Dr. Lawrence Rueff's Personal Physician Blog
Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, but the good news is that many of its risk factors are within your control. By adopting healthier habits and making informed lifestyle choices, you can significantly lower your chances of developing heart-related problems. Here are four impactful ways to decrease your risk of heart disease and support long-term cardiovascular health. Maintain a Heart-Healthy Diet What you eat plays a major role in heart health. A diet high in saturated fats, trans fats, sodium, and added sugars can contribute to high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, and weight gain—all risk factors for heart disease. Focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like those found in nuts, seeds, and olive oil. Reducing processed foods and choosing fresh, nutrient-dense meals can help you manage weight and keep your heart in better shape. Get Regular Physical Activity Exercise strengthens the heart and improves blood circulation, helping to regulate blood pressure and lower harmful cholesterol levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. Regular physical activity also helps manage weight and reduce stress, both of which contribute to heart health. Quit Smoking Smoking damages blood vessels and raises blood pressure, which can significantly increase the risk of heart disease. Quitting smoking is one of the most powerful steps you can take to improve your heart health. If you don’t smoke, it’s also important to avoid secondhand smoke, which can be harmful too. The benefits of quitting begin almost immediately and increase over time, lowering your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Control Blood Pressure and Cholesterol High blood pressure and elevated cholesterol often develop silently, with few noticeable symptoms. Routine screenings are essential to catch these conditions early and keep them in check. If your numbers are high, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes or medication to reduce your risk of heart disease. Personal Physician in Louisville, KY Dr. Lawrence Rueff is an experienced personal physician in Louisville, KY who can help you develop a wellness plan to decrease your heart disease risk. Feel free to give our offices a call at (502) 287-1599 to find out more about the benefits of seeing a personal physician!
Shoulder pain is a frequent complaint that can limit mobility, interfere with daily activities, and impact sleep. Because the shoulder is a complex joint with a wide range of motion, it’s also vulnerable to a variety of injuries and conditions. Identifying the underlying cause of shoulder pain is key to finding effective relief. At the offices of Dr. Lawrence Rueff, we can help you with developing the optimal plan for addressing your shoulder pain and achieving relief. Here are four common sources of shoulder pain. Rotator Cuff Injuries The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and allow for smooth, controlled movement. Rotator cuff injuries are among the most common causes of shoulder pain, especially in people who perform repetitive overhead motions such as athletes, construction workers, or painters. Symptoms often include weakness, limited range of motion, and pain that worsens with activity or while lying on the affected side. Shoulder Impingement Syndrome Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become compressed or irritated as they pass through the narrow space between the top of the upper arm bone and the shoulder blade. This condition often develops gradually and may cause pain during overhead activities like lifting or reaching. Early treatment typically involves rest, physical therapy, and exercises to improve shoulder mechanics. Shoulder Arthritis Arthritis in the shoulder can result from wear and tear over time or as a result of previous injuries. Osteoarthritis, the most common form, causes the cartilage in the joint to deteriorate, leading to stiffness, swelling, and pain. Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the shoulder, causing inflammation and joint damage. While arthritis cannot be cured, its symptoms can often be managed with medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Bursitis Bursitis involves inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tissues in the shoulder. Repetitive motions or prolonged pressure on the joint can lead to this painful condition. Shoulder bursitis often causes localized pain, swelling, and tenderness. Personal Doctor in Louisville, KY Dr. Lawrence Rueff is an experienced personal doctor who can help you with developing an optimal plan to address joint pain. Feel free to give our offices a call at (502) 287-1599 to find out more about the benefits of seeing a personal doctor!
Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. It causes pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints, making everyday movements difficult. While arthritis can affect anyone, certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing this condition. At the offices of Dr. Lawrence Rueff, we can help you develop a wellness plan to mitigate your arthritis risk. Here’s a look at some of the most common arthritis risk factors. Age and the Wear of Time One of the most significant risk factors for arthritis is age. As people grow older, the cartilage that cushions the joints naturally wears down. This wear and tear can lead to osteoarthritis, the most common form of the condition. The older a person gets, the greater their risk of developing joint problems due to the accumulated stress on their body over the years. Though aging is inevitable, staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help manage this risk. Genetics and Family History Some people are simply more prone to arthritis due to their genetic makeup. If a person has family members who suffer from arthritis, their chances of developing the condition can be higher. While genetics cannot be changed, knowing your family history can be valuable. It allows for early monitoring, preventive strategies, and timely medical intervention when needed. Previous Joint Injuries An injury to a joint, such as a fracture or ligament tear, can increase the risk of arthritis later in life. Damage caused by sports injuries, accidents, or repetitive strain can lead to long-term joint instability or cartilage deterioration. Even if an injury heals, the affected joint may remain more vulnerable to developing arthritis. Taking proper care of injuries and engaging in rehabilitation can help reduce the long-term impact. Obesity and Joint Stress Carrying excess body weight places additional stress on the joints, especially those in the knees and hips. This increased pressure accelerates the breakdown of cartilage and contributes to inflammation. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise is an effective way to reduce the risk of developing arthritis and to lessen symptoms for those who already have it. Personal Physician in Louisville, KY Dr. Lawrence Rueff is an experienced personal physician who can help you with developing a wellness plan to help reduce your arthritis risk. Feel free to give our offices a call at (502) 287-1599 to find out more about the benefits of seeing a personal physician!
