Effective Migraine Treatments
Treating Migraines: What works?
What medicines can help relieve migraine pain?
There are 2 main categories of medications for migraine treatments: abortive and preventive.
Abortive treatments focus on stopping the headache from becoming severe and relieve the headache pain. These treatments are best started as soon as the migraine is first noticed to be starting.
Preventive treatments are medicines that are taken daily to reduce how often headaches occur and aim to decrease the frequency of migraines.
Migraine diagnosis and treatment planning is unique and individualized based on symptoms and co-existing conditions.
Once you have identified migraine triggers and made lifestyle changes, if your migraines are still affecting your well-being there are a plethora of options to review with your physician. We review a few of them briefly here.
Abortive Medications: Medications used to relieve migraine pain work best when taken at the first sign of an oncoming migraine — as soon as symptoms of a migraine begin.
Abortive medications include:
-Over the Counter Migraine relief medications that combine caffeine, aspirin and acetaminophen (Excedrin Migraine) may be helpful against mild migraine pain.
-Triptans: Class of meds including sumatriptan (Imitrex) and rizatriptan (Maxalt) treat migraines and are taken as pills, shots or nasal sprays.
-Dihydroergotamine (Migranal): Available as nasal spray or injection.
–Others: Lasmiditan (Reyvow) an oral tablet, Gepants class including Ubrogepant (Ubrelvy), and Zavegepant (Zavzpret) a nasal spray.
Preventive medications. These types of drugs are taken regularly, often daily, to reduce the severity or frequency of migraines.
Preventative Options include:
-Blood pressure-lowering medications: beta blockers such as propranolol and metoprolol. Calcium channel blockers such as verapamil.
-Antidepressants. A tricyclic antidepressant, amitriptyline.
-Anti-seizure drugs. Valproate and topiramate (Topamax).
-Botox injections. Injections about every 12 weeks help prevent migraines in some adults.
–Others: Calcitonin gene-related peptides (CGRP) monoclonal antibodies are newer medicines given monthly or quarterly by injection, some gepants are used daily.
Migraine Headaches
Is it a Migraine Headache?
Migraines can cause throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. These headaches are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Attacks can last for hours to days, and the pain can interfere with daily activities.
What is an Aura?
A warning symptom, an aura, can occur before the headache. An aura might be visual disturbances, such as flashes of light, or other disturbances, like tingling on one side of the face, arm or leg or even difficulty speaking.
Risk Factors for Migraines
Family history: If you have a family member with migraines, then you have a good chance of developing them too.
Sex. Women are three times more likely than men to have migraines..
Age. Most people have their first migraine during adolescence, but migraines can start at any age, usually before age 40.
Hormonal changes. Headaches can begin around menstruation. They can change during pregnancy or menopause. Migraines generally improve after menopause.
Triggers for migraines
Certain Drinks and Foods . Alcohol and excess caffeine can trigger migraines.
Stress triggers migraines. Stress includes feeling overwhelmed at home or work. But you can also become stressed by exercising too much or not getting enough sleep.
Senses: Loud sounds, bright lights , or strong smells may trigger migraines.
Hormonal changes. Fluctuations in estrogen, such as around menstrual periods, pregnancy and menopause can worsen migraines.
Illness. Infections, such as the cold or the flu, may trigger migraines, especially in children.
Weather changes. A change of weather or barometric pressure can prompt a migraine.
Medications. Some medications, including oral contraceptives, can trigger migraines
Keeping a Journal of your migraine symptoms can be a key to treatment planning.
health insurance does not equal health care
Health Insurance ≠ Health care
“I pay high monthly premiums for health insurance… shouldn’t it cover my health care costs?”
The reality is… it does not.
If you are like many, you are frustrated with the fact that you wait days to weeks to be seen and have additional out of pocket expenses every time you need to use your insurance card. These additional costs come in the form of copays and deductibles that can really add up quickly. Out of pocket expenses often approach thousands of dollars every year before your “insurance” will cover any costs. For example, if you need an MRI… you could end up paying thousands of dollars before your insurance will even start to cover any costs.
What is insurance for then?
Like any insurance product… it protects against catastrophe. If you have an accident or illness that causes you to be hospitalized, you will need to be covered. What coverage you choose… whether a high deductible plan or a health share plan or other options is something that you, as a savvy consumer, will want to take the time to understand.
Auto insurance is an illustrative example. You would not use it to fill up the gas tank or change the oil. Why? If you made an insurance claim every time you filled up the gas, your car insurance premiums would sky rocket. The health insurance industry is one of the most profitable industries in the world for this reason. They have sold America on the belief that they need to use their health insurance card to get health care and this allows them to increase the premiums every time you pull out that card.
Insurance has become unaffordable for many. The number one leading cause of bankruptcy in the US is medical bills. Think about that. If values were aligned to provide people with products that kept them healthy… would the “thing” that is supposed to keep them well cause them financial ruin?
The reality is that Health Insurance does not equal health care.
There are many ways to insure against catastrophe that do not cost an arm and a leg. Better health care does not need to be expensive. DPC provides a simple straightforward health care solution that aligns the incentives to keep you well and get you the care you need. The care is higher quality: a direct relationship with your physician without all the “go-betweens.” The care is convenient: you have care when you need it without waiting. The care creates significant savings on out of pocket costs: Labs, medications, and imaging are provided at discounted pricing with MRIs starting at $250.00 and basic labs under $5.00 each.
Self Care
Self Care is not Selfish
We all lead full lives, but are we really “too busy” to prioritize ourselves first? It can be hard to prioritize our own well-being when we have so many other seemingly “more important” obligations. Sometimes, it feels like there is “not enough time” to get it all done and some of us might just choose to skip the self-care piece. I have been in your shoes and had that thought… “I am just too busy.”
What if there was plenty of time? What would that feel like? What if you were able to focus your attention and spend time on the things that brought you joy intentionally? What if you did not just complete an endless “to do” task list but instead found meaning and purpose in all the activities of your day?
I understand how balancing parenting, work, and our own growth can seem impossible and leave you feeling like you cannot do a great job in one area without compromising other areas.
We all have unique circumstances and challenges that serve as a catalyst for our own personal growth and evolution ….and we do learn from those experiences… but WHAT we learn is what allows us to move forward in the direction of our dreams. The brain is an awesome organ… it is extremely malleable, teachable, and trainable. Questioning our thoughts and beliefs about what is “true” grants us the ability to adopt new habits that help us grow and thrive rather than merely survive.
“When my thinking changed, my life changed.”
When I look at my “to do list” today, I view it as something I “get to do” instead of something “I have to do.” I prioritize time for self-care and I become a more focused and productive participant in my own life. TIME is our most valuable resource. When we know exactly how we want to spend it, we can live a life filled with meaning and purpose.
Self-care is the foundation for success in all the areas of your life. Filling your own cup first so that you can serve others is not selfish…. it is necessary.
“The kissing disease”
Mono, mononucleosis, is known as the “kissing disease.” This viral infection occurs in teens and young adults. It is spread through saliva and travels through groups living in close quarters, making outbreaks happen most frequently in dormitory living. It commonly causes a sore throat, but it can cause fatigue fever and swollen lymph nodes throughout the body.
What are the symptoms of mono?
Recognizing symptoms is essential for early diagnosis and effective care:
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle weakness
• Night sweats
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph glands in your neck and/or underarms
• Swollen tonsils
Of note, these symptoms can be present in other diseases including Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a type of cancer in young adults. It is important that you get an accurate diagnosis whenever you are sick. We recommend that you always seek care from your board-certified physician when it comes to your health and well-being.
What is the best care for Mono?
Supportive care is recommended generally to alleviate symptoms and facilitate smooth recovery. Most people recover from mono after about two weeks, though some symptoms may persist for longer.
Anti-inflammatory medications can help manage throat pain
Fluids to hydrate and nutrients to boost your immune system
Rest is crucial to prevent complications and aid recovery
Warm compresses to painful lymph nodes
Corticosteroids can be used in severe cases for tonsil swelling
Complications of mono include temporary inflammation of the liver (hepatitis), jaundice (yellowing of your skin and darkening of urine) or an enlarged or ruptured spleen.
Your Tiredness Explained
How tired is too tired?
What is the difference between “being tired” and the diagnosis of fatigue?
Tiredness happens to everyone — it’s expected after certain activities or at the end of the day. A good night’s sleep solves the problem.
Fatigue is an ongoing daily lack of energy: excessive whole-body tiredness not relieved by sleep. It can stop someone from functioning normally and affects a person’s quality of life.
What causes fatigue?
Lifestyle Factors. Taking an honest inventory of things that could be causing your fatigue is the first step toward relief.
Evaluating exercise, nutrition, alcohol use, and medications and routines can have an enormous impact on levels of fatigue.
Modifications can often dramatically impact levels of fatigue.
Medical Conditions. Speak to your doctor for an evaluation if you have fatigue.
Anemia: a common blood disorder that makes it hard for your blood to move oxygen to your organs. No oxygen, no energy.
Thyroid problems: this gland in your neck regulates your metabolism and energy levels. When the thyroid gland out of whack, you’re out of whack.
Depression: undiagnosed/untreated depression can rob your brain of the chemicals needed to work at its best.
Many other medical conditions including: Infections, Sleep Apnea, and Heart or Lung Disease can manifest the symptom of fatigue as well.
Recap:
Fatigue is never normal. Get back to living the life you want to live…seek care from your physician and get to the root cause of the problem so that you can start recovering and boost your energy levels.
Direct Primary Care Benefits Your Small Business Healthcare
5 Reasons Why Direct Primary Care is a Good Health Care Solution for Your Small Business
Introduction:
As a small business owner, providing comprehensive healthcare benefits to your employees is crucial. However, navigating the complexities of traditional healthcare options can be daunting and costly. There is an innovative approach that is now a viable alternative. It’s called Direct Primary Care (DPC) and today we look at how it might be a smart choice for your small business.
1. DPC saves you and your employees money:
One of the most significant advantages of DPC is its ability to lower healthcare costs for both employers and employees. With DPC, employees pay a flat monthly fee for access to primary care and urgent care services, eliminating the burden of copays and deductibles. By providing affordable, comprehensive care, DPC encourages employees to seek timely medical attention, avoiding costly emergency room visits. This cost-effective approach leads to significant savings for your business and your employees.
2. DPC Provides Timely and Convenient Care:
DPC Provides Timely and Convenient Care: In addition to cost savings, DPC offers enhanced convenience for your employees. With regular business hours, as well as after-hours, weekend, and holiday availability, employees can access primary care services when they need them the most. The ability to reach their primary care providers through phone calls or text messages ensures timely medical advice and eliminates the need for unnecessary emergency room visits or long waits. This convenient access to quality care fosters a healthier workforce and minimizes absenteeism, thereby boosting overall productivity.
3. DPC Improves Productivity with a Healthier Workforce:
By offering DPC as a healthcare option, you empower your employees to take control of their health proactively. Without the barriers of copays and annual premium increases, employees can easily seek primary care services for minor illnesses or medical issues. Through telemedicine or phone consultations, many health concerns can be addressed without requiring in-person visits. This approach reduces time away from work, promotes employee well-being, and enhances productivity within your small business.
4. DPC Enhances Your Benefits Package and Company Culture:
In today’s competitive job market, attracting and retaining talented employees is vital. By offering DPC as part of your benefits package, you differentiate your business and create a more appealing work environment. The cost savings associated with DPC enable you to provide competitive health benefits while reducing your overhead. By demonstrating your commitment to employee wellness and personalized healthcare experiences, you cultivate a positive company culture that fosters loyalty and engagement among your workforce.
5. DPC Helps Attract and Retain Talented Employees:
Studies have shown that access to DPC healthcare through an employer is a significant factor in employee satisfaction and retention. By providing personalized healthcare experiences and promoting a healthier and happier workforce, your small business becomes an attractive employer of choice. Furthermore, DPC allows for easy inclusion of employees’ spouses and children, offering comprehensive care for their entire families. This inclusive approach further strengthens your employee benefits package and sets your small business apart from the competition.
In Summary:
Direct Primary Care (DPC) presents small businesses with a compelling alternative to traditional healthcare models. By offering cost-effective care, convenient access, improved productivity, and a competitive benefits package, DPC can be a win-win solution for both employers and employees. Embracing this innovative approach demonstrates your commitment to employee well-being and positions your small business for long-term success in today’s dynamic business landscape. Explore DPC as a valuable option for your business and reap the benefits of high quality health care at a fraction of the price of traditional health insurance for your company.
Unlocking the Secrets of Incontinence: Reclaiming Control and Confidence
Drips and Leaks…
what is urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is the accidental loss of urine. It is more common than most people are aware of. 25 million adult Americans experience temporary or chronic urinary incontinence. It can range from the discomfort of slight losses of urine to severe, frequent wetting.
What causes urinary incontinence and what to do about it?
It is caused by specific changes in body function that may result from diseases, use of medications and/or the onset of an illness. Women are most likely to develop urinary incontinence during pregnancy and after childbirth, or after the hormonal changes of menopause.
Although these conditions are incredibly common, women often suffer in silence. Some find these symptoms embarrassing and refrain from discussing them with friends or family members. Women should understand that leakage is NOT a normal part of aging and that goals of treatment include minimizing and eliminating the need for the use of pads as a self-management strategy.
Fortunately, the diagnosis and treatment of incontinence can dramatically improve the quality of life of women who suffer from these conditions.
How is urinary incontinence diagnosed?
Urinary incontinence is not normal and it is important to consult with your doctor. Urinary incontinence is diagnosed with a complete physical examination that focuses on the urinary and nervous systems, reproductive organs, and urine samples.
The common types of urinary incontinence are:
- Stress incontinence—With stress incontinence, urine leakage occurs when the bladder is under pressure, such as when a person laughs, coughs, sneezes or exercises.
- Urge incontinence—Urge incontinence involves a strong, sudden urge to urinate that results in leakage. These types of incontinence are defined by their causes. Many women may experience a combination of both stress and urge incontinence — a condition commonly referred to as mixed urinary incontinence.
- Mixed Incontinence- A combination of both types
What is the treatment for urinary incontinence?
Specific treatment for urinary incontinence will be determined by your doctor based on what type of incontinence it is, the extent of the symptoms, any underlying medical conditions, and patient preference.
Treatments may include:
- Behavioral therapies: such as bladder training or toileting routines
- Diet modifications: Eliminating bladder irritants, such as caffeine, alcohol and citrus fruits.
- Pelvic muscle rehabilitation: to improve pelvic muscle tone and prevent leakage and possibly biofeedback as well as vaginal weight training.
- Medication : vaginal estrogens and anticholinergics
- Modifying contributory factors: weight loss, eliminate medication side effects, treat constipation
- Office procedures, Pessary, Surgery
Each person deserves an individualized consult with their physician regarding symptoms, diagnosis, and management for urinary incontinence.
Recognizing Emergency Warning Signs For Headaches
Headaches Unveiled
Headaches are common… but What are the Emergency Warning Signs that tell you to seek care Immediately?
Almost everyone has had a headache at some point. Headaches can be due something as simple as uncontrolled allergies to something as serious as a life-threatening aneurysm.
Here we review the most common headache causes AND what the most concerning warning signs are that help you know when you should seek immediate care.
The most common type of headaches is “tension-type” headaches.
Tension-Type headaches are most often caused by one of the following:
- excessive caffeine intake
- alcohol intake
- vision problems
Correcting the underlying problem relieves these headaches.
When should I be concerned about a headache?
Headaches can be a sign of a life-threatening emergency. The following signs are reasons to seek care immediately:
- It is the all-time worst headache ever
- The headache is worst upon waking
- There was loss of consciousness
- Uncontrollable vomiting
- Loss of vision
Brain Health Matters
Brain awareness JUNE 2023
Brain health matters… it helps to keep us sharp and staves off the effects of dementia. There are lots of great things you can do to keep your brain healthy and there has never been a better time to start than now!
Keeping Your Brain Strong
Eating Healthy, Exercising Daily, Getting Plenty of Sleep, Paying Attention to Your Mental Health and Socializing with others are critical components to brain health. Today we are going to focus on the most important Tip for Brain Health: Continuing to Learn New Skills.
Use it or Lose It.
Become a lifelong learner to keep your brain active and healthy. Engage in activities that stimulate your brain!
Every time you learn something new you build new connections between your brain cells and the more stimulated your brain is, the more active it becomes. Challenging the brain is key.
- travel to new places
- learn a new language
- take a course
- play a new game: puzzles, chess, workbooks
- read a book
- draw or paint
- listen to new music
- learn new recipes
- play a musical instrument: piano is thought to engage both left and right brain at the highest level
Public Health Epidemic of Gun Violence
Gun Violence – A Public Health Crisis
Sadly, firearms are the leading cause of death in children in the United States. These deaths are completely preventable and occur at a rate more than 5x higher than drownings.
June is National Gun Violence Awareness Month.
TOP TIPS for PREVENTING FIREARM DEATHS
As with any health-related problem, prevention through education is a critical component. Did you know that firearms are present in 1/3 of households with children?
- The best way to keep children safe is NOT to have a gun in the home.
- If it is necessary to keep a gun in the home, safe storage is critical. Guns should be kept unloaded and ammunition should be stored separately. Both should be locked and inaccessible.
- Parents should speak to caregivers in homes where young children are visiting/playing about guns in caregivers’ homes.
- Talk to older kids about guns and safety.
9 Critical Warning Signs of Violence
In almost every documented case of active shooters, there were warning signs. In 4 out of 5 school shootings at least one other person had knowledge of attackers plan but failed to report it.
- Suddenly withdrawing from friends, family and activities (including online or via social media)
- Bullying, especially if targeted towards differences in race, religion, gender or sexual orientation
- Excessive irritability, lack of patience, or becoming angry quickly
- Experiencing chronic loneliness or social isolation
- Expressing persistent thoughts of harming themselves or someone else
- Making direct threats toward a place, another person, or themselves
- Bragging about access to guns or weapons
- Recruiting accomplices or audiences for an attack
- Directly expressing a threat as a plan
Reporting warning signs of violence is critical to decreasing the risk of gun violence in our community.
Advocacy to protect children from gun-violence must take place at a national level to have meaningful impact. Basic measure such as stopping assault weapon sales and advocating for high-capacity magazine limits, alongside ammunition regulation, required background checks, and increasing gun manufacturer liability will be critical.
Mental Health Awareness Month
Is It Stress or Anxiety?
Mental Health Awareness Month
Everyone experiences stress, and sometimes that stress can feel overwhelming.
You may be at risk for an anxiety disorder if it feels like you can’t manage the stress and if the symptoms of your stress:
– Interfere with your everyday life.
– Cause you to avoid doing things.
– Seem to be always present.
Practice Self-Care for your Mental Health: Build a toolbox full of healthy ways to cope
Simple, everyday actions:
–schedule quiet time for meditation, yoga, or reading
–spend a few minutes in nature, getting out to exercise, or playing a favorite song can help you feel grounded
–stick to a sleep routine to ensure enough sleep
–keep a journal
–connect with others in your community
Mental Health Awareness
Your Mental Health at Midlife
Experiencing LOTS of ups and downs? No… you’re not crazy….its part of middle age.
Do find yourself loving life and feeling fabulous one day and having difficulty with overwhelm and gloom the next? Have you found yourself loosing it… over little stuff? Feel like you’re on an emotional roller coaster? Welcome to middle age.
This is a time when our bodies and minds experience tremendous change, both physically and emotionally. Kids may be leaving the home or you might be transitioning careers after decades. It’s often when we need to deal with parents’ health issues or our own. For many, this is a time when some long-term relationships end or starting new relationships or choosing time alone.
So give yourself a break… you have a lot going on right now in your life!
You must fill your own cup first… Self-care becomes even more critical as we age.
7 QUICK TIPS/TRICKS TO BOOST MINDSET AND IMPROVE MENTAL WELL-BEING:
1. Regular exercise reduces the risk of depression and improves mood
2. Ensuring adequate sleep that is restful and restorative is imperative
3. Quieting the mind through and directing thoughts utilizing tools
4. Training the brain with habit formation techniques
5. Social interactions creating supportive relationships to stay grounded
6. Prioritization, delegation, and time management skill building through education
7. Awareness around feelings and emotional responses
Tips for Early Detection of Skin Cancer
What are the skin changes you should not ignore? Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Knowing how to do a skin self-exam and what the warning signs are for melanoma are the key for decreasing risk. Follow these tips to increase your chances of spotting skin cancer early, when it’s most treatable.
How to perform a skin self-exam
Examine your body in a full-length mirror-Examine your body front and back in a mirror, then look at the right and left sides with your arms raised.
Look at your underarms, forearms, and palms-Bend your elbows and look carefully at your forearms, underarms, and palms.
Look at your legs, between toes, and soles of your feet-Look at the backs of your legs and feet, the spaces between your toes, and the soles of your feet.
Use a hand mirror to examine your neck and scalp-Examine the back of your neck and scalp with a hand mirror. Part your hair for a closer look at your scalp.
Use a hand mirror to check your back and buttocks-Finally, check your back and buttocks with a hand mirror.
If you notice any new spots on your skin, spots that are different from others, or spots that are changing, itching or bleeding, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist.
Remember the “ABCDE rule”
Note changes in moles or birthmarks that can be warning signs of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
A-Asymmetry where one half looks different from the other
B-Borders of the mole that are irregular or not sharply demarcated
C-Color is varied from one area to another
D-Diameter over 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser)
E-Evolving or changing in size shape or color
Protecting Your Skin
SKIN CARE this SUMMER
Summer is almost here…. and with it comes lots of outdoor activities. Protecting your skin from the sun is imperative. Did you know that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer?
The good news is that skin cancer can be prevented and it can almost always be cured… when it’s found and treated early.
4 Simple Skin Cancer Prevention Tips:
-Seek the shade between 10am-4pm
-Do NOT get a sunburn
-Use broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher and reapply after 2hours
-Examine your skin once a month
ABCs for burns.
Burns Happen.
We all use things that are hot, flammable, or explosive and don’t think much about the risks… until we get burned.
Thermal burns are the ones we all think of…. Touching a hot iron for example. These are obvious hazards, but there are more severe burns you might not think of often.
Chemical burns are not as rare as you might think. One of my patients had some batteries explode in her pocket and burn her skin. She called and was directed to immediately irrigate with water.
Today we will go through the ABCs of burns and what to do if you have a burn.
Bottom line: Burns happen and there are steps that need to be taken immediately to improve the odds for successful healing.
What is the Basic Care for Burns?
Treating burns early is actually the most important:
- Remove the cause of the burn.
Immediately remove the cause of the burn from the affected area. If there is grease or chemicals on your skin (or clothing that’s caught fire), you need to remove the continued source of the burn as quickly as possible.
For chemicals you may need to double check that nothing is continuing to cause damage. In the case of my patient, the battery got into her shoe and it was not noticed right away. It caused more damage to her foot than her thigh because it was not treated as quickly.
- Treat the area with cold water.
Leave any affected burn areas under cold water for 10 minutes. This time is essential in reducing the heat in the skin and stopping the burn’s progression. You may even want to irrigate with water for longer depending on the type of chemical burn and extent.
- Evaluate the burn.
After 10 minutes of treatment with cold water, assess the existing damage and plan for needed treatment. Call your physician for guidance. If you’re traveling to a medical facility, keep a cool compress on the area while you travel, if possible.
- Keep the burn clean.
Burns break down skin and often breed infections that can be severe. Removing debris that might contain bacteria and keeping the area clean is important.
When do I need to seek Immediate Medical Care?
In specific cases, you should seek professional treatment for a burn immediately.
Circumferential Burns
If a burn area stretches all the way around a body part — like your finger, wrist, or leg — you absolutely need to see a doctor for evaluation and treatment.
Large Burns
When it comes to wound care for burns, a rule of thumb is that you can estimate burn size by thinking of your palm as 1% of your body area, while your arm or leg is closer to 9%. Different percentages of burned skin require different levels of medical attention, but suffice it to say if you have burn on 10% of your body you need to seek medical attention immediately.
What are the Next Steps for Burn Management?
In addition to caring for the burn itself, you’ll also need to deal with other issues related to your injury. To give your body time to heal, you’ll need to address two variables:
- Infection: Your skin is your body’s main defense against infections. When you burn your skin, you’re literally burning away your number one infection defense mechanism. Keep the burn site clean to avoid complications.
- Pain management: Burn wounds are notoriously painful. Talk to your doctor about medication options for pain management.
- Wound care: Evaluation of severity and which layers of tissue are affected will determine treatment. Consult with your doctor and consider Silvadene, commonly used cream that has both antibacterial properties and can promote wound healing.
Wound Care for Burns: Final Thoughts
If you find yourself questioning whether you should seek medical attention for a burn, seek medical attention. One advantage of our direct primary care model is that patients have a direct line to their doctor they can use at any time. My battery burn patient was able to call me immediately after her injury, and I could assist her in real time as she texted me pictures of the burns. We saved her thousands in hospital bills and follow up care because we were able to manage her care immediately to prevent ongoing damage.
Preventing heart disease is better than curing it.
Heart Disease: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Heart Disease is the number one killer for women…. knowing your risk is half the battle.
Heart disease is often preventable for women. The following lifestyle changes help lower risk and protect your heart.
Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight can raise your blood pressure, cholesterol, and increase risk for diabetes.
Losing 5% to 10% of your body weight can lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and the risk of developing diabetes.
Quit smoking
Smokers have more than twice the risk for heart attack than do nonsmokers. The risk for blood clots also increases, which can cause stroke.
Get Active
Strive for regular moderate to high intensity physical activity. This can be done in 30 minute chunks, 5 days a week. Aerobic exercise reduces your risk of heart disease.
Change your fats
Change the fats in your diet. Avoid saturated fats. Substitute olive oil for butter. All fats are high in calories so use them sparingly to avoid weight gain.
Also limit the following:
• Full-fat dairy products
• Fatty meats
• Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils
• Convenience or other prepared foods high in fat
Eat fruits and veggies
Eat plenty of produce. We recommned eating at least 3 cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruits daily, depending on your calorie needs. Diets high in fruits and vegetables are linked to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk for heart disease.
Fiber up
Soluble fiber helps reduce cholesterol. Oatmeal, whole-grain bread, and other whole-grain foods are excellent sources of this nutrient.
Drink alcohol only in moderation
Women should limit alcohol to no more than 1 drink per day. That’s equivalent to 12 ounces of beer, 4 to 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits.
Strategies for Overcoming Heart Disease
A Woman’s Guide to Beating Heart Disease
Few women think heart disease is their greatest health threat. That thought could not be further from the truth. Unfortunately, it’s the nation’s number one killer, and women are its prime target. Over one-third of the women who die in the U.S. each year die of heart disease. In fact, more women die of heart disease each year than breast cancer.
The risk of heart attack and stroke increases with age. Women can start protecting themselves early to avoid heart disease.
Knowing your risk
Things that put women at risk include:
• Being postmenopausal
• Having had a hysterectomy
• History of or currently using birth control pills
• Being pregnant and having complications including diabetes or pre-eclampsia
Credit to: My Happy Doctor
The following things put both women and men at risk for developing heart disease:
• Personal history of heart disease or stroke
• Age over 55
• Family history of heart disease
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Past or current smoker
• Getting little or no exercise
• Obesity
• High-stress life
Knowing risk factors is half the battle towards beating heart disease. You can lower your risk of heart disease through preventative measures. Keep an eye open for our blog on prevention next week where we will do a deep dive on how to prevent heart disease.
debunking Myths about Heart Health
Debunking Myths: Women and Heart Health
Myth: Heart disease is a man’s disease
Fact: Heart disease is kills more women than men. Heart disease is the cause of one out of every three deaths and is the leading cause of death for women.
Myth: Heart disease only happens to older women
Fact: Heart disease affects women of all ages. For younger women, the combination of birth control pills and smoking increases heart disease risks by 20 percent.
Myth: If women are fit they are not at risk
Fact: The risk for heart disease is not eliminated if you exercise regularly. Factors like cholesterol, eating habits, high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking directly affect risk.
Myth: Heart disease always has symptoms
Fact: The majority of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms. Symptoms vary greatly between men and women. Women are often underdiagnosed or undertreated which can lead to higher mortality rates.
Myth: If heart disease runs in my family, I can’t do anything about it
Fact: Women with a family history of heart disease are at higher risk, but there’s tons that can be done to dramatically reduce risk. Women should discuss their personal risk factors with their healthcare provider and undergo regular screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and other heart disease risk factors.
What is Direct Primary Care?
Direct Primary Care. What is it?
I already pay a ton for health insurance…. aren’t those services covered?
Most of us know that trying to use our health insurance is a painful process. In general, we find it impossible to get the care we need without creating a massive headache. In the end, we spend additional time and money trying to get the “care” that our insurance “covers.” We are all familiar with the hassle typically experienced when trying to get an appointment or speak to a doctor. Often, we end up with end up coming out-of-pocket for our copays and deductibles… sometimes paying hundreds or thousands of dollars annually. These expenses are paid in addition to our already high-priced monthly premiums that take a large chunk of our income every paycheck. Sometimes we avoid seeking healthcare altogether because it is such a hassle.
You may have already even tried to solve for some of the health care hassle by changing to a lower cost plan or choosing a different provider who is supposed to be “better.” But even when you really need health care… you might still consider “waiting it out” because the hassle of dealing with a health issue is harder than not dealing with it.
Direct Primary Care (DPC) is changing everything about your health care experience as you know it.
DPC offers a solution that saves you both time and money. You can now easily access the health care you need in a timely manner that his hassle-free without long waits or surprise bills.
DPC provides transparent pricing with a low monthly membership fee. There are no copays. There are no out-of-pocket dollars spent to meet your deductible. For example, if you end up needing to need an MRI, labs, medications, or an urgent care visit… the savings on these services alone often cover the entire cost of your membership for a year. The cost-savings in DPC do not even begin to touch the tremendous value of the superior care provided and the amount of time and hassle saved for patients.
Our patients do not avoid seeking care. They know they deserve to have easy access to their doctor especially when they are sick. We make it easy for them to reach us directly. No waiting.
We do not believe in automated messaging systems, sitting for hours waiting to be seen, or waiting for days to get a call back from your doctor.
It’s simple. We do what’s right for our patients. Every. Single. Time.
Avoiding care because it’s a hassle, spending an inordinate amount of time trying to get the care you need, and receiving bills you were not expecting after your care has been provided are the status quo for the health care experience. Can you really afford not to try something different?