difficulties; before use in children; before use in those with a medical condition, and those taking medication. Do not drive or operate machinery when taking melatonin. Use: As a dietary supplement, take 2 capsules one hour before bedtime, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. It is a marvelous sleep aid, well tolerated and very affordable. David S. Klein, MD, FACA, FACPM If you want to give this a try, you can order it on stagesoflifevitamins.com or you can get it online using our code "18368" and open an online account with them. Of course, you can stop by our store, we would love to meet you! Note: if you go to the Nutritional Frontiers Order site, use our code 18368 to create your own account, and you can choose from other flavors, and other products as well. I will feature products that I have personally tried, and if you leave me feedback on others, I'll be happy to personally get it, try it, evaluate it and stock it in the SOLMI Store. David S. Klein, MD, FACA, FACPM 1917 Boothe Circle Longwood, Florida 32750 copyright 2023 Stages of Life Medical Institute

The influenza (flu) season is upon us.  In these days of powerful antibiotics, impressive hospitals and expensive diagnostic equipment, the influenza virus still kills otherwise healthy adults and children. It kills, in the US, nearly as many persons as who perish in automobile accidents, yet we assume that the ‘guardians in white coats’ will save us this potential killer. Well, the reality is that we have very few options to treat this viral infection, once it takes hold.  We can, however, take steps to improve the immune system and thereby reducing the chances of contracting the illness or minimizing the potential for devastating morbidity. These simple PREVENTIVE steps include: Adequate zinc intake, i.e. 25 to 50 mg of a zinc chelate per day. NOT ZINC OXIDE, as this molecule does not absorb well, at all. Age-appropriate dosage of B-complex vitamins. As we age, we actually need more of the vitamins as we absorb less as a percentage of ingested amount. Another ravage of aging. Vitamin C, 500 mg two or three times daily. Keep these five products handy. They work together to give rapid and profound symptomatic relief. For treatment the flu or other viral upper respiratory disorders, it is best to start early in the illness. NAC (n-acetyl cysteine) 500 mg three times daily. Licorice Root Extract 450 mg, twice daily. Lactoferring containing Colostrum 500 mg TWO capsules Four Times Daily, while acutely ill. Mushroom extract capsules (these can be tricky) One capsule twice daily. That being said, we can share our affiliate number with you. Register using this affiliate number and you have full access to the Vital Nutrients product line. I will be reviewing and featuring their products, from time to time, when one of them 'stands out' as necessary due to public health situation, newsworthy events e.g. COVID, or for routine 'notes from the Doc.' Using the instructions below, you can order items that we use, items that we would like to stock and items that are of individual interest that would otherwise be impractical to stock. For Pure Encapsulations: Log onto https://patientdirect.pureencapsulationspro.com/ Register using the ‘Affiliate ID’ below: Code: 079057 Guaifenesin (Mucinex) once to four times, daily. Drink plenty of water (this assists in clearing the secretions, which can plug up the airways and lead to pneumonia) I personally believe that the flu vaccination is important.  Not because it necessarily prevents all flu infections (it doesn’t) but it does enhance the immune system so that if it is infected, the disease is milder. If you choose not to take the vaccine, in many ways, it is like taking a nice long road trip, without seat belts. The vaccine does not prevent the disease, it only makes it more survivable, and survivable with lesser permanent damage (scarring of the lungs.) Translation: Less likely to be fatal. copyright 2023 Stages of Life Medical Institute To become a patient, follow this link Stages of Life Medical Institute 1917 Boothe Circle Longwood, Florida 32750 Tel: 407-679-3337 Fax: 407-678-7246

We have an arrangement with Pure Encapsulations to give you direct and full access to their full line of nutraceuticals. At Stages of Life, we stock a number of their products but it is impossible, or at least impractical to stock them all. That being said, we can share our affiliate number with you. Register using this affiliate number and you have full access to the Vital Nutrients product line. I will be reviewing and featuring their products, from time to time, when one of them 'stands out' as necessary due to public health situation, newsworthy events e.g. COVID, or for routine 'notes from the Doc.' Using the instructions below, you can order items that we use, items that we would like to stock and items that are of individual interest that would otherwise be impractical to stock. For Pure Encapsulations: Log onto https://patientdirect.pureencapsulationspro.com/ Register using the ‘Affiliate ID’ below: Code: 079057 This is an example of one of our favorite products. Useful for viral upper respiratory tract infections. A well balanced mushroom derivative. copyright 2023 Stages of Life Medical Institute To become a patient, follow this link Stages of Life Medical Institute 1917 Boothe Circle Longwood, Florida 32750 Tel: 407-679-3337 Fax: 407-678-7246

Well, after years of procrastination, delay and denial, I have finally agreed to invest the time and effort into sharing ‘tricks of the trade’ that your doctor may not have shared with you.   In all fairness, your doctor probably did not have all of the data to share with you, or, more likely, you spend your medical visits in the company of the nurse practitioner of physician’s assistant, while the doctor is elsewhere, ‘supervising.’ It was not the doctor’s fault that he or she is forced to practice this way, but the reality is simple:  The government and the insurance industry has forced the medical industry to ‘package to price.’  The same thing happened to the nickel (and dime) candy bar.  As economic pressures pushed the price up, at certain break-points, the candy bar shrunk in size. in the medical industry, the shrinkage first occurred in time spent with patients more patients per hour then, treat several patients at once using physician extenders finally, see the extender, damned the doctor. As the profession found itself going down the tubes, the quality of the domestic medical school applicant diminished, and now we find ourselves wondering:  “where did all of the good doctors go?” It is obvious, in most parts of the country, that you are putting your life in your hands when you are admitted to the hospital.  Due to the ever-increasing administrative demands, many of the better doctors have abandoned hospital practice. The hospitals have been forced to hire physicians trained abroad (language barrier is now an interesting challenge) and hospital related deaths/errors/disasters has increased tremendously. Take home message: “Take preventative health very seriously.  It may be your only defense against medical/hospital incompetence.” The purpose of this blog will be to share interventions that the public can perform in the effort to get healthy, be healthy, and stay healthy. In a commercial aircraft, you are told: "In case of cabin decompression, put on your mask, first." Now, more than ever, it is imperative that you take charge of your own health, Lord knows, you can't trust the system to look after your best interests. About David S. Klein, MD, FACA, FACPM David S. Klein, MD, FACA, FACPM was born in Washington, DC, and was raised in Chevy Chase, Maryland. He completed his undergraduate education at the University of Maryland with degrees in Chemistry and Psychology. Medical School was completed at the University of Maryland at Baltimore, followed by Internship in General Surgery at the University of North Carolina and Residency in Anesthesiology at the Duke University, Durham, North Carolina. Dr Klein has been practicing medicine since 1983, concentrating in Pain Medicine, Minimally Invasive Medicine and Surgery, and Neuroendocrinology. Earning Board Certification in Anesthesiology, Dr. Klein was elected Fellow in the American College of Anesthesiology, and he was elected Fellow in the American College of Pain Medicine. He is currently an adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Central Florida, School of Medicine. He has focused his private practice on treating patients with hormone imbalance issues, nutritional deficiency related medical problems as well as pain related issues and impairment. With a highly-complex, CLIA licensed laboratory in-house, he has been able to provide rapid-turn around analysis efficiently and cost-effectively. Lecturing extensively nationally as well as internationally, Dr. Klein has authored many articles on topics relating to pain, injury and nutritionally modulated illness. His radio show, “Pain Free Living,” received top ratings during the 6 years it was on the air. Retired from the Medical-Radio business after 21 years, Dr Klein is currently practicing in Longwood, Florida, entirely in the office setting.

One more piece of a very complicated diabetes and pre-diabetes puzzle. Quan X , Wang J, Liang C , et al: Melatonin inhibits tunicamycin-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and insulin resistance in skeletal muscle cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun . 2015 Aug 7;463(4):1102-7. Melatonin is a Pituitary Weight Loss Hormone Melatonin is a naturally secreted hormone. Blood levels decrease as we age, as less and less is secreted by the pituitary. By no means is melatonin 'just for sleep.' It is a small hormone that finds its' way into many aspects of physiology, including blood sugar balance, insulin balance and weight control. Melatonin is an Anti-Depressant, as well as a sleep aid, weight loss medication and maybe more! Melatonin use has been demonstrated to have anti-depressant effects. The question is, "Is Melatonin a direct acting anti-depressant, or is restoration of sleep and normal sugar/insulin levels the effect that relieves depression?" Regardless, melatonin has demonstrated measurable effects as an anti-depressant. More to come. Melatonin is CHEAP The most interesting problem with melatonin is that most of the products on the market are of such poor quality that they are unlikely to be effective. In spite of the fact that it is inexpensive, the vast majority of the melatonin products may not have any melatonin in them, at all. Sad as it is, the industry is not well-regulated. The best products are manufactured to pharmaceutical specifications. Oddly, the finest products cost little more than the worst of the lot. Be careful and wise in your choices. OK, now that I know some of the benefits, how is it used properly, what are the risks? The typical dosage of melatonin in my practice is 10 mg at bed time, for starters. Some individuals will find that they need 20 mg, but 80% of the time 10 mg does the trick for sleep. It is taken EVERY NIGHT at bed time. If it is taken 'as necessary for sleep,' it does not train the system to be regular and the outcome is inadequate. In situations where a little 'extra kick' is necessary to induce sleep, use GABA (gamma-amino butyric acid) 750 mg at bed time. Risks: When starting Melatonin, some individuals will get vivid dreams. When this occurs, it may indicate that the sufferer is having difficulty entering REM sleep, often due to some type of trauma. The mind tries to avoid the recurring nightmare and avoids REM. When the melatonin is administered it PUSHES the brain into REM and this can result in a nasty dream or two. It most frequently resolves after 3 to 4 days of use. The very highest quality melatonin costs about twenty five cents a night! Ours is manufactured for us by a GMP pharmaceutical company, assayed for purity and content. David S. Klein, MD, FACA, FACPM copyright 2023 Stages of Life Medical Institute To become a patient, follow this link Stages of Life Medical Institute 1917 Boothe Circle Longwood, Florida 32750 Tel: 407-679-3337 Fax: 407-678-7246

The Optimal Level of Cholesterol is much higher than the doctor may be telling you. The article referenced below is very interesting and insightful. Your doctor will likely disagree with their data, even after observing over 12.8 million adults over a period of greater than 10 years. Life Expectancy Life expectancy or longevity is a 'U' shaped curve when plotted against cholesterol level. That is, there is a range whereby the 'optimal total cholesterol' is associated with the lowest all-cause mortality. It is slightly different between men and women, and there is an age factor, as well. Click on the above graph to go to the article from the National Library of Medicine. One thing to consider when listening to opinions on cholesterol levels and 'statin' use is that statin trials were mainly performed in persons at a high risk of heart disease, especially in men with manifest CVD, in whom heart disease mortality constituted approximately 50% of all deaths. According to the authors, "Total cholesterol (TC) had U-curve associations with mortality in each age-sex group. TC levels associated with lowest mortality were 210–249 mg/dL, except for men aged 18–34 years (180–219 mg/dL) and women aged 18–34 years (160–199 mg/dL) and 35–44 years (180–219 mg/dL). The inverse associations for TC < 200 mg/dL were stronger than the positive associations in the upper range." Critical review of the graphical data would show that a patient is at greater risk of death having 'low cholesterol' than having a very high level. Somewhat at odds with the general consensus? When you are told "the lower the cholesterol, the better," you may not be getting the very best advice. The Functional Medicine Difference. Functional medicine doctors have a unique approach to health care. The number one pillar of functional medicine is a prevention-based approach. We want to create the best conditions for your health to prevent chronic diseases so you can enjoy a long, healthy, high-quality life. . A functional medicine doctor also takes a comprehensive approach to patent care, focusing on the root causes of conditions instead of just treating the symptoms. David S. Klein, MD, FACA, FACPM copyright 2023 Stages of Life Medical Institute Stages of Life Medical Institute 1917 Boothe Circle Longwood, Florida 32750 Tel: 407-679-3337 Fax: 407-678-7246