Should you drive in Central America? (closing thoughts)

Join Dr. Stillman for Q&A on Substack

Navigating Border Crossings

Border crossings in Central America can be chaotic and confusing, with unclear signs and potential scams. It's essential to plan your visit during daylight hours, be cautious of overcharging helpers, and avoid unnecessary charges for services like photocopies.

Interacting with Officials and Police

Expect pushback and scrutiny from officials, so ensure you have all necessary documentation to avoid delays and harassment. On a positive note, interactions with the police are generally helpful and friendly, despite occasional language barriers.

Road Conditions and Safety

Driving in Central America requires patience and caution. While road conditions are generally good, be prepared for rough stretches and limited facilities. Taking frequent breaks is essential to avoid exhaustion and maintain focus during long drives.

Cost of Living and Cultural Insights

Nicaragua offers a significantly cheaper cost of living compared...

Continue Reading...

Should you drive in Central America?

Join Dr. Stillman for Q&A on Substack

Embracing Unpredictability

Driving in Central America is a stark contrast to the structured roadways of the United States. The region is filled with unexpected events, from encountering motorcycles and parades to navigating through chaotic traffic. The speaker's firsthand experience of being stuck at a border due to a festival blocking the crossing serves as a prime example of the unpredictability of travel in Central America.

Border Crossings: Cautionary Measures

Navigating border crossings in Central America requires foresight and caution. Be wary of potential scams and ensure awareness of all exit fees when leaving the country. Additionally, be mindful of vehicle carriers and roof boxes, as border officials may require unpacking and thorough inspection. It's advisable to consider carrying the carrier on the back of the vehicle or avoiding it altogether to streamline the crossing process.

Challenging Road Conditions

The roads in Central...

Continue Reading...

What is it like to drive through Mexico? (Should you do it?)? Part 2

Join Dr. Stillman for Q&A on Substack

Navigating Adverse Weather

Driving through Mexico in dense fog and cold weather can be daunting. Limited visibility makes it challenging to find safe spots to pull over. Despite the difficulties, tools like Google Maps prove valuable in navigating through sketchy areas and locating essential services like banks that accept cash.

Currency Considerations

When driving through Mexico, it's important to have pesos for gas, tolls, and potential negotiations. Credit cards may not be accepted at gas stations or toll booths, so carrying extra pesos can be a smart precaution, especially in small towns.

Navigating Hazardous Road Conditions

Challenging road conditions, including muddy terrains and narrow, pothole-ridden roads, are common in Mexico. An encounter with a mudslide might necessitate a detour through treacherous mountain villages. These situations emphasize the necessity of a robust vehicle and a steady driving hand.

Navigating Traffic...

Continue Reading...

What causes diabetes in "healthy" people?

Join Dr. Stillman for Q&A on Substack

The Toxic Metal Connection

Imagine a 'healthy' individual baffled by high blood glucose levels despite a low-carb diet. This scenario led to an investigation revealing elevated toxic metal levels as a potential trigger for the condition. The collaboration with Clark Engelbert uncovered the unexpected link between toxic metals and elevated blood glucose, shedding light on a novel contributing factor to diabetes.

Chromium: The Unsung Hero

Chromium deficiency was found to cause uncontrolled diabetes in individuals on total parenteral nutrition, disrupting glucose sensitivity and regulation. This discovery marked the first documented case of chromium deficiency in history, highlighting the essential role of chromium in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. The revelation that the average diet lacks sufficient chromium to achieve optimal glucose utilization underscores the significance of this mineral in diabetes management.

The Magnesium...

Continue Reading...

Should you drive through Mexico? What is it like?

Join Dr. Stillman for Q&A on Substack

Daytime Driving and Safety

Driving through Mexico requires patience, humor, and a preference for daytime travel. It's recommended to stick to driving during the day for safety, especially in Central America. If you're not one for patience or humor or if you're in a rush, you might want to consider alternative travel options.

Challenges at the Border

Border crossing in Mexico can be a challenging experience, often demanding patience. Be prepared for potential vehicle inspections and language barriers. Having a reliable translator app on hand can make the process smoother and less stressful.

Navigating Road Conditions

Driving in Mexico requires caution, as road conditions can vary significantly. From speed limits in kilometers to aggressive street dogs, be prepared for anything. Watch out for unusual road obstacles like horses, cows, and even military parades!

Documentation and Planning

Careful planning and understanding of processes and...

Continue Reading...

Tips to stay healthy lifting weights

Join Dr. Stillman for Q&A on Substack

Trade-offs in Lifting Weights

When you delve into lifting weights, you might be focused on increasing your bench press or squat numbers, but these specialized techniques can come with trade-offs. For example, focusing too much on bench press stability might sacrifice everyday shoulder blade movement. It's important to recognize that striking a balance between specialized techniques and overall functionality is crucial for your long-term health.

Importance of Proper Form

Maintaining proper form while lifting weights is paramount for your overall health. Ensuring that the scapula moves around the ribcage as it should not only reduces the risk of injury but also promotes balanced muscle development. Additionally, incorporating alternating exercises into your routine can utilize a broader range of motion and help prevent overuse injuries associated with repetitive movements.

Balancing the Body during Warmup and Cool Down

Don't overlook the...

Continue Reading...

When the body says no

Join Dr. Stillman for Q&A on Substack

The Body's Response to Stress and Trauma

Stress and trauma can manifest into illness, with autoimmune diseases like colitis being linked to significant life events. It's important to recognize the body's response to such situations as a teaching moment to understand what it's trying to communicate.

Building Resilience: Nature and Physical Activity

Modern lifestyle and lack of outdoor activity lead to decreased resilience to stress, coupled with improper breathing patterns impacting the body's ability to handle stress. Engaging in nature walks, spending time outdoors, and practicing breathing exercises can recharge and refuel the body.

The Power of Mindful Breathing

Managing stress through mindful breathing is crucial for well-being. Techniques such as slowing down breathing aid in stress reduction and rejuvenation. Daily breathing exercises ensure front to back circumferential breathing, contributing to resetting the nervous system.

...

Continue Reading...

Are you overwhelmed with information?

Join Dr. Stillman for Q&A on Substack

The Impact of Information Overload

With the ever-increasing volume of information bombarding us from all directions, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Wind noise in outdoor podcasting may seem like a minor nuisance, but it symbolizes the background chatter that often distracts us from focusing on what truly matters.

Self-Care as a Solution

Amidst the chaos, self-care emerges as the antidote. Simple actions can have a profound impact on our well-being. Taking a moment to step outside for just 10 minutes, three times a day, not only improves sleep but also helps us manage stress more effectively. Additionally, increasing protein intake can regulate appetite, enhance sleep quality, and boost metabolism.

The Link Between Sleep, Diet, and Health

Improving sleep goes beyond just feeling rested; it plays a crucial role in controlling appetite and accelerating metabolism. When we prioritize better sleep, we naturally eat less due to the satisfying...

Continue Reading...

How virtual medicine is changing healthcare.

Join Dr. Stillman for Q&A on Substack 

Apply to be part of the medical practice.

The Rapid Evolution of Virtual Medicine

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the evolution of virtual medicine, transforming the way patients access healthcare. Transitioning to virtual care was a swift and successful adaptation, allowing patients to receive treatment from the comfort of their homes. Wearables also enable remote monitoring of vital signs, enhancing the efficiency of healthcare delivery.

Cost-Effective Care and Enhanced Interaction

Virtual medicine enables more interaction and coaching with patients at a fraction of the cost. Through group coaching calls and a daily accountability app, patients receive enhanced support and care. This approach encourages the development of new habits and holds the patients accountable for their health goals.

Personalized Patient Interactions

One of the key advantages of virtual medicine is the ability to have regular and personalized patient...

Continue Reading...

Why are so many young athletes getting injured today?

Join Dr. Stillman for Q&A on Substack 

The Virtual Medicine Revolution

The rise of virtual medicine has transformed the way we approach healthcare, providing both advantages and disadvantages. As we delve into this topic, we'll explore the impact of virtual medicine on athlete injury management and rehabilitation.

Preventing Injuries through Management Strategies

Teaching young athletes better management strategies can play a crucial role in injury prevention. By implementing effective breathing mechanics and stress management techniques, we can empower athletes to perform at their peak while minimizing the risk of injury.

The Role of Aerobic Engine in Injury Prevention

Inadequate aerobic engine can lead to emergency strategies and increased injury risk among young athletes. We'll discuss the impact of structured drills and the importance of free play and exploration in developing movement strategies vital for injury prevention.

Improving Fitness and Health

Low-level...

Continue Reading...
Close

50% Complete

Unlock access to my free video all about the top mistakes I see people making when it comes to health and what you can actually do about it.