Archive for Uncategorized

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: ,

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

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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: ,

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 /

Prevent and Protect yourself from Lyme Disease

March 28, 2013 / / No comments

Springtime is here.  While we begin to enjoy the beauty of spring, we need to protect ourselves from Lyme disease.  Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is spread by black legged ticks.  In this article from The Center for Disease Control it shows in 2009 there were almost 30,000 confirmed cases in the United States.

Here are some helpful tips to safeguard you this spring –

  • Use a repellent with Deet
  • Know where to expect ticks.  Ticks live in moist and humid environments, particularly in wooded or grassy areas.
  • Modify your landscaping to create “Tick-Safe Zones.”  Keep patios, play ground areas away from shrubs, bushes and other vegetation.
  • Use a chemical treatment.  There are many safe chemical agents available or if you feel more comfortable, call a professional.
  • Prevent family pets from bringing ticks inside.  There are many tick medicine and collars available.  Work closely with your veterinarian to choose the right one for your pet.
  • Be sure to check for ticks after you have been outside.  Ticks can hide under arms, around the ears, inside belly button, back of knees, in and around all head and body hair, and around the knees.  Check clothing and pets as well.

What should you do if you are bitten by a tick?

Remove the tick using fine tipped tweezers as soon as you realize you have been bitten.  If you are unable to remove the entire tick, it’s very important that you schedule an appointment with your doctor.  If left untreated, Lyme disease may often lead to a stage of Lyme that is disabling and difficult to treat.  In rare instances it can be fatal.   If a tick is attached to your skin for less than 24 hours, your chances of developing Lyme disease is minimal.  To be safe, watch for signs or symptoms of Lyme disease by following these tips as provided by The Center for Disease Control.

  • Red expanding rash
  • Fatigue
  • Chills
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle and joint aches
  • Swollen lymph nodes

If you experience any of the above symptoms please contact your doctor.   Dr. Jennifer Ackerman, Dr. Michael Ackerman and Dr. Robert Lin of Dominion Internal Medicine are expert internist’s who will collect your medical history and perform a physical exam to determine if you are infected with this often hard to detect disease.  For more information or to schedule an appointment please contact our specialists @ 540.347.5408.  Now accepting CareFirst.

 

Compassion Care for a Healthy Heart, Body, and Mind

Category: Dominion Internal Medicine, Uncategorized / Tags: ,

Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help

March 26, 2013 / / No comments

Are you experiencing any of the following symptoms –

  • Sadness or feelings of guilt and or worthlessness
  • Anxious
  • Insomnia
  • Excessive sleeping
  • Irritable
  • Empty feeling
  • Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
  • Loss of appetite or overeating
  • Restlessness
  • Thoughts of suicide

Depression is not always a psychiatric disorder.  It is a normal reaction to life’s happenings, symptoms of certain medical conditions, and also a side effect of some medical treatments.  It may also be associated with clinical depression.  If depression is left untreated your condition may worsen and last for a very long time!  If you are searching for wholeness in your life the physicians of Dominion Internal Medicine can help.  They will provide you with a full physical assessment and thorough evaluation of your symptoms to help determine the cause of your depression.  This will include blood testing to rule out other possible culprits.  Please call our office at 540.878.5408 to schedule an appointment.

Most Insurances accepted

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

Category: Uncategorized /

Is Fatigue Running Your Life?

March 25, 2013 / / No comments

Do you suffer with persistent fatigue?  You may be experiencing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS.)

What are the symptoms of CFS?

 

  • Unrefreshing Sleep
  • Fatigue
  • Memory/Concentration Problems
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Flu Like Symptoms – Sore Throat, Headache, Pain in Joints and Muscles
  • Dizziness
  • Mental Exhaustion

CFS is a debilitating and difficult disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that is not improved with bed rest and actually worsens with physical or mental activities.  If you are experiencing any of these symptoms please see a doctor.  CFS is manageable with simple lifestyle changes or medication may be prescribed.

Dr. Jennifer Ackerman, Dr. Michael Ackerman, and Dr. Robert Lin of Dominion Internal Medicine are experienced internists  who will help you get to the heart of your fatigue with close communication with you – the patient, and develop a treatment plan that will benefit you the most.  If you would like to schedule an appointment or simply for more information please contact our offices @ (540) 878-5408.

Most insurances accepted.

 

Compassionate Care for a Healthy Heart, Body and Mind

Category: Uncategorized /

Kidney Stones Ouch!

March 5, 2013 / / 8 comments

Kidney Stones Ouch!

What is a kidney stone?  A kidney stone is a solid concretion or crystal aggregation formed in the kidneys from dietary minerals in the urine.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Pain most commonly felt in the side and the back, between the ribs and hip.
  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Painful urination
  • Blood or discoloration in the urine
  • Persistent urge to urinate

If you are having any of the following symptoms it’s time to see a physician.

Pain so severe it is hard to sit or find a comfortable position

Pain accompanied by fever and chills

Nausea or vomiting

Blood in urine

Difficulty urinating

Don’t wait for your condition and the pain to worsen.  Contact Dominion Internal Medicine today @ (540) 878-5408.  Dr. Jennifer Ackerman, Dr. Michael Ackerman, and Dr. Robert Lin specialize in all Nephrology disorders and will diagnose and develop a treatment plan that is just right for you.

 

Most insurances accepted!                     Now accepting CareFirst!

 

Compassionate Care for a Healthy Heart, Body and Mind

Category: Dominion Internal Medicine, Uncategorized / Tags: ,

Should you see an Internist?

February 20, 2013 / / No comments

 

 

Internal Medicine physicians specialize and utilize their clinical expertise to diagnose and treat adolescents, adults, and elderly as well.

Jennifer Ackerman, Michael Ackerman, and Robert Lin of Dominion Internal Medicine specialize in complete body wellness, disease prevention, and supervision of chronic conditions and illnesses in a friendly, relaxed office based setting.

Call our office @ (540) 878-5408 for more information on how we can help you.

 

 

Category: Uncategorized /

February is Heart Disease Awareness Month

February 18, 2013 / / No comments

 

Heart Disease is a term used for a wide range of diseases that affect the heart.  Diseases such as heart infections, coronary heart disease, arrhythmias, and congenital heart defects (defects you are born with.)

Heart Disease is the number one cause of death for men and women.  The good news is it’s treatable and preventable with some alternative lifestyle changes.

Call Dominion Internal Medicine today @ (540) 878-5408 for same day appointments and take the challenge to take care of your heart.

For more information visit: http://www.cdc.gov/features/heartmonth/

Category: Uncategorized /
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