Archive for April 29, 2013

Take Care of your Colon

April 29, 2013 / / No comments

Are you 50 or older?  Have you had had a colon screening?  If the answer is no, it’s time to get serious.  Colorectal cancer can sneak up on a body without having any symptoms.  That’s why it’s critical to talk with your doctor if you are 50 or older.  Your health care provider will determine when and what kind of testing should be conducted based on age, family history, and symptoms.  Colorectal cancer can be treated successfully if caught in the early stages.

Symptoms to watch for –

  • Very dark or bright red blood in the stool
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Change in bowel habits
  • Narrow Stools
  • Diarrhea, constipation
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Fatigue

If you are having any of these symptoms it does not mean you have cancer.  There are several other health problems that can cause the same symptoms.  However, it’s important to talk with your doctor to rule out colorectal cancer.  Please contact our experts at (540) 878-5408 to schedule an appointment or for more information.  Most insurances accepted!

Category: Uncategorized /

“Pollen is in the Air”

April 25, 2013 / / 2 comments

Today’s pollen count is high!  The highest level of pollen is 12.  The pollen level in Warrenton, Virginia is 10.4 according to http://www.pollen.com/allergy-forecast.asp.  Don’t let pollen interfere with your life.  There are treatment options available!

Consult one of our expert physician’s of Dominion Internal Medicine.  There are several medications and allergy shots available to bring you relief.  Contact us today at (540) 878-5408 for more information.

Category: Dominion Internal Medicine /

What is Shingles?

April 18, 2013 / / One comment

Shingles is a viral infection known as the varicella zoster virus and is often distinguished by a painful rash on the skin with blisters on a specific side of the body and is often in the form of a stripe.  Initially, the varicella zoster virus causes chickenpox in children and young adults.  Occasionally, adults will contract chickenpox as well.  After the chickenpox illness clears up the virus stays in the body and lies dormant for several years. It is unknown how the virus remains dormant and re-activates as the body ages.

Symptoms –

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Itching
  • Tingling
  • Aching
  • Agonizing pain
  • Fatigue

Treatment –

Antiviral medicines and pain medicine will be prescribed for treatment of shingles.  Beginning a treatment plan with an antiviral medication will help you heal faster and be in less pain.  It’s important!   If you think you may have shingles, please see a doctor right away!

Dr. Jennifer Ackerman, Dr. Michael Ackerman, and Dr. Robert Lin with Dominion Internal Medicine are now accepting new patients!  Most insurances accepted including CareFirst!

Please call (540) 878-5408 to schedule an appointment or simply for more information.

Compassionate Care for a Healthy Heart, Body, and Mind

Category: Dominion Internal Medicine / Tags: ,

Mole OR More Serious?

April 15, 2013 / / No comments

Mole OR More Serious?

As warmer weather approaches, many of us have to urge to go outside and enjoy the beautiful sunshine!  If you have any of the following attributes please protect yourself!

  • Fair hair and skin
  • Several moles or freckles
  • A family history of skin cancer

How Can You Protect?

  • Use SPF of 30 or higher
  • Avoid long periods of direct sunlight between 10am-3pm (Rays are at their strongest)
  •  Wear  sun protective clothing such as shirt, hat, and sunglasses
  • Avoid tanning beds as UVA rays can be stronger than mid-day sun

The effects of UVA rays can be lethal if not recognized.  This article from webmd.com explains the symptoms of possible melanoma.  Unlike a normal mole or mark, a melanoma can:

  • Change color, size, or the shape of its border
  • Be lumpy or rounded
  • Become crusty , ooze, or bleed

If you or a loved one have a mole or mark that you are concerned about, please see a doctor.  Dr. Jennifer Ackerman, Dr. Michael Ackerman, and Dr. Robert Lin of Dominion Internal Medicine are experts in their field and will be able to check your skin for possible melanoma and if suspicion arises they will perform a biopsy.  Please contact us today @ (540) 878-5408 to speak with a specialist or simply for more information.  Most insurances accepted.

Compassionate Care for a Healthy Heart, Body and Mind

Category: Dominion Internal Medicine / Tags: , ,

What is Arrhythmia?

April 10, 2013 / / No comments

Have you ever felt your heart beat faster than normal or felt like your heart was skipping a beat?  These feelings may be a sign of arrhythmia, or an abnormal or irregular heartbeat.  According to the American Heart Association, each day the average heart beats 100,000 times and pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood.  In a 70-year lifetime, an average human heart beats more than 2.5 billion times!

When arrhythmias last long enough to affect how our hearts work, more extreme symptoms may occur:

  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pain in chest
  • Near fainting or actual fainting
  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness
  • In severe cases, sudden cardiac arrest

Most arrhythmias are harmless and are left untreated.  However, if you are experiencing any of the above signs please schedule an appointment with your doctor.  There are many treatment options available.  Dr. Jennifer Ackerman, Dr. Michael Ackerman and Robert Lin of Dominion Internal Medicine are experts in the field of atrial fibrillation.  They will perform several tests to diagnose an arrhythmia and work to develop the best treatment plan available for you.  Please call our specialists today @ (540) 878-5408 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Compassionate Care for a Healthy Heart, Body, and Mind

Most Insurances Accepted

Category: Dominion Internal Medicine / Tags: , ,

April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month (IBS)

April 9, 2013 / / No comments

In this article from WebMD.com irritable bowel syndrome (known as spastic colon) affects up to 55 million Americans, mostly women.  Causes for IBS are uncertain.

Symptoms of IBS

  • Alternation of bowel habits including periods of diarrhea and constipation
  • Bloating
  • Abdominal cramping and pain that are relived with bowel movements

Although there is no cure for IBS, treatments such as diet, lifestyle changes, and medications are available to relieve your symptoms.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms it’s important to schedule an appointment with your doctor.  A thorough medical history as well as a physical examination is essential to rule out more serious disorders.  Dr. Jennifer Ackerman, Dr. Michael Ackerman, and Dr. Robert Lin of Dominion Internal Medicine have been our neighborhood doctor’s for over 14 years.  You can trust they will listen, diagnose, and treat your condition with the utmost care for you the patient.  Please don’t delay.  Call our experts today to schedule an appointment or for simply more information.

(540) 878-5408    Most Insurances Accepted    Good News!     Now accepting CareFirst

Compassionate Care for a Healthy Heart, Body, and Mind

Category: Dominion Internal Medicine / Tags: , , , ,

What is Pneumonia?

April 2, 2013 / / 5 comments

What is Pneumonia?

In this article from the American Lung Association you will learn the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options for pneumonia.  Pneumonia is an infection of the lung tissue.  The infection will cause your lungs (air sacs) to become irritated allowing the air sacs to fill up with fluid or pus.

Symptoms

  • Shortness of breath
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Clamminess
  • Low blood pressure
  • Headache
  • Confusion
  • Chest pain
  • Rapid heart beat
  • Nausea and or vomiting
  • Weakness

Viral Pneumonia

Typical antibiotics will not work for viral pneumonia; sometimes however, your doctor may use antiviral medication.  Viral pneumonia usually improves in 1 to 3 weeks.

Bacterial Pneumonia

Patients with mild pneumonia who are otherwise healthy are sometimes treated with oral macrolide antibiotics.  Patients with other serious illnesses, such as heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, kidney disease, or diabetes are often given more powerful and/or higher dose antibiotics.

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the type of pneumonia you have and how sever it is, and if you have other chronic diseases.  See your doctor for the proper diagnosis.

  • Drink plenty of fluids to help loosen secretions and bring up phlegm.
  • Get lots of rest.
  • Don’t take cough medicines without first talking with your doctor.
  • Control your fever with aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen.

If you feel you might have pneumonia it’s important to see a doctor.  Dr. Jennifer Ackerman, Dr. Michael Ackerman, and Dr. Robert Lin of Dominion Internal Medicine are experts in their field of internal medicine.  If pneumonia is suspected, the physicians of Dominion Internal Medicine will first perform a physical exam followed by a chest x-ray.  Don’t delay in seeking treatment if you are infected.  The goals of treatment are to cure the infection and prevent serious complications.   Contact our experts at Dominion Internal Medicine (540) 878.5408 to schedule an appointment or simply for more information.  Most insurances are accepted.

Compassionate Care for a Healthy Heart, Body, and Mind

Category: Dominion Internal Medicine / Tags:
 
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