When is a Respiratory Infection an Emergency? As the world devotes rapt attention with COVID-19, it is important to know what a respiratory infection is and when it is an emergency. The symptoms can be very much like COVID-19 and knowing the differences in symptoms is critical. Risks of Transmission for Respiratory Infections The common cold is the most common cause of doctor visits in the United States. URIs (Upper Respiratory Infections) spread from one person to another through … [Read more...] about Respiratory Infections
Doctor's Corner
Articles and health care suggestions for your family, written by our very own physicians.
National Healthcare Decisions Day – April 16
Healthcare decisions are important to think about especially for those with families. It’s more than what to do when we have a cold or a temporary illness. NHDD was founded in 2008 by Nathan Kottkamp, a Virginia-based health care lawyer, to provide clear, concise, and consistent information on healthcare decision-making to both the public and providers/facilities through the widespread availability and dissemination of simple, free, and uniform tools (not just forms) to guide the … [Read more...] about National Healthcare Decisions Day – April 16
Medical Emergency Protocol
Today, we live in an unpredictable world, and it appears to be getting even more unpredictable. We can’t know in advance when we will get sick or have an accidental injury. Most serious health problems take us by surprise. In a life or death emergency, are you prepared to know what to do until help arrives? Most people don’t preplan for emergencies other than to know how to dial 911. Sometimes, medical emergencies require immediate intervention. Knowing what to do in a medical emergency can … [Read more...] about Medical Emergency Protocol
Is My Fall An Emergency?
Asian woman falling from ladder with back pain or her hips A fall resulting in injury can cost a life. Alarming statistics tell us that globally, an estimated 646,000 fatal falls occur each year, making it the second leading cause of unintentional injury death, after road traffic injuries. (WHO 2018) By definition, a fall is defined as an unplanned descend to the floor, ground or other lower surface with or without injury to the patient. Anyone who falls is at risk of injury but factors … [Read more...] about Is My Fall An Emergency?
Common Springtime Illnesses
Signs, Symptoms and When to Seek Emergency Care Most of us recognize spring as allergy season. There’s more at play than just allergies. Here is a guide to understanding springtime health conditions, how to recognize them, and when to seek the advice of your doctor or emergency medical facility. Spring typically means a return to outdoor activities and the lengthening of days, but it can also be a time for allergy related respiratory illnesses. The reason for the spike in allergy flare-ups … [Read more...] about Common Springtime Illnesses
Coronavirus COVID-19 Update
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. It was first identified in Wuhan, China. Current COVID-19 Case Data Signs & Symptoms Patients with COVID-19 may have mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of FeverCoughShortness of breath COVID-19 Self Checker If you are sick, stay home except for a medical emergency. Separate yourself from other peopleMonitor your symptoms Stay in contact … [Read more...] about Coronavirus COVID-19 Update
Heart Palpitations: When To Visit The ER
Ideally, many people barely notice their hearts beating, which is natural. However, any noticeable change in the heartbeat should be concerning, be it slow or fast. Chances are, you're experiencing what's usually known as "heart palpitations," a term for feeling your heart is beating hard, fast or erratically. Although heart palpitations can be worrisome, they are usually harmless. In rare cases, they can be a symptom of a more serious heart condition, such as an irregular heartbeat … [Read more...] about Heart Palpitations: When To Visit The ER
Who Should Get a TB Test and Why?
Tuberculosis is not a disease that we hear much about in modern times. On March 24, 1882, Dr. Robert Koch announced the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes tuberculosis (TB). During this time, TB killed one out of every seven people living in the United States and Europe. Dr. Koch’s discovery was the most important step taken toward the control and elimination of this deadly disease. A century later, March 24 was designated World TB Day: a day to educate the public … [Read more...] about Who Should Get a TB Test and Why?
Signs You May Have Diabetes
Diabetes is a common chronic medical condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. It occurs when there is an excess of glucose (sugar) in your body. People diagnosed with diabetes either don’t produce enough insulin or the insulin they produce does not get optimally used as required by the body. In both conditions, there is excessive sugar getting stored in the bloodstream which eventually causes serious related health problems. Sadly, diabetes is increasing at an alarming … [Read more...] about Signs You May Have Diabetes
Signs and Symptoms of Blood Clots
Our blood has a very important job to do. It’s a seamless transport throughout our body of the things we need to stay alive - oxygen, white blood cells that fight disease, nutrition and more. When we cut ourselves, our blood coagulates, or clots to prevent total blood loss. Our blood is often taken for granted. We really don’t have to think about it until something like a cut or injury happens. A sizable number of lives are affected by a lack of awareness. Statistics reflect that: As … [Read more...] about Signs and Symptoms of Blood Clots
