Phillips Health Care Newsletter

Men's Health Awareness

by Phillips Clinic on 05/31/22

Did you know that men, on average, die almost five years earlier than women? Part of the reason is that men are more reluctant to go to the doctor, according to menshealthmonth.org. In fact, studies show that women go to the doctor twice as much as men.

Additionally, Men’s Health Network notes that certain conditions are more prevalent in men, which patients and their doctors should keep an eye on through regular appointments, including an annual physical with recommended screenings.

FOCUSING ON MEN’S HEALTH

Detecting symptoms of certain health conditions early, when they are more easily treatable, is a critical factor in helping men stay healthy. That’s why getting all your doctor-recommended health care screenings in a timely fashion is the kind of to-do list that no man should ignore.

Ten Important health screenings for men

include

· Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

· Blood Cholesterol

· Blood Pressure

· Colon Cancer

· Depression

· Diabetes

· Hepatitis C Virus

· HIV

· Obesity

· Prostate Cancer

Additional guidelines and screenings recommended according to Medicine Plus include:

Illness

It seems simple but if you’re sick — see your doctor. According to the Health in Aging Foundation, 40% of men said that when sick, they delay seeking medical care for a few days; and 17% percent said they would wait “at least a week.” Don’t wait. Prompt medical care can be the difference between life and death.

Medications

It’s important to take medications as directed, (and especially for seniors) to keep a complete list of medications and dosages handy.

Always inform any doctor you visit about your medications – the more they know about your meds, the better they can look out for potentially life-threatening drug interactions

Vaccines and Inoculations

Keep up with recommended shots, including for flu, shingles, pneumonia and diphtheria/tetanus, is vitally important.

Osteoporosis

If you are age 50 to 70 and have risk factors for osteoporosis, you should discuss screening with your provider. Risk factors can include long-term steroid use, low body weight, smoking, heavy alcohol use, having a fracture after age 50, or a family history of osteoporosis.

Skin Cancer

An annual skin exam is recommended for all men!

Make your check up & screening exam at Phillips Clinic today!

Celiac Awareness

by Phillips Clinic on 05/29/22

Celiac disease is a digestive condition triggered by eating gluten, a protein primarily found in bread, pasta, cookies, pizza crust and many other foods containing wheat, barley or rye. People with celiac disease who eat foods containing gluten have an immune reaction in their small intestines, causing damage to the inner surface of the small intestine and an inability to absorb certain nutrients.

Celiac symptoms can include:

abdominal cramps,

diarrhea

bloating

weight loss

anemia

fatigue

Osteoporosis

Dermatitis herpetiformis, an itchy, blistering skin rash

Eventually, the decreased absorption of nutrients that can occur with celiac disease can cause vitamin deficiencies that deprive the brain, nervous system, bones, liver and other organs of needed nourishment.

Normally, your small intestine is lined with tiny, hair-like projections called villi. Villi work to absorb vitamins, minerals and other nutrients from the food you eat. Celiac disease damages and flattens the villi.

Without fully working villi, the inner surface of the small intestine becomes flat, and the body is unable to absorb nutrients necessary for health and growth. Instead, nutrients such as fat, protein, vitamins and minerals are eliminated without being absorbed.

The exact cause of celiac disease is unknown, doctors have discovered that it often runs in families. If someone in the family has been diagnosed with celiac disease, there may be an increased risk of the disease. Celiac disease is also common in people who have:

Type 1 diabetes

Autoimmune thyroid disease

Down syndrome

Microscopic colitis

Untreated Celiac Disease Can Lead To:

Malnutrition. Untreated celiac disease can lead to malabsorption, which in turn can lead to malnutrition. Because nutrients are lost rather than absorbed in the bloodstream, malabsorption can cause a deficiency in vitamins and minerals, vitamin D, folate and iron, resulting in anemia and weight loss.

Loss of calcium and bone density.

With continued loss of fat, calcium and vitamin D may be lost This may result in loss of bone density (osteoporosis), a condition that leaves bones fragile and prone to fracture.

Lactose intolerance. Because of damage to your small intestine from gluten, foods that don't contain gluten also may cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. Some people with celiac disease aren't able to tolerate milk sugar (lactose) found in dairy products.

Cancer. People with celiac disease who don't maintain a gluten-free diet also have a greater chance of getting one of several forms of cancer, including intestinal lymphoma and bowel cancer.

Neurological complications. Celiac disease has also been associated with disorders of the nervous system, including seizures and nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy).

Phillips Clinic is now offering PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapies for inflammation and injuries, and Stem Cell therapy. Stem Cells are renewable source of replacement cells and tissues to treat diseases including macular degeneration, spinal cord injury, stroke, burns, heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions. Call for your 15 minute

complimentary consultation today!

April 2022 Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month

by Phillips Clinic on 04/16/22

WHAT IS ASTHMA

Asthma is a chronic, or long-term, disease that causes inflammation and narrows the airways of the lungs.

Asthma causes a variety of symptoms that can worsen at any time, making breathing difficult. Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be managed. Some days there may not symptoms, but this doesn’t mean asthma has gone away.

ASTHMA SYMPTOMS

People with asthma may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

Wheezing - A whistling sound heard when breathing in or out.

Coughing - A cough that may not go away and often occurs or worsens at night or early morning.

Chest Tightness - Feeling as if something is squeezing or sitting on your chest.

Shortness of Breath - Feeling as though you can’t catch your breath. You may feel as though you are breathless.

Each person may experience different asthma symptoms. Symptoms can vary over time in both frequency (symptoms every few months to every day) and severity (mild to severe).

Managing asthma includes avoiding triggers, monitoring symptoms, and doing other things and working with your healthcare provider to develop an individual plan.

ASTHMA TRIGGERS

Triggers are allergens, irritants, or conditions that cause asthma symptoms to worsen. Triggers vary from person to person, so it’s important to learn each individual’s triggers. While it may be impossible to avoid every single asthma trigger, being able to identify and avoid your triggers is important.

COCKROACHES

Many people with asthma are allergic to the dried droppings and remains of cockroaches.

Keep food and garbage in closed containers

Use bait or traps to eliminate cockroaches

If a spray is used to kill roaches, stay out of the room until the odor goes away

DUST MITES

Dust mites are tiny bugs you cannot see that live in cloth and carpet. Pillows, mattresses, bedding, and rugs or carpet all attract dust and dust mites that

can trigger asthma symptom. To reduce exposure;

Dust and vacuum frequently using a vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter.

Encase mattresses and pillows in special dustproof covers.

Wash sheets and blankets each week in hot water.

Keep stuffed animals and toys off the bed

Wash stuffed animals and toys weekly in hot water.

Reduce room humidity to between 30 percent and 50 percent by using a dehumidifier or air conditioner.

INDOOR MOLD

Moisture causes mold, so getting rid of excess water may help get rid of mold.

Fix leaky faucets, pipes, and other sources of water

Clean mold off surfaces with a cleaner that has bleach in it

Replace or wash moldy shower curtains

Open a window or turn on the exhaust fan when you shower

Reduce room humidity to between 30 percent and 50 percent by using a dehumidifier

PETS

Some people are allergic to the dander (the flakes of skin), dried saliva, or urine that comes from animals with fur or feathers. To reduce exposure:

Bathing pets weekly may cut down on its dander

Ask someone who doesn’t have asthma to change the cat’s litter box

Don’t allow pets in the bedroom

Keep pets outside if possible

Vacuum often, ideally using a vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter

Add HEPA filters to central air conditioning and heating.

STRONG ODORS, SPRAYS, SMOKE

Do not use a wood- burning stove, kerosene heater, or fireplace

Stay away from strong odors and sprays, such as perfume, talcum powder, hair spray, and paints

FOOD SENSITIVITIES

Some people find that foods or beverages containing the preservative sulfite can trigger asthma symptoms. If flare-ups are happening, take a look at foods and beverages .It may take a while to figure out what foods—if any—trigger asthma symptoms. The following are examples of foods and beverages are common triggers.

Beer, wine, processed potatoes

Shrimp, dried fruit, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, aged cheeses

OTHER TRIGGERS CAN

INCLUDE

Exercise

Colds and respiratory infections

Stress

PARTNER WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER

Create a personalized Asthma Action Plan with your healthcare provider. Part of this plan may include allergy testing and a personalized desensitization program. Call Phillips Clinic Family Practice for an appointment.

March 2022 Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

by Phillips Clinic on 04/03/22

COLORECTAL CANCER

Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon or rectum. Each year, more than 136,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer and more than 50,000 die of the disease.

With certain types of screening, this cancer can be prevented by removing polyps (grape-like growths on the wall of the intestine) before they become cancerous. Several screening tests detect colorectal cancer early, when it can be easily and successfully treated.

RISK FACTORS

· You might be at an increased risk for colorectal cancer if you:

· Are age 50 or older

· Smoke or use tobacco

· Are overweight or obese, especially if you carry fat around your waist

· Are not physically active

· Drink alcohol in excess (especially if you are a man)

Eat a lot of red meat, such as beef, pork or lamb, or a lot of processed meat, such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs or cold cuts · .Have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or benign (not cancerous) colorectal polyps

· Have a personal or family history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease

Early stages of colorectal cancer don’t usually have symptoms. Later on, people may have these symptoms:

· Bleeding from the rectum or blood in or on the stool

· Change in bowel habits

· Stools that are more narrow than usual

· General problems in the abdomen, such as bloating, fullness or cramps

· Diarrhea, constipation or a feeling in the rectum that the bowel movement isn’t quite complete

· Weight loss for no apparent reason

· Being tired all the time

· Vomiting

PREVENTION

· Be physically active for at least 30 minutes at least five days a week

· Maintain a healthy weight and waist size

· Don’t smoke. I

· f you do smoke, quit

· Limit alcohol to no more than one drink per day if you’re a woman

· Or two drinks per day if you’re a man

· Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole

· grains, which are good sources of fiber

· Eat less red meat and cut out processed meat

Early Detection

· Begin getting screened at age 50. If you are older than age 75, ask your doctor if you should continue to be screened.

· If you are a high risk, talk to your health care professional about screening earlier and more often

Talk to your doctor about your screening test options

Tests that find

pre-cancer and cancer:

· Colonoscopy – Every 10 years

· Virtual colonoscopy – Every 5 years

· Flexible sigmoidoscopy – Every 5 years

· Double-contrast barium enema – Every 5 years

Tests that mainly

detect cancer

· Stool occult blood test (FOBT) (guaiac) Every year

· Stool immunochemical test (FIT) – Every year

· Stool DNA test (sDNA) – ask your health care professional; the FDA approved the use of the sDNA test in 2014

· An abnormal result of a virtual colonoscopy or a double-contrast barium enema, or a positive FOBT, FIT or sDNA test, should be followed up with a colonoscopy.

We offer Stem Cell Therapy and PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapies for injuries.

Stem Cells are renewable source of replacement cells and tissues to treat diseases including macular degeneration, spinal cord injury, stroke, burns, heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions. Call for your complimentary 15 minute online consultation

OUR HEART HEALTH TESTING

by Phillips Clinic on 02/25/22

Phillips Clinic is a team of professionals dedicated

to providing the very best in medical treatment

to ensure patient well-being. Our staff’s

commitment to continuing professional education

is evident as the Clinic strives to stay on the

cutting edge of new traditional and nontraditional

medical techniques and new practices

in the health care field.

Our professional staff is proud to offer the following

comprehensive heart health testing

services at one convenient location:

EKG

An EKG is a test that records the electrical

activity of your heart through

small electrode patches that are

attached to the skin of your chest,

arms, and legs.

EKGs are quick, safe, and painless.

With this test, your doctor will be able

to:

Check your heart rhythm
See if you have poor blood flow to your heart muscle (this is called ischemia)
Diagnose a heart attack
Check on things that are abnormal, such as thickened heart muscle.

ECHOCARDIOGRAM

An echocardiogram (echo=sound +

card=heart + gram=drawing) is an

ultrasound test that can evaluate

the structures of the heart, as well

as the direction of blood flow within

it. Technicians specially trained in

echocardiography produce the images

and videos, often using a special

probe or transducer that is

placed in various places on the

chest wall, to view the heart from

different directions. Cardiologists,

or heart specialists, are trained to

evaluate these images to assess

heart function and provide a report

of the results. The echocardiogram

is one of the many tests that can be

done to evaluate heart anatomy

and function.

PERIPHERAL

VASCULAR TESTING

These are non invasive tests that check the

blood flow in your arteries and veins.

Vascular studies use high-frequency

sound waves (ultrasound) to measure

the amount of blood flow in your

blood vessels. Treadmill tests are

also done at Phillips Clinic Family

Practice & Anti-Aging.

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