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

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