Most Physicians Take and Recommend Supplements

The majority of physicians (79%) recommend supplements to their patients, according to the “Life…supplemented” Healthcare Professionals (HCP) Impact Study, which surveyed 1177 physicians.

The study is part of the “Life… supplemented” consumer wellness campaign, which is dedicated to driving awareness about the mainstream use of dietary supplements as an integral part of a proactive personal wellness regimen that combines healthy diet, supplements and exercise. The campaign is managed by the Washington, D.C.-based Council for Responsible Nutrition.

The top five health reasons physicians recommend supplements to their patients are: bone health (33%), overall health and wellness (32%), joint health (29%), heart health (26%) and maintain healthy cholesterol (22%).

Additionally, 72% of physicians say they use dietary supplements themselves. The top supplements include: multivitamin (87%), vitamin C (78%), B vitamins (63%), vitamin D (59%), vitamin E (58%) and calcium (58%).

While the survey did not ask physicians to specify which supplements they might recommend for each condition, some supplements are recognized to help maintain optimal health in each of the areas noted. Annette Dickinson, PhD, consultant to the “Life…supplemented” consumer wellness campaign, suggests some supplements to consider taking to improve health in these five areas:

1) Bone health: Calcium is essential for bone health, and research consistently shows that Americans don’t get enough of it in their diet. Attention to bone health is vital at all stages of life—during the growing years (childhood and teens) when the body is building bone, during the middle years when the body needs to maintain bone mass, and in the aging years when the body is slowly losing bone. With advancing years, the risk for osteoporosis—a chronic condition characterized by loss of bone mineral density—increases. Bones can become so frail that they break—and not just in women. Men also suffer bone loss, and can fall victim to fractures.

Supplements to consider: Calcium and vitamin D are the most recognized key nutrients for strengthening bones, but magnesium is also a key component of bone. Vitamin K is involved in bone formation, and vitamin C is essential for making collagen, a structural protein found in bones.

2) Overall health and wellness benefits: To help your body be as healthy as it can be, the best place to start is with a healthy diet and plenty of physical activity, and dietary supplements should be included as part of the recipe for good health. In particular, the demands of everyday life may prevent us from eating exactly as we should, and that is one reason that healthcare professionals may recommend nutritional supplements—to “fill the gaps” in those areas where our diet may fall short. Also, researchers are finding that some important vitamins and minerals may help protect against certain chronic diseases, in amounts that are difficult or impossible to obtain through diet alone.

Supplements to consider: When it comes to filling nutrient gaps, a good multivitamin with minerals is king. In fact, this survey also found that almost three quarters of physicians (72%) said it is a good idea for patients to take a multivitamin. Other supplements can play a role too, including omega 3 from fish oils, extra vitamin D and antioxidant products such as green tea and CoQ10.

3) Joint health: About 21 million adults have osteoarthritis—a degenerative joint condition resulting in the loss of cartilage that covers and cushions the joints. This leads to achy joints and could ultimately require a corrective surgical procedure, such as hip or knee replacement. Though joint pain and discomfort are typically associated with people of advancing years, athletes involved in high impact training, such as runners, are also affected and are at high risk for osteoarthritis later in life. The condition also appears to have a hereditary component so even the weekend warrior and the couch potato could be affected by joint pain and discomfort.

Supplements to consider: Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are important contributors to joint health. There is a strong body of human clinical trials that supports the safe use of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, or their combination for significant and long-lasting decreases in joint pain and improvements in mobility.

4) Heart Health: Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of men and women in the U.S. Much of what we do in our 20s and 30s can greatly affect our heart later on in life, meaning that attempts to protect against cardiovascular disease are far more effective when preventative measures are adopted as lifelong habits—the earlier the better. These measures include eating well, taking supplements, getting plenty of exercise and managing stress levels.

Supplements to consider: Omega 3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found in “fatty” fish (like salmon) and some fish oil supplements are known to affect more than a dozen characteristics that contribute to a healthy heart. They reduce inflammation, reduce the tendency to form clots, decrease the likelihood of developing cardiac arrhythmia, and at high levels lower triglyceride levels. Other supplements to consider for heart health include vitamin E and the B vitamins. Observational studies suggest benefits for heart health from taking at least 200 IU of vitamin E per day—an amount impossible to obtain from diet alone. And observational studies have shown that generous amounts of B vitamins, such as folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12, can lower homocysteine, which may help prevent heart attacks, although that has not been borne out by recent clinical trials.

5) Maintain healthy cholesterol: Another component to a healthy heart is maintaining a healthy cholesterol level. Many factors that you can’t control, such as age and genetic makeup, impact your cholesterol levels, but there are things you can do to keep cholesterol levels from getting too high, starting with a healthy diet. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables and whole grains, using olive oil instead of other fats, and including plenty of fish would all be excellent components of a healthy diet.

Supplements to consider: Soluble fiber is recognized for its cholesterol-lowering effects and fiber supplements are available if you do not already include plenty of fiber in your diet. Soy protein, phytosterols and stanol or sterol esters also have a cholesterol-lowering effect.

Centrum Cardio Claims Under Investigation

U.S. lawmakers are investigating advertising claims that Wyeth Consumer Healthcare, Madison, NJ, has made for its Centrum Cardio product, which is marketed as a “cholesterol-lowering” multivitamin that contains 800 mg of phytosterols.



The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce and its Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations—chaired by Michigan Reps. John Dingell and Bart Stupak, respectively—sent Wyeth president and CEO Bernard Poussot a letter dated Sept. 12, asking the company to substantiate its claims.

A television commercial advertises Centrum Cardio—which launched in October 2007—as the “First and only complete multivitamin that lowers cholesterol.” The company’s website also claims its product can lower cholesterol within one month. It cites a 2000 FDA interim rule that allows dietary supplements or foods that provide 800 mg of free phytosterols to claim a possible reduction in heart disease. A daily serving of Centrum Cardio, or 2 tablets, contains 800 mg of phytosterols.

“We are concerned that these statements may be misleading to the general public and that patients with high cholesterol may erroneously substitute Centrum Cardio for a treatment plan prescribed by their physicians,” the Sept. 12 letter states.

In addition to documentation related to claims made for the product, the lawmakers requested copies of all direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertisements within two weeks of receiving the letter.

The House Democrats say their committees are continuing to investigate DTC advertising for pharmaceutical products.

Dr. Goldberg - Power Foods

Here’s a great article presented by Dr. Goldberg of the AdvoCare SciMed Board on the importance of “power foods”.

Power Foods

In the best of all possible worlds, we’d always have the time to choose, find and prepareHealthy pyramid healthful balanced meals. As a result, we’d be lean and mean, full of energy, and stocked with the vitamins and minerals we need to live well longer.

Right. Let’s face it, guys: In this most real of all worlds, eating properly sometimes takes back seat to work, family, friends, or even play. And when we eat on the run, nutrition is usually the last thing on our minds. We eat what’s easy, and it generally offers the minimal daily requirement of little but fat and simple carbohydrates.

Next time you’re in rush at mealtime, instead of settling for a stomach-pounder and fries, look for a power food-one that will get you going and keep you there. Try:

Baked Potatoes
Because of french fries, too many people dismiss potatoes as healthful food. Without the grease, potatoes are nonfat and loaded with complex carbohydrates, potassium (a mineral important to blood pressure regulation), vitamin C, and copper. (Stick to margarine or, better yet, salsa for toppings, though.)

Bananas
They’re packed with fiber and potassium. Along with dried fruit, they make ideal portable snacks.

Beans
Fiber, protein, complex carbohydrates, and folate (a B vitamin) all in one package. Prefer whole beans to refried, which usually add fattening oil.

Broccoli
All the green vegetables are winners, but this one may be tops. Its list includes fiber, vitamin C, folate, and the minerals magnesium and iron.

Corn
An unsung hero, this is an excellent source of fiber and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.

Fruit
Fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals-almost anything except fat. Dried fruits are a particularly intense source of energy. And in a pinch, an apple can sub for a toothbrush.

Fish
Usually a lower-fat source of quality protein than meat dishes. Stick with baked, broiled or poached though, since the fish plays second fiddle to fat when it’s fried.

Pasta
A great source of complex carbohydrates that also offers iron and B vitamins when it’s enriched. Stick with tomato or marinara sauce to keep fat low.

Peppers
Jalapeños and the hundreds of other types of chiles are great sources of vitamin C, and the spiciness may raise metabolism, enhancing weight loss.

Soup
Broth-based soups help you get your vegetables in a tasty mixture. Unless meat or dairy is added, it’s dependably low in fat.

Dr. Goldberg

Dr. Kraemer - Fitness Tips

Well you have now gotten a clean bill of health and are ready to get active! The biggest mistake most people make when starting a program is doing “too much, too fast”. Even in healthy people this can result in excessive soreness and unnecessary fatigue. So start slow and work into a total conditioning program.

Another mistake too many people make is that they do not address a total conditioning program and just perform one exercise. A great example is the 45 year old corporate executive who was an avid runner and got pretty good running in 10K races and enjoyed his workouts.

However, he never did any resistance training and thus had low strength fitness. He also had a love of skiing and was pretty good on the short runs in the New England region but then took on some serious hills that were double and triple the time down the hill out West. With these more demanding and long downhill runs his lack of strength and power ended up in a knee injury on a late run in the day. In addition, without the needed muscular fitness his recovery was slower as well. So it is important to have a program that addresses all of the fitness elements.

A total conditioning program consists of cardiovascular endurance fitness, muscular fitness, flexibility fitness and body composition fitness via optimal nutritional and supplementation practices.

Exercise training should also be progressive, meaning starting at a level that can be easily tolerated and progressing to harder workouts over time. In addition, variation in training called “periodization” should also be used in order to provide for needed rest for optimal recovery and to avoid boredom in the training programs.

In addition, a warm up and cool down should be a part of every workout and this should include both static and dynamic stretching and light warm-up activities.

The American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association currently recommend that healthy adults need:

* 30 minutes (minimum) of moderate intensity cardio, 5 days per week
- or -
* 20 minutes (minimum) of vigorous intensity cardiovascular exercise, 3 days per week

Moderate intensity physical activity is classified as a physical activity performed at a level sufficient to noticeably raise one’s heart rate and cause one to break a sweat, yet still allow the individual to carry on a conversation (such as brisk walking).

Vigorous-intensity activity is classified as a physical activity that causes rapid breathing and a sufficient elevation in heart rate (such as jogging). These activities should be performed in addition to the routine activities of daily living.

These guidelines can be achieved by combining moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activities on different days. It is possible to achieve these guidelines by walking briskly for 30 minutes two days per week, and jogging at a higher intensity on two other days per week.

Additionally, these recommendations are minimum recommendations. In order to lose weight or maintain weight loss, 60 - 90 minutes of exercise may be necessary.

Tips for fitting cardiovascular exercise into a busy lifestyle

Accumulate 30 minutes - The recommended 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity can be achieved by three shorter 10-minute bouts of exercise, totaling 30 minutes. Research indicates, that this can be just as affective as 30-minutes of moderate intensity physical activity done in a single bout, and is particularly useful for individuals who have a hard time finding 30 minutes at one time.
Schedule the activity - It is important to make exercise a regular part of a daily schedule by setting specific days and times for exercise.
Choose activities you enjoy - In order to stay motivated and adhere to exercise goals, activity selection is important. Suitable activities to meet the recommendations are vast, and include such activities as swimming, biking, or playing basketball with friends. Activity selection should consider individual interests, needs, schedules, environment, family, work, and social commitments, travel, and weather conditions.

In my next article we will examine how to determine your exercise intensity.

Keep up the good work and just get started with some regular cardiovascular activities to help you get into the habit of exercising several times a week. Remember, you need to take that time for yourself to optimize your health and fitness potential and live life to its fullest!

Good luck and good training.

William J. Kraemer, Ph.D., FACSM, FNSCA, CSCS
Professor, Human Performance Laboratory
Department of Kinesiology
University of Connecticut

Product Spotlight: Muscle Fuel

What is Muscle Fuel?
Muscle Fuel Pre-Workout Drink is a unique, single serving product that packs a powerful blend of 28 vitamins, minerals, botanicals, and other energy-producing components.* This effervescent powder comes in a fruit punch flavor and is the perfect pre-workout drink.*

Why Muscle Fuel?
Muscle Fuel helps enhance physical performance and endurance.* It helps reduce oxidative stress, facilitates recovery, maximizes the benefits of training, and supplies essential components for muscle gain during and after physical activity.* Along with energy and performance, Muscle Fuel even provides ingredients to maintain normal electrolyte balance so you can last longer with your workouts.*

Who needs Muscle Fuel?
• Someone wanting to get the most benefit from their workouts
• An athlete desiring optimal support for sports performance
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What are the benefits?
• Maximizes your workout*
• Supports multiple muscle metabolic processes*
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• Supports electrolyte balance*

Product Spotlight: OmegaPlex

OmegaPlex®

Is this you?
Someone who wants to increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids for better health
Someone interested in maintaining overall wellness and healthy core nutrition
Someone who does not consume a minimum of two servings of fish per week
Someone who has taken omega-3 supplements in the past, but is looking for a superior source


OmegaPlex® omega-3 fatty acid supplement is a safe, convenient, easy way to get the omega-3 fatty acids that may be missing from your diet, especially if you consume fish less than twice a week. It contains both 600 mg of EPA and 400 mg DHA long-chain omega-3 fatty acids per serving for maximum benefit.* Because these nutrients are involved in transporting nutrients, OmegaPlex is an important component for core nutrition.* It also helps promote healthy hair, skin and nails, and supports a healthy immune system.* It plays a key role in cardiovascular activity by supporting normal blood flow and healthy blood pressure.* In fact, consuming omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.** By supporting a healthy metabolism, OmegaPlex can aid weight management.*

OmegaPlex meets the highest quality standards of product safety and efficacy. Each softgel starts with high-quality marine lipid concentrate, which must meet strict analytical testing requirements for environmental contaminants, quantity of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and oxidation as indicators of safety, purity, potency and freshness. OmegaPlex also contains the antioxidant vitamin E in its most active form to further ensure omega-3 fatty acid stability.* The quality values of OmegaPlex are consistent with or exceed the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) voluntary monograph values.

-Supplies 1,000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids per serving
-Contains both EPA and DHA fatty acids
-Plays an important role in the transportation of nutrients*
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Women's Health Article

Women’s health checklist
September 23, 2008

Today we would like to bring you an article written by AHRQ Director Dr. Carolyn Clancy. Dr. Clancy has prepared brief, easy-to-understand advice columns for consumers to help navigate the health care system. Dr. Clancy, a general internist and researcher, is an expert in engaging consumers in their health care.

If you’re like most women, you make health decisions for your family, including your parents or relatives as they get older and need more medical care. Finding time to tend to your own health may not be high on your list of things to do.

But taking care of your health isn’t as hard as it may seem. Practicing healthy behaviors, getting screening tests, and taking medicines if you need them can go a long way toward keeping you in good health and lowering your risk of getting some diseases.

Women of all ages can greatly improve their health and reduce their chance of disease by daily following these five steps that are included in the checklist:

Don’t smoke.
Exercise.
Eat a healthy diet.
Stay at a healthy weight.
Drink alcohol only in moderation.

No one calls these steps simple, because for some people quitting smoking or getting daily exercise is not easy. But these steps have been proven to improve health and lower your risk of disease. If you have to change your behavior to follow these steps, it will be worth it in the long run.

Another way that you can stay healthy is to get the screening tests that are recommended for your age and medical condition. Talk to your doctor about which ones you need and how often you should be tested.

Here are some conditions that affect women and for which good screening tests are available. Advice on how often you should get them is included.

Breast cancer: Have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years starting at age 40.
Cervical cancer: Have a Pap smear every 1 to 3 years if you have ever been sexually active and are between the ages of 21 and 65.
High blood pressure: Have your blood pressure checked at least every 2 years.
High cholesterol: Have your cholesterol checked regularly starting at age 45. If you have diabetes, you have high blood pressure, or if heart disease runs in your family, talk to your doctor about whether to have it checked.
Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones): Have a bone density test beginning at age 65 to screen for osteoporosis. If you are between the ages of 60 and 64 and weigh less than 154 pounds, talk to your doctor about being tested.

Some women take medicines to prevent disease without first talking to their doctor. We advise against that: All drugs, even over-the-counter medications, have side effects and can hurt you if they are not used properly.

Check out our AdvoCare site!

CLICK HERE!


AdvoCare is a premier health and wellness company offering more than 70 exclusive nutritional and skincare products and a business opportunity that empowers individuals to explore their ultimate potential. With AdvoCare, you can experience positive life changes in your health, your hope and your future.

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The AdvoCare business opportunity is based on the belief that everyone deserves health, hope and a future. We all want to look better, feel better and make a positive difference in the lives of others. With AdvoCare as your vehicle, you can earn a substantial income and gain freedom to live life on your terms.

Cutting-edge science with you in mind. The AdvoCare Scientific & Medical Advisory Board represents a wide variety of health disciplines including nutrition, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, toxicology, skin care and surgery. Nationally and internationally recognized in their specialty areas, Board members use their expertise to ensure that all AdvoCare products are based on solid science and created with the highest quality ingredients. Each AdvoCare product is designed to be world-class, cutting-edge, safe and effective. The right combinations of ingredients in the correct amounts are a hallmark of AdvoCare products. In addition, our goal is to provide consumers with finished products that are tested to ensure that they contain the amounts stated on the label.

Robert Hackman, Ph.D., of the University of California at Davis, is chair of the Scientific & Medical Advisory Board. Dr. Hackman says AdvoCare has a unique and unparalleled commitment to producing world-class products.


To look and feel good, you need a well-balanced diet and regular exercise. Studies suggest that the average American diet simply does not include all that is needed to ensure enough vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients for a healthy life. Supplementation, in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise, can have a dramatic impact on your health and wellness. AdvoCare products, the most advanced nutritional supplements available, can help deliver the nutrients frequently missing from the diet, and along with a healthy lifestyle, can support a lifetime of optimal wellness.

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First Blog

Finding Fit Within strives to maintain the cutting edge of fitness and weight loss. Our mission is to take each client straight to his or her health and fitness goals as quickly and efficiently as possible. We know that our programs are the best on the market, and once you make the commitment and hold yourself accountable for the results, you will achieve your goals.Personal training means more than a couple of hours a week to us. We understand that each person lives a busy, individualized life and our primary goal is to fill every gap so that your weight loss and fitness goals are achievable. Most programs take you through a workout two or three times a week, but we seek to change every aspect of our clients' lives from eating to exercising, and we offer a top of the line nutritional regimen at a discount.We currently serve the New York Hudson Valley and Oswego areas. We provide the most comprehensive training packages available.