Dr. Jorge Paz Rodriguez - Wellmed Clinic in Marbella

Knowing and understanding your ailments and diseases as well as identifying symptoms is important to all patients. It eases the worry and questions we may have. WellMed wants to make our health care information available to patients to increase their knowledge and understanding, therefore, enabling you to live a healthier lifestyle. While aging cannot be prevented, the effects can be controlled to lead a healthier lifestyle. Through attention to the care we give our bodies and our habits and activities, we can extend the quality period of our lives and may even add a few years to our lives. Controlled clinical studies of ways to extend human life are difficult to accomplish because we live a long time—an average of 76 years. So any research about extending life will take many years to prove its effectiveness. Even so, we can take some actions that will help us live more healthy lives, which in turn should enhance the quality of our lives.

Advances in the Practice of Internal Medicine: Specialization in the practice of modern medicine is a fact of life. Physicians concentrate on one specific and precisely defined area of medicine and sometimes fail to take the "whole person" concept into consideration. The most recent advances in the understanding of the practice of internal medicine call for a comprehensive rethinking of our approach and require us to consider all of the variables impacting the patient's health, happiness, and overall quality of life.

Not Sick, but Not Really Healthy: Traditionally people have associated general or nonspecific complaints of maliase, fatigue, general aches and pains and simply "feeling bad" with old age. We only go to see the doctor when we have a specific complaint, injury or illness. Many fail to recognize slow declines in mobility, activity and overall health, wellbeing, and quality of life and just write them off to "growing old." We take antibiotics for an infection, pills from our cardiologist for cholesterol or blood pressure, medication for joint pain. In addition we buy Over the Counter medications for the occasional cold, headache, or other conditions as they arise. Our doctors check for "conflicts" between the medications but seldom consider the overall net effect on your health and well-being. The end result is living in a condition of feeling not really sick but also not living at an optimal level of health.

More and Better Information: We make use some of the best and most technologically advanced tests available in the world to make a highly accurate and detailed assessment of you overall level of health and fitness. We keep track of detailed laboratory results over time to track changes (improvements or declines.) It's simply not good enough to know that you're within the "normal" range for any given test. We look at all of the results and analyze them in harmony to determine what the optimal levels should be for you as an individual. What's considered to be "normal" for the rest of the world might be too high for your particluar situation. And, a series of elevated results all falling within the high end of the normal scale might indicate a lurking condition which should be addresssed.

Cost and Value: At the Wellmed Clinic we simply do a better and more complete job of evaluating your overall health using the highest technology at an accessible cost. You can have these tests performed in the United States or other countries but at a much higher price. Insurance companies now understand the value of preventive medicine in the overall healthcare strategy for the individual. In short, an ounce of prevention is still worth a pound of cure. In some cases we are using the latest European diagnostic technology that's not yet available in the United States.

Body Composition Analysis: The WellMed Clinic has the most advanced body composition analysis equipment available in the Republic of Panama which we use to can easily and quantitatively measure the four major components of the human body: water, protein, minerals, and fat. The highly detailed results are provided Using multi-frequencies and segmental measurement, we can obtain detailed information about the composition of your body composition in easy to read graphs which break down the the four major components as follows:

• Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Lean Body Mass (LBM)
• Body Fat (BF)
• Percentage Body Fat (%BF)
• Total Body Water (TBW)
• Intracellular Fluid (ICF)
• Extracellular Fluid (ECF)
• Segmental Fluid Distribution
• Fat Distribution (Waist-Hip Ratio)
• Body Cell Mass (BCM)
• Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

Why Is Body Composition Important? Body composition is the exact physical make-up of your body. Usually, body composition analysis divides the body into two components: body fat and lean body mass. The elements of your body are divided into three 3 components, comprising total body water (intracellular water and extracellular water), dry lean mass (proteins and minerals), and body fat. Body composition analysis used is to diagnose body components quantitatively, information which helps determine the overall picture of body condition. Body composition analysis is very important in preventive medicine since it provides the basis of appropriate physical activity and dietary formulas for improving daily life.


Body Composition Analysis

It can also be useful when applied to follow-up studies of patients treated for various problems like hormone deficiencies including Adult Onset Growth Hormone Deficiency Disorder (low HGH) and Hypogonadism (low testosterone). People with abdominal obesity are twice as likely to have diabetes, or an HGH deficiency, as those who are not obese in their abdominal region. If a patient is starting HGH and/or testosterone therapy, we can record and analyze the body composition before the treatment begins. This analysis is a vital tool to record and track the patient’s progress before, during and after the HGH and/or testosterone therapy. We can show the patient the amount of muscle and the percent body fat in their body at the time of the test. The test will clearly show the changes in an individual’s body composition resulting from the hormone treatment that individual has undergone.

"Morbidity Compression" The morbidity compression theory says that we can compress the period of illness and disability in old age into an ever smaller period at the end of life. In other words, you can live better and live longer. Think about it this way - what good is living to be 99 years old if you spend the last 25 in a hospital bed? The concept of morbidity compression says that it's possible to live to a very old age and to maintain a high quality of life at the same time. A heightened emphasis on healthy lifestyles can improve the experience of aging. The idea is not just to extend overall lifespan but to improve the quality of life. Twenty five years after it was first proposed, the Morbidity Compression theory now serves as a universally accepted model for healthy aging and longevity.

Calorie Reduction: Studies in animals show that generally if you are thinner you probably will live longer. So we need to restrict our calorie intake to 1,500-2,000 calories a day depending on lean body mass. Someone who weighs about 130 pounds of lean body mass should stay below 1,500 calories. If you weigh 160 pounds of lean body mass, you can eat up to 2,000 calories. Even a diet of 2,000 calories is a small amount compared with the diets of most Americans, however. While reaching the desired calorie level may be difficult, the benefits are important to good health. Calorie restriction reduces metabolism and the amount of energy the body has to make. It also reduces free radicals and waste buildup in the cells as well as blood sugar and the process that causes stiffening of tissues. All have been shown to be significant in aging the body.

Slow the Stiffening of Tissue: As our bodies age, we experience stiffening of tissues. For example, skin that is young snaps back quickly when given a skin pinch test, but older skin takes longer to snap back. This difference in resiliency is caused by stiffening of the tissue. Stiffening can be reduced through reduction of blood sugar and free radicals.

Reduce Blood Sugar: Elevated blood sugar causes damage to proteins in the body so it should be lowered either by decreasing the intake of carbohydrates that convert to high sugar levels or by increasing sensitivity to insulin to remove blood sugar more quickly. Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables, except starchy vegetables, and avoid processed foods, white flour and white rice to reduce blood sugar to slow the stiffening of tissue.

Reduce Free Radicals (or, Increase Antioxidants): The normal process of producing energy in the body creates “free radicals”. The more you eat and the more calories you burn, the more free radicals you produce. Normally, substances called antioxidants combine with free radicals to prevent them from damaging cells, proteins and other crucial materials in the body. You can reduce free radicals by avoiding foods that oxidize more, such as red meats, saturated fats and polyunsaturated oils, including all oils except olive oil. Avoid all products with partially hydrogenated oils. Many processed foods contain saturated and polyunsaturated fats, so they should be avoided. The other way to reduce free radicals is to take supplements that neutralize them, such as vitamins A, E, C, B-1, B-5 and B-6, which are antioxidants. Bioflavonoids present in many fresh fruits and vegetables also are potent antioxidants as are the amino acids, cysteine and tyrosine.


Antioxidant theory: Arrow above demonstrates one way an antioxidant may help reduce free radical damage within a typical cell in your body. Simply put, a free radical is a molecule with a missing electron. An antioxidant such as vitamin C, vitamin E or beta carotene may donate one of its electrons to the free radical. If an antioxidant doesn't "help," a free radical takes an electron from vital cell structures, damaging the cell and eventually leading to disease.

Increase Antioxidants: "Antioxidant" is a classification of several organic substances, including vitamins C and E, vitamin A (which is converted from beta-carotene), selenium (a mineral), and a group known as the carotenoids. Carotenoids, of which beta- carotene is the most popular, are a pigment that adds color to many fruits and vegetables -- without them, carrots wouldn't be orange, for example. Together as antioxidants, these substances are thought to be effective in helping to prevent cancer, heart disease, and stroke. At the molecular and cellular levels, antioxidants serve to deactivate certain particles called free radicals. In humans, free radicals usually come in the form of O2, the oxygen molecule. The oxygen molecule wants to be oxidized and this oxidation process can sometimes be carcinogenic. Free radicals are the natural by-products of many processes within and among cells. They are also created by exposure to various environmental factors, tobacco smoke and radiation, for instance.

If allowed to go their merry way, these free radicals can cause damage to cell walls, certain cell structures, and genetic material within the cells. In the worst case scenario and over a long time period, such damage can become irreversible and lead to disease (e.g., cancer). This is where antioxidants come into play. Antioxidants play the housekeeper's role, "mopping up" free radicals before they get a chance to do harm in your body. Researchers have postulated that antioxidants prevent the possible carcinogenic effects of oxidation. Despite numerous studies carried out on the role of antioxidants in cancer and heart disease prevention, the jury is still out as to which groups of people, if any, benefit from taking antioxidant supplements.

Some studies have shown that smokers with diets high in carotenoids have a lower rate of lung cancer development than their smoking counterparts whose carotenoid intake is relatively low. However, a recent study indicated that some beta-carotene takers, primarily smokers, actually had higher death rates. Other research efforts have suggested that diets high in carotenoids may also be associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer. Also, vitamin C has been found to prevent the formation of N-nitroso compounds, the cancer-causing substances from nitrates and nitrites found in preserved meats and in some drinking water.

Many researchers claim that elderly people, especially those who have reduced their food intake, frequent aspirin users, heavy drinkers, smokers, and people with impaired immune systems may benefit from taking antioxidant supplements daily. In terms of heart disease and stroke, it is possible that higher levels of antioxidants slow or prevent the development of arterial blockages, a complicated process involving the oxidation of cholesterol. Moreover, antioxidants may deter the collection of plaque on arterial walls.

BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM: A major cause of aging and ultimately death is the decline in the immune system over time. You can boost your immune system by taking the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, the amino acid cysteine and the two minerals zinc and selenium.

HORMONE LEVELS AFFECT AGING: After age 35 many hormone levels in the body change. Generally estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, human growth hormone, IGF-1, DHEA and melatonin all decrease with age. Insulin and Cortisol usually show increased levels and adrenaline response is varied. While the benefits and risks of replacing most hormones are not known, two hormones frequently are replaced with positive results. The most frequently replaced hormone is estrogen with resulting cardiovascular and other benefits. Adverse effects can include an increase in the incidence of breast and uterine cancers. When properly administered and adjusted, however, the benefits generally outweigh the risks. Thyroid hormone levels should be measured so replacement can be prescribed if there is a deficiency.

Testosterone and Andropause: Although the decline in testosterone production as men age ("andropause") is not as dramatic as the drop in women’s estrogen production with the onset of menopause, testosterone decline is a serious issue for many older men. Among other problems, declining testosterone production is strongly associated with impotency and libido problems. Anti-aging benefits that have been associated with testosterone replacement therapy may include increased libido and sexual potency; improved erectile function; improved mood and increased feelings of well-being; decreased fatigue; increased red blood cell count; reduction of LDL cholesterol and overall cholesterol levels and strengthening of the bones. Results of research published in 2002 revealed that men who have higher levels of "bioavailable" testosterone - testosterone that is not bound to protein - appear to perform better on tests of mental performance than men with lower levels of the hormone. Symptoms of testosterone deficiency include: reduced libido, fatigue or a decrease in physical stamina, difficulty in maintaining erections, memory impairment, weight gain, depression and anxiety, increased risk of heart disease, and decreased muscle mass.

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS: Aging is a natural process but it can be positively affected by watching your diet, exercising and taking supplements. Specifically, you should:

• Eat in moderation
• Follow a Zone or Mediterranean type diet, which emphasize eating fresh fruits and vegetables, favorable carbohydrates, whole grain products and olive oil
• Avoid processed foods and eat a minimum of red meats
• Take antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E plus selenium and zinc. The minimum amounts per day are 400 units of vitamin E and 1,000 mg of vitamin C
• Take vitamin B complex 100—two per day
• Participate in 30 minutes of daily physical exercise, such as walking
• Read, socialize, and stay involved for mental exercise

Resume: Jorge A. Paz Rodriguez, M.D. - Board Certified in Internal Medicine:

• Board Certified in Internal Medicine, 1994
• Residency in Internal Medicine, New York, USA, 1993
• Internship, Social Security Hospital, Panama, Rep. Panama, 1990
• Medical School, University of Panama, Rep. Panama, 1987
• American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, Member
• American Medical Association, Member,
• American College of Physicians, Member
• Texas Medical Association, Member
• Bexar County Medical Society, Member

2005 Wellmed Clinic Panama, Rep. Of Panama 1994- 2005 Wellmed at Greenway Park, San Antonio, Texas

• - Primary Care Physician
• - Lead Physician
• - Head of the Utilization Management Department
• - Directing the Disease Management Program (Diabetes, Congestive Heart Failure, Ischemic Heart Disease)
• - --Complete Exams for Insurance Companies
• --Minor Surgical Procedures
• --Inpatient Hospital Supervisor

-Accredited in:

• -Treadmill Testing and Interpretation
• -EKG Interpretation
• -Spirometry
• -Flex Sigmoisdoscopy
• -Audioscopy

Education

• Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, 1980-1987, University of Panama, Doctor in Medicine
• Internship, 1987-1990, Social Security Hospital, Panama, Republic of Panama
• Nicolas Solano Hospital, Panama, Republic of Panama
• Residency, New York Medical College, 1990-1993, Program “A”, New York, NY Internal Medicine

Licensures & Certifications:

• ECFMG – 1990
• New York License, #194944-1, issued 1993
• Texas License, #J5863, issued in 1994
• Board Certified in Internal Medicine in 1994
• Certified to practice Medicine in Panama

Professional Memberships:

• American Medical Association
• American College of Physicians
• Texas Medical Association
• Bexar County Medical Society
• Hispanic Medical Society
• American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine

Contact Information:

• "La Florida" Commercial Center, Marbella
• Apdo. 0832-1665 WTC
• Telephone: +011 (507) 269-1795
• Fax: +011 (507) 269-9360
• Cell: +011 (507) 6678-2354
• Mobile Phone (Beeper): 811
• E-mail: drjapra@cwpanama.net

Related Links:

• http://www.ilcusa.org/