By Ron Johnson, M.D., F.A.C.S, Chief Medical Officer, Satori World Medical

With an eventful holiday schedule filled with family gatherings, work parties, traveling and gift shopping, it can be difficult to stay healthy during this busy season. Below are a few tips that can keep you healthy this winter.

1.       Avoid overeating

The holiday season is the easiest time to overindulge in high calorie meals and sugary treats. Before attending a holiday party, eat a healthy snack (like whole-wheat pita bread and hummus or sliced fruit with almond butter) at home to avoid overeating at the gathering. Once at dinner, eat slowly and savor each bite. It can take up to 20 minutes for the food to settle and to feel satisfied. If you are going to get second helpings, fill your plate with just vegetables and salad. 

2.       Plan time for exercise

Although winter schedules are usually much busier with holiday parties and family events, try to maintain a regular exercise schedule. Bundle up and go for a walk after dinner to view your neighborhood’s holiday lights and decorations, or grab a loved one and go to your local ice rink for a fun workout. Combine a holiday shopping trip with exercise by walking every floor of your favorite indoor mall. Exercising regularly throughout winter and the holidays will make your New Year’s fitness resolution much easier to attain.

3.       Beware of drinks

Alcohol consumption can cause food cravings. Limit yourself to 1-2 low-calorie alcoholic drinks (wine, light beer or champagne) and try to avoid the eggnog – it can have as much as 11 grams of saturated fat and 400 calories per drink!

4.       Get the flu shot

Holiday celebrations bring you in close contact with lots of family members and friends. The best way to prevent influenza is getting a yearly flu shot.

Wishing you and your families a healthy holiday season,

Dr. Ron Johnson

Today is World Heart Day! World Heart Day was created to inform people around the world that heart disease and stroke are the world’s leading cause of death. Over 17 million people die from cardiovascular diseases each year, representing 30 percent of all global deaths.

Compelling evidence indicates that the following strategies are effective in preventing cardiovascular diseases:

1. Do not smoke or use tobacco – Smoking greatly increases the risk of developing coronary artery disease by 50 percent or more. Just one year after you stop smoking, your risk of heart disease drops dramatically.
2. Eat a heart-healthy diet that limits fat and salt intake – Eat foods that are low in saturated fat, cholesterol and salt. Try incorporating more whole grains, beans, nuts and fish to your diet and limiting red meat, dairy products and solid fats (butter and margarine).
3. Have an active lifestyle and keep a healthy weight – Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. Try taking the stairs instead of the elevator or go for a brisk walk on your lunch break. Don’t forget that everyday activities and chores, like cleaning the house and walking the dog count toward your 30 minutes a day physical activity.
4. Limit alcohol intake – Drink alcohol in moderation and no more than 1-2 drinks a day.
5. Get yearly checkups – Schedule blood pressure and cholesterol levels checks regularly so you know exactly what measures to take every year to maintain a healthy heart.
6. Encourage stress-free moments – To help relieve stress, take regular breaks while working, stick to a regular sleep schedule, relax to soothing music or take a yoga class.

Don’t forget to consult your physician before starting a new diet or exercise regimen. Find out more information about World Heart Day on their website: http://www.world-heart-federation.org/index.php?id=123

Be sure to check our Events page for our up-to-date travel itinerary.  Hope you to see you at one of these upcoming events.  Come experience Satori!

• September 27th, 2011 – Dr. Ron Johnson, Chief Medical Officer at Satori World Medical will be participating in a round table of companies that are doing international business hosted by The Daily Transcript, San Diego’s #1 source for daily business news, data and information.
• October 9-12, 2011 – Satori World Medical will be exhibiting at SIIA’s 31^st Annual Conference and Expo in Phoenix, AZ. Visit us at Booth 907 and experience the next movement in healthcare delivery.
• October 30-November 1, 2011 – Satori World Medical will be exhibiting at Booth 1129  at the 57th Annual IFEB Employee Benefits Conference in New Orleans.

SAN DIEGO – September 21, 2011 – Satori World Medical, a leader in medical travel, will be participating in a round table of companies that are doing international business hosted by The Daily Transcript, San Diego’s #1 source for daily business news, data and information.

Satori World Medical’s Chief Medical Officer, Ron Johnson, M.D., F.A.C.S., will join other senior level executives to discuss the opportunities and challenges in conducting international business.   Discussion topics could include contracting, legal, cultural nuances, funding/financing, distribution, human resources, warehousing and the like.  A special report will be published in The Daily Transcript print and online.

The Daily Transcript Executive Editor George Chamberlin put together the editorial round table which takes place on September 27th, 2011. Additional participants include executives for prestigious San Diego companies such as: Diving Unlimited International, Inc., Chicken of the Sea, Taylor Guitars, US Export Assistance Council, and Zipbuds.

Dr. Johnson has been in private practice for over 30 years in San Diego.  He is a published researcher and has played a leadership role in several professional and business organizations.  Highlights of his professional roles include President of the American College of Surgeons (San Diego Chapter), President of the San Diego Society of General Surgeons, and Chief of the Medical Staff at Grossmont Hospital, a large tertiary medical center located in San Diego.  His business affiliations include member of the Board of Directors, San Diego Hospital Association, member of the Board of Directors Grossmont Hospital, and President and member of the Board of Directors, Sharp Community Medical Group.  Dr. Johnson has international surgery experience at the Hospital Mama Yemo in Kinshasa, Zaire, Africa.  Dr. Johnson is a graduate of the University Of Illinois College Of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois and is Board Certified in Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Johnson leads the Quality Department at Satori World Medical and focuses on improving health outcomes and the quality of life of our patients.

By Ron Johnson, M.D., F.A.C.S., Chief Medical Officer, Satori World Medical

Satori World Medical is a payer-supported, employer-sponsored, and consumer-choice medical tourism facilitator and global healthcare network.  We use the Joint Commission International (JCI) as a “gating” issue, and our Quality Assurance Program, assisted by our Medical Quality Advisory Board and Nurse Patient Advocacy Program, goes beyond this to ensure excellent patient outcomes and service at our International Centers of Excellence. 

JCI, the international arm of the Joint Commission Resources, was created in 1994, awarded its first international accreditation in 1999, and now has accredited over 300 institutions around the world.  In 2005 the World Health Organization designated the Joint Commission and the Joint Commission International as the WHO Collaborating Centre for Patient Safety Solutions, and in 2008 the JCI announced its accreditation by the International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua). 

One of the reasons Satori uses JCI as a gating issue for quality and participation in our network is our focus on the financially sponsored (U.S.) patient.  U.S. payers are familiar with the Joint Commission and their standards and surveys.  Similarly, the American Medical Association and the American College of Surgeons are two of the largest and most influential physician organizations in the U.S., so when they independently came out with guidelines for medical travel, we were pleased that we already met or exceeded them.  U.S. payers know and trust the AMA and ACS on quality matters.  These are important guidelines, and Satori’s Quality Assurance Program adds on-site due diligence visits – to review JCI accreditation reports, hospital performance measures, physician credentials and outcomes, interview hospital management teams, and tour and evaluate clinical areas including the operating rooms – as well as our own proprietary medical travel and procedure eligibility guidelines, monitoring of quality and clinical outcomes and continuous quality improvement.

Working collaboratively with our comprehensive quality program, all network hospitals and physicians share in the common goal of excellent patient outcomes and services.

By Dr. Ron Johnson, Chief Medical Officer at Satori World Medical

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where blood clots form in the deep veins of the legs. DVT risk is increased on long flights due to immobility in cramped seats. As I mentioned in the last health tip, drinking enough liquids, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, wearing loose clothing and physical activity can all help prevent DVT.

In addition to walking around the cabin of the aircraft every hour, try these simple in-flight circulation exercises to keep your blood flowing during lengthy flights:

1. Ankle Circles—Stretch your legs out under the seat in front of you. Lift one leg slightly and rotate your foot clockwise at the ankle and then counter clockwise. Repeat with your other leg.
2. Heel Raises—Lift the balls of your feet so that only your heels are on the floor. Hold this position for five seconds and then lower your feet. Repeat 10 times.
3. Knee Lifts—Sitting straight up, keep your knee bent and lift your thigh so that you’re flexing at the hip. Alternate legs.
4. Toe Curls—Curl your toes and release. Also try pressing your toes down against the floor or wiggling them inside your shoes.
5. Overhead Stretches – Raise both hands straight up over your head, as far as you can. Hold stretch for 15 seconds.

Have a safe flight!

By Dr. Ron Johnson, Chief Medical Officer at Satori World Medical

Sitting for an extended period of time on a fight can cause leg cramps, swelling, and sore joints. However, the most serious concern is a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where blood clots form in the leg. DVT risk is increased with air travel due to the confined seating, prolonged leg immobility and low cabin pressure. Symptoms of DVT include pain, swelling and discoloration of the leg and dilation of the surface veins. Although the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis is rare, below are a few preventative measures:

1.       Avoid heavy medication and sleeping aids. They can cause long periods of inactivity and can contribute to blood clot formation.

2.       Drink plenty of water. Planes have very dry air which can cause dehydration, muscle aches, and thickening of blood. Drinking beverages with electrolyte-fortified solutions, such as Gatorade or a similar sports drink, can increase fluid retention and keep you better hydrated than ordinary juice or water.

3.       Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages. These beverages can contribute to dehydration.

4.       Take frequent breaks to stretch your legs and arms. Try to walk around the cabin of the aircraft every hour if possible to increase blood circulation. When seated, avoid crossing your legs for a prolonged period of time.

5.       Purchase flight stockings. Research has shown that compression stockings or flight hose can increase circulation and lower the risk of deep vein thrombosis when worn correctly. They can be bought at most pharmacies and are also available at the airport.

6.       Wear loose-fitting, unrestricting clothing. Tight fitting garments can restrict blood flow through the body.

The next health tip will cover simple in-flight exercises that can help keep your blood flowing during long flights.

By Dr. Ron Johnson, Chief Medical Officer at Satori World Medical

Close contact with several passengers in a confined space is one reason people can get sick after a long flight.  Fortunately, there are easy ways to protect yourself and reduce the chances of feeling under the weather when you reach your destination.

1.       Prepare beforehand: It is important to strengthen your body’s defenses before your travels.  Get a good night’s sleep before you fly out, just in case you are unable to fall asleep during your flight. Also, a few days prior to traveling, take multivitamins to ensure your immune system is in good shape.

2.       Stay hydrated: Prior to boarding the airplane and throughout the duration of the flight, keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water, but try and avoid alcohol and caffeine which can dehydrate.

3.       Bring anti-bacterial wipes: Touching a contaminated magazine or seat, and then touching your nose or mouth can increase your chances of becoming sick. Carry anti-bacterial hand sanitizer in your carryon bag and wash your hands before each meal. You can also bring anti-bacterial towelettes to wipe down your tray table and arm rest.

4.       Reduce stress: Traveling can be taxing at times and stress can lower your immune system. Reduce stress by planning the details of your trip in advance and follow these tips to avoid the hassles of airport security: http://www.satoriworldmedical.com/blog/2010/09/travel-tip-%E2%80%93-friday-september-17/

5.       Take medicine at the first sign of sickness: Colds and flues usually develop slowly. If you do catch a cold after your flight, take medication or an herbal remedy at the first sign of sickness. Sometimes you can head off a cold before it starts.

By Dr. Ron Johnson, Chief Medical Officer at Satori World Medical

World Heart Day is globally held on the last Sunday of September each year to inform people about cardiovascular diseases, which are the biggest cause of death worldwide. Over 17 million people have died from cardiovascular diseases in 2005, representing 30 percent of all global deaths.

Compelling evidence indicates that the following strategies are effective in preventing cardiovascular diseases:

1. Do not smoke
2. Eat a heart-healthy diet, that limits fat and salt intake
3. Have an active lifestyle and keep a healthy weight
4. Limit alcohol intake to one to two drinks a day
5. Get your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked regularly
6. Encourage stress-free moments at home and at work

Read further about how to reduce your risk of heart problems and about World Heart Day here.

By Dr. Ron Johnson, Chief Medical Officer at Satori World Medical

This Sunday, September 26, is the 10 year anniversary of World Heart Day. World Heart Day was created to promote heart health and inform people around the world that heart disease and stroke are the world’s leading cause of death, claiming more than 17 million lives each year. In partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Heart Federation organizes events in 100 countries to spread awareness through health checkups, organized walks, and lectures.

Although major risk factors of heart disease such as family history and age are beyond control, there are a few key healthy steps you can adopt today to reduce your risk of heart problems.

1.  Do not smoke – Smoking greatly increases the risk of developing coronary artery disease by 50 percent or more.
2. Eat a heart-healthy diet – Watch your fat and salt intake. Saturated and trans fat elevates the risk of coronary heart disease by raising blood cholesterol levels. Main sources of saturated fat include dairy products, animal fats, and oils. Sources of trans fat include deep-fried fast foods and packaged snack foods. High-sodium diets are also linked to an increase in blood pressure and a higher risk for heart disease and stroke. It is recommended to eat less than 1,500 mg of sodium a day.
3. Have an active lifestyle and keep a healthy weight – 30-60 minutes of physical activity a day can control weight and reduce blood pressure levels.
4. Limit alcohol intake – Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to weight gain and higher blood pressure. Limit yourself to one to two drinks a day.
5. Get regular checkups – Get your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked regularly. High blood pressure and high cholesterol can damage your heart and blood vessels. Optimal blood pressure is less than 120/80 millimeters of mercury.
6. Encourage stress-free moments – High levels of stress can elevate blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Establish a regular sleep schedule, engage in relaxing activities, and take regular breaks during work hours.

Or as Dr. Jeffrey Williams says, “If you take care of your heart, it will take care of you.” Happy World Heart Day!

Dr. Jeffrey Williams specializes in Invasive/Interventional Cardiology and is a member of Satori’s Medical Quality Advisory Board, a team of expert board certified physicians who are recognized leaders in their sub-specialty field. Satori’s Medical Quality Advisory Board continuously monitors and evaluates clinical procedures and guidelines to ensure that Satori Global Network™ hospitals and physicians follow our established Standards of Excellence.