January is a great time to start improving your health.

By Tracy Thomas, Vice President of Vibrant Life Health Center

Doctor Thomas with Tracy Thomas
Courtesy of Vibrant Life Health Center

Happy New Year! The beginning of a new year is a great time to start something new. In 2017, I’ll be writing posts for Vibrant Life Health Center’s blog about once per month. These posts will be from the perspective of the doctor’s wife. The focus will sometimes be on issues affecting women, but it will also delve into general purpose topics as well. Like my husband, I hope to impart information that will be useful to readers.

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month.

The United States Congress has designated January as Cervical Health Awareness Month. During January, the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC) and the organization’s local chapters throughout the country raise awareness about issues related to cervical cancer, HPV disease, and the importance of early detection. Nearly 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. Fortunately, vaccinations and screenings can prevent the disease from developing. The NCCC has a very informative website, and I encourage women to take a look at it. Also, Vibrant Life Health Center offers Digital Infrared Thermographic Imaging which can detect thermal activity indicative of cellular change.    

Breast Health: Is it just a lump or is it something to be concerned about?

Courtesy of Vibrant Life Health Center

According to the American Cancer Society, most breast changes that are tested turn out to be benign. Many breast lumps turn out to be caused by fibrosis and/or cysts, which are benign changes in breast tissue that happen in many women. They are often diagnosed based on symptoms, such as breast lumps, swelling, and tenderness or pain.

Fibrosis is the same type of tissue that ligaments and scar tissue are made of. Areas of fibrosis may feel rubbery or firm. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs within the breasts. They are most often found in women in their 40s, but they can occur in women of any age. Monthly hormone changes can cause cysts to enlarge. Also, they may become painful shortly before the menstrual period.

Since many lumps turn out to be harmless, some women don’t pay much attention to them. There are several signs that indicate that a lump may be more serious. I suggest seeing a healthcare provider if any of the following occur:

• Your lumps feel harder or different from the rest of the breast
• You find a new lump that feels different from the rest of your breast
• You find a new lump that feels different from your other breast
• You feel something that is different from what you felt previously.

Nipple discharges are not always a sign of cancer, but they can be a sign of trouble. If you see any of the following, you should get checked out: 

• Discharge without squeezing the nipple
• Discharge occurs in only one breast
• Discharges that start suddenly.
• Discharge is either bloody or clear.

The following conditions are also causes for concern which should be checked out:

• Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
• Change in the size or shape of the breast
• Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
• New pain in one spot that doesn't go away.

Most women now know that early detection is the key to defeating breast cancer. A lump that doesn’t seem like much can turn out to be dangerous. If you have a lump and you’re not sure whether or not to be concerned about it, get it checked out.

Vibrant Life Health Center now offers Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI). Meditherm Thermography is very effective for early detection of abnormalities in the breast. DITI is non-invasive and it takes only fifteen minutes! There’s no waiting for days, or even hours, on the results. Color images are provided which help doctors and their patients visualize exactly what’s going on in the body.
Call today to schedule an examination. 904-683-8177.

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Martin Luther King Day

Martin Luther King was one of our country’s greatest leaders during the Civil Rights Movement. His deep commitment to the cause, a cause for which he ultimately gave his life, continues to be an inspiration to Americans everywhere. January 16th is Martin Luther King Day, a day for remembering his great legacy.

Health issues that affect
African-Americans

African-Americans are at higher risk for certain health issues than other Americans. Those health concerns include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the number one killer of all Americans. In terms of percentages, it affects African-Americans more than any other ethnic group. High blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes are two more health issues that affect African-American disproportionately.

The good news is that losing weight and becoming more fit are very effective for lowering blood pressure, improving heart function, and reducing the risk level for diabetes and stroke. At Vibrant Life Health Center, we have had many patients who had one or more of those conditions when they came to us. After completing the NutriMost Weight Loss program, many have been able to reduce or discontinue taking medications for high blood pressure and diabetes. They also see dramatic improvements in general fitness and heart health. The changes that people can experience in just forty days are truly astonishing.

Courtesy of NutriMost

If you know that you need to lose some weight and get back in shape in order to preserve your health, you owe it to yourself to look into NutriMost. It has worked for many people. Setting up an informational visit to learn more about the program is very easy. We have a wall with before and after pictures and written testimonies from patients for whom NutriMost made the difference. When you come into Vibrant Life Health Center, you can see these testimonials for yourself.

Vibrant Life Health Center’s Personal Connection

Having an accountability partner or a coach to help you stay motivated can make an enormous difference when you’re trying to lose weight and get fit. One of the biggest differences between the NutriMost program at Vibrant Life Health Center and other weight loss programs is that we maintain a strong interpersonal connection with our patients all the way through the program. We’re committed to keeping them motivated and helping them to maintain their resolve.

Patients can send a text to Dr. Thomas at any time of the day with a question or some challenge they’re facing, and he will do his utmost to answer very quickly. He usually answers within thirty minutes. He is an accountability partner and a coach for his patients, and that’s not just lip service. That’s one of the things people mention over and over in their testimonial videos.

If you’d like to find out how Vibrant Life Health Center can help you to lose weight, get fit, and make 2017 your best year ever, call today to set up an appointment.
904-683-8177

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In this article, I have discussed Cervical Cancer Awareness, Breast Health, and Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging for early detection of breast cancer, cervical cancer, and other abnormalities in the body.  I've also discussed Health Issues that affect African-Americans more than other groups. Those include heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke risk. Those conditions can frequently be addressed by maintaining a healthy weight and becoming more fit. 

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At Vibrant Life Health Center, we address all the key elements to add vibrance and vitality to your life. This includes nutrition, Chiropractic care, and fitness. If you need to consult with a Chiropractor about your neck, back, or any other health concern, please contact our office to set up an appointment.

Tracy Thomas. Courtesy of
Vibrant Life Health Center

Tracy Thomas is the Vice President of Vibrant Life Health Center. Tracy’s personal experience with chiropractic and nutrition has allowed her to watch many life changing transformations this is what drives her complete passion to devote her life to the mission of true Health & Wellness. Tracy’s life was changed drastically over 15 years ago and through her intensive transformation stands as a testimony to the life changing value of what we do at Vibrant Life Health Center today.   Tracy’s passion to educate families is what drives her on a daily basis! Being married to Dr. Jon for 18 years and raising 4 children has allowed her to continue to grow and master her Holistic skills. Her family shares in the joy of Health and Wellness as she has made it a priority to pass on her wisdom of healthy living to her family and everyone who knows her. For fun Tracy loves scrapbooking, taking Sunday trips with her husband, reading and photography.

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