Physical health rests on many factors, some of which are well known: nutrition, activity intensity, and stress levels, for example. However, essential determinants go beyond personal disciplines, namely weather and climate. High altitudes and arctic temperatures can adversely affect respiratory health, while frequent overcast conditions can depress mood and even immunity. Unsurprisingly, tropical locations like Miami and southern Florida pose health challenges to young and old alike. Yet these are natural stressors that are well-suited to treatment by holistic means. The staff at Ahimsa MD works with patients to better adapt to the heat and humidity that rest upon Miami much of the year.
Adapting Holistic Health Practices to the Local Climate: Staying Healthy in the Heat
Floridians and visitors sometimes overestimate their ability to absorb 90-degree + temperatures over several hours outdoors. Heatstroke or hyperthermia, i.e., bodily overheating that can damage tissues and organs, is often the result. This condition is easily discerned through rectal temperature, x-rays, blood, and urine tests. The usual treatments are holistic -- lowering the body temperature through cold water immersion, cool vapor evaporation, or ice packing. In addition, non-traditional heatstroke treatments speed up the cooling process when time is of the essence. These include herbal remedies and even acupuncture.High air temperatures can exacerbate heart conditions by making this organ work harder. Traditional medicine prescribes a series of medications -- perhaps surgery -- to manage cardiovascular infirmity. Still, there are alternative approaches that continue to prove helpful in improving heart health. Changes in diet and exercise are central to the effort. Still, the American Heart Association also recognizes relaxation disciplines like qi gong, hypnosis, yoga, and biofeedback as helpful in strengthening the heart.Persons who stand in the hot sun for long periods while losing bodily moisture through sweating are subject to heat cramps. This happens when the presence of salt in the muscles gets too low. Consequently, muscles will spasmodically contract, causing pain in the extremities and the abdomen. Generally, simple first aid solutions like hydration and cooling methods are sufficient to bring about cessation of cramping.These are conditions more familiar to the Dade County area than in more temperate climates.
Local Wellness Resources: Taking Advantage of Miami’s Natural and Community Resources
Miamians are a welcoming community for integrative care and holistic doctor offices. One notable example is the office of Ahimsa, MD. This practice views health and wellness synonymously. This means that fortifying both mind and body is central to what they do if patients are to achieve long-term, robust well-being. This ideal cuts across age groups, genders, and illnesses. With children, Dr. Baid adopts plant-based, curative approaches to childhood infirmities -- from infancy to adolescence. Conducting back-to-school and sports physicals, she understands kids' vulnerability to contagious diseases and physical injuries. Dr. Baid is also thriving with ADHD diagnoses, allergy sufferers, and asthma afflictions.Adult primary care is a fundamental medical service by Ahimsa MD. Our holistic doctor combines orthodox treatment with alternative measures to address a wide variety of maladies and disorders.
When seeing Dr. Baid, our patients find relief from high blood pressure, diabetes, elevated cholesterol, tobacco addiction, sleep apnea, myriad cancers, arthritis, and irritable bowel syndrome, to name a few problems. In addition, Dr. Baid conducts health screenings and nutritional evaluations for obese people before surgery. Ahisma MD is nothing if not comprehensive.Beyond the role of the primary care provider, this unique medical practice is also available for urgent care cases. Patients needing critical attention can see Dr. Baid for common injuries, respiratory infections, high fevers, urinary tract irregularities, or asthma attacks. They receive the same integrative and holistic care as every Ahimsa MD patient. Importantly, our office is prepared for those heat-related scourges noted above. Heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heart episodes, and dehydration are familiar terrain for Dr. Baid and the staff. Patients rest assured that the cure will never be worse than the ailment and that treatment will be sufficient without many side effects. Members of this concierge care office have integrative resources when a crisis strikes.
Seasonal Health Tips for Miami Residents: Preparing for the Unique Health Challenges of Each Season
As mentioned above, the heat in South Florida presents risks of varying degrees -- depending on general health -- to the population. What are some safeguards that people can employ? One Florida newspaper advises readers never to think of cooler days but, instead, to think of them as "less sweltering." With this in mind, several practices can keep body temperatures within a healthy range.
1. Heed weather reports and heat advisories -- Floridians are outdoor-oriented, but there are days and times of day when remaining inside is advisable.
2. Drink water often, even if you dislike it.
3. Avoid tight-fitting clothes and favor lighter colors that deflect solar rays.
4. Gravitate to shaded areas when possible.
Though welcome, cooler weather might contribute to health problems when the population acclimates to high temperatures. In South Florida, winter is when allergies are on the uptick. Outsiders are surprised that cold and flu season hits South Floridians like the rest of the U.S. A high of 75 degrees Fahrenheit can shock an immune system that is used to 90+ degrees. Residents wash their hands, avoid unnecessarily close contact with others, and maintain scrupulous personal hygiene during the "colder" months.
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Dr. Simoni Baid of Ahimsa MD is a medical doctor with a lot of experience treating infirmities common to tropical climates. The concierge care practice at Ahimsa MD fits well with her devotion to personalized care and whole-person treatment. Contact us to schedule an appointment with this well-trained, seasoned physician..
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