Preventing the flu must be intentional when it’s flu season. Many of us feel vulnerable, even though flu vaccines exist. We’ve heard stories about flu complications and are aware that such complications can worsen symptoms and even result in death. It’s something no one wants to think about. So, we stay vigilant and we are tasked with staying on top of information that can minimize the risk of acquiring the influenza virus. Who Is Keeping Watch on Flu Outbreaks? The Centers for Disease … [Read more...] about Flu Prevention Tips
Doctor's Corner
Articles and health care suggestions for your family, written by our very own physicians.
After The Flu Vaccine: Best Practices
Best Practices After Getting a Flu Vaccine Knowing what to do after getting a flu vaccine can save lives. Should you be confident that you are protected from contracting Influenza? Seasonal Influenza shots protect against the three or four Influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season. There are several flu prevention options to choose from, but the most important practice is for all people 6 months and older to get an Influenza vaccine every year. If … [Read more...] about After The Flu Vaccine: Best Practices
Do I Have A Cold Or The Flu?
Colds and Flu Types Is it the cold or flu? Sneezing, coughing, fever, body aches, stomach distress are symptoms of a number of illnesses. How do you know the difference between the common cold and the flu? Common Cold Symptoms The common cold is a viral infection of your nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). It's usually harmless, although it might not feel that way. Many types of viruses can cause a common cold. If symptoms exceed comfort levels, it is time to see a doctor. (Mayo … [Read more...] about Do I Have A Cold Or The Flu?
Why Flu Vaccines Fail
Why Flu Vaccines Fail and What to Do When They Do Medical Science is aware that flu vaccines can fail. Why get a flu shot if you can still get the flu? That is a complex question. It’s important to be informed about diseases that can affect our health. We are our own patient advocates when it comes to our health and our family’s health. Our goal is for our local families to be informed, especially when certain illnesses like the flu can result in serious, life-threatening complications. … [Read more...] about Why Flu Vaccines Fail
Flu Vaccine Facts
When it comes to the flu vaccine, there are decisions to make. As a community healthcare provider, we are often asked questions about flu vaccine effectiveness, when to get the flu vaccine, what ages are affected most by the flu and what are flu vaccine side-effects. The most vulnerable populations when it comes to illness are the very young and the elderly. Infant bodies are working hard to build immunities. The elderly may have compromised immunities as a result of other illness or may be … [Read more...] about Flu Vaccine Facts
Thyroid Awareness: Know The Symptoms
Each year, an estimated 20,000,000 Americans are victims of various thyroid conditions that may not show any symptoms at all. 60 percent of them do not even know that there is something wrong. I was one of those Americans. In my case, my condition turned out to be thyroid cancer. And at the age of 34, a month before my baby girl turned 1, I had to have my entire thyroid removed. While my cancer story could employ another 10,000 words (future post alert), the focus of today’s post is to … [Read more...] about Thyroid Awareness: Know The Symptoms
Cervical Cancer: Reduce Your Risk
What is Cervical Cancer? Cervical Cancer is a form of cancer that grows from the cervix and spreads to other parts of the body. They cause the cells in the body to grow rapidly and out of control. This form of cancer grows from the cervix. So, all women are at risk of cervical cancer, especially those above 30. The cervix connects the birth canal to the upper region of the uterus or womb. However, it occurs mostly in women that have suffered some form of infection such as HPV (Human … [Read more...] about Cervical Cancer: Reduce Your Risk
How Long Does The Flu Last?
During the flu season, I get asked a lot of questions about this predictable and sometimes deadly disease. Two of the most common questions are how long does the flu last and how long am I contagious. How Long Does It Last? On average, if you come down with the flu, you can expect to deal with the effects for about one to two weeks. The most severe symptoms tend to last 2 to 3 days but the accompanying weakness, fatigue, dry cough, and a reduced ability to exercise can linger much … [Read more...] about How Long Does The Flu Last?
Is My Child’s Fever an Emergency?
Pediatric Fever Can Be Scary Let’s just all agree... kids get sick... It’s one of those things they are just born naturals at. But when not feeling well is accompanied by a fever, our level of caution as parents should rise exponentially. Seeing your child suffering from an illness and realizing they have a fever can be a very scary and lonely moment. Common Question Asked By Parents How high is too high of a temperature? Can my child develop brain damage from their fever?Can a fever … [Read more...] about Is My Child’s Fever an Emergency?
Sinusitis Symptoms
Have you ever felt like you had a cold that just wouldn’t go away? It seems like the discolored nasal drainage and blockage just keeps hanging on. There is a good chance you are suffering from sinusitis (an infection or inflammation of the sinuses). Approximately 1 in 8 adults come down with sinusitis each year. Sinusitis Symptoms Symptoms include: Stuffy, congested, or blocked nose Pain or pressure, in the face, head, or around the eyes Cold symptoms that last longer than usual … [Read more...] about Sinusitis Symptoms