Living & Practicing by Design™ is the weekly Podcast by John Hayes Jr MD, Family and Lifestyle Medicine Direct Primary Care Physician practicing in Marshfield Massachusetts. His passion is improving patient access to Primary Care with lifestyle medicine and non-invasive pain treatment measures wherever possible. John is an Author, Speaker and Consultant. For more information go to https://drjohnhayesjr.com Call or text 781-659-7989 email [email protected]
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Concerns about dangerous toxins in sunscreen have been raised over the years due to the potential health risks associated with certain ingredients. But like so much in our world right now these potential issues are very rarely discussed especially by the mainstream media. Here are some key points about the dangers of specific toxins found in some s…
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Last time we talked about summer exercise benefits and we touched on this but I want to focus this morning on tips for exercising safely in the summer especially when the heat is extremely challenging. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise. Consider drinks with electrolytes if you're exercising for prolonged period…
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What is it like to be a patient in my Direct Primary Care Practice?
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10:06Being a patient in my direct primary care (DPC) practice is a markedly different experience compared to traditional healthcare settings. In my practice, patients enjoy personalized care. In My practice, you are always seen by myself, a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician, not a nurse practitioner or PA. I have far fewer patients than the typi…
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We’ve all faced times when illness or injury makes regular exercise difficult. The real challenge comes when we struggle to get back on track, letting healthy habits slip for weeks or even months. This can lead to weight gain, increased blood sugar levels, and other health concerns—creating a cycle that’s tough to break. But just like Spring brings…
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Omega-3 fatty acids have been studied extensively for their potential health benefits, including their effects on reducing inflammation and pain. Clinically, our experience suggests adequate Omega 3 consumption helps reduce many forms of pain and help foster neurologic health. This is most especially true while patients convert to more plant based …
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Laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM), is a non-invasive medical treatment that uses low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to stimulate cellular function and promote tissue regeneration. It has been studied and applied in many medical fields, including wound healing, neuromusculoskeletal …
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In our fast-paced lives, maintaining energy throughout the day can be challenging. But what if you could make simple changes to your daily routine that significantly boost your energy and productivity? Here are the highest energy daily habits for adults that can transform your day. Prioritize Sleep Quality sleep is essential for staying energized. …
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There's no better time to reflect on our health habits and take actionable steps toward a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. In a world dominated by social media's often overwhelming advice, it’s easy to overcomplicate what should be straightforward. Let’s simplify. This post is a great one to bookmark, print, or stick on your fridge for daily ins…
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Better Managing Pre-Diabetes and Diabetes with CGM's
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10:17CGM's, also known as Continuous Glucose Monitor's are a game changer when it comes to managing both pre-diabetes also known as Metabolic Syndrome as well as diabetes. In this episode which supplements last week's I discuss some of the most valuable ways to use these and how you can get them. To learn more or contact us, log on to our site at https:…
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Most everyone knows how devastating diabetes is and can be. What a lot of people don't know however is that prediabetes also known as metabolic syndrome is extremely devastating, and can be a cause of not only chronic pain but neuropathy and other illnesses. In this session I review specifically what you need to know most about prediabetes and next…
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Understanding Your Heart: Essential Facts Everyone Should Know
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12:27Understanding Your Heart: Essential Facts Everyone Should Know The heart is often referred to as the body's engine, tirelessly pumping blood and ensuring that oxygen and nutrients reach every cell. Understanding how your heart functions and recognizing the factors that affect its health is crucial for maintaining overall well-being. In this blog, w…
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None of The Typical Insurance Based Patient and Physician Hassles
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11:17In this episode, Rob, Beth and I discuss callers and patient feedback about both quality of care and range services available in our Direct Primary and Neuromusculoskeletal Care practice. -In my practice, I get to prioritize the quality of your care over quantity of patients. There are no third party mandates on my time, how many patients I need to…
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Direct Primary Care & Why I Only Work For My Patients
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11:29Reduced Administrative Burden: - I have a much lower administrative overhead, and don't deal at all with the complexities of insurance billing. This allows me to spend so much more time on your care rather than administrative tasks. Coordination of Care: - I can play an active role in coordinating your overall healthcare. I work closely with specia…
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What The Heck Happended to Health Care In The USA?
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12:25In this episode, I do a deep dive into a lot of the background of what the heck has happened to health care in the USA, and what our practice is is doing about it. Lot's more to come next week. Direct Primary Care (DPC) is healthcare that focuses on a direct relationship between the patient and the primary care physician, without involvement from i…
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Gardening- Good for the Brain & Body! Gardening is an activity that many people enjoy, but did you know that it can be good for your brain and body too? Gardening has been found to have positive effects on human health, according to a meta-analysis of 22 studies comprising 76 comparisons between control and treatment groups. The studies showed that…
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A Different Experience At The Doctors Office
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10:12My patient Jean sent this to WATD 95.9 FM where I do my Thursday Mornings segment while we were on the air. I am humbled and grateful to say the least. Thank you so much, Jean and a big shout out to Rob Hakala and Beth Foster for helping spread that our Direct Primary Care practice truly is "A Different Experience At The Doctors Office". "I would l…
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Looking Ahead to the Holidays:Tips for Cultivating Gratitude and Staying Healthy
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9:49As the holiday season approaches, it’s essential to focus on gratitude while prioritizing our health. The hustle and bustle can lead to stress, but with some thoughtful strategies, you can navigate this festive time effectively. Set Realistic ExpectationsManage your expectations by being clear about what you can realistically achieve. Create a prio…
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This essential nutrient is responsible for healthy skin and epithelial cells. Those little guys are the cells that line our mouth, Gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and lungs. Hence the reason for many skin lotions and skin drugs with Vitamin A derivatives. Vitamin A is also essential for a normal and healthy immune system. We often suggest patients tak…
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Food & Mood: A Journey to Wellness Are you seeking ways to improve your mood, manage stress, and develop healthier eating habits? The Food & Mood program is designed to provide the tools you need to make meaningful changes to your lifestyle. Whether you’re an emotional eater, coping with a chronic condition, or exploring the benefits of medication-…
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Holiday Stress? Just Say "No" It is no news that on the scale of psychological stresses, holiday stress ranks near number one. Why is that? As you probably guessed, there are many reasons- finances, our and our spouses’ expectations, and—often the biggest—family. It could also be that this year has been physically or financially difficult for you. …
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No Gym, No Problem: Getting into Fitness from Home
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10:25Starting a fitness journey doesn’t have to mean heading to the gym. With the right approach, you can build strength, improve endurance, and boost your well-being—all from the comfort of your home. The key is to set clear, realistic goals that align with what you want to achieve, whether that’s weight loss, muscle tone, or simply staying active. For…
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Zinc is a crucial trace element that plays a significant role in the immune system, particularly in the context of viral infections affecting the respiratory tract. Recent research has illuminated its importance in combating various respiratory viruses, including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible fo…
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Whole oranges are a nutrient powerhouse due to their rich nutritional profile. Today, I am reviewing some key health benefits associated with consuming whole oranges. Please don't overlook how whole oranges can be a nutrition gamechanger. Rich in Vitamin C: Oranges are well-known for their high vitamin C content. Vitamin C is essential for a health…
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First Exposure to Natural Light in The Morning
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10:01Exposure to natural light first thing in the morning, also known as "first exposure to natural light in the morning," which I call "Coffee Near in The Sun" has several potential benefits for human health. One of the biggest is that exposure to natural light, especially in the morning, helps regulate circadian rhythms in the body. This is very impor…
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Make Your Bed - Cleaning and Organizing Your Environment
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11:56Friends, we all live in a world that moves fast. In this face paced world, it's quite easy to get overwhelmed with many tasks, projects, problems and so forth. For some reason, things just pile up quickly. How many of you can relate to this? One of the best ways to begin to lessen the stress in your day is to Make Your Bed. Making your bed establis…
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From Couch to Confident: Steps to Getting Into Fitness Today
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11:31Starting a fitness journey can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve been living a sdentary lifestyle. But with the right approach, you can transition from the couch to a confident, active version of yourself. Here’s how to take the first steps toward a healthier lifestyle. 1. Start Small Don’t feel pressured to jump into intense workouts right awa…
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The Far Reaching Benefits of Physical Activity
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12:28The Far Reaching Benefits of Physical Activity Much has been written about the effects of exercise, physical activity and health in general. But what you may not know is there are good studies showing improvements in many health parameters with regular physical activity. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, adults should be physica…
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What Are the Highest Energy Daily Habits for Adults In our fast-paced lives, maintaining energy throughout the day can be challenging. But what if you could make simple changes to your daily routine that significantly boost your energy and productivity? Here are the highest energy daily habits for adults that can transform your day. Prioritize Slee…
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Natural Alternatives to GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs
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12:18GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) drugs, such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), are commonly prescribed for weight loss and managing type 2 diabetes. These medications work by increasing insulin production, reducing appetite, and slowing gastric emptying. However, for those seeking Natural Alternatives to GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs due to side effects, …
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We can’t seem to escape the commercials, social media, and celebrity news about medication-assisted weight loss. It’s a thing... with my guest Julia Swartz LISCW If you’re considering it or are on the journey to medication assisted weight loss , there are some things to consider. As these medications become more popular and accessible, it’s importa…
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Cannabis use has become increasingly prevalent, with many advocating for its medicinal benefits. However, the relationship between cannabis and mental health is complex and often misunderstood. Let's explore the potential link between cannabis use and mental illness. Cannabis and the Brain Cannabis contains a compound called tetrahydrocannabinol (T…
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Vaping, once marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, has been unveiled as a dangerous habit with severe health consequences. Let's dispel the myths and uncover the truth about vaping. Dangers of Vaping Contrary to popular belief, vaping is not safe. E-cigarettes deliver nicotine, a highly addictive substance, along with other har…
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Why Healthy Eating Matters As parents, we want the best for our children, including a foundation of good health. Healthy eating plays a crucial role in their physical and mental development, influencing everything from energy levels and focus to mood and overall well-being. Let's explore practical ways to instill healthy eating habits in your child…
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Why School Physicals Are Essential for Your Child’s Success
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6:47As parents, we all want our children to have the best start possible when they head back to school. One key step that’s sometimes overlooked is making sure they have a thorough school physical. These check-ups are more than just a formality; they play a crucial role in ensuring your child’s overall health and readiness for the school year. Let’s di…
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Understanding the Connection Between Food and Mood: A Journey in Mental Health and Nutrition
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12:44Over eight hundred people have participated in the Food and Mood program, achieving excellent outcomes. When the program launched twelve years ago, many participants were considering or had undergone bariatric surgery and were experiencing weight regain. Today, many are using semaglutide for weight loss. While this medication is effective for weigh…
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In today's appearance-focused world, nurturing self-love and confidence becomes crucial for a healthy body image and overall well-being. By shifting our focus inward and embracing our unique qualities, we can foster a deep sense of self-acceptance and appreciation. Here I explore practical strategies our practice advocates for nurturing self-love a…
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More and more in my private practice and recently on radio I'm being asked more about microplastic dangers & disease risks and talking much more about toxins that we can experience more in the summer than any other season. There are however a couple big ones which I'm going to spend some time with in upcoming articles. The first is microplastics, a…
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Exercise during the summer has unique benefits and challenges, not the least of which is the ability to be outside a good part of the time. This is one of the takeaways of why we do so well as humans exercising in sunlight. This is one habit we recommend you find a way to integrate all year long. Today. let's take a comprehensive look at summer exe…
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Ah summer. Schools out, better weather, more time off, vacations, or just more downtime doing nothing. This is also the time of year where good health habits we adapted earlier in this year can just go out the window. But how about a summer health kickoff instead? Commonly our issues relate to travel, more time eating out, et cetera. Physical activ…
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The Biggest Health Concerns for Women in the US
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9:23Some of the biggest health concerns for women in the US involve a wide range of physical and mental health issues. Today we'll discuss several of the most significant ones and then highlight some crucial and preventative aspects over the next few articles. 1. Heart Disease: The leading cause of death in women in the US is heart disease. Risk factor…
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Animal Product Consumption and Prostate Cancer
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10:50The relationship between animal product consumption and prostate cancer has been a topic of extensive research and debate. This is not a casual topic but today I am highlighting some key points summarizing current understanding based on scientific studies. Sadly, a lot of this is not new information, you just won't see it in the mainstream media. R…
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The Primary Cause of Death in Men & What To Do About It
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9:25The primary cause of death in men, worldwide to a very large extent is preventable. That primary cause is cardiovascular disease. In other words diseases of the heart and the blood vessels. This includes heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure, with high blood pressure so commonly being the first. Obviously this is not my most popular post bu…
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Preventing summer-related pain involves several proactive steps to protect yourself from common hazards associated with the season. Too often we fail to take these seriously until we suffer an injury or illness. Here are some key strategies we all need to stay aware of. The primary causes of summer-related pain can vary depending on individual circ…
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What is the Number One Source of Chronic Pain in the USA?
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8:09The number one cause of chronic pain in the U.S is back pain. Specifically lower back pain, which is the leading cause of missed workdays and disability. Lower back pain can be attributed to various causes including lifestyle choices, poor posture, obesity, injuries, and degenerative conditions like arthritis. However, the leading reason for so muc…
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Omega-3 fatty acids have been studied extensively for their potential health benefits, including their effects on reducing inflammation and pain. Clinically, our experience suggests adequate Omega 3 consumption helps reduce many forms of pain and help foster neurologic health. This is most especially true while patients convert to more plant based …
…
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Lifestyle Medicine In Primary Care Can Significantly Reduce Chronic Pain
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7:36Lifestyle medicine in primary care when properly utilized can significantly help reduce chronic pain by minimizing stress, optimizing physical activity, improving sleep quality, and enhancing overall well-being. Of course everyone is different and our needs are unique. Here are some of the lifestyle changes that we often recommend that may help you…
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Body Shapes With the Highest Risk of Metabolic Syndrome & Illness
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9:54Metabolic Syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes, chronic pain, neuropathy and so much more. The 2 body shapes commonly associated with Metabolic Syndrome are often referred to as "apple" and "pear" shapes. Some of the conditions that make up Metabolic Syndrome inclu…
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The Chronic Pain, Neuropathy and Blood Sugar Connection
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8:24Elevated blood sugar is one of the most devastating consequences of Metabolic Syndrome& Diabetes. Even "borderline" elevations of blood sugar especially over long periods of time like occurs in obesity can cause considerable problems, not the least of which is peripheral neuropathy. What a lot of people don't realize is that borderline blood sugar …
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Stress and hormonal balance in men is something many men are unaware of. Physicians don't always do such a great job of talking about this with patients either. Just like in women modern lifestyles which too often include prolonged or chronic stress can lead to dysregulation of cortisol levels, which can, in turn, affect other hormones. Typically h…
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Stress Can Cause Hormone Disruption in Women
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8:10Stress can cause hormone disruption in women, which can have significant impacts on their physical and mental health. Men also suffer significantly from hormone disruption. We will be discussing this in our blog next week. The primary stress hormone involved is cortisol, which is produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress. When cortisol l…
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