Health Tips Blog |
COVID-19 Concerns & Precautions from Dr. Allan KurtzBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on March 17, 2020
As the world is navigating how best to deal with the spread of Coronavirus, the health and safety of our patients and office team continues to be our primary concern. We are continually monitoring the situation and want to share information to help you understand what we do to protect your health, the health of your family and those around you. |
Should You Be Afraid of Coronavirus?By: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on March 9, 2020
The global outbreak of the new or "novel" coronavirus is dominating the headlines, overtaking social media, and sending countless individuals into a state of panic. But here in the San Fernando Valley and throughout Los Angeles, should you be afraid of coronavirus? |
Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Center of Southern CaliforniaBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on February 15, 2020
Why Inflammation Testing for Heat Attack and Stroke Prevention is so Important - This information can save your life! |
What to Know About Amniotic "Stem Cell" Therapy for Joint PainBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on January 20, 2020
Every so often a new "medical treatment" comes along claiming to be the magical cure for a specific ailment or medical condition. These days, one such magical cure that is being advertised and marketed to unsuspecting patients suffering from joint pain is being called "amniotic stem cell therapy." |
Coronary Heart Disease: Preventative Measures Prove as Effective as Stents & Bypass Surgery in treating CADBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on January 10, 2020
Each year, approximately 1 million Americans undergo invasive and expensive stent surgery or bypass surgery to treat Coronary Heart Disease (also called Ischemic Heart Disease or CAD). |
Why You Should Use Your Own Stem Cells for Treating PainBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on December 25, 2019
Warnings continue about “Off-the-Shelf” Stem Cells, here's what you need to know... |
Brain Fog During Menopause: How Hormone Optimization Can HelpBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on November 7, 2019
Women in perimenopause, and menopause can attest that the decline of hormones can affect seemingly everything. However, the most troubling disruption to life as estrogen and progesterone production declines, can be the changes in brain function. |
The Dangers of Cortisone (Steroid) Injections in Treating Arthritis in the JointsBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on October 27, 2019
Millions of men and women have received cortisone (aka: steroid) injections for treatment of joint pain caused by arthritis. Many of them experience relief, and as such conventional medicine readily prescribes steroid injections to treat symptoms of pain, swelling, bone destruction, and cartilage loss in the joint. |
Arteriology: Emerging Medical Specialty for Treating Cardiovascular DiseaseBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on October 2, 2019
In the United States, the progress made for years in reducing deaths caused by Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) has come to a screeching halt. |
The Best Test for CholesterolBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on August 25, 2019
Why You Need to Know More Than Just Your "Bad Cholesterol" Levels. A better predictor of your risk of heart attack measures the amount of Apolipoprotein B-100 (ApoB)... |
Non-Surgical Relief for Hip PainBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on August 1, 2019
Benefits of Regenerative Stem Cell Therapies. Stem Cell Therapy injections and PRP injections offer a great deal of promise for individuals suffering from hip pain. Here's how Stem Cell injections and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections work to alleviate hip pain, without the need for surgery... |
Regenerative Medicine for Runners KneeBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on May 28, 2019
The term "runner's knee" is an umbrella term commonly used to describe pain in and around the kneecap (patella) which frequently affects runners. This informal name is misleading though, as runner's knee can be caused by any activity, injury or a condition which puts repeated stress on the knee joint. |
Does Stem Cell Therapy Help Arthritic Knees?By: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on May 1, 2019
This article looks at how new methods of Stem Cell Therapy may help those with pain in the knees due to arthritic conditions. |
Can Stem Cells Repair a Torn Labrum or Meniscus Tears?By: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on April 20, 2019
Tears in the meniscus of the knee, and labral tears of the hip affect countless men and women in Los Angeles each year. |
Stroke Claims Actor Luke Perry's Life at 52By: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on April 1, 2019
Tests Available to Help You Understand Your Risk for Stroke and Heart Attack |
What is Functional & Integrative Medicine?By: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on February 15, 2019
Functional Medicine & Integrative Medicine are Similar and Complementary, but are Not Synonymous
Heres the difference... |
Ultimate Executive-CEO Physical - A Comprehensive Health & Wellness Exam Now Available in Southern CaliforniaBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on January 24, 2019
Focused on preventing illness before it arises, the Center of Longevity & Functional Wellness is now offering a whole new approach to wellness to meet the demands of busy executives and CEOs in Southern California. It's the Ultimate Executive Physical Exam, and here's why...
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Staying Healthy: How Integrative Wellness and Functional Medicine WorkBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on August 5, 2018
Staying healthy in Southern California is largely contingent upon preventing illness from taking root in the first place. In that regard, there's truth to the cliche that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Though Functional Medicine and Integrative Wellness are not the same, both focus on a comprehensive approach to wellness, through focusing on treating the whole person, as opposed to treating the symptoms of illness or a disease state that takes hold.
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What Your Basic Physical Exam/Wellness Check Is Missing in Los AngelesBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on March 9, 2018
Annual physicals and wellness checks certainly have their merits. However, with few exceptions, most annual physicals or wellness checks only focus on identifying obvious, or visible medical issues. |
President Trump and the Deadly Myth of "Nonclinical" Heart DiseaseBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on January 25, 2018
Test results from President Trump's annual physical reveal he has atherosclerosis, a common type of heart disease. Heart disease is the leading killer of Americans, often from heart attacks or strokes. |
Best Integrative Doctor San Fernando ValleyBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on January 15, 2018
Men and women in the San Fernando Valley looking for an expert Integrative Doctor, will find exactly that at the California Center for Longevity & Functional Medicine in Woodland Hills. Board Certified Internist, Dr. Allan Kurtz is regarded as a top Integrative Doctor in the San Fernando Valley. |
Know Your Risk for Cardiovascular DiseaseBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on December 28, 2017
Normal Cholesterol Levels Do Not Mean Southern Californians are Safe from Heart Attacks and Stroke |
Anti-Inflammation Diets: A Valuable Tool in Preventing Heart Disease, Stroke Dementia & Alzheimer's in SoCalBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on November 20, 2017
Southern Californians suffer from heart attack, stroke, cancer, and dementia far too often. Because most of these conditions share the common symptom of inflammation, men and women in Los Angeles can help to prevent the onset or slow the progression of these devastating diseases and conditions through reducing inflammation within the body. |
Cardiac Arrest & Heart Attack: Differences, and Test Results Men and Women in Los Angeles Need to UnderstandBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on October 9, 2017
Cardiac arrest is to blame for the tragic death of Tom Petty, one of the San Fernando Valley's most beloved music icons. Sadly, his death was soon followed by the sudden death of comedian Ralphie May. Like Petty, Ralphie May is also believed to have died prematurely as the result of cardiac arrest. |
Integrative Wellness Medicine: What You Need to KnowBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on August 10, 2017
At the Los Angeles, California Center for Longevity & Functional Medicine, Board Certified Internist, Dr. Allan Kurtz practices Integrative Wellness Medicine, in order to provide comprehensive approaches and treatment plans for each individual. |
Four New Tests to Prevent Heart Attacks and Strokes in Southern CaliforniaBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on July 16, 2017
The Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Center emphasizes health, wellness and longevity through the prevention of illnesses and diseases such as stroke and heart disease. These Four Tests are critical to understanding your risk... |
Am I At Risk for Heart Attack or Stroke?By: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on June 1, 2017
Every single day 2,200 people die from heart disease in the United States. Someone in the U.S. has a heart attack every 40 seconds. |
NanobacTX: Nanobiotic Compound to Improve Cardiovascular Health in Los AngelesBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on April 12, 2017
NanobacTX has been shown in cardiology clinical trials to improve vascular health, heart health, and even helps to increase exercise ability. Learn more... |
Detection of the Disease That Claimed So Many Celebrities in 2016 Available at Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Center in Los AngelesBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on January 4, 2017
Last year, we lost a lot of truly remarkable individuals to CardioVascular Disease (CVD). Just a few of the wildly talented entertainers who we lost to this often silent, but fatal disease include Carrie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds, Alan Thicke, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Garry Shandling and George Michael. |
Inflammation Testing for Heart Disease Now Available at California Center of Longevity and Functional MedicineBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on December 3, 2016
It's no secret that heart disease is a serious medical issue in the United States, including Southern California. In fact, the figures and statistics on this subject are staggering. According to specialists at the Cleveland Heart Lab, 2200 people in the U.S. die from heart disease each day. On top of that, someone in the United States suffers a heart attack every 43 seconds. Perhaps the most surprising figure to some is that 50% of those that experience a stroke or a heart attack actually have normal cholesterol levels. |
Poor Digestion: Recognizing the SymptomsBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on November 23, 2016
The main function of our GI tract is to digest and absorb the foods we eat. Digestive enzymes, hydrochloric acid in the stomach and rhythmic contractions all play a part in breaking down large food particles so they can be absorbed into our bodies. Poor digestion and absorption of key nutrients will result in low energy, sluggish metabolism, mental fog, fatigue and an increased susceptibility to all chronic illnesses.
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Five Benefits of Nutritional Supplements and Nutraceuticals for Southern CaliforniansBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on November 4, 2016
When we catalogue the tenets of wellness, we usually think only of diet and exercise. In fact, nutritional supplements and nutraceuticals are vastly important tools available to us. Life in Los Angeles can be stressful, and sometimes our daily health doesn't get the full attention it requires to be ideally effective. That's where nutritional supplements and a nutraceutical approach is most helpful. |
Know Your Score - Prevent Heart Attacks & Strokes Before They Occur!By: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on September 28, 2016
Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Center of Southern California Now Offering Premium Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Testing |
Dr. Allan Kurtz Featured In Health Magazine 2016By: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on August 19, 2016
Read what Ventura Blvd HEALTH Magazine had to say about Dr. Allan Kurtz and California Center Of Longevity Medicine. "Our goal at the Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine is to restore your optimal health."
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Cholesterol Levels and Cardiovascular Health for Southern CaliforniansBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on July 27, 2016
There Is More to Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Than Keeping Cholesterol Low Read More... |
What is IV Nutrition Therapy?By: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on July 5, 2016
IV (intravenous) Nutrition Therapy is used to feed vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream. This means that they bypass the digestive system, so that the benefits of various vitamins are not rendered inactive through the digestion process. With IV Nutrition Therapy, patients of the California Center of Longevity and Functional Medicine are able to reap all of the benefits of the vitamins and minerals they need, without fear that a weakened intestinal function will prevent supplements from being absorbed into the body.
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The Three Stages of HPA DysfunctionBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on May 18, 2016
The Three Stages of HPA Dysfunction (Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal Axis) commonly called Adrenal Fatigue, and why it's important to you and your health. |
Mediterranean Low Glycemic Load DietBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on April 14, 2016
Not all foods have the same impact on our blood sugar and insulin. Because of its important impact on our health, we have provided the Mediterranean-style Low Glycemic Load Diet to our patients and their family and friends.
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Integrative Medicine: An All Inclusive Approach to Health & Wellbeing in Woodland HillsBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on April 5, 2016
At the California Center for Longevity & Functional Medicine in Woodland Hills, CA Board Certified Dr. Kurtz proudly practices Integrative Medicine, in order to provide all-inclusive approaches and treatment plans for each individual's personal health, wellbeing and longevity. |
You Are What You Eat: A Look at Foods that Support Cardiometabolic HeathBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on February 8, 2016
(And those you should limit or avoid in order to promote longevity). A recent study published by Nutrition Journal shows that cardiometabolic health begins in infancy and remains important throughout childhood and adolescence. This means that the foods you consume regularly when you're younger play a big role in your adult health. |
Exercising in the Winter Months: Why It is Necessary in Order to Prevent Illness and Maintain Physical and Even Emotional HealthBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on January 28, 2016
Exercising is essential for keeping our bodies healthy. Here in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, we have the luxury of extraordinary weather mostly year-round. However, even we aren't immune to the reduced daylight hours, colder temperatures and rainy days, that can make us want to skip our exercise routines. However, during the winter months it is actually more important than ever to keep up with healthy exercise habits, in order to keep your immune system strong, and to prevent against emotional stressors such as depression which many people are very prone to during the winter. |
The Holiday Season is No Time to Skimp on SleepBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on December 1, 2015
As the holidays approach, our schedules often begin to resemble a laundry list of chores and preparations: meals to plan, gifts to buy, travel arrangements to make, and guests to host. Though the holidays are about giving thanks and celebrating the season, often times stress becomes the recurrent theme. While your To-Do List may be ever growing, committing to a night of restful sleep should always remain a priority. |
Choosing the Natural Path: Preventing Common Colds During Flu Season in the San Fernando ValleyBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on October 21, 2015
What's easier than missing several days of work and school, making a few trips to the pharmacy for cough medicine and lozenges and spending the better part of a week achy and fatigued? The answer is practicing a functional approach to medicine and avoiding common colds during the upcoming flu season. |
Getting the Flu Shot: Can it be Dangerous?By: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on October 10, 2015
So here's the dilemma that many people in the San Fernando Valley and throughout Southern California face every winter: to get or not to get the flu shot. |
Take Control of Your Blood Sugar Now!By: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on September 30, 2015
Out of control blood sugar levels can lead to serious short term problems such as hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, or diabetic ketoacidosis. |
Recommendations for Relieving Stress and Taking Control of Your Life Once AgainBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on September 18, 2015
Successful stress relief is making a decision to make stress management an important and ongoing goal, and to monitor your stress level. By learning to identify issues and implement solutions, you can begin to achive successful stress reduction. |
I Feel Constantly Stressed: Am I Candidate For a Stress Profile?By: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on August 4, 2015
There is no getting around the fact that stress is a part of our lives. Stress arises from environmental, emotional, or physiological causes. In order for our bodies to adapt to stress it is vital that we have proper levels of adrenal hormones cortisol and DHEA. |
How Can I Reduce The Health Risks Of Environmental Toxins in My Body?By: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on July 28, 2015
In greater Los Angeles, CA we have countless environmental toxins around us all of the time. Toxins come from pollution from factories, from the millions of cars on the road each day, from paint and cleaning products, from pesticides and insecticides, from heavy metals, radiation and inhalants. As a matter of fact, protecting yourself from all of the environmental toxins prevalent in Southern California is frankly impossible. However, there are some things you can do to give your body a boost in filtering some of the environmental toxins it absorbs each day. |
Longevity & Functional Medicine: An Enhancement to Traditional Western MedicineBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on July 6, 2015
America is in the midst of an epidemic of chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, heart disease, cancer, dementia, and autoimmune diseases. How can Longevity & Functional Medicine help? |
Adrenal Dysfunction: Symptoms & StagesBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on June 30, 2015
Adrenal dysfunction is responsible for a variety of symptoms and conditions, though it is rarely diagnosed by a Western Medicine trained physician. Here's what you need to know... |
Be Careful About Believing Everything You Read:
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Which Supplements Help Support Cardiovascular Health?By: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on May 13, 2015
Studies have shown that specific nutrient supplements are particularly helpful when it comes to promoting cardiovascular health. From CoQ10 to Fish Oil and D-Ribose to L-Carnitine, here's an overview of why these supplements are especially helpful in keeping your heart healthy. Read More... |
Do Detoxification Plans Really Give You More Energy?By: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on May 8, 2015
There is no denying the increasing popularity of cleanses designed to help the body to detoxify the body. Toxins enter into our bodies as the result of our environment (see also: Southern California's terrible air quality), our diet, our lifestyle, and become by-products of our own metabolic reactions. Read More... |
Flaxseed Oil: An Important Part of Your Longevity PlanBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on May 6, 2015
Regarding Flaxseed Oil, WebMD says: "Some call it one of the most powerful plant foods on the planet. There's some evidence it may help reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. That's quite a tall order for a tiny seed that's been around for centuries." Read More... |
Even in Sunny Southern California, Vitamin D Deficiencies Are Too CommonBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on April 28, 2015
Humans only get the ever important Vitamin D from three sources: sunlight, food, or supplements. Since we live in sunny Southern California, many people assume that they are getting plenty of Vitamin D from our 300+ days of sunshine each year, even if we don't get enough in our diet. However, this is not the case, and as such, far too many people are risking heir bone health by not taking a Vitamin D supplement. Read More... |
Working for Everyone To Achieve Whole-Body WellnessBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on March 12, 2015
Whole Body Wellness Begins With Preventing Diseases Read More... |
American Heart Month: How Hormones Affect Your Heart (In More Ways Than One)By: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on February 17, 2015
February is American Heart Month, which makes it the perfect time to talk about heart health, but not just as it relates to cardiovascular health. With a highly sexually charged film making headlines this month, it's worth taking a look at how heart health, or the lack thereof, may impact your love life. Indeed, hormones play a role in not only how healthy your heart is, but in the health of your sexuality as well. Let's take a look at how a hormone imbalance can negatively affect your physical health as well as your sex life. Read More... |
Adrenal Gland Dysfunction: An OverviewBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on November 24, 2014
More than 500,000 Americans suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome. Millions more actually suffer from severe exhaustion caused by adrenal dysfunction. If you are one of the many Americans who is constantly relying on coffee, stimulants or sugar to keep your energy levels up, it is quite likely you are experiencing adrenal dysfunction. Read More... |
Can My Sweet Tooth be Caused by a Hormonal Imbalance?By: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on November 20, 2014
The maintenance of blood sugar balance and healthy sleeping patterns are intrinsically linked to your hormone levels. The hormone cortisol, which is produced by your adrenal glands, has an impact on your blood sugar levels, your heart rate, your blood pressure and even your metabolism. Read More... |
Health Benefits of Vitamin EBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on September 13, 2014
At the California Center of Longevity and Functional Medicine, we have successfully helped patients to improve upon countless symptoms, simply by confirming that they are receiving the proper amounts of vitamins and minerals to successfully eradicate various medical conditions. Read More... |
Should I Go Gluten-Free?By: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on August 13, 2014
Gluten-free living has become a way of life for countless Americans over the past several decades. But why are so many people in Southern California and throughout the nation opting to eliminate gluten from their diets? The short answer is because they feel so much better, overall. Here's a look at the specific health improvements patients of the California Center of Longevity and Functional Medicine report after eliminating gluten from their diet.
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Treating Cardiovascular DiseaseBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on July 9, 2014
Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Coronary Heart Disease and myocardial infarction are the leading cause of death.
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Alzheimer's Disease Prevention & SymptomsBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on June 2, 2014
Every day patients come in saying the same thing: "Dr. Kurtz, I think I'm losing my mind. I remember most details from growing up, but I can't remember what I ate for lunch!"
In response to these frequent comments, I want to discuss Alzheimer's disease and Dementia.
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Testosterone Is An Essential Hormone In Both Men And WomenBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on April 10, 2014
Testosterone decline can begin as early as 30 years old. Bio identical testosterone replacement therapy has dramatic effects on health, mood, well being and sexuality. In the Shores study from the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2006, men with low testosterone died 88% sooner than men with high testosterone. Khaw et al. study in Circulation showed that high testosterone was correlated with lower mortality for cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Testosterone deficiency has been shown to increase cardiovascular disease, dementia, Type 2 Diabetes, Lipid abnormalities, and depression. The central controversy in Testosterone replacement is where testosterone replacement therapy increases the risk of prostate cancer. Research by Morgantaler (2006) concludes that "there is not now-nor has there ever been a scientific basis for the belief that testosterone cases prostate cancer to grow.
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Dr. Allan Kurtz Featured In The Ventura Blvd MagazineBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on February 27, 2014
Read what Ventura Blvd had to say about Dr. Allan Kurtz and California Center Of Longevity Medicine.
"Functional medicine creates a focus on prevention and maintains better health through exercise, lab testing and a combination of medication, nutritional supplements and proper diet."
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Adrenal FatigueBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on February 21, 2014
Adrenal fatigue refers to a collection of symptoms and signs, called a syndrome, which is the result of adrenal glands functioning at lower than optimal levels. Although adrenal fatigue is most often thought to be brought about by chronic or intense lasting stress; adrenal fatigue has also been diagnosed as the result of chronic, lasting infections including bronchitis, influenza or pneumonia. Read More... |
Causes and Prevention of Heart DiseaseBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on January 29, 2014
We can lower our risk of heart disease through proper nutrition, nutritional supplements, exercise, and relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga. It is never too late to start this program to slowly prevent and even reverse heart disease.
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Flawed Research Used to Attack Multivitamin SupplementsBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on December 24, 2013
I wanted to share this article with you because of its relevance. After reading some of the recent headlines, many people have asked me whether nutritional supplements have been proven to be ineffective.
However, just because something is reported does not mean that it is true. Please ask questions and look deeper than these headlines. Here is an excellent article that explores this topic. Happy Holiday's Dr Allan Kurtz Read More... |
Understanding Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)By: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on November 7, 2013
Treatment & Prevention
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What is Functional, Integrative Medicine?By: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on September 25, 2013
In Functional Medicine, we ask the following questions: (1) What is the root of the medical problem (2) What do we do to correct it? Read More... |
Our Health Tips Blog PageBy: California Center of Longevity & Functional Medicine on July 10, 2013
Welcome to our Health Tips page where we will be providing information, news and events that we feel is important to you. Please check this page frequently for updated content, thank you. |