Sep 9

1. A flu shot can save your life.

The flu can cause some serious complications that sometimes require hospitalization, such as dehydration, worsening of chronic illnesses, bacterial pneumonia, ear infections and sinus infections.

“Every year, about 200,000 people are hospitalized because of the flu”. In fact, influenza can lead to death in serious cases. During the 2017-2018 flu season, the CDC estimates 80,000 people died.

2. Getting a flu shot can reduce your sick days.

Whether you are hospitalized or take time off to recuperate at home, it’s going to cost you and your employer. The flu accounts for 111 million lost workdays and nearly $7 billion in lost productivity and sick days annually, says Flu.gov.

3. Most people are eligible to get the flu shot.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has made it easy to know who should get a flu shot.

“Pretty much anyone over six months of age should get a flu shot”.

4. The flu shot changes each year.

Before each flu season, the CDC determines which strains of influenza appear to most likely to occur that year. The vaccine will still reduce your chances of contracting certain strains of the virus and if you do get sick, having the vaccine can significantly reduce the severity of your symptoms.

“They kill that strain and they introduce it through the flu shot into our body,” he explains. “When your immune system comes into contact with that killed virus, it activates the immune system and creates antibodies. When you do come across the real flu, then you’re ready to fight it off and not get sick from the flu.”

5. Flu shot side effects are usually mild.

There are a few possible side effects from the vaccine, such as headache, stuffy nose or sore throat. While many people experience no side effects, if you do, they should only last for a day or so. Considering that the flu itself typically lasts for one to two weeks and the symptoms can be severe, the flu shot is a better alternative.

6. The sooner you get the flu shot, the better.

Flu season usually starts sometime in October and can last until May, so it is important to get vaccinated early.

“We used to want to wait until later in the flu season to give the shot, but because it’s so variable, the CDC now recommends that when you’re able to find a flu shot, you go ahead and get the flu shot at that time”.

Ideally, the flu shot would take effect right away, but it takes about two weeks for your body’s immune system to create the necessary antibodies to fight off the flu so you’re protected against getting sick.

7. The flu shot helps with herd immunity.

“There’s a concept called herd immunity that refers to populations getting immunizations,” he explains. “If we all get immunizations, of course we can’t spread the virus elsewhere, so we’re all protected from it.”

The flu virus spreads easily – you can contract it when an infected person coughs, talks or sneezes and droplets get in your nose or mouth. You can also get the flu by touching something that has the virus germs on it, then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

“It’s easy to give to other people, and we see people all over the place, so you really are at risk”. “The bottom line is definitely get your flu shot. It’s so important not only for yourself, but for the community to get your flu shot and keep us all protected.”

Aug 2

Effective September 1, 2024 our office will have new hours. We will continue to be open Monday thru Friday and our commitment to serving your healthcare needs. Our new business hours of operation are as follow:

Monday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Phones will automatically turn over to our after hours messaging at 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  

Phones will automatically turn over to our after hours messaging at 4:00 p.m.        

Wednesday         8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Phones will automatically turn over to our after hours messaging at 3:00p.m.                  

Thursday             8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Phones will automatically turn over to our after hours messaging at 4:00 p.m.          

Friday                  8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Phones will automatically turn over to our after hours messaging at 3:00p.m.

Closed daily for lunch Noon – 1:00 p.m. 

It is imperative to clarify our phone workflow for assurance to our patients and their care.

All calls made during the business day before 3:00 p.m. will be returned the same business day. Any calls made after 3:00 p.m. will be handled next business day.

Any paperwork:

Please allow 7-14 business days for all medical records request, FMLA/ Short Term Disability, or any additional paperwork required. Please schedule your appointments for any FMLA/Short Term Disability accordingly.

Referrals:

Our AI Sara will reach out to you via text message with information regarding your referral. Please all 7-14 business days for the referral process to be completed. This may include any insurance authorizations that may be needed.

Things to remember:

In some instances, if you don’t get a referral before receiving care; the plan may not pay any of the costs of the services and this does not guarantee our office will process requests for referral authorizations within the timely manner required IF you don’t get a referral before receiving care.

 

 

Jul 26

EVOLVE BODY CONTOURING

Are you looking for a non-invasive way to reduce fat, tighten loose skin, increase muscle tone, and decrease cellulite? Check out Evolve by InMode.

Evolve is now proudly offered at Avail Health and Wellness as the newest technology for non-invasive body contouring.  The Evolve system is innovative and hands-free.  It offers a safe, innovative, and nonsurgical way to tighten loose skin, reduce stubborn deposits of fat throughout the body, and build muscle.

EVOLVE TREATMENT AREAS

Areas of the body that may respond well to body contouring with the Evolve system include:

• Arms
• Abdomen
• Waist and Flanks
• Buttocks
• Hips
• Thighs

Evolve was developed with proprietary A.C.E. (Acquire, Control and Extend) technology which allows RF energy to target deep layers of skin to ensure consistent and reliable results. This advanced technology helps to prevent over or under-treatment of the area and works to produce the most pleasing outcomes. Join our next open house September 07, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. as we discuss this technology in greater depth to help you determine if Evolve is right for your needs.

Jul 19

We’ve partnered with Phreesia to make checking in for your visit easier. Phreesia’s secure platform let’s you do it all, You just need your phone! Easily update your information, capture photos of your ID and insurance card, snap a picture for your patient record, sign consent forms and pay your co-pay or balance privately. Please pay your co-pay and/or balance during your online check-in.

No more wasting time sifting through pages of paperwork. And because the information you enter into Phreesia is immediately available for your provider to review, You’ll have more time to focus on what really matters: Your Health.

At your next visit, save time and skip the line by checking in before you arrive. Just make sure we have your e-mail address and phone number on file.

Check in with Phreesia (link sent via text message to your mobile device) at your next visit!

 

May 10

In observance of Memorial Day, Monday May 27th our office will be closed. We will resume normal business hours Tuesday May 28th.

Apr 24

This Mother’s Day May 11th at 11AM. We are excited to host this event for our ladies who are interested in learning more about Evolve! Do you have areas of your body that could tone down, tighten the laxity or define your muscle? Come out to learn more about Evolve!  Be one of the first 50 ladies to Buy 1 Get 1 session.

Mar 13

Are you ready tackle those stubborn trouble areas that haven’t completely responded to healthful nutrition and physical activity? Then we have a solution for you!  Evolve X will help tone muscle, tighten loose skin and melt fat.  We can treat the abdomen, arms, thighs and buttocks. Schedule your free consultation today for Exolve X!

Feb 23

Dress in Blue Day: Friday, March 1, 2024

“Dress in Blue Day” on Friday, March 1, 2024! Our office will wear blue to show support and enthusiasm for lifesaving colorectal cancer screening.

Basic Facts About Colorectal Cancer

Why is it so important?

Colorectal cancer—cancer of the colon and rectum—is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States for both men and women combined. The general population faces a lifetime risk for developing the disease of about 5 percent, while someone whose family has a history of colorectal cancer has a 10 to 15 percent chance of developing the disease. The risk rises to over 50 percent in people with ulcerative colitis and those whose family members harbor specific genetic mutations.

Approximately 140,000 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed and 56,000 people will die from the disease this year. Surpassing both breast cancer and prostate cancer in mortality, colorectal cancer is second only to lung cancer in numbers of deaths in the United States. Colorectal cancer strikes men and women with almost equal frequency.

What are the symptoms?

Colorectal cancer is often a silent disease, developing with no symptoms at all. When symptoms do occur they may include the following:

• Blood in or on the stool
• Change in bowel habits
• Stools that are narrower than usual
• General stomach discomfort (bloating, fullness, and/or cramps)
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
• Frequent gas pains
• Weight loss for no apparent reason
• Rectal bleeding
• Constant tiredness, or new fatigue during activity that was previously tolerated

If you have any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, see your doctor or health professional immediately.

Can it be prevented?

YES! Polyp-related colorectal cancer can be prevented. The disease develops from benign polyps (mushroom-like growths on the lining of the colon and rectum). Removing these polyps before they become cancerous may prevent cancer from developing.

A low-fat diet, high in vegetable and fruit intake, and regular exercise can also lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer can be cured in up to 90 percent of people when it is discovered in its early stages. It is estimated that approximately 40,000 lives a year could be saved through widespread adoption of colorectal cancer screening and early treatment in men and women.

Who is at risk?

The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age. All men and women aged 50 and older are at risk for developing colorectal cancer, and should be screened. Some people are at a higher risk and should be screened at an age younger than 50, including those with a personal or family history of inflammatory bowel disease; colorectal cancer or polyps; or ovarian, endometrial or breast cancer.

African Americans and Hispanics are more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in advanced stages. Incidence rates for colorectal cancer in these groups have been on the rise -colorectal cancer has increased 46 percent among African-American men and 10 percent among African-American women. Watch the video for additional information about hereditary colon cancer.

(Sources: National Center for Health Statistics: Vital Statistics for the United States, 1993. Washington, DC, Public Health Service, 1998. American Cancer   Society, Surveillance Research, 1996.)

Alaska Native women have the highest mortality from colorectal cancer of any other racial and ethnic group in the United States. (Source: Documentation of the Cancer Research Needs of Indians and Alaska Natives, Native American Monograph No. 1. National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, 1994.)

How do I get checked for colorectal cancer?

Current screening methods include fecal occult blood testing (a simple chemical test that can detect hidden blood in the stool), flexible sigmoidoscopy (a visual examination of the rectum and lower portion of the colon, performed in a doctor’s office), double contrast barium enema (barium x-ray), colonoscopy (a visual examination of the entire colon) and digital rectal exam. Virtual colonoscopy, or CT colonography, is also being used in some specific situations, but is not recommended as a mainstream screening test as of this time. Colorectal cancer screening, including colonoscopies, costs are covered by Medicare and many commercial health plans.

 

 

 

Credits to: American College of Gastroenterology

 

Nov 1

As of November 1, 2023, we are proud members of Privia Medical Group!

Jun 6

We are excited to support encouraging boys and men to take charge of their overall health by implementing healthy living decisions. There are many ways that boys and men can take better care of themselves. Here are a few ways:

Eating Healthy

• Eating lots of fruit and vegetables.
• Cutdown on saturated fats and sugars.
• Eat less salt.
• Do not get thirsty! Drink plenty of water.

Exercising

• Get up and MOVE!
• Any movement that makes your muscles work and requires your body to burn calories will benefit your health.
• As a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. Consult your provider to develop an individualized exercise regimen.
• Exercising has both physical and mental health benefits.
• Encourage boys to get active at a young age. Therefore, they will continue being active as adults.

Working to Prevent Diseases

• Education is the key.
• Schedule annual well child visits for boys and annual physicals as men.
• A wealth of information is given during this appointment to help prevent major chronic illnesses and so much more. Schedule your appointment and/or your son’s appointment today.

Health is Wealth!

Sources: The National Health Service (https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/how-to-eat-a-balanced-diet/eight-tips-for-healthy-eating/), Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness) and Office of Minority Health (https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/mens-health/)

May 8

May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month

It is a peak season for people with asthma and allergies and a perfect time to educate the community, patients, family and friends about allergic diseases. This is a time that we like to increase education about asthma awareness, which includes great allergy management. Most asthma attacks are caused by exposure to allergy triggers. Having an exceptional asthma plan will help decrease serious and/or life-threatening respiratory accidents. About 1 in 13 people in the United States is living with asthma. It is a chronic disease, but you can live a fully active life with proper care. Primary care providers collaborate with pulmonologists, allergists, immunologists, school nurses and more to help provide exceptional care to those in need.

How do you know if your asthma/allergy plan is exceptional and individualized just for you? Here are some tips that will help you determine if your asthma/allergy treatment plan is taking care of your needs.

• You have been tested for allergies.
• Your provider has developed an asthma action plan for you and you have a copy of it.
• You have a control and rescue inhaler
• You feel like you are living an active life.

If you do not have all the above, schedule an appointment with your provider as soon as possible to talk about establishing your personalized asthma/allergy treatment plan. You Deserve Exceptional Care!

Sources: National Heart, Lung and Blood Institution (https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/) and Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (https://aafa.org/get-involved/asthma-and-allergy-awareness-month/)

Apr 4

We join everyone in celebrating Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month to increase public awareness about IBS, including sharing information about screenings to help increase early treatment and improving quality of life. Overall, helping to destigmatize the different types of IBS. #IBSAwarenessMonth and #YouandIBS.

IBS Signs and Symptoms

• abdominal (stomach) pain and cramping, which may be relieved by moving your bowels.
• a change in your bowel habits – such as constipation, diarrhea or sometimes both.
• bloating and swelling of your stomach.
• excessive wind (flatulence)
• occasionally experiencing an urgent need to move your bowels.

Different Types of IBS

• IBS with constipation (IBS-C): Most of your bowel movement is hard and lumpy.
• IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D): Most of your bowel movement is loose and watery.
• IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M): You have both hard and lumpy bowel movements and loose and watery movements on the same day.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please schedule your appointment with your provider today.

Sources: International Foundation of Gastrointestinal Disorders: https://aboutibs.org/ , Mayo Clinic: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/ and National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/

Feb 18

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Americans and every 40 seconds an American will have a heart attack. Being physically active daily is one way that you can help to decrease your risks for heart disease. It will also help you control your weight, decrease your risk for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and so much more. Get active and schedule your annual physical today!

Symptoms

• Chest pain, tightness, pressure and/or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in neck, jaw, throat, lower chest, upper belly area or back
• Pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in the legs or arms
• Inability to sleep
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Irregular heartbeat
• Indigestion
• Fainting
• Fatigue
• Swollen feet or ankles
• Sometimes, there are no symptoms

Prevention Screening for Heart Disease

• Cholesterol levels
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Exercise stress test
• Echocardiogram (ultrasound)
• Nuclear cardiac stress test

Sources: American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov

Jan 25

Thyroid Awareness Month

An estimated twenty million Americans have some form of thyroid disorder and sixty percent of those with thyroid disorder are unaware of their conditions. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is one of the hormones that can tell your provider how your thyroid hormone is operating. It is a blood test. Do you know your TSH level?

Common signs of low thyroid disorder:

• Fatigue
• Cold Sensitivity
• Constipation
• Dry Skin
• Unexpected weight gain

Common signs of high thyroid disorder:

• Unexpected weight loss
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Sweating
• Irritability
• Elderly often experience no symptoms

Common signs of postpartum thyroiditis:

• Decreased milk volume (breastfeeding moms)
• Painless goiter
• Hair loss
• Fatigue
• Depression, anxiety and moodiness

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please schedule your appointment with your provider today.

Sources: American Thyroid Association: thyroid.org and VeryWell Health: verywellhealth.com