Joey Bart Highlights Giants 2018 MLB Amateur Draft Class

The recipient of a doctor of medicine degree from the University of Southern California, Dr. Gregory Tapson operates a private primary care practice and serves as medical director of Cypress Ridge Skilled Nursing Facility. An avid sports fan, Gregory Tapson counts the San Francisco Giants as his favorite Major League Baseball (MLB) team. 

The 2018 MLB Amateur Draft began on June 4 and the Giants held the second overall pick for the second time in franchise history and first time in 33 years. The team used the pick to select Georgia Tech catcher Joey Bart, who is regarded as an all-around player with strong defensive and offensive capabilities. He led the Atlantic Coast Conference in batting average (.359) and finished second in slugging percentage (.632) last season. He also hit 16 home runs and drove in 38 runs. Although he struck out 56 times, he drew 25 more walks than the season prior and improved his on-base percentage from .370 to .471. The Giants have picked four players in the top five of the draft, and all of them have gone on to achieve All-Star status in their careers.

With its second pick in the draft, the Giants added Sean Hjelle out of the University of Kentucky. The 6-foot-11 right-handed pitcher, who registered a 3.44 earned run average and struck out 91 batters in 99 and one-third innings last season, was named Southeastern Conference Pitcher of the Year in 2017. Pitchers Jake Wong, Blake Rivera, and Keaton Winn rounded out the team's top five picks in the 40-round draft.

Tips for Lowering Cholesterol

Family practice physician Dr. Gregory Tapson has operated a private practice in Carmel, California, since 1996. Providing annual checkups and preventive healthcare, physicians like Dr. Gregory Tapson strive to lower the risks of cardiovascular disease by keeping track of patients’ cholesterol levels through blood work. 

When lab work reveals heightened cholesterol levels, physicians can prescribe medicine, or dietary and lifestyle changes. For those wishing to avoid medication, or for those who wish to enhance its effects, the Mayo Clinic encourages heart-healthy meal choices such as increased fiber intake and healthy fats, along with reduced consumption of saturated fats. Other food items that promote heart health include bright-colored vegetables and fruits, which contain cholesterol-inhibiting molecules in addition to fiber. 

It is also recommended that those concerned about cholesterol increase physical activity, especially cardiovascular exercise. Brisk walks can help lower unhealthy cholesterol levels. 

If you have questions about your heart health and cholesterol, make an appointment with your physician.

Three Offseason Acquisitions by the San Francisco Giants

A summa cum laude graduate of the University of California, San Diego, Dr. Gregory Tapson earned his doctor of medicine at the University of Southern California and, since 1996, has managed a Carmel, California-based private practice. Outside of his professional pursuits, Dr. Gregory Tapson is a passionate fan of Major League Baseball's San Francisco Giants.

In an effort to improve its roster following a disastrous season in which it posted a win-loss record of 64-98, the Giants made a number of high-profile trades and signings in the most recent offseason. 

1. Andrew McCutchen - A five-time All-Star, McCutchen was acquired by the Giants from the Pittsburgh Pirates in January in exchange for right-handed pitcher Kyle Crick, minor league prospect Bryan Reynolds, and $500,000 toward Pittsburgh's international signing bonus allocation. Through 45 games this season, the 2013 National League MVP has three home runs, 19 runs batted in (RBI), and a .248 batting average.

2. Evan Longoria - In December, the Giants acquired power-hitting third baseman Evan Longoria from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for center fielder Denard Span and top prospects Christian Arroyo, Matt Krook, and Stephen Woods. A three-time All-Star, Longoria has played more games over the past five seasons than any other player in MLB. The 32 year old has eight home runs, 23 RBI, and a .256 batting average through 46 games with his new team.

3. Austin Jackson - The Giants rounded out its outfield in January by signing eight-year veteran Austin Jackson to a two-year, $6 million contract. He has 12 RBI and a .248 batting average through 36 games this season.

AAFP Looks after Family Doctors with New Initiative

A longtime resident of California, Gregory Tapson, MD, has cared for patients at his private practice for more than two decades. Dr. Gregory Tapson holds membership with the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), which recently introduced the Physician Health First initiative to prevent possible cases of burnout among family doctors.

The initiative aims to look after the personal and professional satisfaction of family physicians by encouraging them to produce a well-being plan. Using the Well-being Planner, members can choose among pre-selected goals to attain or enter their own, analyze their progress over time, and provide the AAFP with suggestions on how to improve the program.

The goal of the AAFP Physician Health First initiative is to urge family physicians to perform self-examinations and boost their personal satisfaction in the process. The organization points to a dysfunctional health care system as one of the major causes of physician burnout. In response, the AAFP is committed to decreasing this administrative burden to help its members focus more effectively on their patients.