Going out to eat when dieting can be intimidating.  Finding items to suit your dietary needs on menus can be difficult.

When going out to eat it is important not to get discouraged.  Sometimes a Medically supervised weight loss and management program, like this one offered in Robinson,PA, can be very helpful if you are a socialite trying to drop a few pounds.

Good rules of thumb to follow while dining out and on a diet are these:

1.     Eat light.  Go for a salad with steamed or baked protein, and light dressing.  Skip the croutons, and share the bread!

2.    Get diet soda, iced tea, or water.  Drinking water curbs the appetite.

3.    Desert? No thanks! Skip desert.  Instead order some fresh fruit salad.

4.     Chew your food.  This may seem like something we do automatically but it isn’t.  Chewing your food more takes more energy, slows the eating process, and allows your body to actually feel hungry.

5.    If you are ordering something heavy, like pasta or a sandwich with a lot of protein, take home leftovers.  Break up those calories throughout the day, but don’t eat heavy in the late evening.

7.    Most restaurants offer some sort of “Light” option, or “healthy choice” option.  Not all do however.

8.   Most restaurants should have nutritional information (ingredients, calories, grams of fat) in the kitchen, and will gladly give it to you.
Want more help with your diet?  Need more supervision?

Allegheny Medical can help! Our Lighten Up® Weight Management Program is a medically supervised exercise program which educates individuals about leading health, active lifestyles and reduces risk factors for disease and injury. Every individual is screened, tested and counseled prior to beginning the customized exercise program.

Weekly Program

1 Office Visit with the Doctor, 1 Office Visit with Registered Dietitian, and 3 Supervised Work-Out Sessions. Price is $29.00 a week.

To schedule an appointment, please call our office 412-494-4554.

Allegheny Medical
2000 Cliff Mine Rd, #110
Pittsburgh, PA 15275

412-494-4550

Office Hours: Monday-Thursday: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm and Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Dining Out While Losing Weight in Robinson, PA is a post from: Allegheny Medical Blog

It’s summer, and while some of us are bikini ready, a lot of us are still trying to be that girl in the Yoplait commercial.  You know the one that saves her teeny bikini in the closet until viola! Magically Yoplait light yogurt magically allows her to fit into the bikini?  If only weight loss were that easy.

It may not be as easy as commercials make it seem, but it definitely is possible.  Here are some great, fun, high calorie burning exercises to get you bikini ready in no time!

1. Squash.  An hour of playing squash burns 1,000 calories.  No, it isn’t a typo.  Squash is a high energy cardio sport.  To win, you have to outsmart the other player, and of course be able to volley with a racket and a rubber ball no bigger than a gulf ball.
2. Swimming.  So you may not be totally bikini ready, it is okay.  Swimming is a great cardio workout.  An hour of swimming (at a moderate pace, based on a 150 lb. female) burns about 540 calories!
3. Walking. Walking isn’t the fastest calorie burning exercise, but for those of you just starting out, it is a great one!  Walking burns about 205 calories per hour (based on a 150 lb. female, at a moderate pace).
4. Aerobics.  Aerobics can be done in your home, with or without a video, and it is an amazing calorie burner.  Aerobics burn 410 calories per hour (based on a 150 lb. female).
   

Allegheny Medical can help! Our Lighten Up® Weight Management Program is a medically supervised exercise program which educates individuals about leading health, active lifestyles and reduces risk factors for disease and injury. Every individual is screened, tested and counseled prior to beginning the customized exercise program.

Weekly Program

1 Office Visit with the Doctor, 1 Office Visit with Registered Dietitian, and 3 Supervised Work-Out Sessions. Price is $29.00 a week.

Body Contouring for Spot Fat Reduction of Stubborn Area.

In Pittsburgh, LipoLaser treatments can be found at Allegheny Medical , one of the premier LipoLaser treatment centers in the western PA area.  Lipo Laser is pain free and non-invasive.

To schedule an appointment, please call our office 412-494-4554.

Allegheny Medical
2000 Cliff Mine Rd, #110
Pittsburgh, PA 15275

412-494-4550

Office Hours: Monday-Thursday: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm and Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Pittsburgh: Get Ready for Summer Swimwear! is a post from: Allegheny Medical Blog

Are you one of the 80% of Americans suffer from some sort of back pain?  Back pain is the 5th on the list of most common reasons why people visit a doctor. Here are some common approaches to relieving back pain: chiropractors, physical therapists, over-the-counter and prescription pain medication, and weight loss.

Physical therapy is a widely used option for back pain sufferers.  Surveys show 55% of back pain sufferers were satisfied by treatment from a physical therapist.   People who have back pain, especially lower back pain, may mistakenly think lying down will help the pain.  This is actually incorrect.  Chronic back pain sufferers need to be stretching, and building their back muscles.  This will ultimately help with pain relief.     Physical therapy teaches patients how to safely stretch, exercise their back, and safely do everyday activities.

Back pain can result from lifestyle choices, like weight gain.    People who are considered to be obese or over weight are potentially at a greater risk for having back problems.  This is due to the extra strain put on their muscles.  If someone who is overweight is suffering from back pain, losing weight may be the solution they were looking for.

Allegeny Medical can help with all 3 options!  We are a comprehensive medical center that provides Carnegie Physical Therapy, Carnegie Chiropractic Care, and Medically Supervised Weight Loss through Exercise and Nutritional counseling.  Call (412) 494-4550 for an appointment.

Allegheny Medical
Park West Two, Suite 110
2000 Cliff Mine Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15275
(412) 494-4550

Office Hours: Monday-Thursday: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm and Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

We treat:

• back pain and migraines in Robinson PA
• back pain and migraines in Bridgeville PA
• back pain and migraines in Moon PA
• back pain and migraines in Coraopolis PA
• back pain and migraines in Carnegie PA

Carnegie PA Chiropractor Asks – Is Your Back Killing You? Treatment Options in the South Hills is a post from: Allegheny Medical Blog

Neck pain is something numerous people deal with every day.  It has many causes.  Especially now with the rising use of laptops and desktop computers, neck pain is quite common if these machines are not used correctly (ergonomically).  Even when they are used correctly long hours typing at a desk can cause neck pain.  Sometimes neck pain can be caused by sleeping incorrectly.

Neck pain that is caused by every day activity can sometimes be prevented.  Sleeping on your back is the best way to sleep for your spine.  If you are at a computer for long periods of time, make sure you are sitting ergonomically.  The pictures below are great examples of proper ergonomics for lap and desktops.

Chiropractic care and physical therapy can be highly beneficial when it comes to alleviating neck pain.  It is especially important to treat neck pain when the pain is from an injury.  Injury related neck pain can greatly benefit from treatments like physical therapy.

Coraopolis PA Chiropractor for Back/Neck Pain & Sports Injuries

Finding the right doctor is essential to your good health. Dr. Drew Fanelli is Board certified, Fellow of the Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists (FACO).  Coraopolis Chiropractor: Read More

Physical Therapy Services near Coraopolis PA

Helping you reach maximum movement throughout your lifetime. Coraopolis Physical Therapy: Read More

Allegheny Medical treats:

• back pain and migraines in Robinson PA
• back pain and migraines in Bridgeville PA
• back pain and migraines in Moon PA
• back pain and migraines in Coraopolis PA
• back pain and migraines in Carnegie PA

Coraopolis PA Chiropractor: Sleeping & Sitting Postures to prevent Neck Pain is a post from: Allegheny Medical Blog

Currently 68% of adults are overweight or obese and 33% are obese.  Obesity is a major health problem facing America, and it is growing.  I wish I could say that people in Pittsburgh beat these trends, but despite our excellent healthcare access, we are no thinner than the rest of America.

Losing weight isn’t easy.  It takes commitment, hard work, exercise, and a focus on a healthy diet.

Technology has made the weight loss process a little easier.  If you have a smartphone, you can download apps to help.  For example, My Fitness Pal makes it easy to record the foods you eat, the exercise you do.  You give MFP your goal weight, and MFP gives you a maximum caloric intake to follow.  This max caloric intake is easy to follow using the computerized program to record your foods and our exercise.

MFP also has an area to record weight, as well as estimates your future weight in the next five weeks.  MFP is just one of many calorie counting programs out there online, there are a lot to choose from, and if you do choose to go this route, make sure to read some reviews about the sites and that the site offers everything you need for your weight loss journey.

Robinson PA Medically Supervised Weight Loss and Weight Management Programs

Allegheny Medical's Lighten Up® Weight Management Program is a medically supervised exercise program which educates individuals about leading health, active lifestyles and reduces risk factors for disease and injury. Every individual is screened, tested and counseled prior to begining the customized exercise program.

Weekly Program

1 Office Visit with the Doctor, 1 Office Visit with Registered Dietitian, and 3 Supervised Work-Out Sessions. Price is $29.00 a week.

To schedule an appointment, please call our office 412-494-4554.

Credits: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/statistics/#overweight, Photos: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=does-exercise-really-make

Weight Loss Apps & Robinson PA Weight Management Programs is a post from: Allegheny Medical Blog

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia include fatigue, muscle pain, sleep problems, and painful tender points on certain parts of the body.  However, Fibromyalgia pain and its symptoms can be relieved through several methods, many of which are included here:

1) De-Stress

Minimizing stress can improve the quality of your life. Try incorporating yoga, exercise, sleep, and meditation into your life. Be sure to breathe deep and exhale slowly.

2) Jot It Down

If "fibro fog" is affecting your memory or focus, keep a pen and paper with you. Make to-do lists to help you remember topics you want to talk to others about.

3) Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise, such as warm-water exercise or walking, is one of the best treatments for fibromyalgia. It helps decrease stiffness and pain and reduce stress.

4) Do Some Soaking

Soaking in a hot tub or warm bath can reduce pain, relax tense muscles and help you move more easily.

5) Choose Decaf

Caffeine may increase stress, stimulate the central nervous system and the heart, and increase nervousness and insomnia. Make sure to go for the decaf in order to de-stress.

6) Take Some Time to Yourself

Fibromyalgia can make life more complicated, so it is important to take time for yourself on a daily basis.

7) Improve Your Work Life

Try designing a flexible work plan if possible. Ask about working from home some of the time or adjusting your hours in order to increase productivity. You also want to try to rearrange your workspace for more comfort and accessibility.

Fibro doesn't have to limit your life.  Follow some of these helpful tips to improve your symptoms, brighten your mood and keep you living fully and productively.

Photo credit: WebMD

7 Fibromyalgia Coping Tips is a post from: Allegheny Medical Blog

Restless legs syndrome, also known as RLS, is a nervous system disorder affecting movements of the legs. This disorder interferes interferes with sleep, so it is also often considered a sleep disorder.

People who suffer from RLS have sensations in their legs and occasionally arms, and an urge to move their legs in order to stop the sensations. People describe these sensations as uncomfortable, using terms like "pins and needles," "creepy crawly" or "itchy."

These feelings are usually felt from what seems like deep in the legs, and usually get worse when someone is resting, especially in bed. The sensations can rob a person of a decent night's sleep and lead to discomfort when walking as well as stress.

RLS symptoms can range from mild to severe, and in about two thirds of people, symptoms get worse over time and can sometimes be disabling. Symptoms are usually worse at night than in the morning.

Restless legs syndrome affects about 10% of the U.S. population, both men and women.  It can begin at any age, even in young children. The older the individual however, the more severe the condition tends to be.

The cause of Restless legs syndrome is not known, but experts have surmised that in people with RLS, the brain uses iron abnormally.  Genetics is also thought to play a role--about half of those with RLS have family members who suffer from the condition as well.

It is common for RLS to be misdiagnosed or go unrecognized.  Often, it's not diagnosed until 10-20 years after the onset of symptoms.  However, once it is correctly diagnosed it can be treated successfully.

Two FDA-approved drugs for restless legs syndrome exist: Requip and Mirapex, both of which were proven effective in trials in reducing RLS symptoms.  There are also other medicines available that physicians use that are not specifically for treating Restless legs syndrome.

For individuals with mild Restless legs syndrome symptoms, there are also steps that can be taken in order to prevent or reduce them, for example:

• Applying ice or heat
• Reducing alcohol intake
• Maintaining a regular sleep pattern
• Reducing caffeine intake
• Engaging in moderate exercise
• Stopping or cutting back on smoking

If you are experiencing symptoms of RLS and are also having difficulty concentrating or sleeping or are feeling anxious or depressed, it's time to talk to your doctor.

Restless Legs Syndrome: Facts and Figures is a post from: Allegheny Medical Blog

In order to determine if an individual has anemia, a complete blood count or CBC is usually performed.

One cause of anemia in women is a prolonged and heavy menstruation.  Anemia can occur because the body is not able to produce blood as fast as it is being lost--and the body requires iron to make new blood cells.

The recommended dietary allowance for iron is 18 mg. Women whose periods are heavy or prolonged may need to increase their iron intake to 20 mg per day.

The best source of iron is your diet, and some of the best foods to eat include eggs, beans, red meats, shellfish, green leafy vegetables, lentils, shrimp, clams, oysters, green peas, prunes and raisins.  If you are having trouble meeting your iron needs through your diet, be sure to begin taking an iron supplement or a multivitamin.

In most cases, eating more foods high in iron and taking iron supplement pills will correct iron deficiency anemia. If you are taking pills, it is often suggested that in order to get the most benefit from the pills, they should be taken with vitamin C which helps your body absorb more iron.

Usually, people start to feel better a few days after beginning treatment but will need to keep taking the pills for several months to build up their stores of iron. It can sometimes take up to 6 months for iron supplements to get your iron levels to return to normal.

If you have severe anemia, your doctor may require you to have a blood transfusion to correct your anemia, and then have you start on a diet high in iron and iron supplement pills.

Photo credit: fi.edu

What is Anemia and How Can it Be Treated? is a post from: Allegheny Medical Blog

• age-related cataracts (develops as a result of aging);
• congenital cataracts (babies are sometimes born with cataracts--or they may develop in childhood);
• traumatic cataracts (form after injury to the eye);
• secondary cataracts (develop as a result of other medical conditions)

Air pollution, heavy drinking and cigarette smoking can also increase an individual's risk of developing cataracts.

Cataracts form slowly.  Some of the symptoms of cataracts include:

• Progressive nearsightedness
• Sudden changes in glasses prescription
• Problems driving at night
• Double vision
• Blurry, foggy or cloudy vision
• Changes in the way you see color
• Problems with daytime glare

In order to diagnose cataracts, your doctor will perform an eye exam and dilate your pupil in order to examine the lens.

If you are found to have cataracts, many times eyeglasses, contacts or a change in current eyeglass prescription will be prescribed.

If your cataracts are interfering with everyday life and glasses are not enough to correct the problem, your doctor may suggest surgery.  Cataract surgery is very common in the U.S., and involves replacing the clouded lens with a clear artificial one.  The vast majority of people who undergo this type of surgery see marked improvement in their vision.

You will want to speak to your doctor about which treatment is best for you.

Could it be Cataracts? is a post from: Allegheny Medical Blog

Common symptoms of pink eye include tearing, itchiness, redness or a discharge which forms a crust.  These symptoms can affect one or both eyes.

Viral conjunctivitis usually produces a discharge that has a watery consistency, whereas bacterial conjunctivitis often produces a yellow-green discharge with a thicker consistency. Both types of conjunctivitis can be associated with colds or respiratory infections.

Allergic conjunctivitis is a response to an allergy-causing substance--for example, pollen. The body produces an antibody (immunoglobulin E) in response to allergens which triggers cells in the mucous lining of your eyes and airways to release inflammatory substances.

In order to diagnose whether you have pink eye, your doctor will examine your eyes.  They may also take a sample of the discharge from your eye for analysis to determine which type of infection you have and how to treat it.

Bacterial and allergic conjunctivitis is usually treated with eye drops, whereas viral conjunctivitis has no treatment--it simply needs to run its course.  This can usually be up to two to three weeks.

Pink eye can be highly contagious, so it is important to have it diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.  In fact, pink eye can be contagious for as long as two weeks after it begins.  As soon as you experience symptoms, you will want to contact your doctor.

Photo credit: methodsofhealing

What is Pink Eye? is a post from: Allegheny Medical Blog