Don’t wait for Valentine’s Day next week to wear RED – pull it out tonight to wear on Friday, February 5, 2016. The American Heart Association has set aside the first Friday in February to call attention to cardiovascular disease in WOMEN. Did you know that one in three deaths in women are caused by heart attacks and strokes? This is not to minimize the deaths and struggles from cancers, but to create awareness about the incredibly high frequency of these diseases in women, and therefore encourage more women to take positive steps to improve their health. The best news … Read more
New Years’ Resolutions: Take 2
Well, here we are at the end of January already…and how are you doing with your New Year’s Resolutions? From the number of FitBits and step counts that I am seeing and hearing, I believe many people are enjoying being more active (or at least enjoying “competing” with themselves or friends over their numbers.) Perhaps the two most common health related resolutions are to increase exercise and to eat “better”. What does that really mean?
First let’s tackle “increase exercise”. Please, focus on the INCREASE. If you are honestly doing nothing, start with walking. Consider a “FitBit” or a smart … Read more
Is TEAL the New PINK?
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness month, and the color is TEAL. Did you know there are still over 12,000 women in the United States who are diagnosed with this cancer every year? And although our treatments have greatly improved, there are still over 4000 deaths from this cancer every year. The good news is that we have PREVENTION, and with this prevention, we hope to eliminate cervical cancer within our lifetime!
The HPV vaccine is approved and strongly recommended for all adolescents- girls and boys- as part of their routine vaccinations at age 11-12 years. The second generation of Gardasil … Read more
Out with the OLD, In with the NEW (AKA Healthy New Year’s Resolution #1)
Happy 2016! Hard to believe we are nearly half way through January as I look at my home STILL filled with Christmas decorations. Many of us tackle the new year with a cleaning or de-cluttering frenzy after we pack up the holiday decor. In fact, it can be overwhelming as we survey overflowing closets, desks and kids rooms…wishing for that magic wand to neatly organize our lives. I once read an organization plan that suggested a better chance of success if you tackled ONE specific area and thoroughly completed it before you moved on- whether that was one drawer of … Read more
Rocky Mountain HIGH…Altitude Sickness
Going skiing for winter break? Mountains are my favorite destination, but…please remember that the high altitude can come with medical challenges. Be aware of signs and symptoms of “mountain sickness” (aka. altitude sickness) and if you are susceptible to this issue, look closely at ski resort altitudes- there is a wide variation.
HOW HIGH do you have to be for altitude sickness?
There is not a set elevation for typical mountain vacations that affects everyone. Symptoms are uncommon at altitudes below 5000 feet above sea level, and fairly common above 8000 feet. If you fly to a higher elevation … Read more
Was My Rapid Flu Test Accurate?
In primary care offices, we do many types of rapid testing to help us diagnose and treat patients – pregnancy tests, urine tests for infection, rapid strep tests, and of course, rapid flu tests. The accuracy of these tests definitely vary by category. Since we are entering FLU season, this post specifically addresses the Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests (RIDTs).
If a rapid flu test is POSITIVE, it is EXTREMELY accurate- 98-99%. This means they are very SPECIFIC tests- if it says you have it, you have a 98% chance that you really do have the flu, so the likelihood of … Read more
Roll a Mile in Someone Else’s Wheels
We’ve all heard the expression “to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes” but this past month at Anderson High School in Austin, TX, students and faculty were given a very unique opportunity to “roll a mile in someone else’s wheels” through the Wheelchair Challenge. For one school day, participants committed to spending the day in a wheelchair. (A $20 donation was required to nominate a participant or self-volunteer. Those people nominated had the choice to participate or “buy out” for another $20.) The purpose of this program is two-fold: one, to raise awareness about disabilities, and two, to raise … Read more
2015 Flu Vaccine “Cattle Call”
BEVO says, “Healthy Horns get Flu Shots!”
Attention Longhorns, Aggies, and everyone else, flu season is upon us, so it’s time for your annual flu vaccine. UT students – we have completed our large flu vaccine clinics, but now you may schedule an appointment at UHS to receive your shot.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC) continues to recommend annual flu vaccines for everyone over the age of six months.
What is different this year?
Last year, the vaccine was not a great match for the strain that ended up dominating … Read more
Newly Diagnosed Cancer? Here is Your “What to Expect” Book
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, but every month is the right time for preventative medicine (schedule that physical and mammogram!) For me, this is a milestone year, with daily Facebook reminders that my high school classmates are turning the big 5-0. As we start this wonderful “second half”of the game of life, more and more of us are facing the challenge of a cancer diagnosis.
As a family doctor, I have too often seen the deer-in-the-headlights look on my patient’s face as I shared the difficult news of a cancer diagnosis. Each time, I feel like time stops … Read more
Mammograms, Breasts and Exams…oh My!
Thinking PINK? October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and pink ribbons are popping up on everything from restaurants and t-shirts to football socks. I love that as a community, we can rally around a cause to raise not only awareness, but also much needed funds for research and support of those affected.
The American Cancer Society statistics reveal that here in the United States, over 230,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during 2015, and sadly, over 40,000 women will likely lose their lives to this disease. The good news is detection methods continue to improve, allowing these cancers … Read more