Taking Medication

Dear Nurse Annie,

How do I stop taking my Blood Pressure medications? They make me feel so sick and dizzy. I am 48 and would like to not take any medications. Dizzy Dave.

Dear Dave,

First, Dave, Do Not Stop your Blood Pressure medication.

2. Discuss your side effects with your doctor’s nurse and your pharmacist. You may be able to change medications and have fewer side effects.

3. Start taking your blood pressure regularly and keep a log to take to the doctor with you.

Being well enough to stop your medication is another issue. You will want to develop a plan to improve your overall health and meet with your doctor to discuss, refine your plan and set review points to adjust your medication as you progress. We will work on a plan next time. Tell me a little about your medical history and your goals to improve your health.

Be Well.

Nurse Annie.  

Healthy Diet

Today, Dr Weil noted the Healthiest Diets:

Mediterranean

Japanese

What do you think?

Comfort Food

Food choices are Just

Habit

Rolled in Comfort

Layered in Emotion

Sweaty Suzie

Dear Nurse Annie,

You asked me how old I am. I am 46. I am also feeling disoriented. Are these panic attacks?

Sweaty Suzie.

Dear Suzie,

You are in the age range of hormone transition.

With symptoms of night sweats (that you mentioned in your last letter) and disorientation you may want to explore hormone support and relief with your doctor. Hormones are available by prescription and over the counter. You may benefit from temporary support to ease your transition.

We will talk more about your life style and ways to feel better.

Nurse Annie.

Menopause

Dear Nurse Annie,

What is Menopause? I am wondering if I am in it.

I get way to hot especially at night.

Sweaty, Suzie.

Dear Suzie,

Menopause is a natural body transition. Hormones made in the Ovaries during reproductive years transition to the adrenal glands.  

Being overly hot at night can be a symptom that you are in this process. You want to monitor your symptoms and keep in close contact with your doctor during this transition to keep healthy.

Educate yourself to do healthy things ease a smooth transition to a freer, mature time of your life.

How old are you Suzie?

Nurse Annie.