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After Multiple Grafting Procedures, What Are My Options to Finish My Reconstruction?

May 30, 2014 by

1401377_roseThis week, Dr. James Craigie of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your questions.

Q: I had a RB mastectomy in 2008. Since January 2013 I have had 6 micro-fat grafting procedures with my current surgeon. After the fifth procedure, some of my radiated skin failed. The sixth procedure was Apr 4, 2014 and he sewed up the open wound, did a reverse abdominoplasty fat transfer to create a breast fold, and transferred some fat. I am not confident that my skin will stretch sufficiently to finish this process satisfactorily with additional fat transfer and want another opinion, and to evaluate other procedures, before I proceed.

My belly fat is still intact but would be the next place to go. Several patients I’ve corresponded with online have been in a similar position and recommended Dr. Richard Kline. Any advice?

A: Thank you for your question and I am sorry you are having problems. You mentioned that your tummy fat was intact. Does that mean no lipo in that area? If so using the tummy skin and fat may be a good option. Other options include fat from the buttock or thigh. We will have Chris from our office contact you for some additional information and photos. We can then set up a consult via Skype or phone with myself or Dr. Kline. Thank you again for your question.

Q: I would like to set up a consultation about the possibility of replacing my implants from breast reconstruction after a bilateral mastectomy with my own tissue. I’m not happy with the results of my reconstruction.

A: I’m sorry you are having problems with your implants. I will be glad to have my office contact you and schedule a consultation. They will need to get some information about your situation etc. We do frequently treat women who have had implant problems. Approximately 1/3 of our patients have come to us because of implant problems. We specialize in replacing your implants with your own tissue and preserving your muscles.

Dr. James Craigie

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

Have a question about breast reconstruction or post-surgical care you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask us!

Filed Under: Ask the Doctor Tagged With: , ,

3 Charleston Itineraries for 3 Different People

May 28, 2014 by

<img src="image.gif" alt="An historic building in Charleston" />Charleston is a place anyone can visit, no matter what they enjoy doing. Here are three sample 3-day itineraries for the adventurer, the history buff, and the beach lover.

Adventurer or Thrill Seeker

Day 1

Morning: Awendaw Passage Hike—The northernmost “tropical trail” in the country.

Afternoon: Charleston Sailing School—Learn to command your own boat. 

Evening: Overnight Blackwater Expedition—Enjoy the adventure and the calm.

Day 2

Morning: Marsh View Fishing Charter—Fish for sharks, cobia, and trout 

Afternoon: Mullet Hall Equestrian Center—Trail riding for everyone [Link to

Evening: Pavilion Bar—Al fresco dining [Link to

Day 3

Morning: Kayak Tour—Ultimate in water adventure.

Afternoon: Climbing Wall and Challenge Course at James Island—Scale the 50-foot wall and more. 

Evening: Overnight Saltwater Expedition—Explore the sea. 

 

History Buff

Day 1

Morning: Fort Sumter—Where the Civil War began.

Afternoon: Middleton Equestrian Center—History and horses.

Evening: Ghosts and Legends of Charleston Tour—Spooky stories.

Day 2

Morning: Hunley Tour—Explore the famous submarine.

Afternoon: Civil War Walk—Charleston 150 years ago. 

Evening: Haunted Jail Tour—Where infamous criminals spent their last days. 

Day 3

Morning: Patriots of Charleston—Step into their shoes. 

Afternoon: Charleston Museum—America’s First. 

Evening: Carriage Tour of the Commercial District—See what life was like years ago. 

 

Beach Lover or Water Baby

Day 1

Morning: Seabrook Island Beach—Serene and private. 

Afternoon: Isle of Palms Beach—Endless sand and water. 

Evening: Sunset Cruise—Blues and BBQ Harbor Cruise with plenty of food and drink [Link to

Day 2

Morning: Folly Beach—Friendly and laid back. 

Afternoon: Kiawah Island Beach—10 miles of pristine beach, dunes, and marshes. 

Evening: Kiawah Resort for dinner—Breathtaking views. 

Day 3

Morning: Sullivan’s Island—Go shopping and sailing.

Afternoon: Tidal Wave Water Sports—Parasailing and more

Evening: Live and Local Spiritline Dinner Cruise—Languish among the stars

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: , ,

Good Driving Practices that Keep You Safe

May 26, 2014 by

<img src="image.gif" alt="A yellow car" />Nothing gets on our nerves faster than bad driving. We all have our ideas on what good driving is, but do we know how to drive safely? According to AAA Foundation, aggressive driving accounts for more than half of all driving fatalities. Use the following tips to avoid becoming a statistic.

Slow down!

AAA says, “Although ‘road rage’ incidents provide some of the most shocking views of aggressive driving, many common behaviors, including racing, tailgating, failing to observe signs and regulations, and seeking confrontations with other drivers, all qualify as potentially aggressive behaviors. Speeding is one of the most prevalent aggressive behaviors.  AAA Foundation studies show that speeding is a factor in one-third of all fatal crashes.”

Most of us speed sometimes, but driving too fast gives us less time to react if something happens on the road. Slow down and drive the speed limit.

Be courteous.

Courtesy is a lost art on the road today, especially in larger cities. It doesn’t hurt for you to yield the right of way at a 4-way stop if you and another driver reach it at the same time. Let other drivers merge into traffic, even if you were there first. Courtesy costs you nothing, and it could prevent an accident.

Honor road signs and follow traffic laws.

A stop sign is not a suggestion. We see so many drivers ignore stop and yield signs. They are there to keep you safe and help traffic flow, so follow them. Stop completely at a red light before turning right. In short, drive like you did when you were 16 and learning. Chances are you were a better driver back then!

Pay attention.

Get off the cell phone, quit looking around, and drive. Not paying attention is the cause of many accidents, and it upsets other drivers, which can cause road rage. When you take your eyes off the road, you can cause an accident if traffic slows, an animal or child runs in front of you, or a traffic signal changes.

Don’t be the cause of the snowball effect.

One driver doing something aggressive or unwise can trigger responses in several drivers, which can mean an accident or a road rage incident.

Are you a rude or inconsiderate driver? Please stop doing things such as…

  • Waiting until the last minute to merge into traffic or change lanes.
  • Insisting upon the right of way, whether it’s yours or not.
  • Not accelerating to the appropriate speed before merging onto the highway.
  • Acting angry with other drivers and using rude gestures.
  • Not using your turn signal to indicate where you’re going.

When you engage in unsafe driving practices, you can trigger the same in other drivers. Remember, we’re all simply trying to get where we need to go. If you’re in a hurry, that’s your fault, so try leaving 10 minutes earlier next time. If you drive more courteously and safely, you’ll notice others do too.

Which safe driving practices do you follow (or not)? Tell us below. 

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: ,

Bring On the Blues!

May 23, 2014 by

“Are you contracted with my insurance company?”

That’s always one of the first questions asked by our prospective patients. If your Blue Cross Blue Shield plan is a member of the “Blue Card” network then the answer is “YES” and you can rest assured there will be no surprises and you will get the best benefit available to you through our practice, our chosen hospital, and any ancillary services. We never utilize providers outside of the network for our Blue Cross Blue Shield patients.

100 million members — 1-in-3 Americans – rely on Blue Cross Blue Shield companies for access to safe, quality, and affordable healthcare. Operating and offering healthcare coverage in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, the 37 Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies cover 100 million Americans.  Nationwide, more than 96% of hospitals and 92% of professional providers contract with Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies — more than any other insurer.

The Blues® currently serve 85% of Fortune 100 companies and 76% of Fortune 500 companies.  Moreover, the Blues have enrolled more than half of all U.S. federal workers, retirees and their families, making the Federal Employee Program the largest single health plan group in the world.

bluesHow can you tell if your plan is part of the “Blue Card” network?

– Alpha Prefix – Three characters in the first position of the identification number.

– Suitcase Iconee characters in the first 

Here is how the program works:

  • We submit our claim to Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina (BCBSSC)
  • BCBSSC electronically forwards the claim to the patients home plan
  • Patients home plan verifies eligibility, applies benefits, and returns claim to BCBSSC
  • BCBSSC applies pricing according to our contract and sends remittance and payment to us

If you are still uncertain or if your card looks a little different than the sample here, just give us a call and we’ll be happy to check it out for you. We have insurance experts on staff that can answer these kinds of questions quickly and efficiently. Our office is contracted with most major insurers including United Healthcare, Cigna, Medicare, Aetna, Humana, Coventry and many, many more. We’ve never met an insurance company we couldn’t work something out with.

Have a FANTASTIC DAY!

Gail Lanter, CPC

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

Have a question about breast reconstruction or post-surgical care you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask us!

Filed Under: Ask the Doctor Tagged With: , , ,

Inspirational Books for Cancer Survivors, Part 2

May 21, 2014 by

<img src="image.gif" alt="stack of books" />In the first post in this series, we highlighted some inspirational books from Barnes and Noble we thought you’d enjoy reading. We went to Amazon and found three books that we thought would inspire. Please enjoy the book descriptions as found on Amazon.

From Incurable to Incredible: Cancer Survivors Who Beat the Odds by Tami Boehmer

This book includes over 25 survivor stories and is sure to be one of your favorites. Read on to discover a few of the incredible stories told here.

“You’ll learn about Dave Massey, who in 1986 and again in 1997, was given six months to live. Today, he runs marathons and speaks at cancer centers nationwide to spread his message of hope.

Paul Falk, diagnosed 23 years ago at age 9 with acute leukemia, describes how his doctors wondered if he would survive two weeks. A year later, he wowed everyone by becoming the personal guest of then Vice President George H.W. Bush.

And then there’s Ann Fonfa, who was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer in 1999. On Sept. 12, 2001, she learned she had no evidence of disease, as smoke billowed from the World Trade Center blocks away. Today she continues to be clear of cancer and leads the Annie Appleseed Foundation, a respected online clearing house for information on complimentary cancer therapies.

The book includes a list of common attributes these survivors share, thought-provoking questions for discussion and support groups and insights on survivorship from best-selling author Bernie Siegel, MD, and Doug Ulman, CEO and president of LIVESTRONG.

This book is not just for cancer survivors, but for anyone who wants inspiration for overcoming life’s challenges. As Bernie Siegel says in his introduction, “From Incurable to Incredible as ‘a book everyone should read.’”

Chicken Soup for the Cancer Survivor’s Soul: 101 Healing Stories about Those Who Have Survived Cancer by Beverly Kirkhart and more

With several authors including Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, this book carries the touching tales of over 100 survivors, all with incredible stories to tell. The brief description below tells all you need to know.

“More than 100 cancer survivors share their personal stories in this touching new collection of Chicken Soup. These heartwarming accounts of courageous people who found the power to battle cancer in their endless hope, unwavering faith and steadfast determination will inspire you to adopt a positive attitude, discover your faith and cherish every moment. Just what the doctor ordered for healing your body, mind and soul.”

A Survivor’s Guide to Kicking Cancer’s Ass by Dena Mendes

Dena Mendes is a yoga instructor, healer, and chef. She is also a cancer survivor. Her book tells it like it is with heart. You’ll see when you read about her below.

“It’s a ballsy move to look in the face of cancer and say, “I’m gonna kick your ass!” Yet Dena Mendes did just that, and now she’ll tell you how to do the same thing! This book is a crash course in learning how to be your own advocate. Empower yourself by using your intuition and newfound knowledge, and you’ll come through this difficult yet amazing health-awakening opportunity with flying colors. With this step-by-step guide at your side, your journey will turn into a beautiful dance. As Dena promises, “You’ll get to turn yourself inside out and become someone new. I guarantee that this is the best trip you’ll ever take!” This guide is a life preserver that has been created to support you on your journey back to perfect health. . . .”

What are your favorite books by and about cancer survivors? Tell us about them!  

In the first post in this series, we highlighted some inspirational books from Barnes and Noble we thought you’d enjoy reading. We went to Amazon and found three books that we thought would inspire. Please enjoy the book descriptions as found on Amazon.

From Incurable to Incredible: Cancer Survivors Who Beat the Odds by Tami Boehmer

This book includes over 25 survivor stories and is sure to be one of your favorites. Read on to discover a few of the incredible stories told here.

“You’ll learn about Dave Massey, who in 1986 and again in 1997, was given six months to live. Today, he runs marathons and speaks at cancer centers nationwide to spread his message of hope.

Paul Falk, diagnosed 23 years ago at age 9 with acute leukemia, describes how his doctors wondered if he would survive two weeks. A year later, he wowed everyone by becoming the personal guest of then Vice President George H.W. Bush. 

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: , ,

Inspirational Books for Cancer Survivors, Part 1

May 19, 2014 by

<img src="filename.gif" alt="Stack of Books"> For many of our patients, reading the stories of others who have fought cancer and won has given them the edge they needed to continue their fight. We thought a list of these books would be a good reference for anyone curious about or in a struggle with this horrible disease.

We titled this blog “Inspirational Books for Cancer Survivors” because we truly believe that your mindset is vital for beating cancer, and we are positive that anyone who reads even one of these books will dramatically increase her odds of surviving cancer.

While browsing for books that inspire, we found this video message from Stand Up to Cancer. We hope you find it as touching as we did. On the same page, we found a reading list put together for the September 5 Stand Up to Cancer Event. Please read on for our first blog of inspirational stories of cancer survivors, and please stay tuned for part two.

Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips by Kris Carr

Actress Kris Carr fought liver cancer with gusto and grace. Here is an excerpt from the overview on Barnes and Noble:

“She (Carr) entered trench warfare (wearing cowboy boots into the MRI machine, no less), vowing, “Cancer needed a makeover, and I was just the gal to do it!” She began writing and filming her journey, documenting her interactions with friends, doctors, alternative “quacks,” blind dates, and other women with cancer—sadly a growing group…

CRAZY SEXY CANCER TIPS gathers the lessons learned and advice offered from Carr’s own journey, as well as the experiences of her cancer posse… Chapters cover your changing social life, dating, sex, and appearance; essential health tips on how to boost your immune system; recipes; medical and holistic resources; and information on young survivor support groups.”

Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor by Kris Carr

We’ve included the sequel because Kris Carr is a survivor, and we knew her second book had to be as uplifting as the first. Another excerpt from Barnes and Noble:

“On the heels of Kris Carr’s acclaimed Learning Channel documentary and best-selling survival guidebook Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips comes this survivor’s companion. With this beautifully illustrated, go-anywhere resource, Kris redefines what it means to be a survivor. She invites all the Cancer Cowgirls (and dudes) out there to slide into the driver’s seat, turn on their own internal GPS, and become empowered participants in their own healing journey. Pairing her signature sass and smart, soulful, real advice with thoughtful exercises, new contributors, and space for writing and reflecting, Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor reaffirms that it is possible to live a real, fun, crazy, sexy life with cancer—that healing is about truly living.”

From the Heart by Robin Roberts

We’ve all watched Robin’s fight against cancer, and we were thrilled to hear she had written a book. We loved it and highly recommend it because the advice in it resonates with all of us and should be required reading for everyone. We couldn’t agree more with Ann Burns’ review, so we’ve included it here.

“Recently diagnosed with breast cancer, Roberts, co-anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America and former anchor of ESPN’s Sports Center, has written a compelling book revealing the secret to her success. She reflects on Hurricane Katrina, recounting her ordeal on the Gulf Coast; her 15 years at ESPN; growing up in Pass Christian, MS; her faith; and much more. As a young woman, tennis was her first true passion, but she didn’t realize her dream of becoming a professional. Roberts’s rules include ‘Position yourself to take the shot; never play the race, gender, or any other card; venture outside your comfort zone; and keep faith, family, and friends close to your heart.’ She concludes by advising her listeners to break her rules and write their own: ‘live your life, let it happen, enjoy the ride.’ With musical interludes and the author’s lively presentation, this moving program is highly recommended for most libraries.”

—Ann Burns

Do you have a favorite inspirational book? Please include it below. 

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: , ,

Pinching Pain Around the Flap Area–Is This Normal?

May 16, 2014 by

DaisyThis week, Dr. James Craigie and office manager Gail Lanter of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your questions.

Q: Hello! I am a breast cancer survivor. In 1995, I was diagnosed and had my mastectomy and reconstruction all at one time. It was a 13-hour surgery.

Lately, I have been experiencing some pain like a pinching around the flap area. Is this normal? Perhaps scar tissue? Also, what can cause this? Most mammogram techs will not do both breasts during mammograms; they say there is no need. But this makes me a little scared. What if the pain is cancer coming back in that area? Also, could weight gain contribute to this discomfort? I appreciate your insight. 

A: It is not unusual for aches and pains to develop in the area you had surgery. If you have had weight gain then changes in the breast shape could cause pulling on the scars from your surgery. A lot would depend on the type of reconstruction you had. You should definitely have either your surgeon or cancer doctor examine you to determine if they notice anything suspicious. If so they may need to perform some type of test to get more information. They might consider an MRI or ultrasound. Our practice is dedicated to breast reconstruction and we are not experts at screening for breast cancer or  the treatment of breast cancer.

I would definitely recommend you follow up with  one of your doctors if your discomfort persists. I do not routinely have patients undergo screening mammograms of their reconstructed breasts. I hope this helps and that everything works out okay.

Dr. James Craigie

 

Q: I have the gene mutation, BRCA 1. I am from Ashkenazi Jewish descent. Many family members have been diagnosed before the age of 40. I have a scheduled prophylactic mastectomy with DIEP flap surgery scheduled for the end of May. I received a call this morning that Humana will not cover prophylactic surgeries. I know there’s got to be a way and that’s why I’m writing you. They’re telling me that my physicians can file an exemption or determination letter. Is this the best way to go about this? Do you have any advice for me on what I need to or ask my doctors?

A: I am sorry that you are having trouble getting information about the coverage of a prophylactic mastectomy.  That can make a difficult situation even harder to deal with!  Without having all of the info about your particular Humana plan, I can offer you general information that may help.  You can access here Humana’s most recent clinical policy regarding coverage of prophylactic mastectomy.  It clearly says that a patient is eligible if she has a personal history of the BRCA 1 mutation so I am unsure why you are receiving conflicting information.  Did you receive the call from a representative employed by Humana?  If so, I would certainly initiate another conversation with them and identify this clinical policy.

Gail Lanter

Practice Manager, Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

Have a question about breast reconstruction or post-surgical care you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask us!

Filed Under: Ask the Doctor Tagged With: , , ,

20 Stories of Famous Cancer Survivors

May 14, 2014 by

<img src="image.gif" alt="A pink ribbon" />You’ve read the stories of cancer survivors and marveled at their strength, resilience, and confidence. We’ve collected 20 of their stories here, and we hope you enjoy them.

Actress Christina Applegate had a double mastectomy after a cancer diagnosis in 2008. She has started her own cancer foundation.

Bicyclist Lance Armstrong’s testicular cancer spread to his lungs and brain. He was given only a short time to live, but he went on to live and win the Tour de France seven times.

Actress and director Kathy Bates privately fought ovarian cancer 10 years ago and won.

Just two months ago, newsman Tom Brokaw found he had multiple myeloma. He is currently being treated at the Mayo Clinic.

Actor and director Robert DeNiro successfully fought prostate cancer with surgery 11 years ago.

TV doc Drew Pinsky was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2011 and underwent a robotic prostatectomy last summer.
After two years of misdiagnoses, actress Fran Drescher was diagnosed with uterine cancer in 2000. In typical Fran fashion, she founded Fran Drescher’s Cancer Shmancer Foundation.

Late last year, actor Hugh Jackman had a basal cell carcinoma removed from his nose.

Actor Michael C. Hall was told he had Hodgkin’s lymphoma four years ago and is now in remission.

Actress Valerie Harper has beaten the odds. She was told in March 2013 that she had a rare form of brain cancer and was given three months to live.

News anchor and “Today Show” cohost Hoda Kotb has been breast-cancer free since 2009.

In 1995, actor Mr. T was found to have a rare type of T-cell lymphoma. He is in remission.

Diagnosed with breast cancer 8 years ago, actress Cynthia Nixon quietly fought it and is now an ambassador for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Singer Ozzy Osbourne’s wife Sharon was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2002. After chemo and surgery, she is now cancer free and has started the Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Program.

Former Secretary of State General Colin Powell was found to have prostate cancer last year and underwent surgery last December.

News anchor Robin Roberts has been free of breast cancer for over five years.

Actor Richard Roundtree was diagnosed with breast cancer, a rarity among men. He has been cancer free since 1993 after undergoing a double mastectomy and chemotherapy.
Actress Cybill Shepherd’s doctor found a melanoma on her back 12 years ago, and she was successfully treated.

Actress Suzanne Somers beat breast cancer with a lumpectomy and radiation.

Broadway actress Marissa Janet Winokur found she had cervical cancer while she was starring in the Broadway musical “Hairspray.” She beat it and went on to have a baby via surrogate.

Who have we missed? Let us know below!

Filed Under: In Her Words Tagged With: , ,

It Was Another Amazing Dragon Boat Festival!

May 13, 2014 by

We were honored to serve as sponsors for the Dragon Boat Festival on May 3 at Brittlebank Park. This was the seventh year of the Festival, and it’s a unique event we’re proud to be part of.

There’s nothing like seeing cancer survivors get on the water to compete and have fun! The event benefits the cancer survivor programs of Dragon Boat Charleston, complete with colorful costumes, vendors offering all kinds of food and drink. We heard plenty of laughter and stories, which is why we love going every year.

2014 Charleston Dragonboat Festival from Liz Oakley Productions on Vimeo.

The Charleston Dragon Boat Festival has four classes of paddleboat racers: cancer survivors, men, women, and mixed-sex. Teams decorate their tents and wear team t-shirts, which are always creative and original. The entry fees for the Festival pay for cancer survivors to participate, yoga and nutrition workshops, a two-month outreach session for survivors, a Spring Camp, and year-round paddling 4-5 times per week.

According to Dragon Boat Charleston, “Since 2003, Dragon Boat Charleston has been paddling the waters of the Ashley River with the mission to promote physical and mental wellness among cancer survivors and their community through dragon boating. The organization strives to encourage healthy healing and healthy lifestyles through goal oriented exercise, good nutrition, education and fellowship and to support the beneficial effects of physical activity in survivorship through research. The club has over 160 members, some of which paddle in races throughout the country.”

We know that physical activity is beneficial to cancer survivors during and after cancer treatment, and thanks to events like the Dragon Boat Festival, wellness programs designed for cancer survivors have been developed across the country. We were privileged to join in this effort.

For more information, visit the Dragon Boat website.

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: , ,

Should You Drink that Wine?

May 12, 2014 by

<img src="image.gif" alt="A glass of wine" />Red wine has been shown to have numerous health benefits, and for many a glass of wine a night is beneficial. For others, however, a daily glass of wine may not be such a good idea.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Red wine, in moderation, has long been thought of as heart healthy. The alcohol and certain substances in red wine called antioxidants may help prevent heart disease by increasing levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol) and protecting against artery damage.”

That sounds great, but the Mayo Clinic also says, “While the news about red wine might sound great if you enjoy a glass of red wine with your evening meal, doctors are wary of encouraging anyone to start drinking alcohol. That’s because too much alcohol can have many harmful effects on your body.”

How do you decide whether a daily glass of red wine benefits you?

Can you stick with just one or two?

Drinking in moderation means only one 4-ounce glass a day for women and men under 65, and up to two glasses for men under 65. As with any other alcoholic beverage, it’s far too easy to justify having more than one or to drink extra wine without thinking about it.

What does the research actually say?

The Mayo Clinic is cautious about interpreting the studies done on red wine. They note, “Resveratrol might be a key ingredient in red wine that helps prevent damage to blood vessels, reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) and prevents blood clots…

Most research on resveratrol has been done on animals, not people. Research in mice given resveratrol suggests that the antioxidant might also help protect them from obesity and diabetes, both of which are strong risk factors for heart disease. However, those findings were reported only in mice, not in people. In addition, to get the same dose of resveratrol used in the mice studies, a person would have to drink more than 1,000 liters of red wine every day…

One study showed that resveratrol may actually reduce the positive effect of exercise on the heart in older men. It’s also important to know that resveratrol’s effects only last a short time after drinking red wine, so its effects may not last in the long term.”

Does only red wine offer health benefits?

Other studies have shown that alcohol in general, not just red wine, can raise HDL cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and reduce your risk of developing blood clots. If you prefer other types of alcohol, drinking them in moderation may be OK. However, please note that the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute do not recommend that you drink merely to improve heart health.

In short, if you already enjoy alcohol in moderation, you can continue to do so. If you do not, talk to your doctor if you wish to begin drinking to improve your heart health. The risk of developing alcohol addiction may be too great to risk it.

Tell us if you drink (or not), and why in the comments section below.

Drinking too much can worsen other health markers, such as blood pressure, obesity risk, and liver damage. Can you stop at just one? If you can’t, please don’t begin drinking wine daily to benefit your heart.

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: , , ,
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