Blog Archive
Your immune system is hard at work, 24/7, helping to fight the barrage of potentially harmful invaders and substances you encounter every day. So, you want to do what you can to provide support for this industrious system. In this month’s blog post, Dr. Scott Lafferty and our team at...
At any given time, more than half (52%) of the world’s population is trying to lose weight, and the key word here is trying. Weight loss is a frustrating endeavor under the best of circumstances, but it’s an effort well worth pursuing given all the health and wellness benefits that...
While hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness may be some of the more obvious side effects of menopause, there are changes happening below the surface that can greatly impact your health and wellness. Each year in the United States, more than one million women enter menopause and join the...
When you hear statistics like nearly 1 in 3 adults in the United States is overweight or that more than 2 in 5 adults have obesity, it’s important to understand that the measurement being used to come up with these conclusions is the body mass index, or BMI. More to...
Aging should be a slow and gradual process that gently eases you into each phase of your life. Unfortunately, for many of the more than one million women who enter menopause each year in the United States, this process is abrupt and dramatic. Menopause is a hormonal transition that can...
Since its introduction more than two decades ago, Botox® has been nothing short of a juggernaut in the field of anti-aging. This cosmetic injectable, along with its neuromodulator counterparts, perennially holds the top spot for minimally invasive cosmetic procedures in the United States, with more than 8.7 million treatments in...
Hot flashes, night sweats, bone loss, vaginal dryness — these are just some of the unwelcome side effects of the journey through menopause. It used to be that women simply gritted their teeth and soldiered through, but, thanks to hormone replacement therapy, life during and after menopause can be far...
We want to kick off this blog post with an important message: You’re not imagining it — weight loss can be more difficult once you reach your 50s and beyond. If your body has undergone some unwelcomes changes and your efforts to reverse these changes are falling far short, you’re...
Each year in the United States, cardiovascular diseases (including strokes and heart attacks) claim more lives than all cancers and lung problems combined — nearly 930,000 deaths — making them the leading causes of death in our country. While these numbers are certainly alarming, Dr. Scott Lafferty and the team here at Lafferty Family...
It’s not until something is missing that you understand how big a part it played in your life, which perfectly describes your reproductive hormones. Each year in the United States, more than one million women are transitioning through menopause, which occurs when their ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone hormones....
Hair loss or thinning hair is very common — in both sexes. About 80% of men and 50% of women experience significant hair loss during their lives, especially as they age. Given these numbers, it should come as no surprise that there are thousands of products and services that claim they can...
There are few endeavors that are more frustrating than trying to lose weight and you’re tired of products and services that are long on promises and short on results. If you want to get off the merry-go-round of fad diets where you watch your weight go down, and inevitably back...
We’re going to start this blog with two eye-opening statistics: 1) About 48% of adults in the United States have some form of cardiovascular disease; and 2) Slightly more than 47% of adults over the age of 30 in the US have periodontal, or gum, disease. While we’re not implying...
Your blood pressure is high, but you feel just fine, so you don’t give it much thought. To illustrate why this is a huge risk, we’re going to kick off this discussion with a sobering fact — high blood pressure is the number one risk factor for death globally. Here...
Winter can be a great time to hide behind layers and bulky clothes, but the spring and summer months are coming up fast. If you want to greet these warmer months with fewer pockets of stubborn fat, now’s the time to avail yourself of our innovative fat-reduction technology — SculpSure®. To...
As COVID-19 seems to be settling in for the long haul, it’s adding to the burden of the regular flu season. As if this combination weren’t bad enough, the news is full of reports about a triple threat as RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) joins the group. If you want to...
The connection between diet and diabetes is a close one, as poor eating habits are responsible for a large number of the more than 37 million diabetes diagnoses in the United States. Not to mention, diet is largely fueling the 96 million more who are considered prediabetic. If you think...
More than 92 million adults in the United States have arthritis or arthritis-like symptoms. Despite this eye-opening prevalence, there’s still a fair amount of misinformation surrounding this disease. At Lafferty Family Care, we believe that patient education is an important step in safeguarding your health. To that end, Dr. Scott...
Almost half of all adults in the United States have high blood pressure, which places them at risk for some very serious heart health issues, such as heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. These outcomes, however, are highly preventable if you take a few steps to lower your blood pressure....
We understand that you may be tired of contemplating viruses and vaccines but, despite the recent pandemic, the flu is still making its rounds each year. Between 2010 and 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the flu has claimed an average of more than 33,000 lives in...
The list of health risks that are associated with being overweight or having obesity is a long one and includes serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and liver disease. If you’re carrying extra weight and you want to know whether you can still be healthy despite the extra load, the...
About one in 10 people in the United States has diabetes, which places them at great risk for developing some serious, and even life-threatening, health complications. To illustrate what you’re up against when you have diabetes, Dr. Scott Lafferty and our team at Lafferty Family Care want to highlight five complications that can stem from...
You’ve been told you need to exercise more to improve your health, but you have no idea where to start. In this month’s blog post, Dr. Scott Lafferty and the rest of the team here at Lafferty Family Care have pulled together a few tips to help you get started. Exercising for...
You look in the mirror and staring back at you is an older version of yourself, one that doesn’t match your still-youthful spirit. If you want to dial back the years, but still look like you, dermal fillers are an excellent solution. As part of the extensive array of services...
Your body relies on a number of different vitamins and minerals to function well, so you want to make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need. While every vitamin plays a role in your health, vitamin C is particularly important, as it is a powerful antioxidant that wards off disease....
You’ve been diagnosed with arthritis or you have arthritis-like symptoms, namely joint pain and inflammation, and you want to do everything you can to preserve your quality of life. Since there’s no cure for arthritis, in all its many forms, management is key, which involves making some key lifestyle changes....
Americans are no stranger to sleep issues — 70 million people in the United States experience chronic problems with sleep. While this can include getting too much sleep, the majority of people aren’t getting enough sleep, which can pose serious health issues. There are many things that can affect your...
Gum disease is one of the leading drivers of tooth loss, which is a serious enough consequence, but the effects of periodontal disease may extend far beyond your mouth and include your heart health. If you consider that people with gum disease have two to three times the risk for...
As you make your final approach to the holidays and you ensure that everything around you looks great, why not take a little time to refresh your own appearance? If you think that any meaningful cosmetic efforts take too much time, think again. With cosmetic injectables, we can help you...
Most of us have our hurdles when it comes to fat – hurdles that resist even the greatest of efforts through diet and exercise. There are many reasons why fat can be so stubborn (more on this in a minute), but no matter where your fat is holding out, the...
More than 10% of the population in the United States has diabetes and, more alarming, nearly one in three adults (about 88 million) is considered prediabetic. In either case, managing blood sugar levels plays a crucial role in preventing the serious complications that stem from diabetes and unregulated glucose. To...
As COVID-19 continues its unwelcome march through the population, the world is focused on vaccinations. While it’s important to protect yourself against this potentially serious respiratory infection, there’s another that makes its rounds each year — the flu. As we head into fall, now’s the time to get ready for...
Given the serious consequences of heart disease, you want to stay one step ahead of your heart health. While there may be no way to forecast with certainty your chances of developing a cardiovascular problem, we do have a few predictive tools at our disposal, including the carotid intima media...
Whether we use an expression like, “Garbage in, garbage out” or “You are what you eat,” each is sending the same message — if you want a body that’s healthy and performs well, you need to provide the right fuel. Unfortunately, the American diet is one that’s become calorie rich...
The title of this article may be a bit sedate given the alarming statistics surrounding high blood pressure. To give you an idea about what we’re referring to, nearly half of all American adults have high blood pressure, and this condition is listed as a primary contributor to the cause...
In the area of cardiovascular health, we have two primary concerns: First, it’s the leading cause of death in the United States, with someone dying every 36 seconds due to a heart-related condition. Second, many of the issues that fall under “heart disease” don’t have any symptoms, leaving you unaware...
Not only is spring in full swing, the world is looking a little brighter these days as we emerge from the darkness and isolation of a global pandemic. If you want to greet the summer months with a healthier, slimmer version of yourself, we have just the tools you need....
Winter is a great time to hide under bulky clothes, but all too soon the summer months are upon us, as are bathing suits. While diet and exercise can go a long way toward slimming down, you may still be fighting unwelcome bulges where you least want them, which is...
February is American Heart Month, so we thought we’d take this opportunity to review a few simple exercises that can boost the health of this vital organ. The sad fact is that nearly one in three deaths each year in the United States is caused by heart disease or stroke,...
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among both men and women in the United States, which means anything we can do to assess your risks are steps well worth taking. In some cases, this may involve genetic testing. When it comes to heart health, Dr. Scott Lafferty and...
You spend time and energy making sure everything's shipshape for the holidays, which can leave you looking a little worse for wear. Why not treat yourself to a little holiday cheer in the form of a cosmetic makeover with injectables? To ensure that patients feel great on the inside and...
Americans are no strangers to high blood pressure — nearly half of adults have some degree of hypertension. Now combine that with the fact that 52% of men struggle with erectile dysfunction (ED) at some point during their lives. Coincidence? We think not. At Lafferty Family Care, Dr. Scott Lafferty...
One in four deaths in the United States is attributable to heart disease, and a person dies every 36 seconds due to cardiovascular disease. While these statistics are frightening, they also give us fair warning to do all that we can to avoid cardiovascular problems using every resource available. One...
Thanks to the ever-growing obesity problem in the United States, everywhere you turn there are products and services that promise to help you lose weight fast with little-to-no effort on your part. Unfortunately, most of these are gimmicks and fads that overpromise and underdeliver. If you want to take charge...
Back in March, life as we knew it ground to halt, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. As much of the population sheltered at home, routine health care needs were temporarily shelved, from teeth cleanings to wellness exams. Now, nearly six months later, these needs should no longer go unaddressed, and...
Your body is full of hormones, which are tiny messengers that regulate almost every function in the human body. The work of hormones largely goes unnoticed unless there’s an imbalance, at which point you’re made very aware of their role in your health. Such is the case with testosterone, which...
Talk of immunity has never been more prevalent as our nation faces a global pandemic caused by COVID-19 — a virus that attacks the respiratory system. While having a healthy immune system can go a long way toward fighting off these types of viral infections, a strong immune system helps...
The world as we knew it has changed dramatically over the past few months, forcing many of us to spend the bulk of our time shuttered in our homes. As a result, many people have turned to food — namely junk food — to relieve anxiety and boredom. But now...
Low-fat, fat-free, reduced fat, healthy, natural — these buzzwords are leading consumers to believe that the foods they’re purchasing are healthy choices that support weight loss. But that’s not always the case. To illustrate our point, we review five foods that many believe are healthy, but that may actually lead...
There are a number of changes that occur in your face as you grow older, leaving you with skin that’s increasingly etched with lines and slowly succumbing to gravity. Traditionally, the best weapon to restore youth was through a facelift, which while effective, is an awfully big undertaking and carries...
The old saying, “You are what you eat,” certainly applies when it comes to most areas of your health, especially your heart. Since February is American Heart Month, we thought we’d review the importance of diet when it comes to your cardiovascular health. Instead of giving you the usual list...
Supplements are a crucial adjunct to a healthy lifestyle. The right supplements decrease risk factors for disease. Supplements are not meant to be a substitute for an optimal diet or exercise, but to supplement them. The best prevention plan incorporates optimal diet, optimal exercise and the right supplements used aggressively...
With winter comes cold temperatures and short, gray days that are hardly calling you to get out and exercise. If you’re one of the millions of Americans who suffer from achy, stiff joints at the hands of arthritis, the temptation becomes smaller still. The fact is that winter is no...
Botox is arguably the grandfather of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, but this old-timer continues to reign supreme as one of the most effective anti-aging tools available. In fact, more than 100 million vials of Botox have been sold in the United States since its FDA approval in 2002 to temporarily...
Holidays and treats go hand in hand as family and friends gather to celebrate at dinners, parties, and the many events that mark the special season. Unfortunately, this is the time of year when holiday feasting is fast and furious, kicking off with Halloween candy, then on to Thanksgiving pies,...
Diabetes has been labeled a global crisis as numbers jumped from 108 million diagnoses in 1980 to 422 million in 2014. While this meteoric rise has leveled out in recent years, the fact is that more people are struggling with diabetes than ever before. While diabetes is tough to catch...
The battle between the sexes can really heat up when it comes to weight loss. Unfortunately, men are better armed, which is why they lose weight more easily. At Lafferty Family Care, Dr. Scott Lafferty and our team offer weight loss services for both sexes, and we understand some of...
What is Sermorelin? Sermorelin is a bioidentical peptide that can stimulate a hormone that aids the growth, healing and renewal of all the cells in our bodies. What Are the Reported Benefits of Sermorelin? The following are reported benefits or Sermorelin therapy: Burns fat Maximizes metabolism Enhances endurance and strength...
We want to start by saying that salt isn’t bad — in fact, your body requires sodium to regulate its balance of fluids. But as with most things, too much sodium can swing the pendulum back into unhealthy territory, especially when it comes to your heart, your blood vessels, and...
What is Sermorelin? Sermorelin is a secretagogue of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) meaning that it stimulates the release of HGH in our bodies. Sermorelin is a bioidentical peptide that corresponds to the amino-terminal segment of the naturally occurring Human Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone. What is Human Growth Hormone and why is...
The weight problem in the United States has been called a national crisis, and for good reason. Two out of every three Americans are considered overweight, and one out of three is classified as obese. And these weight problems go far beyond a person’s appearance — all of these extra...
The nutrition problem in the United States grows increasingly troublesome as processed foods overtake the American diet, leaving much of the population without adequate amounts of the vitamins and nutrients they need to sustain good health. As a family medicine practice, our team here at Lafferty Family Care, under the...
Aging can be a frustrating process as your body’s functions begin to slow, leaving you with life-altering side effects, especially at the hands of lower hormone levels. If you’re experiencing changes in your physical and mental health that you can’t explain, a hormone deficit might be to blame, which is...
New laser technology that eliminates fat cells is making big strides in the cosmetic world, helping men and women contour their bodies by tackling stubborn deposits of fat. And there are generally two ways to go about this — freezing your fat or heating it up. Our SculpSure® system relies...
The first order of business in your weight loss journey is to consult with your physician before you begin a diet. It is imperative that you have a physician clear you before you start any of the following suggestions for fat loss. If you do not have clearance from your...
More than 50% of adult men have problems with erectile dysfunction (ED) at some point in their lives, and these numbers increase in lockstep with age (40% at 40 and 70% at 70). We introduce these numbers to dispel any notion that your struggle is a lonely one. We also...
Did you know that achieving better health, and a better body shape, tops most resolution lists each year, yet only 8% of the population in the United States succeeds? If you want this year to be different, you should arm yourself with the tools necessary to be part of this...
Just think, for a couple hundred dollars, companies can test your genes to trace your lineage back many generations, giving you some idea as to where your blue eyes or your darker complexion came from. While this type of testing is a wonderful way to explore your history, what is...
When it comes to losing body fat, the struggle can be a daunting one, leaving you frustrated and at the end of your rope, with little to show for your efforts. And this is especially true for stubborn pockets of fat that take up residence around your midsection, thighs, back,...
You’ve sweated it out at the gym and cut down your calories, yet you’re still left with unwelcome lumps of fat despite your best efforts. In response, you ramp up your exercise routine and reduce your calorie count even more — to no avail. With dismay, you think that surgical...
If you conduct a quick internet search for the words “dietary supplements,” you’re rewarded with over 150 million hits in less than a second. As if that weren’t confusing enough, you’re left to wade through the near-infinite claims of younger skin, better heart health, and solutions for just about anything...
When it comes to men’s health, there are two words that really make you stand up and take notice: Erectile dysfunction (ED). While this condition can often be a cause of emotional anxiety and considerable frustration, it may also be trying to tell you something about your overall health. And...
If you’ve ever dreamed of melting away weird fatty bulges so you could reclaim a more youthful figure with sleek planes and curves, someone was listening. SculpSure® is an FDA-cleared, noninvasive body contouring system that permanently removes stubborn, exercise-resistant fat pockets without surgery, injections, cold therapy, or pain.You can use...
Good nutrition is not only beneficial, it’s necessary for wellness. From obesity to Type 2 diabetes, an unhealthy diet can wreak havoc on your health. Most Americans eat a diet that falls short of nutrition recommendations. For starters, only 10% of people eat the recommended daily servings of fruits and...
Many adults know that having high blood pressure and too much cholesterol in your blood increases your risk for heart attack and stroke. But did you know that even if you have normal levels, you may still be at risk? At Lafferty Family Care, Dr. Lafferty goes way beyond the...
As a board-certified family medicine physician with significant expertise and specialized certifications in heart health and heart attack prevention, Dr. Lafferty is happy to share some of his insights regarding what he learns from genetic testing and what it can mean for your health.It’s not a new scienceEvery time you’re...
Supplements are supposed to do just what their name says -- supplement a healthy diet and lifestyle. With so many choices out there, from vitamins and minerals to herbs and enzymes, how is a person to determine which supplements are right for their needs? Plus, different price points and too-good-to-be-true...
Your blood pressure results are one test you don’t want to nail with high numbers. High blood pressure affects about 75 million Americans, or one in every three adults, and contributes to over 1,000 deaths a day. That’s the bad news. The good news is that there are some very...
Noninvasive Body Contouring: What You Need to KnowNoninvasive body contouring is a way to achieve fat reduction without surgery. The three basic categories within this type of medicine, according to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), are low level laser therapy, ultrasound, and radiofrequency.Ultrasound – This FDA-approved tactic for...
25-Minute Fat Reduction With SculpSure Nonsurgical fat reduction is achieved through body contouring with SculpSure. The general concept or practice of body contouring is an effort to optimize the shape of a person's physique, typically through removal of excess skin or fat. As noted by the International Society...
SculpSure: 8 Benefits of Non-Invasive Body Contouring SculpSure is a noninvasive body contouring device and procedure. It is a laser treatment that is designed to achieve lipolysis (a process to melt and eliminate fat from the body). Using this approach can help clear out fat in the abdomen, love handles,...
Quick Introduction to the Forks Over Knives DietFolks Over Knives was a feature-length documentary. It has since become the Forks Over Knives Diet, and there is a cookbook that uses the principles of this approach to come up with many different dishes.The Forks Over Knives Diet is vegan and plant-based....
When it comes to taking care of oneself, one of the most popular topics of discussion is undoubtedly slimming down and getting rid of unwanted fat. This is closely related to weight loss, though, this is actually a separate concern. Fat loss and weight loss are two different things, technically....
It’s safe to say that the majority of us have some level “invincibility” when we’re younger. Not actual invincibility, mind you, but the perception of it. We can eat whatever we want and not worry about it. We act a bit reckless. We can function (poorly) on a couple hours...