Archive for Dominion Internal Medicine

Germs, Germs and Germs!

Germs are small microorganisms that are everywhere around us and invisible to the human eye.  Did you know if you cough or sneeze, germ filled droplets spread up to 12 feet.  Colds and flus usually spread this way.  Most germs are harmless. Germs even live on our bodies.  However, there are some germs that are fearsome because they are constantly mutating to break into your immune system’s barricades!

You can help stop the spread of germs by following these simple tips –

  • Wash your hands often.  Always wash before preparing or eating food and after you use the bathroom.
  • Clean and wash eating utensils and surfaces when preparing food.  Store and cook foods at recommended temperatures.  Don’t leave food sitting out.  Refrigerate food items immediately.
  • Cough and sneeze into your sleeve.
  • Stay home when sick
  • Don’t share personal items that can’t be disinfected.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth.

While we can’t stop germs, following these simple tips can help reduce the spread of germs!

If you are feeling down and blue with cold or flu symptoms the physicians of Dominion Internal Medicine can help you feel better.  Call (540) 878-5408 to schedule an appointment or for simply more information.

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

Most insurance’s accepted.  Now accepting CareFirst.

Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is an ongoing symptom of mucosal damage caused by acids that travel back from the stomach into the esophagus.

Symptoms of acid reflux  –

  • Burping
  • Difficulty Swallowing
  • Hoarseness
  • Stomach Bloating
  • Nausea after Meals
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Chest Pain

Acid reflux can affect our lives and cause discomfort in our everyday activities, including work!  If you’re suffering with any of the above symptoms please don’t ignore them. We all feel acid reflux is a very common condition and can be treated by making a few changes in our lifestyle’s, diet and possibly medication (which is usually the case.)  However, if you experience chronic symptoms it could be a sign that the stomach acid has inflamed your esophagus.  When that occurs, the acid can damage the lining of your esophagus and cause bleeding.

Dr. Jennifer Ackerman, Dr. Michael Ackerman, and Dr. Robert Lin of Dominion Internal Medicine are experts in the field of Gastro esophageal reflux disease.  (Acid Reflux.)

For more information or to schedule an appointment please call our specialists @ (540) 878-5408.

Compassion Care for a Healthy Heart, Body, and Mind

Breathe Easy

If you suffer from wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath you may have Asthma.  Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways identified by variable and recurring symptoms.   Asthma is a condition in which the airways of the lungs become very narrow or completely blocked, making it difficult to breathe.  Unfortunately, there is no known cause for asthma, and currently there is no cure.  However, there are many prevention’s and practices you can follow to live symptom-free.

If you feel you might have symptoms of asthma it’s time for you to see a physician.  Dr. Jennifer Ackerman, Dr. Michael Ackerman and Dr. Robert Lin of Dominion Internal Medicine can help.  They understand the signs and symptoms causing your discomfort.  Please call (540) 878-5408 today to schedule an appointment or simply for more information.  Most insurances accepted.

Compassionate Care for a Healthy Heart, Body and Mind

Kidney Stones Ouch!

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

Do you Suffer with a Thyroid Disorder?

The thyroid gland is the largest gland located in the neck.  It manages how quickly our bodies use energy, makes vital proteins, and controls how sensitive our body is to other hormones.  Thyroid disorders include HYPERTHYROIDISM which increases thyroid activity abnormally.  HYPOTHYROIDISM is the exact opposite and decreases thyroid function abnormally.

Signs and Symptoms to look for!

  • Dry Skin
  • Feeling Cold
  • Constipation
  • Abnormal Weight Gain
  • Palpitations
  • Muscle Weakness
  • Excessive Sweatiness
  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Excessive or Prolonged Menstrual Cycle
  • Abnormal Weight Loss
  • Decreased Concentration
  • Nervousness
  • Fluid Retention

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms it may be time to see a doctor.

At Dominion Internal Medicine, Dr. Jennifer Ackerman, Dr. Michael Ackerman, and Dr. Robert Lin will share their expertise with you by diagnosing and setting up a personalized treatment plan to get you back to a healthy lifestyle.  Don’t wait.  Please call (540) 878-5408 for more information or to schedule an appointment with your neighborhood specialists.   We are now accepting CareFirst!

Compassionate Care for a Healthy Heart, Body and Mind

Why Should I get a Physical?

Let’s be honest.  Most of us don’t like to go to the doctor, especially if we feel there is nothing wrong with us.  There is a purpose!  Our personal physicians can provide us with healthy lifestyle behaviors to prevent future health problems, screen for diseases, and most important, you will establish and maintain a relationship with a health care provider you can trust.

Dr. Jennifer Ackerman, Dr. Michael Ackerman, and Dr. Robert Lin of Dominion Internal Medicine want to prevent their patient’s health problems before they start!  They have been serving Fauquier County for over 14 years.  Make an appointment today @ (540) 878-5408 and jump start your health.  Don’t be afraid of finding out something is wrong.  Feel good about yourself for doing something right for you and your well being.

Compassionate Care for a Healthy Heart, Body and Mind

 Most Insurances Accepted!

Are You at Risk for Diabetes?

Are you suffering from any of the following symptoms?

  • Extreme Hunger
  • Excessive Thirst
  • Frequent Urination
  • Very Dry Skin
  • Feeling Tired
  • Tingling or Numbness in the Hands or Feet
  • Sudden Vision Changes
  • Unexplained Weight Loss

Diabetes is a condition in which our bodies don’t process food properly for use as energy.  Most food we consume is turned into glucose, or sugar.  The pancreas, an organ that lies near the stomach, makes a hormone called insulin to help flow the glucose into our cells.  When you have diabetes, your body either does not make enough insulin or can’t use its own insulin as it should.  This causes sugars to build up in your blood.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it might be time to have your neighborhood physicians (at Dominion Internal Medicine) check them out!  It’s fast and easy and same day appointments are available.  Diabetes can cause serious health problems including blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, and lower-extremity amputations.  Do you know diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States today?  It’s time to take care of you!

Call Dominion Internal Medicine today @ 540-878-5408 to schedule a same day appointment or simply for more information.

Compassionate Care for a Healthy Heart, Body and Mind

Now accepting CareFirst!

Don’t Let Hypertension Slow you Down!

Hypertension (also known as high blood pressure) is a condition that causes the arteries to have elevated blood pressure.  Every time our heart beats, it pumps blood to the whole body through the arteries.

High blood pressure may result in aneurysm, kidney failure, heart failure, heart attack or stroke.

You may have Hypertension for years and never know it!  This can lead to significant organ failure or death.  KNOW your numbers!  Even if you feel fine.  High blood pressure can be prevented and treated with proper diagnosis.  Contact your neighborhood team specialists at Dominion Internal Medicine today for more information @ (540) 878-5408 or to schedule an appointment.

Compassionate Care for a Healthy Heart Body & Mind!              Now accepting CareFirst!

Worried?

 

Dominion Internal Medicine is Now Accepting New Patients!

When you’re concerned about a potential health problem or you notice a change in your general wellness, it’s time to make an appointment with your primary care team.

Dr. Jennifer Ackerman, Dr. Michael Ackerman, and Dr. Robert Lin understand the necessity of being available for you as soon as you’re ready to be seen.  That’s why they’re committed to offering same-day appointments whenever possible.  More importantly, they’ve committed to addressing your concerns by providing evidence-based, compassionate care – the same care they’ve delivered for more than 10 years in Fauquier County.

Call today to schedule an appointment (540) 878-5408    We are now accepting CareFirst!

Compassionate care for a healthy heart, body and mind.