“Everything you do in these patients is different and more difficult” comments Dr. Alexander Rosemurgy when talking about the increased risks in performing surgery on obese patients.  Numerous studies have demonstrated the risks that surgery poses for the obese, predominantly as a result of the increased healing time for fat due to the lack of blood supply to the region.

Florida cardiologists among other specialists recognise that patients in some instances have to lose weight prior to surgery as the potential risks of proceeding with a morbidly obese patient are too great.  A study by journal of ‘Obstetrics and Gynecology’ found that obese women, following Caesarean sections experienced infections at a significantly higher rate than women of normal body mass.

With obese patients more likely to develop blood clots in the lungs following surgery, the physician’s tasks increase as it becomes essential to monitor oxygen levels to reduce the possibility of a pulmonary embolism.  Other complications such as airway maintenance pose significant problems as obesity adds extra weight meaning it becomes more difficult for the diaphragm to function properly.

Rosemurgy highlights other factors such as a patient’s lack of mobility following an operation can lead to blood clots, and the challenge for doctors in providing an adequate dose (as certain drugs get absorbed by fat).  With an ever growing number of cases of obesity and heart disease in general, the Florida cardiologist can develop a plan to assist in the recovery from or approach to treatment for many cardiovascular problems.

The increased risks associated with obesity mean the cure can ultimately create more complexities.

The Flying Doctors of America help impoverished communities anywhere from Bhutan to Bolivia, with the former the subject of this blog.  Bhutan is surrounded by leviathans such as China and India, with Bangladesh and Nepal nearby and due to its relative isolation it can be quite a challenge reaching the State.  With a population of 800,000 (greater than only four States in the US!) and only one cardiologist, access to top medical care similar to that provided by Florida cardiologists only arrives with the Flying Doctors.

Bhutan sounds like a fascinating place, with smoking widely prohibited and plastic bags outlawed, rules that were imposed by an environmental and health conscious king.  According to John Davis Cantwell, MD, the country first opened to outsiders in 1972 and although it is not much bigger than Switzerland in size, 50% of its population is under 21 years of age.  There existed no television until 1999, while no road, school or hospital existed until 1962.  It remains a devout Buddhist State with murders unheard of and quality of life measured by Global National Happiness (rather than Global National Product).

The Flying Doctors of America play an important role in assisting the under-funded hospitals and doctors in this small State which is surrounded by giants.  Founded in 1990 by Allen Gathercoal, they comprise of a team specialists who include: doctors, dentists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses and pharmacists, who strive to provide care and hope to those who need it most.

The Flying Doctors show selflessness in their mission.  Stories exist of people travelling for four days to see an American doctor.  It is easy to take things for granted when there exists considerable ease of access to top medical practices such as Florida cardiologist.

A sign entering a town within Bhutan reads: “when the last tree is cut, when the last river is emptied, when the last fish is caught, only then will man realize that he cannot eat money”, a lack of access to adequate medical assistance does not deter this small and interesting State from maintaining a positive and environmentally conscious outlook.

Did you know that four of the top ten causes of death in the United States today— whether it is heart disease, diabetes, stroke, or many forms of cancers — are directly attributed to the way we’re eating? You may ask yourself, well how is this different from any other country in the world? If they’re eating similar types of food that are just prepared differently, why aren’t they suffering as much from diet-related issues? When looking for the culprit behind this problem, the finger is often pointed at the “Western Diet,” which is characterized by high intakes of processed foods, red meat, sugary desserts, high fat content foods, and refined grains.

Heart & Vascular Institute, a leading cardiologist in Detroit clinic, for example, emphasizes patient education as an important first step to preventing and fighting heart disease. Sadly, nutrition and healthy eating is easily overlooked with all the marketing we have for processed food products and fast food restaurants.

But, have you ever wondered why food in Italy, France, Spain, and other parts of Europe are considered to be healthier than our food?  It may not be because they are better cooks. They use fresh ingredients every day and every time they cook.  Many ingredients come from the local farmers and local suppliers.  Therefore these ingredients are not only fresh and tasty but there was no need to add preservatives because food is consumed soon after it’s produced.

To learn more about patient education for a healthy heart visit Heart & Vascular Institute Cardiologists in Dearborn MI.