Stanly Wellness Center

10/25/2026

💪🧠 OVER 50? CREATINE ISN’T JUST FOR BODYBUILDERS!

Did you know that creatine helps your cells rapidly regenerate energy—and may support healthier aging?

🔬 PUBMED RESEARCH REVEALS:

💪 MUSCLE STRENGTH: Helps improve strength when combined with resistance training.

🧠 BRAIN HEALTH: Emerging research suggests potential benefits for memory and attention.

⚡ CELLULAR ENERGY: Supports the ATP energy system that powers muscles and other high-energy tissues.

👩 WOMEN OVER 50: Research shows promising benefits for preserving lean muscle and improving strength after menopause.

🩺 KIDNEY SAFETY: Generally well tolerated in healthy adults at recommended doses.

✅ THE SIMPLE APPROACH: Studies commonly use 3–5 grams of creatine monohydrate daily, combined with regular strength training.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Staying strong as we age isn’t just about looking better. It’s about maintaining independence, mobility, and quality of life!

📍 Stanly Wellness Center | Locust, NC

🌐 www.askdrpatrick.com

📚 Research: PubMed PMIDs 42712402, 40971619, 42141930

10/25/2026

If plantar fasciitis is actually a lengthening of the plantar fascia due to pronation or falling arches as well as poor blood supply, why do therapists suggest you to stretch it (lengthen it) further and use braces that lengthen it further?

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31700547/

10/22/2026

🚨 GLP-1 WEIGHT LOSS DRUGS: WHAT ARE THEY DOING TO YOUR GUT? 💉🦠

Millions of Americans are turning to medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus for weight loss and blood sugar control.

✅ Yes, these medications can work.

⚠️ But what about the potential side effects?

🔬 A NEW 2026 STUDY RAISES CONCERNS!

Published in the Journal of Controlled Release, researchers examined oral semaglutide and SNAC, an ingredient that helps the medication absorb.

After just 21 days, rats exposed to SNAC experienced:

🦠 62% reduction in Muribaculaceae gut bacteria

🦠 77% reduction in Bacteroidaceae gut bacteria

🔥 70% increase in the inflammatory marker TNF-alpha

🧠 85% reduction in circulating BDNF, a protein involved in nervous system function

🌿 77% reduction in f***l butyrate, an important compound produced by beneficial gut bacteria

⚠️ Researchers also observed increased liver weight.

📚 AND THIS ISN’T THE ONLY RESEARCH RAISING QUESTIONS!

Other published studies have identified or investigated:

❌ Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation

❌ Gallstones and gallbladder complications

❌ Acid reflux and delayed stomach emptying

❌ Possible rare vision complications

❌ Weight regain after discontinuing treatment

Some serious suspected complications remain unproven, but established side effects deserve attention.

💡 MY MESSAGE:

Weight loss is important, but so are digestive health, adequate nutrition, muscle preservation, and long-term metabolic health.

If you’re using a GLP-1 medication, discuss potential side effects, nutritional needs, and appropriate monitoring with your prescribing physician. Don’t discontinue prescribed medication without medical guidance.

THE GOAL ISN’T JUST TO LOSE WEIGHT. IT’S TO BUILD LASTING HEALTH! 💪

📍 Stanly Wellness Center
🌐 www.askdrpatrick.com

👇 Would you take a medication for weight loss if you knew it might affect your digestive system?

10/21/2026

🚨 YOUR HEARTBURN MEDICATION COULD BE DRAINING YOUR BODY OF ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS!

Millions of Americans take acid-reducing medications like Prilosec, Nexium, and Protonix—sometimes for DECADES! 😳

But what happens when you continuously suppress stomach acid?

🔬 NEW RESEARCH RAISES CONCERNS!

A study published in ACS Omega examined the effects of omeprazole in rats over 10, 30, and 60 days.

Researchers observed:

🩸 IRON: Blood iron declined while iron accumulated in the liver and spleen.

⚡ COPPER: Liver copper levels dropped, potentially interfering with iron metabolism.

🦴 CALCIUM: Changes in calcium distribution raised concerns about bone health.

❤️ RED BLOOD CELLS: Hemoglobin and red blood cell counts progressively declined.

While these findings come from animal research, human studies have also associated long-term PPI use with certain nutritional deficiencies, including vitamin B12 and magnesium.

⚠️ HERE’S THE BIG CONCERN:

Many people remain on these medications for YEARS without reassessing whether they’re still necessary!

💡 MY APPROACH AT STANLY WELLNESS CENTER:

Rather than simply suppressing symptoms, I believe we should investigate WHY the digestive system isn’t functioning properly.

My approach may include:

✅ Digestive Support: Evaluating digestive enzymes, including formulations containing Betaine HCl, when appropriate, to support digestion. Betaine HCl may be unsafe for patients with ulcers or certain other conditions.

✅ Chiropractic Care: Addressing spinal dysfunction and supporting overall nervous system and musculoskeletal health.

✅ A Gradual Medication Review: For appropriate patients, working with their practitioner to develop an individualized plan to reduce or discontinue PPIs. A gradual approach over approximately 2–3 months may be considered.

✅ Nutritional Assessment: Evaluating potential deficiencies and addressing contributing factors such as diet, meal timing, and lifestyle.

🔥 THE GOAL?

Improve digestive health, address contributing factors, and reduce unnecessary medication use.

Remember: Stomach acid isn’t your enemy. It plays an essential role in digestion and nutrient absorption!

👉 Are we treating the symptom while overlooking the bigger picture?

📅 Schedule your appointment:
https://askdrpatrick.com/appointment-scheduling/

🌿 Stanly Wellness Center
Helping your body function at its best!

10/20/2026

🚨 5 FOODS THAT CAN NATURALLY LOWER YOUR CHOLESTEROL! ❤️

Did you know that what you EAT can have a powerful impact on your cholesterol levels and heart health?

Before reaching for another supplement, take a look at these 5 scientifically supported foods that can help lower your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol! 👇

🥣 1. OATS – Rich in beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that helps remove cholesterol through your digestive system.

🥜 2. NUTS – Almonds and walnuts contain healthy fats, fiber, and plant sterols that help reduce LDL cholesterol.

🐟 3. FATTY FISH – Salmon, sardines, and mackerel provide omega-3 fatty acids that help lower triglycerides and support cardiovascular health.

🫘 4. BEANS & LEGUMES – Packed with soluble fiber that helps reduce cholesterol absorption.

🥑 5. AVOCADOS – Loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that can help lower LDL when replacing saturated fats.

💥 HERE’S THE KEY: You don’t always need a drastic diet overhaul. Small, consistent changes can produce measurable improvements in your cholesterol!

❤️ Remember: Your daily choices are either building your health or breaking it down!

👇 Which of these 5 foods do YOU eat regularly?

Dr. Patrick Ess
Stanly Wellness Center
🌐 www.askdrpatrick.com

10/19/2026

10/18/2026

🚨 COULD EATING JUST 5–6 PRUNES A DAY HELP PREVENT BONE LOSS? 🦴

Most people think building stronger bones means taking more calcium. But new research suggests that slowing bone breakdown may be just as important!

🔬 THE SCIENCE:

Your bones are constantly remodeling. Specialized cells remove old bone while other cells rebuild it.

A 12-month study involving 235 postmenopausal women found that eating 5–6 prunes daily helped preserve hip bone mineral density compared with eating no prunes!

Researchers believe prunes may help regulate bone remodeling and reduce excessive bone breakdown.

🥗 OTHER FOODS THAT SUPPORT STRONG BONES:

🥬 Leafy greens: Kale, collards and broccoli provide vitamin K, calcium and magnesium.

🐟 Salmon & sardines: Provide protein, vitamin D and, when bones are eaten, calcium.

🥚 Eggs: Supply protein and some vitamin D.

🥛 Yogurt & kefir: Excellent sources of calcium and protein.

🥜 Nuts & seeds: Pumpkin seeds and almonds provide magnesium and other important minerals.

🫐 Berries & prunes: Contain polyphenols that may support healthy bone metabolism.

🫘 Soy foods: Tofu and other soy products may offer additional bone-health benefits.

💪 DON’T FORGET: Resistance training, weight-bearing exercise, adequate protein and vitamin D are also essential for maintaining strong bones!

👉 BOTTOM LINE: Strong bones aren’t just about adding calcium. They’re about balancing bone breakdown with bone rebuilding!

📍 Stanly Wellness Center
👨‍⚕️ Dr. Patrick Ess

🌐 www.askdrpatrick.com

📅 Schedule your appointment:
https://askdrpatrick.com/appointment-scheduling/

Your bones are living tissue. Feed them wisely and keep them moving! 🦴💪

10/13/2026

🚨 JUNK FOOD MAY BE REWIRING YOUR CHILD’S BRAIN! 🧠🍟

What children eat today may influence what they CRAVE as adults!

A new 2026 study published in Nature Communications found something alarming:

🐭 Mice fed high-fat, high-sugar diets early in life developed lasting changes in brain pathways controlling appetite.

⚖️ Even after returning to a healthy diet and normal body weight, their preference for junk food persisted!

🦠 Here’s the fascinating part: A specific probiotic helped normalize food preferences, suggesting the GUT-BRAIN CONNECTION may play an important role.

⚠️ This was an animal study, not proof of permanent brain damage in children. But the findings deserve attention!

🥦 MY TAKEAWAY: Feed your children REAL, nutrient-dense foods. Perfection isn’t necessary—think 80/20—but healthy habits established early may influence a lifetime of eating behaviors.

You’re not just feeding their bodies. You’re helping shape their future! 💪

📚 Research: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41735265/

👨‍⚕️ Dr. Patrick Ess | Stanly Wellness Center

📅 https://askdrpatrick.com/appointment-scheduling/

10/12/2026

🚨 STRESSED OUT? EATING LATE? YOUR GUT MAY BE PAYING THE PRICE! 💩

New research presented at Digestive Disease Week 2026 analyzed data from over 15,000 people and found a surprising connection between stress, late-night eating, and bowel problems!

📊 39% of highly stressed late-night eaters experienced constipation or diarrhea, compared to just 23% of lower-stress individuals who ate earlier.

🧠 Researchers also found that higher stress combined with poor dietary habits was associated with reduced gut bacterial diversity.

WHY DOES THIS MATTER?

Your gut and brain are constantly communicating through the gut-brain axis. Stress and meal timing may influence digestive health more than we realize!

✅ Finish dinner earlier.
✅ Avoid heavy late-night meals.
✅ Manage daily stress.
✅ Give your digestive system a consistent routine.

⚠️ This was observational research, so it shows an association—not proof of cause and effect.

BOTTOM LINE: Sometimes improving your gut health starts with WHEN you eat, not just WHAT you eat!

📚 Study — American Gastroenterological Association:
https://news.gastro.org/issues/2026/april-2026/late-eating-stress-tied-to-bowel-issues/

10/08/2026

🚨 BEFORE YOU REPLACE YOUR HIP… CHECK YOUR FEET! 🦶🦴

Did you know your hip pain could be influenced by the way you WALK?

Your feet are the foundation of your body. When your arches collapse or your feet excessively pronate, it can change the forces traveling through your knees, hips, pelvis, and spine!

🔬 WHAT DOES RESEARCH SHOW?

✅ A 2023 systematic review of 7 studies involving 266 people found that foot orthotics and footwear modifications showed potential benefits for hip pain and function, although the evidence was limited.

✅ A 2024 randomized feasibility study found promising improvements in walking activity with contoured orthotics.

💥 THE TAKEAWAY?

Your hip doesn’t work alone! Sometimes addressing foot mechanics, gait, and muscle imbalances can help improve comfort and mobility.

Hip replacements are sometimes necessary, but conservative options deserve consideration when appropriate.

👨‍⚕️ At Stanly Wellness Center, we evaluate the entire kinetic chain—not just where you hurt!

📍 Locust, NC

📅 Schedule your evaluation today!
https://askdrpatrick.com/appointment-scheduling/