Do You Suffer From Allergies?

Sumter, South Carolina is a hotbed for allergies.  We constantly hear of patients moving to the area who are exhibiting allergy symptoms for the first time ever.  Most times these include itchy & watery eyes, runny nose, hives and rashes.  Some allergens are obvious like cats, dogs, flowers, perfumes or chemicals which can trigger an immediate reaction.  There are also grasses, trees, fungi, dust and cockroaches that may cause some less obvious symptoms.  That ‘tickle in the throat’, that chronic nagging cough, or the sense of ‘always being sick’ with bronchitis or sinusitis, could be from allergies as well.

Allergies can be treated with pills, prescription nasal sprays or even sometimes allergy shots.  Having allergies does not mean that you cannot be a proud pet owner nor have the best lawn and garden in town.  I am personally allergic to cats and dogs [as well as a host of other thing], yet we have 2 long haired German shepherds and 3 long haired cats.  My symptoms are completely controlled with a prescription nasal spray.

If over the counter medicines are not working for you, feel free to come in and see one of our providers and ask about our allergy clinic.  We will see you today.

Posted by: Dr. Ike Stewart
Board Certified Family Physician
Colonial Family Practice, Sumter, SC

September is World Alzheimer’s Month, and September 21 is World Alzheimer’s Day

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, which is a progressive condition where the brain loses nerve cells causing memory loss and impairment in other areas of cognition, such as the ability to perform activities of daily living (finances, chores, drive, etc). There is an estimated 30 million people worldwide with Alzheimer’s disease. The underlying causes are not fully understood, but researchers have identified genes associated with AD, as well as others that clearly increase the risk of development.

Diagnosis is often very difficult. Definite diagnosis is often only confirmed by brain biopsy. Interestingly, in the past one to two years, significant advances in diagnosis have been found or approved. One is, by performing a lumbar puncture, or “spinal tap” (visit Colonial Neurology and click: “Lumbar Puncture Test Information”), which we at Colonial Neurology do on a routine basis, and sending fluid obtained for special testing. This fluid can show changes in certain proteins many years before symptoms even begin. It is not part of routine screening or testing though. There also are newly approved brain scanning techniques that have been shown to be very helpful in diagnosing AD. 

Diagnosing is one thing, but what is even more important is the ability to treat. Treatments are often of mild help. There have been several studies suggesting whether one has “normal aging”, mild cognitive impairment, or dementia, progression from one stage to another can be significantly slowed with one easy to tolerate treatment regimen – cardiovascular EXERCISE, such as brisk walking, jogging, or using an arm bike in those with limited mobility! There are pharmaceutical medications and foods considered approved treatments, but in the next 5-10 years, we expect a true breakthrough in treatment and prevention! See your doctor today if you’re concerned about your memory or about your risk for Alzheimer’s disease! And be fit, as exercise is the best prescription to prevent Alzheimer’s!  

Article Written By: 

John Baker, MD

Colonial Neurology

Do You Have Shortness of Breath?

Recently I saw a patient in the office with shortness of breath. He came after being seen at the emergency department in one of our local hospitals. He was having symptoms with exertion causing him to develop life threatening arrhythmias. During my exam and with a couple of diagnostic test including a nuclear stress test we were able to diagnose a significant blockage of the main coronary artery. He was promptly referred to a cardiologist in town and his problem was better after interventional procedures. Because we were able to perform these diagnostic exams in our office we saved his life. Please ask us about your cardiovascular risk and see if you will benefit from further testing. It also may save your life!

Posted by: Dr. Carlos Soto
Board Certified Family Physician
Colonial Family Practice, Sumter, SC

Do You Only See Your Doctor When You're Sick?

Don’t worry, you are not alone.  Most people are not aware that they also need regular check-ups.  Much like keeping the car, the house, and the pets regularly maintained so as to avoid a problem, we need to be “maintained” as well.  Health Maintenance refers to exams, tests and shots (immunizations) necessary to keep you healthy and to identify a problem before it turns into a life threatening ordeal.

Most health maintenance settles around trying to prevent or to treat cancers early.  These include pap smears, colonoscopies, mammograms, prostate screenings and chest x-rays for smokers.  Did you know that many cancers run in families?  Did you know that diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and even Alzheimer’s runs in families?  Did you know that Medicare now pays for a “no cost to you” yearly check-up?  Please come in and see one of our providers today and we will make sure to keep you healthy for years to come.

Posted by: Dr. Ike Stewart
Board Certified Family Physician
Colonial Family Practice, Sumter, SC

Do Your Legs Hurt?

If your legs hurt when you walk you may suffer from peripheral vascular disease. This disease process has become a significant problem in our communities. Patients that smoke, are diabetic, or those with a history of hypertension or hyperlipidemia are at risk. At Colonial Family Practice we offer quick exams that can detect PVD or PAD, as well as an aortic aneurysms before they become life threatening. Just ask us about it and we can help you develop a plan to decrease the chances of developing this disease and even coronary artery disease. Our health care team is very enthusiastic about your health, and we will guide you through the process so you will feel comfortable knowing you are in good hands.

Posted by: Dr. Carlos Soto
Board Certified Family Physician
Colonial Family Practice, Columbia, SC

ASTHMA

An inability to breathe due to asthma can be a scary experience.  Trust me, I know.  I have personally dealt with asthma my entire life.  Asthma is caused by both inflammation and spasm of the bronchiole system in the lungs.  Most people are familiar with the wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath associated with asthma.  You may have heard that it’s like trying to breathe through a straw.  What you may not know is that sometimes asthma can present as a night time cough, especially in kids.  It can also be coughing during exercise or that prolonged time it takes to ‘catch your breath’ after activity.  There are several effective treatments for asthma, most of which are inhalers.  Truthfully, most bad outcomes from asthma occur in people who think that their asthma is well controlled or that they have ‘outgrown’ it.  In all situations, having an unexpired albuterol inhaler on hand could save your life.

            

If any of this sounds familiar, or if you just need medical care, please come and see us at Colonial Family Practice.  We will see you today!!

                                                                                                           

Posted by: Ike Stewart, MD

JUNE IS MIGRAINE AWARENESS MONTH

A migraine headache is characterized by a throbbing or pulsating painful sensation in the head, often but not always one sided, with associated sensitivity to light and/or sound, nausea, and sometimes preceding changes in vision.

Migraines affect more than 10% of people worldwide, with about three times more women affected than men. A migraine headache can be very disabling for a person to have. The underlying problems with migraine type headaches are inflammation AND dilation of blood vessels surrounding, and in the brain. There are many triggers, such as foods, caffeine withdrawal, hormone changes (menstruation), sleep deprivation, and even stress.

Migraine headaches are one of the leading causes of missed work days, impaired job productivity, and poor school/work performance. Headaches can contribute to memory trouble, depression and anxiety, and poor sleep among other things.

There are MANY treatments available for migraine sufferers. There are preventative medications (such as Topamax or Inderal), abortive/acute treatments (such as Imitrexor Cambia), and non-medication based treatments (biofeedback, exercise). There is even evidence that Botox injections can help treat chronic migraines, for those who have 16 or more migraine “headache days” per month.

If you, or someone you know suffers from migraine headaches, and current treatments do not allow you to return to normal function (work, school, normal activities) within an hour or so, please talk to your physician. Anyone suffering with “Chronic” migraines should ask your physician about seeing a neurologist today!

Posted by: 

John Baker, MD

COMMON CAUSE OF FATIGUE IN MEN

Feeling tired? Fatigue is a very common complaint in the general population. It could be as simple as just stress or as complicated as hormonal deficiencies. At Colonial Family Practice we have all the necessary tools to help you find out what is causing your symptoms and how to take care of them. 

In men it is very common for low testosterone to cause fatigue. Recently in our office we diagnosed a patient with hypogonadism, a condition where the testes produce little or no hormones. With medication, we have been able to make him feel more energetic, improved his sex life, and improved the overall quality of his life. If you are suffering from fatigue, see your physician to see what may be causing your symptoms, and how you can improve the overall quality of your life as well!

Posted by: Carlos Soto, MD

PLANTAR FASCIITIS

      Do you have pain in the arch or heel of your foot? Is it worse when you take that first step out of bed in the morning? You may have a condition known as plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a common condition due to the inflammation in a thick band of tissue we all have on the bottom of our feet. Plantar fasciitis can be caused by wearing certain type of shoes, prolonged standing, and weight gain. Sometimes a definite cause cannot be determined.  Diagnosis is made through a  good history and physical. Sometimes x-rays may be required to rule out other causes of foot pain. Treatment includes rest, special stretching exercises, therapeutic injections, bracing and occasionally surgery for refractory cases. If you think you or a loved one may suffer from plantar fasciitis please contact your doctor today.

       

      Posted by:

      Mitch Grunsky, MD

DELAYED SLEEP PHASE DISORDER

Does your teen stay up all night and sleep until lunchtime the next day? Is this interfering with school and social events? He or she may have delayed sleep phase disorder. Sounds  scary but it is really a very common and treatable condition that often develops during the teenage years.  Symptoms include inability to fall asleep until late at night or even early morning hours with subsequent desire to sleep until late the next morning or even into the afternoon hours. Diagnosis is made by talking with your doctor and possible review of a sleep log. Treatment can include evaluating  sleep hygiene, light therapy, and medications. Here at Colonial Family Practice we have a fully accredited sleep lab with a board certified sleep physician capable of diagnosing and treating a wide range of sleep disorders. If you think you or a loved one may have delayed sleep phase disorder please ask your doctor .

Posted By:

Mitch Grunsky, MD

SLEEP APNEA

Obstructive Sleep  Apnea (OSA)  is a common sleep disorder affecting 25% of men and 10% of women between the ages of 30 to 60. It is characterized by episodes of apnea (not breathing) and hypopnea (reduction in breathing) due to obstruction in the upper airway (the throat and back of your mouth).  During episodes of apnea and hypopnea, oxygen levels in the blood can drop dramatically. Symptoms of OSA often include loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, and witnessed pauses in breathing by bed partners.  One of the major risks factors for the development of OSA is weight gain. Untreated OSA can increase the risk for hypertension, congestive heart failure, strokes, and heart attacks. Here at Colonial Family Practice we have a fully accredited sleep lab with a board certified sleep physician capable of diagnosing and treating a wide range of sleep disorders. If you think you or a loved one may have OSA please ask your doctor about your risk factors and possible testing. 

Posted By:

Mitch Grunsky, MD 

Do Sugar Substitutes Really Help Me Lose Weight?

Dr. Jason Leonard with Colonial Family Practice talks with WLTX news anchor about the misconceptions of artificial sweeteners and weight loss.

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH IN 2012

Dear Colonial Healthcare Patients,

We are so excited to begin a brand new year at Colonial Healthcare, and it is our sincere hope for 2012 that you take control of your health. We encourage you to come in for a physical, and get on our wellness program. We have numerous weight loss programs available at Colonial Family Practice, with multiple patients loosing over 50 lbs. We no longer feel that it is appropriate for your doctor to tell you to lose weight. We think it’s a better program for him/her to show you how to lose weight. All of our physicians, are fired up about weight loss and will encourage and support you in your journey to get healthy in 2012.  Please call one of our weight loss consultants Ashley Shirley, or Chrissy Rogers, at 803-773-5227 to make your appointment, and start 2012 off with a bang.

Sincerely,
Clay Lowder

P.S.
You can check out our weight loss program online and read patient success stories at: http://www.colonialfamilypractice.com/AboutUs/WeightManagement.aspx