Tag Archives: carter

Go Red For Women

CELEBRATE
NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY!!!!!!
February 7, 2015
Join Falana Carter, M.D.
For a fun filled afternoon of DANCING and DISCUSSION

WHEN: February 7, 2015 from 12:30PM to 2:00PM
WHERE: MPCP, Arundel Mills Office
 7556 Teague Road, Suite 210, Hanover, MD 21076
  Refreshments will be served.
  RSVP: 410-551-0499

February 6th & 7th: Wear your favorite RED OUTFIT and receive a RED DRESS PIN!
REAL WOMEN WEAR RED!

A Healthier Weight: 3 Key Steps

qa-160Q & A with Dr. Falana Carter of MPCP, Arundel Mills

Q: What are the key challenges for patients who struggle with weight?

A: Given the demands of family, career, and social responsibilities, it’s no wonder many people find that their health is pushed to the end of the priority list. I tell patients who struggle with obesity that there are 3 simple steps to improve their cardiac health, lower cholesterol, and reduce BMI (Body Mass Index) through lifestyle changes:

    1. Eat 3-4 meals daily – don’t skip any meals! When you skip a meal, you slow your metabolism down – your body needs to eat every 4-6 hours.
    2. Exercise – schedule it into your daily routine.
    3. Be “selfish” for your health.

Q: How do you start the conversation with patients who need to lose weight?

A: As part of their exam, I ask, “So what are you doing for exercise?” Often patients tell me they don’t have time to exercise; this is where I encourage them to be selfish. If you set aside a regular time to exercise, and let your family and friends know, they’ll respect that schedule and not distract you from your goal.

Q: In addition to eating on a regular schedule, how big a part does nutrition play?

A: Nutrition plays a central role. I emphasize the importance of eating healthy – more protein, healthy snacks; less sugar and processed foods. I also recommend using myfitnesspal.com, a free online weight loss tool. And for patients willing to share their password, there’s even the capability for their doctor to see what they’re eating, and provide feedback and guidance in their weight loss process.

Q: How are you incorporating these principles into your practice

A: Soon, the Arundel Mills office will launch a program dedicated to improving patients’ health through lifestyle changes, so we’re excited about this opportunity to help more individuals achieve their goals.

Falana P. Carter, M.D. joined Maryland Primary Care Physicians, Arundel Mills in 2011 and is certified by the American Board of Family Physicians. She received her medical degree from University of South Florida College of Medicine in 2001 and completed her residency program in Family Medicine at Portsmouth Family Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School in 2004.

Sleep

by Falana Carter, M.D.
Man falling asleep while working at laptop.

Falling asleep anytime you sit down, or waking up after a full night’s sleep and still feeling tired? In addition, are you experiencing issues with body aches, poor concentration, headaches and weight gain? The answer to these problems may not be your thyroid, stress at the job or your sinuses, but may be the result of inadequate sleep.

Sleep apnea is a disorder when little or no breathing occurs for a few seconds to minutes, several times, while sleeping. Most people who have it do not have any awareness of not breathing while asleep. The decrease in oxygen in the brain associated with sleep apnea can lead to irritability, problems with concentration, memory and learning. Inadequate sleep impacts your metabolism, increases blood pressure and raises blood sugar. Poor sleep does not allow your body to repair damage, fight infection, store energy or make new cells.

Most adults require six to eight hours of sleep to feel refreshed and alert. A few tips that can improve your sleep and overall health:

  1. Stop all stimulants at least one hour before bed. E.G., coffee, tea, soda, exercise
  2. Keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet. E.G., no TV, computer, texting
  3. Mind relaxation by writing down to-do lists or concerns prior to bed, to power down the brain before sleep
  4. See your primary care physician for possible sleep apnea evaluation

 

Falana Carter, M.D.

Dr. Falana Carter is a physician at the MPCP Arundel Mills site.