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