Wellness Blog

For Thyroid Awareness Month let’s discuss the thyroid and why it is so important. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland that sits at the base of the throat. It secretes hormones that are vital in the function of virtually every organ in your body. Thyroid hormone is also critical in metabolic functioning. We begin … Read more

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]What is a pap smear? A pap smear is a cancer screening test for cervical cancer. It examines the cervical cells for pre-cancerous or cancerous changes. There is an additional test often included with the pap test, called the HPV test, which screens for the human papilloma virus which can cause cervical cancer. Why do … Read more

As medical providers, the start of the new year is a great opportunity to remind ourselves to be more present in our own daily lives. Here are seven resolutions to take on in 2020 to improve our provider experiences: Resolve to seek a work-life balance This is often easier said than done. A career in … Read more

By Kate Tuttle, NP-C Have you ever gone into the medicine cabinet, picked up that bottle of cough syrup you used for the cold you had several years back and realized the medication expired a year ago? Just like over-the-counter medications, prescribed medications also have a “use by” or expiration date. Although medications do not … Read more

By Lindsey Reynolds, PA-C Pets can have an amazing effect on their owners. From unconditional love and support, to completing therapeutic duties, furry and feathered friends benefit their humans’ lives in many ways. Seniors benefit even more from having a pet in their lives. As you age, things such as social interaction, activity and health … Read more

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]By Jennifer Leepard, MD Have you ever been outside on a beautiful Spring morning with the wind blowing and enjoying the flowers and the trees only to find your car covered with a fine yellow powder? When you clean it off your windshield, do you start sneezing? Are your eyes itchy and red? Does your … Read more

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]By Roopa Dani, MD Most senior patients, develop multiple health conditions as they get older. Sometimes this requires them to see multiple specialists, which may prescribe multiple different medications. This can lead to several of problems like drug-drug interaction, side effects of medications, organ failure and sometimes death. In 2008, 7.1% of all hospitalizations for … Read more

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]By J. Kate Tuttle, FNP-C Sleeping is a critical part of our health. It gives the brain an opportunity to rest and recover. Some research even suggests sleep gives the brain the opportunity to “forget” things that have inundated our brains throughout the day. As we age, many of us believe that we need fewer hours … Read more

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]By Ashley McDowell, PA-C  High blood pressure is a condition that does not usually cause symptoms, but puts you at risk for heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. Lifestyle changes have a big effect on your blood pressure. They may decrease the likelihood that you will need blood pressure medication. Some of the lifestyle modifications that … Read more

By Mary M. Nara, APRN, FNP-C Bone health is of special interest to me as I have a very strong family history dealing with this issue. My mother has severe osteoporosis and has had more than a dozen spine fractures without ever falling. Bone health is important for everyone, but especially for women after menopause … Read more