Archive for jsmith

It’s Men’s Health Month!

June 18, 2013 / / No comments

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Play with your kids or grandkids.  Choose stairs over the elevator.  Get outside and do some yard work.  Play a sport.  Choose activities that you enjoy to stay motivated.  June is the time to make Prevention a Priority!  Many health conditions can be prevented or detected early with regular checkups from your doctor.  Regular screenings may include blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, prostate health and more.  Who is ready to man up and schedule a doctor’s appointment this June?  For more information on Men’s Health Month please contact Dominion Internal Medicine @ 540-878-5408 or visit www.dominioninternalmedicine.com.  Most insurances accepted.

 Compassionate Care for a Healthy Heart, Body, and Mind

Category: Dominion Internal Medicine / Tags:

HELP US HELP OUR NEIGHBORS!!! WE ALL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

June 11, 2013 / / 2 comments

Dominion Internal Medicine and YOU have the opportunity to help our neighbors in need.  All donations will go to the Fauquier County Food Distribution Coalition (a 501c(3) non-profit) who sponsor a USDA Food Commodity Giveaway on a monthly basis and the Haymarket Regional Food Pantry!  See your favorite Dominion Internal Medicine Patient Specialist for food distribution drop off areas within Dominion Internal Medicine!!!

Can’t get to Dominion Internal Medicine?  You can find drop off donation areas at the following sponsor’s who kindly are collecting and accepting donations:

Rankin’s Hardware

251 W. Lee Hwy., Warrenton, VA 20186

 

   The Warrenton Aquatic and Recreational Facility                                  SunTrust Bank

800 Waterloo Road, Warrenton, VA 20186                     251 W. Lee Hwy., Warrenton, VA 20186

 

PNC Bank                                                                               Rankin’s Furniture

615 Branch Drive, Warrenton, VA 20186                        360 Waterloo Street, Warrenton, VA 20186

Please remember those who are in need of food.  Food items that are needed for the distribution are: 

Canned meats, fruits, vegetables                       

Baby Formula

Cereal and Oatmeal                                                                                                                         Soap

Soups                                                                        

Pasta & pasta sauce                                                

Powdered milk                                                        

Juice                                                                            

Peanut Butter & Jelly                                             

Pancake Mix and Syrup                                         

Mashed Potatoes and Gravy                                

Toothpaste

Soap

Coffee & Tea

Baby Diapers

Hygiene Products

Toilet Paper

Desserts

Condiments

Canned Luncheons

 

Gift Cards and Cash Donations are Welcome 

Please call 540-878-5408 for more information or visit us @ www.dominioninternalmedicine.com

Category: Community, Dominion Internal Medicine / Tags:

Don’t be Alarmed. Be Informed!

June 6, 2013 / / No comments

The thought of finding a lump in the breast can be daunting.  Knowing when breast changes occur is a critical factor in the early detection of breast cancer.  This article from http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/screening/understanding-breast-changes/page1/AllPages explains what breast changes you should be on the lookout for.

Breast Changes

  • A lump or thick firm tissue near your breast or under your arm
  • Nipple discharge
  • Nipple changes
  • The skin on your breast, or nipple becomes itchy, scaly, red, or swollen
  • Shape or size of your breast has changed

If you do experience any of the breast changes listed above you should contact your doctor.  Don’t assume you have cancer.  Breast changes are very common and often are not cancerous but it’s important to have them checked.  They physicians of Dominion Internal Medicine have a history of diagnosis & treatment plans to best fit your personal needs.  Please call us today if you have concerns or questions.  Don’t wait.  540-878-5408 or visit www.dominioninternalmedicine.com.

Now accepting new patients!!!  Most insurances accepted.

Compassionate Care for a Healthy Heart, Body, and Mind

Category: Dominion Internal Medicine / Tags: , ,

June is National Migraine Awareness Month!

June 3, 2013 / / No comments

A migraine is a recurring moderate to severe headache which can cause painful throbbing or pulsing in one area of the head.  In most cases a migraine will last 2-72 hours with sensory warning signs such as blind spots, vomiting, tingling in the arms, photophobia (sensitivity to light), phonophobia (sensitivity to sound), and flashes of light.

Get out of the darkness!  If you are experiencing migraines, there is help!  Medications, along with lifestyle changes can make a difference.  Contact the physicians of Dominion Internal Medicine @ 540-878-5408 for expert diagnosis and available treatment options.  Our goal is to treat each and every patient with the highest standard of care and help you achieve the most desirable outcome.

Now accepting new patients!  Most Insurances accepted.

Visit us @ www.dominioninternalmedicine.com

Compassionate Care, for a Healthy Heart, Body and Mind

Category: Dominion Internal Medicine, Uncategorized / Tags: ,

Heat is in the Air!

May 30, 2013 / / No comments

The best way to “Beat the Heat” is to be prepared.  Heat – related illness occurs when the body cannot control its temperature.  Prolonged exposure to heat can cause sweating, headache, high fever, confusion, red hot dry skin (with no signs of sweating) and in extreme cases unconsciousness and/or coma.

Tips for Prevention

  • Wear appropriate clothing – Cool, loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing, and don’t forget a hat!
  • Keep yourself hydrated with water even if you don’t feel thirsty.  Sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic beverage should be avoided as these will cause the body to lose fluid
  • Take frequent breaks in a shaded area
  • Don’t overdo!  Monitor your physical condition and go at a slower pace than normal.

If you experience any heat related – illness, get medical assistance as soon as possible.  Heat stroke may lead to permanent disability or death.  For more information on heat stroke or any other condition, please contact the expert physicians of Dominion Internal Medicine at 540-878-5408 or visit www.dominioninternalmedicine.com.   Now accepting new patients!  Most insurances accepted.

Compassionate Care, for a Healthy Heart, Body, and Mind

Category: Dominion Internal Medicine / Tags: , ,

Don’t Panic!

May 28, 2013 / / No comments

A panic attack episode can strike at any time and may cause sudden periods of intense fear or apprehension.  Many who experience a panic attack have intense feelings of frightening dizziness, craziness or may even imagine they are having a heart attack.  The onset of a panic attack can begin unexpectedly (even during sleep and periods of relaxation) and most commonly reaches full climax in about 10 minutes.  Often panic attacks will last for 30 minutes and seldom last more than an hour.  Panic attacks usually occur outside of the home, but keep in mind they can happen at anytime and anyplace.

Symptoms of a Panic Attack –

  • Heart palpitations
  • Dizzy, lightheadedness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sweating
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Trembling or shaking
  • Numbness or tingling sensations
  • Feeling of disconnection from your surroundings
  • Choking feeling
  • Fear of losing control and unable to escape the situation

Some people may suffer a panic attack only once or twice.  Recurrent panic attacks can happen as part of another disorder, such as depression, panic disorder, or social phobia.  If you are suffering from panic attacks, there is help for you.  There are several effective treatments and encouraging options you can utilize to stop the panic from taking over your life.  Please contact the expert physicians of Dominion Internal Medicine today at 540-878-5408 for more information or visit us @ www.dominioninternalmedicine.com.  Most insurances are accepted!

Compassionate Care for a Healthy Heart, Body and Mind

Category: Dominion Internal Medicine / Tags: ,

More fruits and veggies! Less sodium!

May 23, 2013 / / No comments

More fruits and veggies!  Less sodium!

Too much sodium is bad for your heart and overall health.  Processed and restaurant foods are where we consume must of our sodium.  Too much sodium increases blood pressure and the risk of stroke and heart attack.  Heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death in the United States.  This article from http://www.cdc.gov/salt/ tells us the dietary guidelines for adults should be no more than 2,300 mg of sodium a day.  If you fall into the following category you should consume no more than 1,500 mg of sodium a day.

  • Over 51 years of age
  • You are African American
  • You have high blood pressure
  • You have diabetes
  • You have chronic kidney disease

Proven fact – Reducing your sodium intake can help prevent, or control high blood pressure.  If you want to kick the salt or have tried and have not succeeded let the expert physicians of dominion internal medicine help.  Call us today @ 540-878-5408 to schedule an appointment or visit us at www.dominioninternalmedicine.com .  Most insurances accepted!  New patients welcome!

Compassionate Care for a Healthy Heart, Body and Mind

Category: Dominion Internal Medicine / Tags: ,

Know your Numbers!

May 21, 2013 / / One comment

May is National High Blood Pressure Month!  High blood pressure, also known as hypertension is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is elevated.  If this pressure goes undetected overtime it has the potential to damage the body in many ways.

In this article http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hbp/ from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute it shows about 1 in 3 adults has high blood pressure.  You can have high blood pressure for years and never know it as high blood pressure does not always cause symptoms.  It’s important to know your numbers even if you feel great!

Numbers to Know

Systolic number (Top Number) – This number is the blood pressure reading when the heart beats while pumping blood.

Diastolic number (Bottom Number) – This number is the blood pressure reading when the heart is at rest between beats.

Category

Systolic Number

 

Diastolic Number
       

Normal

Less than 120

And

Less than 80

Prehypertension

120-139

Or

80-89

High Blood Pressure

Stage 1

140-159

Or

90-99

Stage 2

160 or higher

Or

100 or higher

High blood pressure tends to develop with age.  Living a healthy lifestyle will help some delay or prevent this rise in blood pressure.  If you do have high blood pressure it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, monitor your pressure with visits to your doctor and following your treatment plan.  For more information on high blood pressure please contact the expert physicians of Dominion Internal Medicine @ (540) 878-5408.

Compassionate Care for a Healthy Heart, Body and Mind

Category: Uncategorized / Tags: , ,

Why is Family Health History Important When it Comes to Breast and Ovarian Cancer?

May 16, 2013 / / 2 comments

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Center breast cancer is the most frequent type of cancer in women, with the exception of skin cancer.  7 out of 100 women will get breast cancer by the age of 70; and 1 out of 100 women will get ovarian cancer by the age of 70.  Usually breast and ovarian cancers occur in women after the age of 50.

Family health history plays a big role in a woman’s risk for developing breast and ovarian cancer.  Every woman should have knowledge of their family history.  The more close relatives who have had breast or ovarian cancer, and the earlier their ages of diagnosis, will increase a woman’s risk.  Close relatives would be considered parents, siblings, children, aunts, uncles, grandparents, nieces, nephews, and grand children.

Most women have family histories that put them in the average risk category of developing cancer.  If a woman has a family history of breast or ovarian cancer the average risk is increased to moderate chances of developing breast or ovarian cancer.  Only about 2% of women will have family history that is thought to be “strong.”

As with any condition, our family health history is an important piece of information to share with your doctor.  A family health portrait given to your doctor will help provide the information needed for proper consideration of your genes and other risk factors that influence your health.

If you are concerned you may have increased risk for breast or ovarian cancer based on your family health history, see these family risk categories from http://www.cdc.gov/genomics/resources/diseases/breast_ovarian_cancer.htm.  For more information please contact a patient care specialist of Dominion Internal Medicine @ (540) 878-5408 or visit http://www.dominioninternalmedicine.com/. Now accepting new patients!  Most insurances accepted.

Compassionate Care for a Healthy Heart, Body and Mind.

Category: Dominion Internal Medicine /

Watch Out for Pink Eye! (Conjunctivitis)

May 14, 2013 / / 6 comments

It’s almost a sure sign that you suffer from pink eye when the outermost layer of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids become red and irritated with inflammation.  Listed below are the most common forms of pink eye (Conjunctivitis.)

Bacterial

Bacterial pink eye infections are most often caused by Staphylococci (Staph Infection) and Streptococci (Strep).  Typically, symptoms will occur in one eye and spread to the other eye in a matter of days.  A bacterial infection is rare but will require antibiotics for treatment.

Viral

Viral is the most widespread type of pink eye and is caused by an infection of the upper respiratory tract, the common cold, and/or a sore throat.  While viral pink eye may not require antibiotics it is important to see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Dry air, smoke, chemicals and other allergens can also cause pinkeye.

Viral pink eye is extremely contagious.  Here are some helpful tips from http://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/about/prevention.html   for preventing the spread of pink eye.

If you think you have pink eye please call a doctor.  Dr. Jennifer Ackerman, Dr. Michael Ackerman, and Dr. Robert Lin of Dominion Internal Medicine will diagnose and develop a treatment option that is best for you!  Now accepting new patients!  Most Insurances accepted.  Please call (540) 341-1475 or visit http://www.dominioninternalmedicine.com/ for more information.

Compassionate Care for a Healthy Heart, Body and Mind

Category: Uncategorized / Tags: ,
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