dr.kaako

We need to acknowledge the moral injury, cognitive dissonance, isolation, alienation, PTSD and other mental health disorders that our soldiers and veterans are experiencing when they are witnessing the double standards in the international policies.

Aaron Bushnell once believed in the pledge:
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

However, he realized that justice and liberty is not meant for all. Unfortunately, self-immolation is a very painful way to protest these devastating double standards. Our soldiers and veterans are paying very high price for it.

Understanding and addressing the mental health impacts of witnessing double standards is crucial for the well-being of soldiers and veterans.

Recent reports indicate a worrying trend in Semaglutide overdoses in the US. Semaglutide, known as Ozempic for Type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for weight management, mimics the GLP-1 hormone to control blood sugar and promote weight loss. With its rising popularity, highlighted by celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, overdoses have surged dramatically.

In 2022, over 2,941 cases were reported, a significant jump from previous years. Most overdoses are accidental, often due to dosing errors with its weekly injection format. Symptoms of overdose include hypoglycemia-like effects, requiring hospitalization in severe cases. We urge users to strictly adhere to dosing instructions, emphasizing that "the dose makes the poison."

Stay healthy and safe!

Source:
https://www.doximity.com/articles/63e831d4-124d-43b9-bbc1-e8bc17d41122

Journey to Becoming a Certified Diplomat in Obesity Medicine

I am excited to share my journey and insights on becoming a Certified Diplomat through the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM). This certification is not just a title; it's a testament to a physician's dedication and expertise in managing obesity, a complex and chronic disease.

Why Obesity Medicine?
In my practice as a hospitalist and virtual care physician, I've encountered numerous patients struggling with obesity and its myriad health complications. Obesity is not merely about weight; it's intricately linked to various health conditions, from diabetes to heart disease. It's a pivotal area of medicine that requires specialized knowledge and a compassionate approach.

The Path to Certification
The path to ABOM certification involves comprehensive training and a thorough examination. It starts with meeting the requirements, which include active medical licensure and completing a certain number of hours in obesity medicine-related continuing medical education (CME). This journey is an amalgamation of learning, from understanding the biological aspects of obesity to mastering patient-centered care strategies.

The Examination
The ABOM exam is rigorous. It tests a wide range of knowledge, from the pathophysiology of obesity to its medical treatment. It's an opportunity to validate your expertise and commitment to providing the highest standard of care to patients battling obesity.

Why It Matters
Becoming an ABOM Diplomat has empowered me to address the obesity epidemic better in person and through telehealth. It's not just about offering treatments; it's about changing lives, one patient at a time. It's a responsibility I take seriously, and it's rewarding.

Physicians considering this path should go for it. The journey is challenging but immensely fulfilling. You're not just expanding your skillset; you're making a real difference in the lives of many.

Obesity medicine is more than a profession; it's a calling. As a certified ABOM Diplomat, I'm proud to be at the forefront of this vital field, offering hope and health to those in need.

Stay healthy,
Ahmad Kaako, MD, MBA, ABOM-D, FACP

Tomorrow begins a new life in the Tampa Bay and Winter Haven area.
I thank the Lord for steering me in the direction He chose. He wants me to continue to provide the personal, caring touch of the patient’s hands, caring for them face-to-face at the bedside after I was limited to virtual care.

I had a great time at Mercy Hospital Fort Smith as a bedside Hospitalist and acquired a very insightful, robust experience in the virtual Hospitalist industry with Mercy Virtual. Goodbye to all the wonderful colleagues, nurses, administration, and ancillary staff who worked with me over the last decade.

Special thanks to the incredible ER staff at Mercy Hospital Fort Smith. Goodbye, and thank you!

Tomorrow begins a new life in the Tampa Bay and Winter Haven area.
I thank the Lord for steering me in the direction He chose. He wants me to continue to provide the personal, caring touch of the patient’s hands, caring for them face-to-face at the bedside after I was limited to virtual care.

Tomorrow begins a new life in the Tampa Bay and Winter Haven area.  
I thank the Lord for steering me in the direction He chose. He wants me to continue to provide the personal, caring touch of the patient’s hands, caring for them face-to-face at the bedside after I was limited to virtual care.

Happy Eid to family, friends and all the Muslims on the globe! May the Lord shower us with His blessings and bounties.

عيد كريم مبارك
تقبل الله طاعتكم ونسأل الله القبول والتوفيق
وكل عام وأنتم بخير!

❤

Getting ready to start my talk at BIC! I appreciate all the help and support from the BIC staff.

I’m honored to have been invited by Bentonville Islamic Center to join their family night and talk about Healthy Diet from Islamic and Medical perspective.

I am looking forward to meeting the Muslim Community at BIC tomorrow.

My best trio at Ali Baba Mediterranean Grill buffet!

A combination of grilled meat, tabouleh and Baba ghanoug (grilled eggplant).

This high protein, low carb, high fiber combination is a great for your tastebuds, gut health and weight!

First timer here! Nice atmosphere at this restaurant in the heart of Bentonville.

I’ve asked the lady her recommendation for what is popular and she suggested fish tacos.

I asked for a popular low-carb high-protein option and she suggested the grilled salmon or red snapper and I went with the latter.

The pickled green tomatoes have good spicy kick to it.

🐟🐠🍣🎣🐡🍤🎏🎏🍤🐡🎣🍣🐠🐟

This yogurt is one of the best brands of Yogurt at Whole Foods. It does taste delicious similar to the taste of the Middle Eastern yogurt I used to eat during childhood. I usually go with the one made of whole milk, not the low-fat. My favorite way to eat yogurt is to add extra virgin cold-press olive oil as a meal replacement with or without cucumber.

Did you know our bodies are home to trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the microbiome? These tiny organisms, including are crucial to our overall health and well-being. Recently, scientists have been delving into the fascinating relationship between the microbiome and obesity.

The microbiome inhabits our gut. Emerging research suggests that the composition of the gut microbiome can influence our metabolism, immune system, and even weight management. Specific microbial communities within the gut have been associated with a higher risk of obesity, while others have been linked to a healthier weight profile.

🍽 Yogurt: A Probiotic Powerhouse
Yogurt is a delicious and nutritious food containing live beneficial bacteria known as probiotics. Probiotics are known to contribute positively to the gut microbiome by increasing the population of beneficial bacteria. Yogurt, in particular, has gained attention for its potential impact on weight management and obesity prevention.

While research is ongoing, some intriguing findings have emerged:

Probiotics in yogurt may help improve gut health by increasing the diversity and abundance of beneficial bacteria.

Certain strains of probiotics found in yogurt, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, have been associated with reduced body weight and body fat.

Yogurt consumption has been linked to a lower risk of obesity, possibly due to its positive impact on the gut microbiome.

Yogurt may enhance insulin sensitivity and regulate appetite, potentially aiding in weight management.

Bon Appetit!

We are so proud of Zeeshan for making it to the National Spelling Bee!

Congratulations, Zeeshan for your amazing achievement!

Fort Smith 10-year-old makes it to National Spelling Bee A 10-year-old boy from Fort Smith is making his way to Washington D.C. for the National Spelling Bee.

🇺🇸 Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

On this Memorial Day, let us take a moment to reflect on their selflessness and courage and pay tribute to their memory. We are forever grateful for their service and sacrifice.

Thank you Panera Bread for this nice gesture today!

🇺🇸

There are people in the workplace who make you love coming to work - even on the weekends!

I have been working at Northwest Medical Center, Bentonville over the last few weeks, and I feel so welcomed by all the staff.

Shary is a very kind person who cares about the hospital doctors, and she makes sure that they are well fed on the weekends when the hospital cafeteria is not open.

When I asked her if I could take a picture of her, she replied: “Whatever makes my favorite doctor happy!”

A big thank you to Shary for always taking care of us!

"Are you transgender?" 4692 participants who reported not understanding this question were excluded from more than 11 000 children across the US.

Prevalence of Mental Health Problems in Transgender Children Aged 9 to 10 Years in the US, 2018
JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(7):e2223389. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.23389

I am sorry for these children who are not given the guidance and the support to postpone a vital decision about their future until they are adults to decide about life-long consequences.

Imagine, 4 out of 10 children did not even understand the question, and we are trying to promote children's freedom and ignore the higher risk of mental health disorders in this community.
Photo credit:

How, on earth, do the people behind Instagram think? If you see someone who is pretending to be you, it’s absolutely fine as there are not violating the community guidelines! What community are you taking about?! Please note the spam accounts tagged below.

There is no "best" diet for weight loss. Different approaches may work better for people based on their preferences, dietary restrictions, and lifestyle.

Mediterranean-style diet emphasizes whole, nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like olive oil and nuts. Studies have shown that following a Mediterranean-style diet can be effective for weight loss and improving overall health.

There is no "best" diet for weight loss. Different approaches may work better for individuals based on their preferences, dietary restrictions, and lifestyle.

However, some general principles that can help with weight loss include:

High-protein diet: Protein can help keep you feeling full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to a calorie-restricted diet. Foods high in protein include lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, and tofu.

Low-carbohydrate diet: Reducing carbohydrate intake can help with weight loss, as it can decrease insulin levels and reduce overall calorie intake. Choosing nutrient-dense carbohydrates in moderation, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, is vital while avoiding refined carbohydrates that have been stripped of all bran, fiber, and nutrients, such as white bread, pizza dough, pasta, pastries, white flour, white rice, sweet desserts, and many breakfast cereals.

To be continued.

I came across the website of "It is bigger than me" movement which seems to have good initiatives and resources to talk about this big problem of obesity in this country.

It is worth checking out!

It's Bigger Than Me | Changing the Conversation Around Obesity It's Bigger Than Me is a movement to change the conversation surrounding obesity. Join us in shifting how we talk about obesity, and educating the world that it is a conquerable disease.

I am excited to share that my application to sit for the American Board of Obesity Medicine has been accepted!

Your telehealth weight care and peak performance management are now at your fingertips.

كل عام وأنتم بألف خير بمناسبة عيد الفطر المبارك
تقبل الله منا ومنكم صالح الأعمال
Eid Mubarak!
May Allah accept our good deeds in the month of Ramadan.

New month, new places, no faces!

New month, new places, new faces!

I am excited to help out the Hospitalist Team at Northwest Arkansas system in Bentonville.

It’s my first day of rounding on the first day of April!

I love my role as a virtual physician, but always enjoy the touch at the bedside face to face care!

Obesity is a serious problem that affects millions of people around the world. It can lead to several health problems, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.

Several things can contribute to obesity, including poor diet, lack of exercise, and genetic factors. However, several things can be done to lose weight and improve health.

The first step to losing weight is to make changes to your diet. This means eating fewer calories and more balanced healthy food. Limiting processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats is also essential.

Exercise is another vital part of weight loss. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. If you are new to exercise, start slowly and gradually increase the time you spend exercising.

Losing weight can be challenging but possible with hard work and dedication. Ask your doctor or a registered dietitian for help if you struggle to lose weight.
Here are some additional tips for losing weight:
* Set realistic goals. Aim to lose 1-2 pounds per week.
* Make small changes. Try to make only a few changes at a time, or you'll be more likely to give up.
* Be patient. It takes time to lose weight and keep it off.
* Don't give up. If you slip up, don't beat yourself up. Just get back on track and keep going.

Losing weight can be challenging but possible with hard work and dedication. By following the tips above, you can lose weight and improve your health.

Did you know?

Obesity is a complex disease beyond the common perception of being a lifestyle disorder or a behavioral abnormality. It is a widespread silent disease that does not necessarily alarm you with symptoms.

The total annual costs related to poor diet to be approximately $50 billion!

Medical costs related to Obesity have been estimated at $150 billion per year!

At the beginning of your high-performance journey, you don’t have to finish what you have wished for; you will get there with perseverance!

Dr. Kaako

At the beginning of your high-performance journey, you don’t have to run a marathon, as the first mile matters! The daily mile will let you develop the habit of running marathons later.

Dr. Kaako

Ramadan is approaching and the whole family are excited to welcome Ramadan and Eid!

The Ultimate Daughter-Father Gift!

The daughter surprises her dad by being his kidney donor.

Daughter surprises dad by being his kidney donor Delayne Ivanowski shared a video on TikTok of her dad's emotional reaction to learning she was his donor.