JUNE 1, 2026 A NEW OFFICE-

We have moved

Fratellone Medical Associates

127 East 56th Street ( between Park and Lexington )

4th Floor

New York, NY 10022

Heart disease doesn’t usually strike out of nowhere; it builds slowly, often fueled by daily habits that seem harmless on the surface. Most people go about their routines unaware that what they eat, how they move, and even how they handle stress could be putting serious strain on their cardiovascular system. Long hours of sitting can take a quiet toll on your heart. When your body stays inactive for extended periods, blood flow slows down, increasing the chances of clot formation and poor circulation.

DO NOT EAT PROCESSED FOODS. Highly processed foods may be convenient, but they come with a heavy cost to your cardiovascular health. Items like frozen meals, chips, packaged snacks, and fast food are loaded with sodium, trans fats, and added sugars—all of which increase inflammation and raise blood pressure

do not drink sugary drinks. Sugary beverages may seem harmless, but their effect on the cardiovascular system can be devastating. Regular consumption of soda, sweetened teas, energy drinks, and flavored coffee drinks floods your bloodstream with sugar, spiking insulin levels and causing inflammation

Eat, Sleep, Water and Exercise are the keys to a healthy heart

Until tomorrow

MAY 14 -16 , 2026. Lifestyle Changes

Cardiovascular Disease is the number one killer in men. The two epidemics, Obesity and Diabetes lead to cardiovascular disease. All men must think about optimizing their lifestyle and controlling risk factors. Heart disease encompasses hypertension ( high blood pressure), myocardial infarctions ( heart attacks) , valvular heart disease, hyperlipidemia ( elevated cholesterol ) and congestive heart failure. There are lifestyle changes every patient must consider. These are 1. dietary changes and 2 exercise changes,  In addition there are some basic cardiac supplements that can support your cardiac system

You must eat a balanced diet. In today's fast paced changing world, convenience often takes precedence over nutritional value.  Hundreds of men walking a fast pace while consuming a bacon, egg and cheese on a roll in one hand and the Starbucks coffee in the other hand. Opting for taste can have a dire consequence of cardiovascular health. You need to recognize ' bad' foods and either eliminate them entirely or consume them in moderation . When   working  side by side with the late Robert C Atkins, of the Atkins diet I learned one key point from his diet: Eat less to no white carbohydrates, thus eliminating sugar. I utilize food allergy testing and blood typing when discussing dietary lifestyle with my patients. Lets consider having ice cream after dinner and before bed. Aside from the high saturated fat content in ice cream, the sugar in ice cream leads to obesity which is a risk factor for heart disease. We know that obesity puts a strain on the heart requiring it to pump harder which can lead to high blood pressure and  an elevated total cholesterol and the low density lipoprotein, LDL-- the bad cholesterol. If you feel ice cream is not that bad, consider the millions of Americans that still consume soda. Besides the sugar content in  soda, there is caffeine and additives which contribute to the development of arteriosclerosis I adhere and prescribe to a balanced Mediterranean diet with lean protein, green vegetables and high anti-oxidant fruit.  You must eat quality fish to get your omega 3 oils in your diet  If you do not eat fish get your omega 3 from walnuts. 

The next lifestyle change is exercise You must commit to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week. This can reduce your cardiovascular mortality by 38 %  Your doctor should  encourage exercise in every patient . Men  should consume enough water daily and get at least 6 1/2 hours of continuous  uninterrupted  sleep.  The amount of water consumed should be half of your body weight in fluid ounces of water . To increase a man's longevity one must consume water, get enough sleep and increase their muscle mass as they age.

A multivitamin is not needed if you eat a balanced diet. There are some heart healthy vitamins that you must take that are not present in foods . . These include 1. Coenzyme Q 10, 2. D- ribose, 3. L-carnitine and 4. L-taurine Coenzyme Q 10 boosts your heart as well as your brain This supplement increases the pump function of your heart. The amino acid L- carnitine also increases the heart pump function, called the ejection fraction.  The other amino acid, L- taurine acts as a natural diuretic if the patient has valvular heart disease. D- ribose is a natural sugar that also keeps the heart healthy. 

There are many herbs that are heart healthy. Since high blood pressure is prevalent among men I suggest the herb Hawthorne. Hawthorn ( Crataegus ssp.) is an herb that lowers blood pressure, supports cholesterol and can assist with the electrical system of the heart, especially your heart rate. If a male has an increase in heart rate called tachycardia which leads to an abnormal rhythm–hawthorne is a great herb for you. Hawthorne acts to slow down your heart similar to the conventional medicines called Beta Blockers. The berry of this herb is used in Botanical Medicine

The herb, Hibiscus lowers blood pressure similar to the conventional medication class ACE ( angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors. This class of medications works through the kidneys. Hibiscus lowers blood pressure similar to the ACE inhibitor. There are no reported side effects for this herb

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca,) is an herbaceous perennial plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae  Motherwort is used to fast heart rates known as tachycardia. It is especially useful t=for the anxious male. It is also used in cases of an overactive thyroid, known as hyperthyroidism. 

One essential nutrient, Magnesium is used for high blood pressure. There are many forms of magnesium on the market. Magnesium theonate is good for hypertension as it also contains theanine. Theanine is an amino acid to reduce stress

Lastly ,you must incorporate some type of daily meditation into your life Meditation is often individualized.  Some consider yoga or a religious practice to be  their meditation. Studies have shown that meditation can reduce your risk of heart disease by reducing stress. Stop living in a ' fright or  flight' response. This increased level of cortisol, the stress hormone leads to heart disease. Reduce your stress by taking adaptogenic herbs as ashwagandha, rhodiola or gota kola

Following these lifestyle changes and taking some heart healthy supplements can increase your longevity

Until Tomorrow

Our new office is

127 east 56 th street

4 th floor

MAY 12, 2026 ONIONS

Everyone wants a superfood I always get asked which green drink powder should I buy ? If I go to a juice bar which should I get ? Did you ever think about eating more onions. Onions are part of the Lily Family. This is the same class as garlic and chives—Allium Herbs

These humble onion bulbs are powerhouses of nutrition and have been prized for their medicinal properties since ancient times. I bet you do not eat a lot of onions ?

Onions are a treasure trove of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, yet they remain low in calories. This makes them an ideal food for anyone looking to manage their weight without sacrificing nutrition. They are particularly rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system, and vitamin B6, which plays a vital role in metabolism. Onions are a good source of dietary fiber. This fiber aids in digestion by helping to maintain a healthy gut flora and promoting regular bowel movements The antioxidants in onions, such as quercetin, are known for their heart-protective properties. These compounds help combat inflammation, reduce cholesterol levels, and prevent blood clots. Quercetin is great for allergies. It is for inflammation The Natural D Hist by Orthomolecular is good for allergy season as it contains quercetin and stinging nettle leaf

Beyond vitamin C, onions contain selenium, a mineral that enhances immune function by promoting the production of cytokines, molecules that help clear viruses. This combination of nutrients makes onions a powerful ally during cold and flu season

Until tomorrow…

MAY 11, 2026 YOUR CHOLESTEROL LEVELS

While it may not come as a shock to some, there are some common foods people eat daily that can raise your cholesterol levels and put you at risk for heart disease Yes there are foods that raise your cholesterol and low density cholesterol ( LDL)- bad cholesterol Yet I am more worried about foods that increase your triglyceride level as when triglycerides are high—your high density lipoprotein are low ( HDL- good cholesterol ) This pouts you at risk for insulin resistance also called metabolic syndrome or Syndrome X

Red meat – one of the most commonly eaten proteins in the Western diet – may be full of flavor and a favorite amongst many, but its high-fat content can do more harm than good to your cholesterol levels It is better to try lean meats and fish in one’s dietary lifestyle

The prominent nutrient in egg yolks is dietary cholesterol, which can raise your overall blood cholesterol levels. Due to their high nutritional content, egg yolks have long been considered a healthy dietary choice. Unfortunately, they are also an excellent source of cholesterol The dangerous part is adding carbohydrates like bread and white potatoes to your eggs. This is the risk

Eat less carbohydrates

Until tomorrow

APRIL 28, 2026 PROTECT YOUR KIDNEYS

Maintaining healthy kidneys is crucial for overall well-being, as they play a vital role in filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood. Diet significantly impacts kidney function, and consuming certain foods can lead to kidney damage or exacerbate existing conditions

Your kidneys are impoortant for filtering as well as blood pressure control. Your kidneys function is dependent on if you have diabetes and or hypertension Both diseases can affcet kidney ( renal ) function

You should know by now that Processed Foods are bad !! Processed foods are often laden with high levels of sodium, which can put a significant strain on your kidneys. Excessive sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure, a leading cause of kidney damage. Common processed foods such as chips, canned soups, and ready-to-eat meals are particularly high in sodium

Red meat consumption has been linked to an increased risk of kidney disease due to its high protein content. While protein is essential for the body, excessive amounts can overwork the kidneys and lead to damage over time. Studies have shown that diets high in red meat can accelerate the progression of kidney disease When a patient’s creatinine is high there needs to be a reduction in the amount of protein that he/she can consume

In addition to red meat— dairy can be a problem for the kidneys. High dairy consumption can put undue stress on your kidneys, particularly if you are already at risk for kidney disease. Dairy products like cheese, full-fat milk, and yogurt are high in calcium and phosphorus, which can contribute to kidney stone formation and other kidney issues

Make sure you know your BUN ( blood urea nutrogen) and creatiine Ask your doctor…

APRIL 27, 2026 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

A quiet shift is happening among people who care about how they feel — they're not necessarily drinking less, but they are drinking more thoughtfully. Let’s drink responsibly - the type of drink, and the calories of each drink

As an Italian, red wine was made in my home by my Poppy ( my grandfather ) Dry wines, both red and white, are typically less calorific than their sweeter counterparts. The primary reason lies in the reduced amount of residual sugar present in dry varieties. A standard serving of dry wine can contain anywhere from 100 to 150 calories, depending on the type

Whiskey, when enjoyed in its pure form, is relatively straightforward in terms of caloric content. Without the addition of mixers or syrups, a standard serving of whiskey contains about 70 to 100 calories, depending on the proof. For those that are gluten sensitive or celiac, whiskey is a ‘ No- No ‘ Yet potato vodka and tequila is preferred Speaking of tequila…

Tequila, derived from the blue agave plant, can be a surprisingly low-calorie option when consumed without sugary mixers. A standard shot of tequila typically contains around 60 to 70 calories, which is relatively low compared to many other spirits

So if you want to drink, pick wisely

Until tomorrow…

APRIL 20, 2026 FRUITS FOR THE BRAIN

The human brain, a marvel of complexity and function, requires proper nourishment for optimal performance and longevity. Among the plethora of dietary choices available, fruits stand out for their rich array of nutrients, offering a natural and delicious way to support brain health

When you think of fruits for the brain you must always think of berries. I mean all berries. Raspberries are a powerhouse of nutrients, offering a rich blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for brain health. These berries are particularly high in flavonoids, compounds known for their potent antioxidant properties Regular consumption of these raspberries has been linked to improved memory, attention, and motor skills. Studies suggest that the phytonutrients present in raspberries can enhance neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections and pathways

In the Garden, did Adam eat an apple or a pomegranate ? I have always pondered this question. I love pomegranates. Pomegranate is another fruit that stands out for its brain health benefits, primarily due to its high concentration of antioxidants. These antioxidants, including punicalagin and tannins, are highly effective in fighting oxidative stress, a key factor in the aging process of the brain Pomegranates also stimulate the production of nitric oxide, improving blood flow to the brain, which is essential for optimal brain function and cognitive abilities.

I would also eat avocados, blueberries and strawberries for brain health

Until tomorrow…

APRIL 15, 2026 CANCER FIGHTING FOODS

As an integrative p[hsyciian, I see many patients with cancer, I use an integrative approach to their cancer and well-being. The best of conventional and integrative approaches are explained and integrated into the patient’s treatment

Food ius medic9ne. There are many foods that can fight cancer It would be helpful if professional nutritionists at cancer institutions explained all of this to their patients. Hippocrates stated ‘ Food is medicine’ It is not an old concept. For centuries different foods have cancer fighting potential. Here is your list

1. The best vegetable to fiught cancer is broccoli

2. The best fruit to fight cancer are blueberries and soursop

3., The best mushroom to fight cancer is turkey tail

4. The best herbs to fight cancer are tumneric, ginger, green tea, and garlic

5, The best seed to fight cancer is flaxseeds

6. The best nut to fight cancer are walnuts

7.. The best kitchen spice to fight cancer is Cinnamon

8. The best legume to fight cancer are lentils

9. The best fermented food to fight cancer is Sauerkraut

Until tomorrow…