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The Fountain of Youth has been the Anti-Aging holy grail of fiction for centuries, though the elusive spring remains the stuff of legends to this day. However, there is a big new player in the medical and anti-aging worlds that has been scientifically proven to support cognitive and physical wellness while also providing regenerative effects at the cellular level to improve overall health and reduce the rate of aging. 

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, NAD+ for short, is a coenzyme in the body that provides such a powerful effect on the health of all cells in the body, researchers have admirably nicknamed it the modern world’s Fountain of Youth.

What is NAD+?

NAD+ is an organic molecule produced by the body called a coenzyme. It is one of the most essential substances needed by every cell in the body because it’s responsible for providing fuel, in the form of usable energy, to the main power source of all cells, the Mitochondria. Without the required amount of energy, the Mitochondria is unable to maintain the cell’s health and ability to perform its intended functions. 

Without enough NAD+, the Mitochondria is also unable to repair any damaged DNA within it, which can contribute to genetic mutations, death of the cell, and the development of genetic diseases and cancers.

Why is it so important?

This coenzyme is essentially responsible for maintaining the optimal health and functioning of every single tissue structure and organ system that make up the body, at their most basic level: the trillions of cells they are composed of. 

Basically:

The Anti-Aging benefits of NAD+ that prompted the nickname The Fountain of Youth

anti-aging NAD+

Factors that reduce NAD+ levels in the body

Our bodies produce NAD+ naturally by synthesizing Niacin (vitamin B3) precursors to form the crucial coenzyme. As with most substances produced by the body, NAD+ production can be negatively impacted by various internal and external factors.

Signs and symptoms that can indicate low NAD+ levels in your body

Increasing NAD+ levels: Ways to tap into this Fountain of Youth

You can make certain lifestyle adjustments that will reduce the negative effects of some of the factors we discussed earlier. 

For example: change your diet and focus on eating natural whole foods that are free of preservatives and dyes will increase your Niacin intake. Increase the amount of physical activity and exercise you get each day, a simple walk multiple times a week can be enough for some people. Limit your sun exposure and maintain a consistent sleep schedule with a minimum of 7 full hours a night.

These lifestyle modifications can be helpful but can take time to improve on the body’s natural NAD+ production and often aren’t able to produce a significant improvement since the body is still being affected by other uncontrollable factors. 

The best way to increase NAD+ in the body and slow down the clock on aging is by supplementing with an oral supplement, subcutaneous injection, or IV therapy. These forms are not only the fastest ways of increasing levels, but they also provide a substantially larger amount of ready-to-use NAD+ so the body can utilize it quickly. These supplementary forms provide the fastest and most impressive results. 

How do I figure out the best choice for me?

The best way to figure out which form and how much of it is best for you is by talking to one of our experienced professionals about your current symptoms and health goals. We will help you navigate the world of NAD+ and Anti-Aging and help you decide whether or not you need NAD+, and if so, how much you need. Fill out and submit the form to the right to learn more about this effective and accessible Fountain of Youth, or schedule your free consultation here to start your Anti-Aging journey.

Author: Bailey B. ⏐ Feb. 2, 2024

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In the past 3 or 4 years there has been a significant growth in the population’s perceived value of maintaining a healthy life and losing weight. Education on the health effects of diabetes and obesity has been essential to adults and children, and the number of individuals working to take back their health and confidence through weight loss and lifestyle changes is at an all-time high! As a huge advocate for physical and mental health, this has been so exciting for me to see. There are countless numbers of DIY diet programs and gym plans available and it’s great to see someone reach their goals following the “8 week shed and shred” program they found on social media. 

But what happens when they finish that program and the weight begins rapidly returning? Or what about the person who tried that program plus 10 others they found online and they still haven’t had any success? Whether it’s a paid or free program, a vast majority of mainstream or “fad diets'' usually have a “one size fits all” approach that promises rapid weight loss to everyone who follows it. 

These diets are often not sustainable for long-term results and don’t take into account that everyone’s bodies may respond differently, even having little to no effect on a person’s weight. These two factors can be extremely discouraging to someone trying to lose weight, and often cause people to give up on their weight loss journey all together.

Medical weight loss programs take a very different approach to weight loss. After getting to know the patient, what their daily life is like, and what their goals are for themselves; diet and exercise plans are designed to fit each individual’s body and lifestyle in a way that provides patients the knowledge and tools to achieve their weight loss goals and sustain their results long-term so they can look forward to a healthier future.

What is Medical Weight Loss?

Medical Weight Loss is defined as the process of losing weight with the help and guidance of healthcare professionals, typically a doctor or professionals working under the direct supervision of a medical doctor. These programs entail individualized programs tailored to promote healthy lifestyle changes and success to each and every patient.

What makes Medical Weight Loss so successful?

Under the care and supervision of a team of healthcare professionals, including certified nutritionists and personal trainers, registered nurses, and licensed practitioners such as MDs, APRNs, and PA-Cs; patients have exclusive access to:

  1. Personalized nutrition plans and weekly guidance - Meal guides and food recommendations specific to dietary preferences, weekly one-on-one coaching sessions to make dietary adjustments and provide education and set goals for the next week, access to a coach via email/phone between weekly appointments to have any urgent questions answered
  2. Prescription medications for weight management - Such as once-weekly injectable Semaglutide, once-daily oral appetite suppressant and metabolism stimulator, as well as others that can be prescribed at the discretion of an advanced clinical provider.
  3. Accountability and motivation - there is always a team of coaches excited to watch you succeed and help you stay motivated and on track with weekly goals
  4. Vitamin and supplement recommendations - different vitamin blend injections formulated for various benefits as well as dietary supplements and protein powders, all of which can be recommended by staff based on the type of support your body needs (additional immune support, stronger nails and thicker hair, enhanced energy levels and metabolism, increased fiber intake, etc.)
  5. Education and support to maintain long-term success - maintenance programs to maintain accountability, education throughout the length of the program regarding lifestyle changes that are sustainable and enjoyable to build a solid foundation for continued success on your own
Medical Weight Loss

How much weight will I lose?

There are several factors that impact the amount of weight patients lose on their personalized program. 

These include:

Overall, patients typically see an average of 2-5lbs lost per week and achieve an overall loss of 5-15% of their initial weight. The most important thing to remember is that everyone is on their own weight loss journey and loses weight at their own rate, so it’s perfectly okay if someone’s numbers do not fit within these averages.

Will I be successful?

One of the most common questions I get asked by patients interested in starting a medical weight loss program is “I’ve tried a lot of different diets and programs in the past, how do you know I’ll be successful on this program?”. My answer is always the same: “there is no guarantee! What I can guarantee is that we will never give up on helping you and that you can achieve anything when you stay motivated and positive.” 

Numerous scientific studies have been done on the difference in success seen on medical weight loss programs vs various mainstream diet and exercise plans and the results consistently show greater rates of success in those patients on the medical program, both in amount of weight lost during the program and length of time they maintained their success after program completion.

One of the longer studies done followed 714 patients between 2004 and 2012 and showed an average loss of 12.9% of initial weight and that at least 2 years later, patients were not regaining their lost weight. So based on the research studies I’ve read plus my years as a medical weight loss coach witnessing success every day, my opinion is that the chance of success is pretty high for anyone.

So what do I do now?

Medical weight loss offers numerous benefits for losing weight, keeping it off, and living a healthier life. Regardless of whether you’ve tried numerous programs in the past or if you’re just beginning to look into weight loss options for the first time, the personalized and comprehensive approach to weight loss and overall health that sets medical weight loss programs a tier above mainstream plans has something to offer for everyone. 

Your next step now is to schedule your free consultation with one of our healthcare professionals so you can learn all the details about the superior benefits that make Recharge Clinic’s medical weight loss programs so successful and distinguished. If you mention that you read this blog when you come in, you’ll be eligible to receive a special offer. We are so excited to get to know you and offer educated recommendations that’ll help you get one step closer to your health and wellness goals. We hope to see you soon!

Bailey B. | Dec. 1, 2023

Ladies, have any of you noticed any embarrassing, inconvenient, or undesirable changes happening “down there” as you’ve gotten older or after you gave birth to your beautiful children? As women, we basically expect that as we age our lovely lady bits will change, usually not for the better. But thankfully, we live in a time where we don’t have to simply accept these unfortunate changes because we can fight Father Time and rejuvenate our intimate area to its youthful grandeur using CO2 Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation.

Introduction

As we age, so do the cells in all parts of our bodies. Their ability to function optimally deteriorates, resulting in the physical and mental changes we describe as “aging”. For women, the vagina is no exception to this unfortunate process that progresses throughout life. Many women don’t realize it right away, but it’s very common to experience feminine intimate complications or insecurities as they get older and experience menopause or after childbirth. 

Previously, the occurrence of undesirable, inconvenient, or embarrassing vaginal symptoms were simply brushed off and reluctantly accepted by women as signs that they were getting older. Women would submit to the “inevitable” decline of vaginal strength and function, while managing their symptoms caused by stress incontinence, vaginal dryness and laxity, and many other feminine disorders that negatively impacted their self-confidence and quality of life. Good news though, women no longer have to shrug and say “oh well, I’m just getting older” when these conditions present themselves! They can fight these symptoms and rejuvenate their vaginal canal with CO2 Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation, an alternative anti-aging treatment to Vaginoplasty surgery, for ladies’ intimate health and wellness!

What is CO2 Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation?

CO2 Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation using the Fraxis Duo CO2 fractional laser is a non-invasive, quick, and effective laser procedure used to rejuvenate the tissues of the vaginal canal to treat a variety of both benign medical conditions and aesthetic concerns. The Fraxis CO2 laser uses a special laser attachment, called the GynoLaser applicator, to deliver CO2 laser energy to specific areas of the vaginal walls throughout the entirety of the vaginal canal to stimulate tightening of collagen fibers, increased blood flow, and produce new, healthy tissue lining on the vaginal walls. The effects of this laser procedure include tightening of the vaginal canal, increased production of natural lubrication, enhanced sensitivity and pleasure, strengthening of the vaginal and pelvic muscles to reduce urine leakage from the bladder, and so much more.

Who is a candidate?

This laser rejuvenation procedure offers a fast, safe, and effective non-surgical treatment that is suitable for a variety of medical and cosmetic concerns/conditions of the vagina. Most of these conditions and concerns are caused by some very common changes to a woman’s body.

The most common causes of female intimate complications include:

If you suffer from any of the following indications or want to improve the functionality and feel of your intimate area, you may be a perfect candidate for laser vaginal rejuvenation!

  1. Stress Incontinence - The leakage of urine that occurs when physical movement/activity (such as coughing, laughing, sneezing, running, and heavy lifting) puts stress/pressure on the bladder. The vaginal and pelvic muscles responsible for blocking the opening from the bladder to the urethra are too weak to maintain the blockage under the pressure on the bladder and urine is uncontrollably released into the urethra where it freely flows out of the body.
  2. Vaginal Atrophy - A condition where the tissue of the vaginal walls become progressively drier and thinner, typically caused by hormonal changes or other condition that alters estrogen production. This condition causes many other symptoms to occur.
  3. Discomfort or Pain During Sex - Usually caused by thinning and dryness of vaginal atrophy. The painful sensations are a common sign that there is vaginal tearing occurring, which leads to scarring and reduced sensitivity, as well as an increased risk of recurrent Urinary Tract Infections.
  4. Reduced Sensitivity/Poor Sensation During Sex - Another condition that commonly accompanies vaginal atrophy. As the tissue of the vaginal walls become drier and thinner, the blood supply to nerve endings throughout the tissues declines, causing them to die and decreases the sensitivity/sensation felt during sexual intercourse which leads to fewer orgasms and reduced sexual satisfaction.
  5. Vaginal Laxity - Essentially this is the looseness of the tissues of the vaginal wall, often caused by collagen and elastin loss as we age, the overstretching of the vaginal canal during childbirth beyond its ability to tighten back to its original structure, and drastic weight fluctuations that can also stretch the tissues fibers past their limit.
  6. Reduced Natural Moisture and Lubrication/Vaginal Dryness - This can occur as the result of stress on the body, pregnancy/childbirth, menopause, or hormonal imbalances. Often occurs in correlation with the tissue thinning of vaginal atrophy, it can be itchy and/or painful, and the lack of natural moisture production can make regular movements and activities (walking, jogging, exercise, etc.) painful.
  7. Chronic Itching, Burning, and/or Pain - These are trademark symptoms of vaginal dryness and atrophy. They may be an indicator that there is tearing present in the vaginal canal that may be developing an infection. There is also an increased risk of scarring that can occur during the healing of the injury, and since scar tissue prevents proper blood supply to nerve endings, the sensitivity and sensation can be reduced.
Vaginal Atrophy

Why is this laser treatment important to women’s health?

Although none of these conditions are considered life-threatening or immediately dangerous, they can still have a huge impact on a woman’s life. Intimate conditions and concerns often have a negative impact on a woman’s mood and self-confidence, can affect her ability and desire to participate in certain activities, and also decrease her sense of fulfillment and overall quality of life. Having just one of the indications previously discussed can have a huge impact on a woman’s sex life and create conflicts in her intimate relationships.

As if that wasn’t important enough, think of all the daily scenarios that can be ruined by vaginal disorders. Think of the woman that had to leave her and her friends’ 7th-year tradition of Friendsgiving early because she was laughing so hard that she suffered an accidental urine leak due to her recently-occurring incontinence issue. Or the woman who had to tell her child that she couldn’t play their favorite game, Tag, with them because she suffered from vaginal atrophy and dryness, which makes it too painful for her if she tries to run.

For years, women have had to suffer in silence while simultaneously missing out on experiences and opportunities to live life to the fullest, unless they could afford the surgical rejuvenation option, a Vaginoplasty, and were also willing to go through the stress and pain of the post-op recovery period afterwards. Laser vaginal rejuvenation offers all women a fast, non-invasive, and more cost-effective alternative to surgical rejuvenation that still boosts their self-confidence and quality of life.

How does the CO2 Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation procedure work?

The GynoLaser applicator is painlessly inserted into the vaginal canal to deliver targeted CO2 laser heat energy to the tissue of the vaginal walls. The applicator is manually rotated 360° to deliver the laser energy in ring-shaped microchannels evenly over all sides of the tube-shaped vaginal canal. Then the applicator is advanced deeper into the vaginal canal and then the laser distribution process occurs again. This process is repeated throughout the entirety of the vaginal canal to stimulate tissue rejuvenation without causing damage to surrounding tissues.

Vaginal Rejuvenation

The thermal energy triggers the existing collagen fibers to contract/tighten while stimulating neocollagenesis and neoelastinogenesis (the production of new collagen and elastin fibers). The formation of new blood vessels occurs to improve circulation and nutrient delivery to cells within the vaginal tissues to improve health and functionality.

The body’s natural healing function responds to the laser’s micro-channels and heat, bringing healing growth factors, proteins, and platelets to the treated areas. These healing factors form into new, healthy tissue layers that replace the older, damaged layers. These new tissue structures replace the old tissues that lacked proper blood flow and healthy cells that are essential to maintaining the functions crucial for optimal vaginal structure and health.

Benefits of CO2 Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation

For women suffering from conditions involving their intimate area, the results of this laser treatment are life-changing. Not to mention the fact that it is much nicer on our wallets than surgical rejuvenation procedures, it doesn’t require any lengthy recovery period or downtime, and it’s most painless compared to surgeries.

Benefits include:

Vaginal rejuvenation using the Fraxis Duo CO2 Fractional GynoLaser applicator is more than just a safe, fast, non-invasive treatment to solve a multitude of ladies’ intimate conditions and concerns. It works to rejuvenate and restore a woman’s precious lady bits to their former glory for a huge confidence boost and happier life! To learn more about this treatment and take the first step towards rejuvenating your feminine intimate health, call us at 352-512-9996 or click here to schedule your free consultation with one of our female providers!

Created by: Bailey

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Do you relate to any of the following:

If you answered “yes” to any, or all of these questions, there’s a good chance that you may be suffering from Adrenal Fatigue. 

Most people see these questions and answer “yeah but that’s normal” or “that’s just part of life” but guess what, it’s not! Feeling anything less than your best isn’t normal and most people never even consider that there might be something off in their body because these feelings are so common that we believe it’s normal.

Adrenal fatigue isn’t “normal”, but it is one of the most common problems that the adult population in the U.S. suffers from silently, unknowingly. Adrenal Fatigue is a form of adrenal gland dysfunction caused by the body’s inability to keep up its response to chronic stress in daily life. 

To understand Adrenal Fatigue, you must first understand the normal function of the adrenal glands.

Adrenal Gland Function

The Adrenal glands are responsible for producing certain hormones that maintain and regulate different body functions, including the evolutionary “fight-or-flight” response that has kept humans alive for thousands of years. 

When the body is exposed to a situation perceived as stressful, it stimulates the adrenal glands to produce and release more Cortisol and Adrenaline. These hormones cause changes in the body in an attempt to prepare for survival. 

Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenaline increases heart rate, elevates blood pressure, and boosts energy supplied to the body.

Cortisol increases blood sugar levels, sharpens brain function and reflexes, and reduces body functions that it deems nonessential or harmful to survival, including the Immune System, Digestive System, and Reproductive System. This hormone also communicates with regions of the brain that control mood, motivation, and fear to alter rational thought process and decision-making and impair declarative memory. 

Have you ever been in a really stressful or scary situation, and then afterwards when you try to tell the story of what happened to a friend you suddenly can’t remember certain details? That’s the result of Cortisol’s effect on your declarative memory during the situation.

So all of this so far sounds great right? Our bodies have developed this evolutionary response that has kept the human species alive throughout the centuries so that we are all here today, that’s amazing! But we don’t live in caves and fight to survive each day anymore. Our stress comes from everyday life, and often hits us constantly throughout the day.

So what is Adrenal Fatigue?

Adrenal Fatigue is the result of overworked adrenal glands trying to keep up with the chronic stress many adults experience every day. Just like any other organ or muscle in the body, the adrenal glands can get tired. 

You overwork a muscle? You get a tired and sore muscle.

You overwork your brain? You get exhausted and feel mentally drained.

You overwork your lungs? You get out of breath.

So what happens when you live with chronic stress and try to push through every day and ignore the stress? Your adrenal glands work twice as hard to produce and release hormones into the body in an attempt to “survive” what it feels is a stressful situation. Eventually they can’t keep up their production of these hormones to meet the body’s needs, they become fatigued and unable to produce even normal amounts of these hormones required to maintain balance during non-stressful times.

Causes of Adrenal Fatigue

Everyone has a different perspective regarding what is important, stressful, enjoyable, etc. Something that may be a stress trigger to one person might be enjoyable to another, that’s why there is no definitive cause that all people experience adrenal fatigue. But years of research has been able to determine quite a few common factors or situations that people with adrenal fatigue recognize as their stress triggers.

Common causes of Adrenal Fatigue include:

Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue

The hormonal imbalance in the body results in a variety of symptoms that can become increasingly severe the longer the imbalance occurs. Unfortunately many of these symptoms are misdiagnosed by medical providers that are not experienced in hormonal imbalances and often treat specific symptoms their patient is suffering from, instead of treating the underlying condition that is causing the symptoms to begin with.

Common symptoms may include:

  1. Chronic fatigue
  2. Caffeine dependency
  3. Unexplained weight gain, especially around the stomach
  4. Anxiety, depression, irritability
  5. Brain fog, poor memory
  6. Insomnia, poor quality of sleep 
  7. Low sex drive, Erectile Dysfunction in men, Vaginal Dryness in women
  8. Hypertension
  9. Heart palpitations 
  10. Hormonal imbalances
  11. Hashimoto’s
  12. Low testosterone
  13. Infertility in men and women
  14. Muscle pain, tension
  15. Panic attacks
  16. Gastric ulcers, IBS
  17. Chronic headaches
  18. High cholesterol
  19. Weakened immune system
  20. Insulin resistance, Metabolic syndrome, Diabetes

Adrenal fatigue can be categorized into 4 stages based on what symptoms a person is experiencing and how severe those symptoms are. Treatment and recovery from Adrenal Fatigue can vary based on the stage of symptoms a person is experiencing. 

How do I prevent or treat Adrenal Fatigue?

There are many easy ways to manage and reduce stress to help prevent your adrenal glands from becoming overworked and fatigued.

  1. Decrease the stress - of course the first, and most important, step is to determine what is causing you stress and make a plan to reduce it. This can also be the most difficult step because oftentimes the cause of someone’s stress is something extremely important to them. Decreasing stress doesn’t have to mean quitting your job or giving up on making enough money to buy a new house. It can be something more simple, like talking to your boss to figure out a less stressful way to accomplish your work or sticking to a set budget that will help you save for a downpayment on a new home.
  2. Eating a healthy diet - eating a nutrient-rich diet and avoiding difficult to process foods can reduce stress on your digestive system and supply your body with essential vitamins and nutrients needed for optimal function.
  3. Taking an Adrenal support supplement - these supplements contain essential vitamins and adaptogenic herbs designed to supply adrenal glands with the specific nutrients they need to maintain optimal hormone production and function correctly.
  4. Rest - lack of sleep puts a lot of stress on the body. Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night and be consistent with a sleep schedule to reduce Cortisol levels, stabilize adrenal function, and give your body the rest it needs to function at its best for you.
  5. Low impact exercise - exercise releases endorphins that promote relaxation. Doing a form of low impact exercise keeps the body in a stress-free state while still improving overall health and wellness. Consider yoga, pilates, and walking.
  6. Drink ½ your bodyweight in water - Hydration is essential for Endocrine system health and function. Hormone-producing glands function better when the body is healthy and hydrated. So if you’re 130lbs, you should be drinking a minimum of 65oz of water every day.
  7. IV Vitamin Therapy - Let’s be honest, food choices in grocery stores are nowhere near as nutrient rich as they were 20 years ago. Unless you grow the spinach in your own garden and eat the leaf right off the stem immediately, you’re probably not getting the full nutritional value you think. Vitamins are broken down by heat, air, and acid. So by the time you’re done sautéing it up, chewing and swallowing, and digesting it the actual amount of vitamins and antioxidants that makes it into your bloodstream is probably less than half what you think. IV Vitamin therapy is such a valuable treatment that we have available to us as a way of feeding our body the essential vitamins and minerals it craves. By administering the vitamin complex directly into the bloodstream, you are offering your body 100% of the vitamins and antioxidants it needs to maintain optimal function. The Endocrine system requires many of these vitamins, especially B vitamins, to balance hormone levels throughout the body.
  8. Relaxation techniques - Aromatherapy, breathing techniques, relaxing hobbies or activities, meditation, whatever brings you peace and relaxation. If you never take the time to relax and release the tension and stress of the day, you won’t be able to give your adrenal glands the rest they need.

These steps are also essential in recovering from this condition and giving your adrenal glands what they need to heal from the damage caused by overexertion. This functional style of treatment works to repair the underlying cause of the symptoms someone may be experiencing rather than just prescribing medications designed to mask those symptoms without treating the cause. 

Adrenal Fatigue is commonly misdiagnosed since its characteristic symptoms closely relate to other conditions, so it is important to find a medical provider experienced in hormonal imbalances and adrenal gland function to receive treatment geared towards healing the adrenal glands and reducing the chances of experiencing symptoms in the future.

If you are experiencing symptoms that you think could be related to Adrenal Fatigue, or if you need help recovering from Adrenal Fatigue, give us a call at 352-512-9996 or schedule your free hormone screening here so we can help you start your journey towards optimal health and wellness.

Written by: Bailey

There’s a new weight loss medication on the market and it has become a key component in weight loss for celebrities, influencers, and socialites. This new medication is called Semaglutide, commonly sold under the brand name of Ozempic or Wegovy. Semaglutide is an FDA-approved prescription medication originally used for treatment of diabetes and obesity, until it was noticed how well it worked to reduce weight in its users. 

Since then, it has quickly become one of the most desirable weight loss medications used in conjunction with diet and lifestyle changes. It is rumored that Kim Kardashian used Semaglutide to assist her during her 3 week transformation to lose 16lbs and fit into the famous Marilyn Monroe dress at the Met Gala. Elon Musk took to Twitter to credit his new “fit, ripped, and healthy look” to a combination of “fasting and Wegovy”.

Elon Musk Wegovy Semaglutide

So what is Semaglutide and how does it work?

Semaglutide is a type of medication known as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. This means that it mimics the same biological responses of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1.

This hormone is responsible for multiple reactions in the body, including:

The result of these reactions makes a person feel full for longer periods of time and reduces cravings for certain foods like sugary or salty snacks, essentially working as a stimulant–free appetite suppressant. 

When combined with a low calorie and low carb diet and increased exercise, it can speed up and assist weight loss. One study showed that over a 68 week period of time, participants who received once weekly injections of Semaglutide experienced an increased loss of 15% to 20% from their starting weight, compared to only 5% loss in participants who weren’t receiving injections.

Is it safe?

After learning about the way Semaglutide works in the body and how much it increases weight loss, it’s completely reasonable to wonder if this medication is safe or without any negative side effects. Just like any other medication, there are potential side effects that may be experienced initially but Semaglutide is safe for most people. 

It is not uncommon for patients starting on a new dose to experience some minor side effects such as:

This is completely normal and should not be alarming to patients, it’s just how the body initially reacts to the changes in digestive hormone release. To reduce the severity of these pesky symptoms, we have anti-nausea medications available to patients and we follow a Dose Escalation protocol.

We start all patients on a low dose (0.5mg) for the first two weeks in order to slowly introduce the medication into the body. As the body adjusts, we can increase the dose if needed since everyone’s bodies react differently to medications, allowing us to find the perfect dose needed for each individual patient.

Before starting on Semaglutide, patients are screened by one of our clinical staff members to ensure that it is completely safe for them to receive it and to answer any questions a patient may have. Just like any other prescription medication, patients are regularly monitored by our clinical staff to ensure they are experiencing the desired weight loss results safely and efficiently.

How fast will I lose weight?

Most of our weight loss patients start to notice the weight loss effects of Semaglutide within their first week, averaging a loss of 5-8lbs within those first 7 days. We have even had patients on our 12 week program lose up to 60lbs using Semaglutide, though results may vary person to person.

We start all patients on a low dose (0.5mg) for the first two weeks in order to slowly introduce the medication into the body. As the body adjusts, we can increase the dose if needed since everyone’s bodies are different and react differently. This process is called Dose Escalation, it is designed to help reduce the severity of potential side effects from stronger doses and gives patients the ability to find the perfect dose for them.

The biggest factors affecting how much and how fast a person will lose weight on Semaglutide are their eating and exercise habits. This medication works best for weight loss when combined with a low calorie and low carbohydrate diet with regular exercise, that is why we require all patients receiving Semaglutide to be on our medically supervised weight loss program. Our certified weight loss coaches guide you every step of the way, to not only reach your weight loss goals, but also to provide education and tips to help you create healthy habits and lifestyle changes to maintain that goal weight long after you stop Semaglutide and our program.

How much weight can I lose?

In 2021 the STEP 1 study on Semaglutide for weight loss was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. This 68 week clinical trial involved 1,961 participants split into two groups, Semaglutide plus lifestyle intervention and placebo with lifestyle intervention only. The results of this study showed that the Semaglutide group lost an average of 14.9% from their starting weight, whereas the placebo group lost an average of 2.4% from their starting weight. Some of the participants in the Semaglutide group even lost upwards of 20% from their starting weight!

We have seen huge success with Semaglutide in patients on our weight loss program. We have had patients lose anywhere between 30lbs and 60lbs in 12-16 weeks with this medication. It’s important to note that although this medication played a role in these patients’ amazing weight loss results, it was not the sole reason for it. These incredible weight loss results are proof of the commitment and hard work that these patients put into changing their lives. Just like any other weight loss medication, Semaglutide is used as an aid to a weight loss program, not as an alternative to healthy eating and exercise habits. Patients who commit to the lifestyle change are the ones losing the most weight on Semaglutide.

There is no definitive answer to the question of how much weight can be lost with Semaglutide. Everyone’s bodies are different and lose weight at different rates, individual amount of weight lost will depend on that person’s level of commitment to the program, but clinical research and our patients’ experiences are evidence of Semaglutide’s impressive ability to enhance weight loss results that could be otherwise unachievable with diet and exercise alone.

Ready to get started?

So now that you’ve got the skinny on this powerful new weight loss medication, are you ready to get started? Call us at 352-512-9996 or click here to schedule your free consultation with a weight loss coach to get started!

Written by: Bailey

Since the Affordable Cares Act, casually referred to as Obamacare, passed in 2010 it seems that the topics of medical care and health insurance have become more popular in day-to-day conversation. With the rise of health care prices in the United States in the past decade, more and more people are suffering from inadequate medical treatment or avoiding seeking medical treatment at all. In 2017 The Commonwealth Fund released a research report on health care costs from 11 different countries. According to their data analysis the United States had the most expensive health care system in the world and ranked the lowest of the 11 countries for quality of care, access to care, and health outcomes. Part of this study involved a survey given to American citizens in regards to their health care and to no surprise ⅓ responded saying that they either didn’t take a prescribed medication, seek medical attention when sick or injured, or receive recommended care because it was too expensive.

So who is to blame for this? Most people’s first response is typically to blame doctors and medical providers for charging too much, but that is not the case. The hidden reality is that private and government insurance companies run the show, not medical providers, and certainly not patients in need of help. Commercial insurance companies have been turning health care into a profitable business since the 1950s by controlling both sides, selling insurance to patients to help pay for their medical care, while at the same time offering medical providers more money in reimbursement if they follow certain regulations.

How do insurance companies affect a patient’s medical care?

Insurance companies are masters at marketing their financial assistance to potential patients. They offer these enticing benefits and financial assistance to patients and then set requirements about where these benefits can be used. At the same time they are marketing to different hospitals and private practices, showing how they will receive financial reimbursements and be able to treat more patients if they sign a contract with them to become an “in-network provider”. 

So far this sounds great for everyone, so why is the quality of care for patients declining and the cost of insurance rising? Insurance companies create a fee schedule that outlines reimbursement rates and treatment requirements for in-network providers and as they alter the providers’ reimbursement rates and treatment requirements, the providers must adjust their treatments accordingly.

Some of the most common complaints about doctors or medical providers are that patients wait for an excessive amount of time to see their provider and when they finally enter the patient’s room they don’t appear to be truly listening to the patient or make eye contact with them while they are talking. Then they speed through explaining their treatment plan to the patient and then leave the room, not to be seen again by the patient. It feels as if they just waited hours for 15 minutes with their provider. This is not always the provider’s fault! 

  1. Shorter visits are the result of declining reimbursement rates from insurance companies to providers. This forces providers to see more patients or perform more procedures every day to make enough money from their insurance reimbursements to keep their medical practice afloat financially. 
  2. Having the need to see more patients everyday forces providers to pack their appointment schedule with as many patients as possible, they don’t actually enjoy being overwhelmed and behind schedule with their appointments every day. This also impacts visit times for patients and also makes it extremely difficult to schedule an appointment unless you schedule your appointment months in advance. 
  3. This creates a waterfall effect that has turned urgent care offices into a madhouse. Have you ever been sick or had some kind of infection and when you called your primary care provider to schedule an appointment you were told that the earliest they could get you in was the next week so you ended up going to a crowded urgent care for treatment? It isn’t that the providers there are extremely slow, you were probably sitting in that overcrowded waiting room thanks to commercial insurance companies and their ever-changing reimbursement rates.
  4. Insurance companies also set regulations on diagnosis requirements for treatment. As a result providers are only able to treat their patient if their symptoms and diagnostic test results (blood work, allergy panel, etc.) meet the requirements or the insurance company will not reimburse the provider.
  5. They also set record keeping requirements for providers, and if a provider doesn’t meet the “meaningful use requirements” for EHR (Electronic Health Records), then they will not be reimbursed by the insurance company and can actually be penalized financially. That is why your provider spends more time typing on their computer than actively engaging in conversation with you. They are documenting their encounter with you, doing their best to note your responses to their questions and fulfilling their “meaningful use requirements” so they can get paid and keep their practice running.

At this point you may be thinking to yourself “but what about the Affordable Cares Act? I thought that was supposed to fix the problems of our health care system!” Since it was signed into action in 2010 it has absolutely helped people receive health insurance who wouldn’t normally qualify for coverage by commercial insurance companies due to medical conditions or predispositions for illnesses or diseases. Insurance companies have been forced to accept “high risk” patients, often referred to as “expensive” patients by insurance companies. To supplement these extra expenses that they have to pay for these “high risk” patients, insurance companies raise the price of other clients’ plan deductibles and copay rates.

Good News: Providers are Taking a Stand Against Insurance Companies!

In recent years, more and more private practices are opting out of signing contracts with insurance companies. These Cash Only practices, also known as Cash-Pay practices, are maintaining their freedom to treat patients their way. Cash Only is a blanket term, simply meaning that patients pay out of pocket at the time of service. Most Cash Only providers accept multiple forms of payment, including cash, credit, debit, and HSA or FSA. Some even accept healthcare credit cards like CareCredit

The key benefit here is that there is no third-party payer (insurance companies) involved to complicate a patient’s quality of care or a provider’s ability to treat their patient. Cash Only providers have complete freedom in: how much time they spend with their patients, the number of patients they see each day, how they want to treat their patients, and the rate they charge for their services. They have the freedom to do what they went to years of medical school for and  are truly passionate about: caring for people and improving every patient’s life.

The Benefits of Cash Only Medical Practices:

  1. More one-on-one time with patients. When you pay your medical provider directly, they are working for you and your needs, not your insurance company and their needs. If you need an hour of their time for your appointment, you get an hour of their time.
  2. More flexibility with appointments. Cash Only providers have fewer patients because they don’t rely on provider fee schedules of reimbursement set by insurance companies to keep their practice afloat. Limiting their number of patients means they can spend more time talking and listening to their patients. They also have the ability to offer patients same-day or next-day appointments. So when a patient calls saying they need to schedule an appointment because they are sick or have some kind of infection, they are able to be seen and treated as soon as possible, avoiding the craziness and stress of overcrowded urgent care offices.
  3. Complete freedom in how they see their patients. Providers have the ability to offer their patients the convenience of phone or video telehealth appointments if they can’t come to an in-office visit for any reason. They also have the freedom to communicate with their patients through text or email, saving patients’ time and making themselves more available to their patients.
  4. Complete freedom in how they treat their patients. There are no diagnostic test requirements to be eligible for treatment. Cash Only providers are able to treat their patients based on how they are feeling, how they want to feel, and the treatment plan they would like to take to get to how they want to feel.
  5. Empowers patients to take control of their health. The treatment freedom that providers have means that patients get to have a voice in their medical treatments. They can ask questions about their condition and receive education about ways they can improve their health, and they get to work closely with their provider to set a treatment plan and work towards achieving their goals for their health and wellness through all stages of their life.
  6. Cost Efficient Medications. By cutting out the insurance “middleman” and their regulations regarding brands and dosages of medications that a provider may carry at their practice, Cash Only providers can offer their patients many different medications in wider ranges of doses at a much lower cost. On average, Cash Only practices charge 10% - 15% above wholesale price for common medications. In 2017 The Moran Company, a health care research and consulting firm, performed a data analysis on the average cost of common medications sold by hospitals that showed they charge an average of 478% above wholesale for these medications, regardless if the patient had insurance coverage or not.
  7. Able to provide better care to their patients. Cash Only providers freedom allows them to treat their patients as they see fit, not as an insurance company sees fit. They are able to offer innovative and proven alternative treatments that insurance companies don’t approve and they can take the time to work with their patients to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that can include behavioral and lifestyle changes, procedures, and medications all designed to address multiple issues and treat the underlying cause of the patient’s problem, rather than just suppressing their negative symptoms. They build a trusting and personal relationship with their patients to produce lifelong, impactful outcomes and optimize their patients’ health and wellbeing. 

But I already pay for health insurance every month, so why would I go to a practice where I can’t use it?

Just because Cash Only providers don’t accept insurance as a form of payment doesn’t mean you can’t use your insurance at all. There is a document called a Superbill that you can submit to your insurance company to potentially be partially or fully reimbursed for services you received at a Cash Only practice. If you are tech savvy there are online softwares that can be used to create a Superbill to send in to your insurance. Some Cash Only providers even offer the service to create the Superbill for you, so you can skip the hassle of doing it yourself.

Recharge Clinic offers this service to our patients, collecting all required information to create a detailed invoice, including information regarding the date and type of service provided, procedure and diagnostic codes, and the price of each service paid for by the patient. Once submitted, the amount of money reimbursed to the patient solely depends on the type of coverage they have through their insurance. Since Recharge Clinic has opted out of Medicare to avoid government regulations for treatment options and patient care, patients will receive no reimbursement for any services received if they try to submit a Superbill to their Medicare insurance payer.

If you’re willing to take the time to submit a Superbill, then you can receive all of the benefits that a Cash Only provider has to offer and still have the potential to put that price insurance premium that you pay each month to good use; including fast and convenient blood draws and lab work, appointments with a provider that has the time and freedom to care for you and your health goals, and the power to take care of your medical care.

Make the switch today to a Cash Only practice like Recharge Clinic for better health care! Regardless of your health insurance coverage status, seeing a Cash Only provider is the best decision you can make if you want to: build a trusting relationship with your medical care provider, address and treat the root causes of your concerns, and receive innovative and impactful treatments to achieve your lifelong health and wellness goals.

In the U.S., new innovations in the medical field are opening the door for new forms of treatment for patients. Doctors are opting for more holistic medicines and patients are taking charge of their health, being more involved than ever before. One of the new approaches to treating patients is Functional Medicine. It is a systems biology-based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of a disease or condition rather than focusing on solely treating the symptoms a patient may be experiencing.

The goal is to treat the root cause of a medical condition to have lasting health benefits beyond the scope of symptom suppression. Functional medicine practitioners focus on individualized treatment approaches that are patient-specific rather than disease-specific. Using low risk treatments rooted in nutritional science, cellular functions, and biology, functional medicine works to modify molecular and cellular body functions to reverse and prevent the development of medical conditions.

How does functional medicine differ from standard medicine?

Imagine going to your doctor and presenting them with the symptoms you are experiencing. They gather the information you give them then make a treatment plan to reduce those symptoms. They may request certain blood tests to ensure all your levels fall within the “normal” range and prescribe medications accordingly. Great, you will hopefully experience reduced symptoms and be able to return to normal life. But wouldn’t it feel even better to receive a diagnosis and a treatment plan that will focus on resolving the condition, reducing the need to take multiple medications for the rest of your life, and ultimately improving your health and wellbeing. 

Functional medicine also allows for more personal patient-clinician relationships, offers patients education on their condition and how the human body functions, and empowers patients by giving them the tools to improve their health. 

What kinds of medical conditions can be treated with Functional Medicine?

Optimizing the body’s normal functions can treat complex and multifaceted health issues, including:

The Functional Medicine Tree Diagram

How do functional medicine practitioners treat patients?

Every individual is different genetically and biochemically. All of our bodies have different requirements and needs in order to function optimally. By focusing on each patient’s individual characteristics, practitioners are able to find ways for the body’s normal healing mechanisms to resolve the problem. 

Practitioners have extensive evaluations with their patients, gathering information about:

They also review in-depth lab results to look for correlations between the physical symptoms and possible concerns on the lab results. Practitioners avoid looking at certain lab results and seeing the “normal” range because they know that every body has different requirements and being in the “normal” range doesn’t mean it’s enough to fuel their body optimally.

Practitioners encourage patients to take an active role in their health and their treatment. The body is capable of healing itself and preventing many diseases of aging when it is properly cared for and fueled to function optimally. Practitioners use a multifaceted approach to treat conditions and educate patients on their body and its different functions, explaining the importance of the different parts of their treatment, so their chances of successful treatment, as well as a healthy life, are improved. 

Treatments include:

The functional medicine model is a patient-specific treatment approach that uses proven scientific methods to empower patients to take part in their health care, while working closely with their practitioner to resolve the underlying causes of their symptoms to work towards the goal of optimal health and wellness. If this sounds like something you are interested in, schedule your free consultation here or call 352-512-9996 to learn more about how we can help you look and feel your best.

Created by: Bailey

Specials
352-512-9996
47 SW 17th Street, Suite A
Ocala, Florida 34471

Monday - Wednesday: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday: 8:30am - 6:30pm
Friday: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday: 7:45am - 1pm

After-hours appointments can be made.
Walk-ins are welcome at this location.

352-512-9996
4419 NW Blitchton Rd
Ocala, Florida 34482

Monday - Thursday : 8:30am - 5:30pm
Friday: 8:30am - 5:30pm

Walk-ins are welcome at this location.

352-512-9996
809 Co Rd 466, Suite 303
Lady Lake, FL 32159

Monday - Friday: 8:30am-5:30pm

Walk-ins are welcome at this location.

352-364-4480
47 SW 17th Street, Suite B
Ocala, Florida 34471

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 8am-6pm

Thursday 8am-7pm

Saturday 8am-2pm

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The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only. Recharge Clinic makes no representation and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained on or available through this website, and such information is subject to change without notice. You are encouraged to confirm any information obtained from or through this website with other sources and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEBSITE. Recharge Clinic does not recommend, endorse or make any representation about the efficacy, appropriateness or suitability of any specific tests, products, procedures, treatments, services, opinions, health care providers or other information that may be contained on or available through this website. RECHARGE CLINIC IS NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS WEBSITE.

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