Doctor's Corner

We have all been sick with a viral illness at one time or another in our lives.  As a matter of fact, viruses are one of the most common causes of fever in children. So you may be wondering exactly what a virus is.  It is a molecule with genetic material, it can only replicate inside of the living cells of other organism.  The virus’s genetic material takes control of the host cell and forces it to reproduce.  Viruses can infect all types of life forms, including plants, animals and bacteria.  … [Read more...] about Viruses vs Bacteria… What’s The Difference?

When you become a patient either with a new physician or in the hospital you are always asked if you have any allergies to medications. Several different type of symptoms can result from an allergic reaction, from a mild localized rash to serious effects on organs. The body’s response can effect any organ system, but the skin is the most commonly affected. All medications have the potential to cause side effects, but only about 5-10% are allergic reactions. Most reactions occur hours to weeks … [Read more...] about Allergic Reactions To Medications

Diabetes mellitus is a medical condition most people have heard talked about.  In fact this medical condition is so prevalent, most people probably know someone who has this condition.  So what is diabetes mellitus?  It is a disease of the pancreas, an organ located in the abdominal cavity.  The pancreas is part of the endocrine system and the digestive system.  It produces digestive enzymes to break down food for digestion and absorption in the small intestines.   As part of the endocrine … [Read more...] about Diabetes Warning Signs

October is breast cancer awareness month, which is an annual campaign to raise awareness of breast cancer as well as raise money to advance breast cancer research.  Breast cancer affects one in eight women and 100 times more common in women, but men can also have breast cancer.   It is the most common type of invasive cancer in women worldwide.  With early detection 90% of individuals with breast cancer have a 5 year survival rate. What are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer?  Usually … [Read more...] about When Should I Get A Breast Exam?

We are getting to that time of year again, cold and influenza season.  Your co-workers and friends will start having cough, runny nose, congestion and fevers.  You may be wondering, what is the difference between an upper respiratory infection also known as the common cold and influenza? Both influenza and colds are caused by viral infections.  The common cold can be caused by more than 200 viruses, and can be spread from person to person through the air and close personal contact.   … [Read more...] about Common Cold vs The Flu