Bringing sexy back!

Last weekend I gave a talk on men's sexual function, actually men's sexual dysfunction to be precise. A lot of couples don't realize that men's sexual function does decrease with age even when the desire is still strong. Hence the immense popularity of Viagra and Cialis kinds of drugs. My talk involved the natural decline in sexual function and how to restore it even if these drugs don't work. Before I switch subjects, many are not aware that if a man has had Cialis within 48 hours he cannot take nitrates for a heart attack or chest pressure. I want to give that little piece of information so that people remember to mention the use of these medications should they find themselves in an emergency room. As it happens the conference called 'Bringing Sexy Back' was for married women only and they had a myriad of concerns about their husband's sexual function. The rest of the 2 days was spent 'getting sexy' with workshops and advice that I think would be hard to find elsewhere. Suffice to say it was 'live' and pretty wild (by my standards at least). I would certainly be happy to discuss either female or male sexual dysfunction with any patients who have an interest in the subject. This conference underscored the very important role that sexual intercourse plays in a marriage and how it reinforces bonding, intimacy and even friendship between the spouses. Here's a heads up: On April 30th at 11 AM I will be speaking at the Howard county Womanfest on "sex, sanity and sleep". The subject matter in this case will be strictly about women and it is free.. More on that in future blogs, in the meantime put some thought into spicing up your sex life and if its not working come and see me.

Babies, babies, babies!

Babies, babies, babies! People often comment that there are so many baby pictures in my office. That’s because I love babies and they are pictures of children I have taken care of over the years, many of whom have graduated from college already. Over the years we have less and less babies in our practice. This may be because of all the anti-aging signs in the office, perhaps mothers think you have to be walking and talking to be a patient of mine! The average age of my adult patients is also increasing so not as many are getting pregnant. Be that as it may, we love our littlest patients as much as the older ones. I am still certified by Johns Hopkins with privileges in the newborn nursery and I take care of many small people. Many people do not realize that Family physicians do 3 years post graduate training in pediatrics just like pediatricians. Their focus tends to be more on out patient healthy children than sick hospitalized ones. A common question asked is why someone would choose a family physician (board certified of course) over a pediatrician to take care of their children. Here are some of the reasons: A family physician knows the whole family and what history may be relevant to the baby. The child doesn’t have to find a new doctor at 16 and has someone who has followed them and their family all their lives. With female children family physicians can answer questions about periods and gyn issues. Girls are developing much earlier these days. Family physicians generally have less children in their practice so they know and care about the intricacies of each individual child. We know all our babies by their first name. In our practice we have a dedicated room for babies so they don’t have to wait in the waiting room. And they don’t have to compete for space. In many cultures it is assumed that the person who takes care of the mother is able to take care of her whole family, it is more the norm than the exception, family practice is a holistic specialty that encompasses everyone. It is the one specialty that specializes in you whatever your age. In this country there is a push to use specialists for everything, for example I know my patients are often surprised when I treat their rash and it goes away yet they thought they would have to go to a dermatologist because they have something on their skin. Everyone should really think through their options, as always knowledge is power, and then do what makes sense for them, their family and their personal aspirations. ‘My’ last baby was born the week before Xmas rounding out a family of five and 2015 for us. Looking forward to 2016 and more babies to love and care for!

Need more time with your doctor?

Need more time with your doctor? In today’s hurried world both the doctor and the patient can feel frustrated by the amount of time available to speak with each other. Did you know that the insurance company rarely pays for more than a 15 minute visit with a primary care physician (PCP) unless the patient has a diagnosis they think should take longer. Even then extra documentation is required to show why it would take so long. Its ironic that they pay specialists for more time (even when it is a pop in and “keep taking the same medicine” visit) than they do for PCP’s who are supposed to be on the frontline and have a deeper understanding of you and your family’s overall health. I recently admitted a critically ill patient who had just returned from overseas and the insurance company refused to pay for my hospital visits to take care of him. Even though they saved a bundle by not having to pay specialists. They said his care is covered by the $20 a month they pay me for capitation. Small wonder most doctors don’t bother to take care of their own patients in the hospital anymore. They simply turn them over to a hospitalist who doesn’t know anything about them, kind of like a mechanic who only handles exactly what is in front of him. I recently returned from a conference (way out in the Boonies!) on alternative medicine and once again learned fascinating information I would love to share with my patients. But where is the time? While I am at conferences I keep thinking “wow! So and so may really benefit from that”. “I wish I had known that before so and so had that surgery” “I have a zillion patients who complain of fatigue, fibroids etc…If only I could have more time with them” When I come back I always like to meet with my VIP patients to discuss how new information may help them and what changes we can make to their vitamin regimens. Unfortunately I cant do that with everyone, however, if you feel that you would like to schedule a private self pay consultation with me please call the office. I am bursting to share the great news of how to improve health with everyone. Believe me my own regimen changed last weekend! Here’s to real health and vitality.

New Look for the New Year, my Detox face!

Well here is my 2013 look, post detox! I got new photos done today and here is the big reveal! I thought it was time I got an update and the photographer agreed, he made me laugh talking about realtors who still use photographs from 30 years ago and how surprised people are when they actually meet the person. "No you don't understand" I told him, "my goal is to show people how well my face products and anti-aging program work! I'm really not trying to scare anyone when they meet the real me". After 30 plus years of practice I like to think I am doing something right. On a serious note, the more you read about detoxing the more you realize how critical it is to detox. The water, the food, the environment, chemicals. The EPA says that the indoor air is more polluted than the outdoor air! Toxins in today's world are unavoidable and there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that they are associated with the increase in certain diseases especially cancer. Since we can't live in a bubble let's do what is within our power to stay healthy. That's your goal and my goal, one of those goals that has to stay the same year after year. Please come back and read my blog often together we will make it work. I plan too keep sharing my 'secrets' until the whole world knows! Add life to your years and years to your life! Dr. Nadu Tuakli

Hi there, I just returned from a mission trip to Jamaica yesterday. As always travel is emotionally rejuvenating. I find medical trips I make outside the country always remind me to be grateful for the over abundance that we have in the USA. I am also always reminded of the importance of HEALTH EDUCATION, I am not fulfilled when I just write prescriptions and hand out pills. I believe more and more that my vocation is to teach! I am happiest when I am showing people how to be and stay healthy. Feel good wherever you are or whatever you have. And so, onward to another seminar, my attempt at spreading needed information that is not discussed enough. .......Please come on out to my Fall seminar on November 3rd 2012 and let's continue where we left off...... let's make a difference.........together. Be Well, Feel Good. Dr Tuakli