House Calls

House Calls Started This Year

House calls are meant for patients who are temporarily or permanently home bound, or for other good reasons can't make it into the office.

To schedule a house call: Tel (203) 853-1919; email istaw@drstaw.com

Monday, November 28, 2016

To My Patients, October 2016

Autumn is upon us, but you may still find some days warm enough to walk outdoors; take advantage of the time you've got!

Please be aware that Sandy and I will be away for a few days, from Thursday afternoon next week, 10/27, through the following Tuesday. We'll be back in the office on Wednesday, 11/2. We'll be visiting our son and his family in Denver, Colorado. We miss them since they moved from our area over two months ago.

Janine will be in the office during our regular hours, and Dr. Sarfraz will cover if necessary. Please plan ahead, if you need an appointment before we're back, call us immediately!


→ Difficulty Falling Asleep or Staying Asleep?

If this is your problem, you don't necessarily have to resort to prescription medication. Many patients have found the Relaxation Response, practiced at bed time, to be very helpful. It's a progressive muscle tension-relaxation routine that takes 2-5 minutes to complete. It's a proven stress management tool which works even better if practiced more than once a day.

Others have used one or more over-the-counter preparations. The most effective ones, according to some authorities, are Melatonin, valerian and L-tryptophan. They work better when combined with a relaxation technique, but are not very effective for severe insomnia.

Feel free to discuss sleep problems when you're in the office, even if it's not the main reason for your appointment.

If you want a copy of my preferred version of the Relaxation Response, please let me know by phone or email.


→ Banking Calories Before The Holidays


The holiday season is around the corner, with parties, parties and parties. And with the parties comes eating and overeating, and then comes the weight gain. The average American gains 1-3 pounds during the holiday season. It doesn't sound like a lot of weight, but many people don't shed the extra weight, or take months to lose it.

"Banking calories" is not a great lifestyle, but if you find it hard to control your food intake during holiday time, the method may work well for you.

With calorie banking you cut down on what you eat, but not starve, for several days before the big feast. Many Americans consume 4,500 calories (or more) during the Thanksgiving meal, which is about 3000-3500 calories more than they should. This is enough for a gain of one pound at the Thanksgiving dinner alone!

It not too hard to cut 500 calories of food (that's about one and one half bagels) for a few days before an eating event, and it doesn't even have to be on consecutive days. A little increase in exercise will help too, and pushing away from the table is a good way to start.

The old Chinese saying still holds "He who takes medicine and neglects diet wastes the skill of his doctor." So help me not waste my skills.

Until next time, stay well,


Igal Staw, Ph.D., M.D.
www.drstaw.com
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