<![CDATA[GERFIN MEDICAL GROUP 570-585-0905 - BLOG]]>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 12:27:21 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[Delicious Homemade Black Bean Veggie Burgers]]>Sat, 03 Apr 2021 18:03:53 GMThttps://www.gerfinmedical.com/blog/delicious-homemade-black-bean-veggie-burgersDelicious Homemade Black Bean Veggie Burgers

No need to buy the frozen ones, these are easy to make and taste so much better!

  • 1 (16 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed 
  • ½ green bell pepper, cut into 2 inch pieces 
  • ½ onion, cut into wedges 
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled 
  • 1 egg  
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder 
  • 1 tablespoon cumin 
  • 1 teaspoon Thai chili sauce or hot sauce 
  • ½ cup bread crumbs
Preheat oven to 375 degrees and lightly oil a baking sheet.
Mash black beans with a fork until thick and pasty.
Finely chop bell pepper, onions and garlic. Stir into mashed beans.
In a small bowl stir egg, chili powder, cumin and chil/hot sauce.
Stir egg mixture into the beans. Mix in bread crumbs until mixture is sticky and holds together. Make into 4 patties.
Place on baking sheet and bake 10 minutes per side. You can also grill 8 minutes on each side. 
Nutrition Facts 
Per Serving: 198 calories; protein 11.2g; carbohydrates 33.1g; fat 3g; cholesterol 46.5mg; sodium 607.3mg
 
]]><![CDATA[What could be causing your cough...]]>Mon, 19 Aug 2019 11:03:26 GMThttps://www.gerfinmedical.com/blog/what-could-be-causing-your-cough4177139Most coughs are benign and temporary, lasting a week to several months, but some are chronic and may portend a more serious condition, The following is a list of the more common causes of cough:​​
  1. A cold virus (usually due to a rhinovirus or adenovirus)- These viruses cause the common cold and can last from weeks to months. They are associated with nasal congestion and the production of clear mucus. Treatment is symptomatic. 
  2. Postnasal drip- A condition that is associated with chronic cough that is due to mucus that accumulates in the sinuses and drips down the back of the throat creating a tickly sensation that triggers a cough. It is often associated with a runny nose and nasal congestion, Treatment includes nasal saline rinse, nasal steroids and antihistamines. If mucus is purulent (yellow/green) a bacterial infection is suspected and treatment includes a broad spectrum antibiotic such as amoxicillin. 
  3. Asthma- Asthma usually manifests itself as wheezing and shortness of breath, but some patients have a cough-variant asthma, the presenting symptom being a persistent cough. Cough can also be precipitated by cold, exercise and allergens such as pollens, animal dander and aromatic perfumes. Treatment ranges from nasal/oral steroids to bronchodilators (albuterol) to desensitization (allergy shots) by an immunologist.
  4. Acid reflux- 25% of cases of chronic cough are due to GERD (gastric reflux disease). When gastric acid refluxes back up into the esophagus it eventually reaches the larynx and trachea causing hoarseness and chronic cough. The cough usually occurs right after a meal, at night when one is in the recumbent position in bed, and upon arising in the morning. Treatment consists of: a) Drinking milk. b) Two 500 mg Tums c) An antihistamine (Zantac)  d) Proton pump inhibitor (Prilosec) e) Elevate head of bed on 6 inch blocks  f) Lose weight- excess abdominal fat squeezes stomach and propels gastric acid back up into the esophagus causing 'heartburn'. 
  5. Pneumonia-​Cough productive of green/yellow/bloody sputum, fever and chills           common. Treatment consists of antibiotics. 
  6. Whooping Cough- A highly contagious bacterial laryngotracheitis caused by the       bacterium Bordetella Pertussis. The name originates from the characteristic inspiratory 'whoop' the patient makes as he/she gasps for breath. After a long intensive fit of coughing, Most younger people are immune due to the effect of  vaccination as a child. Older patients may have an aborted infection due to partial protective immunity and present with the primary symptom being chronic cough. Antibiotics are effective during the first three weeks of infection. 
  7. Ace-inhibitors- Up to 20% of persons being treated with an ace-inhibitor (Lisinopril etc) for hypertension will experience a chronic cough. If the cough is of significant severity, substitution of a different class of anti-hypertensive medication is indicated.
  8. Allergens- A subset of asthmatics will have symptoms after exposure to molds, various pollens, smoke and other air pollutants. Avoidance is the best treatment.
  9. Emphysema and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)- These diseases are most often associated with smoking cigarettes/cigars. Other causes are an anti-trypsin deficiency and rare conditions causing lung damage. (silo-filler's disease, inhalation of poison gas, etc).
  10.  Lung and Throat cancer- Diagnosis often utilizes the services of an ear, nose and throat specialist and the modalities of laryngoscopy, chest x-ray, catscan and MRI.
​]]><![CDATA[Mediterranean Green and White Beans]]>Sun, 18 Aug 2019 20:52:23 GMThttps://www.gerfinmedical.com/blog/august-18th-20191 large onion, sliced thin
2 lbs green beans 
1 15 oz can white beans- no salt added, drained and rinsed
1 28 oz can whole peeled tomatoes
1/4 cup olive oil 
4 cloves minced garlic
2 Tbsp, tomato paste
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
1 Tbsp chopped fresh dill (or 2 tsp. dried dill)
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup plain Green yogurt (low-fat)

In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add the onion and saute until onion is softened, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and stir for 1 minute.  Stir in the tomato paste and cook until it's caramelized. (no more than a minute). 

Crush the tomatoes by hand over the pot and add with the juices. Add 1/2 cup of water to the mixture and bring to a boil. Add green beans, parsley, salt, pepper and dill and cover. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Add the white beans and continue cooking covered until the green beans are tender. (about 30 minutes longer). Serve with a spoonful of yogurt on the top. 

]]><![CDATA[Spicy Chipotle Sweet Potato Soup Recipe]]>Wed, 17 Jul 2019 21:09:24 GMThttps://www.gerfinmedical.com/blog/spicy-chipotle-sweet-potato-soup-recipe1 large yellow onion chopped (approx. 2 cups)
6 cups cubed and peeled sweet potatoes
6 cups chicken broth- unsalted
1 chipotle pepper in adobo, chopped and seeded
5 cloves garlic
2Tbsp butter- unsalted
2 Tbsp chopped fresh oregano
1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp. adobo sauce
1 tsp. of zest of orange
3/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup sour cream (or creme fraiche)
2 Tbsp water
1/2 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
  • Melt butter in Dutch oven over high heat. Add the onion and sauce 3 mins until lightly browned. Reduce heat to medium, stirring occasionally until onion is translucent (about 4 mins). Stir in garlic and oregano and sauté for 2 minutes.
  • Whisk flour and 1/4 cup of the broth and add sweet potatoes, chipotle, adobo, orange zest, salt, cinnamon and remaining broth to the onion mixture. Bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and cover and simmer. Stir occasionally until sweet potatoes are tender- about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
  • Transfer the mixture into batches to a blender. If you can, remove center of blender lid to allow the hot steam to release. Cover opening with a clean towel and blend until smooth and return to pot.
  • Whisk the sour cream (or the creme fraiche) with the water. Add more water if necessary so the mixture is thin enough to drizzle. Serve soup in bowls, add drizzle and toasted pumpkin seeds. ENJOY!
Per serving- 255 calories ,13 g fat (6g saturated), 20 mg cholesterol, 4 g fiber]]><![CDATA[10 Foods that keep you hydrated on hot summer days]]>Wed, 17 Jul 2019 20:47:27 GMThttps://www.gerfinmedical.com/blog/10-foods-that-keep-you-hydrated-on-hot-summer-days
It is important to keep well-hydrated to prevent heat exhaustion and kidney stones. In addition to drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water daily, the following 10 foods will help keep you in positive water balance. Please keep in mind that 20% of our day fluid intake comes from the foods that we eat.
1) Bananas- contain 74% water and are high in potassium which is easily lost during perspiration.
2) Cauliflower- contains 92% water and is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin K and antioxidants that help prevent cancer.
3) Celery- contains 95% water and is high in Vitamin K, folic acid and potassium.
4) Cucumbers- contains 96% water
5) Spinach- contains 92% water, a favorite of Popeye, and a healthy supply of magnesium.
6) Iceberg Lettuce- contains 98% water, the rest being fiber which helps lower cholesterol and prevents constipation and diverticulosis/itis.
7) Radishes- contains 95% water.
8) Strawberries- contains 91% water and are a rich source of the antioxidants known as flavonoids.
9) Watermelon- the quintessential summer fruit. It contains 91% water and is a rich source of lycopene, an antioxidant. Although sweet, watermelon contains only 8% sugars and is rich in sodium, potassium and magnesium,
10) Milk- according to research at McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, milk hydrates better than sports drinks due to it's combination of sugars, sodium, potassium, calcium and electrolytes.
11) Other- A few other hydrating food sources include cantaloupe, oranges, zucchini and cottage cheese.]]><![CDATA[Daily Caloric Requirements for Women and Men]]>Wed, 09 Jan 2019 21:47:15 GMThttps://www.gerfinmedical.com/blog/daily-caloric-requirements-for-women-and-menThe daily calorie requirements for adult men and women

AGE
DAILY CALORIES
​(MEN)
DAILY CALORIES (WOMEN)
19-59
2600
1950
60-74
2400
1900
75 +
2100
1800
​
​These numbers reflect the usual day-to-day activities of a person that does not have a very physically active daily routine, such as a banker or physician,

More physically active individuals need more calories. This is one of the reasons the we recommend a structured exercise program for our weight loss patients.

Happy New Year!

Ernest Gerfin, MD
]]><![CDATA[CONTROLLING SALT (SODIUM) INTAKE]]>Tue, 28 Aug 2018 00:52:50 GMThttps://www.gerfinmedical.com/blog/controlling-salt-sodium-intakeThe daily recommendation for sodium intake (salt) is 1700mg per day. That is the amount in one level teaspoon, Lunch meats and canned foods are very high in their sodium content, which is used to act as a preservative and should be avoided. Fresh produce and meats are preferable.]]><![CDATA[BEST PREVENTATIVE MEASURE FOR CONSTIPATION]]>Tue, 28 Aug 2018 00:47:39 GMThttps://www.gerfinmedical.com/blog/best-preventative-measure-for-constipationThe best preventative measure for constipation is ingestion of a packet of Quaker Oats Instant Oatmeal (not steel cut). Packets come in multiple flavors (blueberry, maple walnut, peach, etc). Follow instructions to prepare. Fruit of any kind can be added before or after for additional benefit. ]]><![CDATA[TREATMENT OF MUSCLE SPASMS]]>Tue, 28 Aug 2018 00:41:54 GMThttps://www.gerfinmedical.com/blog/treatment-of-muscle-spasmsMuscle spasms usually dissipate rapidly. Here are some tips on treating them.

A) Stretch muscle for several minutes.

B) Drink 2 (two) 8 (eight) ounce glasses of water. 

C) Apply heating pad to affected area until spasms disappear.

Most muscle spasms (cramps) are due to muscle dehydration and not to deficiencies of calcium or potassium.]]><![CDATA[An Unhealthy Oil]]>Sun, 04 Mar 2018 18:03:13 GMThttps://www.gerfinmedical.com/blog/an-unhealthy-oil     Coconut oil is comprised of 82% saturated fat, compared with 63% for butter and 50% for beef fat.
     The higher the percentage of saturated fat in a foodstuff, the greater it’s propensity to elevate bad ldl-cholesterol, resulting in a greater risk for the development of heart attack and stroke.
     Solution- substitute olive oil and/or canola oil for coconut and other oils, eat red meat only on special occasions and avoid butter and margarines. Benecol (a plant-derived margarine) is a heart healthy exception.
   ]]>