It seems like everyone is talking about measles these days and with good reason. The U.S. is experiencing one of the most significant outbreaks since the U.S. eliminated the disease 25 years ago. A multi-state outbreak has seen over 500 cases and two deaths as of late March. While measles is considered a childhood illness, adults can get it too. Recently, a pregnant mom in Texas infected with measles exposed newborns to the virus, creating a public health emergency. The recent outbreaks have caused many adults to wonder if they still have immunity or need a booster shot. Here’s a look at some steps adults can take to protect themselves. What Is Measles? Measles is a highly contagious viral infection, also known as rubeola. It primarily affects children but can also impact adults. The ... Continue Reading

Respiratory infections are raging this winter, with a "quad demic" of COVID, flu, RSV and norovirus. Primary care doctors are always concerned about pneumonia, especially in older and vulnerable populations. This winter, we've also seen a rise in walking pneumonia, a milder infection still poses health risks. Catching pneumonia promptly is vital to preventing complications and hospitalizations. While we don't want to unnecessarily prescribe antibiotics for flu and other viruses, we want to ensure we treat bacterial pneumonia. One of the most essential things is listening to your body for signs that it's time to see your doctor. What Is Pneumonia? Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs of your lungs. It can be either bacterial or viral. The Streptococcus ... Continue Reading

When we think about health, we often focus on visible aspects like weight, exercise, or skin condition. However, one vital component that frequently gets overlooked is gut health. Understanding gut health and how your primary care doctor can support you in maintaining it can be transformative for your overall well-being. What is Gut Health? Gut health refers to the balance and function of bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This complex system is responsible for digesting food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste. However, its role extends far beyond digestion. A healthy gut is essential for a strong immune system, mental health, and even the prevention of chronic diseases. Signs of an Unhealthy Gut An unhealthy gut can manifest in many ways, including: Digestive ... Continue Reading

As we get older, the thought of experiencing a stroke can become a terrifying preoccupation. What would we do if we were incapacitated? Would our spouse or loved ones have to take care of us? The good news is that most strokes are preventable with wellness efforts and access to primary care. It's also essential for patients and family members to know the warning signs of a stroke so they can take quick action when it occurs. Acting fast can prevent disability and death. What Is A Stroke? Strokes occur when blood flow to your brain is cut off, usually by a blood clot. Stroke is a common cause of death and a leading cause of disability for American adults, with around 800,000 Americans experiencing a stroke each year. The CDC confirms that a significant majority of strokes are preventable. ... Continue Reading

Have you heard of an “Ozempic vacation?” It refers to folks on semaglutide weight loss medications taking a pause during the holiday season to enjoy feasting and treats. But is it healthy to stop and start the new weight loss medications helping millions of Americans lead healthier lives? Experts’ reactions are mixed. But whatever you decide, staying focused on mindful eating over the holidays can help you maintain your weight loss goals and enjoy the holidays in a healthy way. Why Are People Pausing Weight Loss Medications? Semaglutide weight loss drugs have revolutionized the way we lose weight and are now taken by nearly two million Americans. However, the way the medications work has made food less enjoyable for some patients. Semaglutide drugs help patients lose weight by limiting ... Continue Reading

Do you know someone who is affected by dementia? Maybe you’re caring for a parent, a grandparent, a spouse, or another loved one with a cognitive disorder. Dementia is one of the most stressful and often misunderstood diagnoses for family members and caregivers. In fact, there’s still a lot of confusion about what dementia is. In the public’s mind, dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease might be the same. However, in reality, Alzheimer’s is only part of the picture when it comes to cognitive disorders. And while we can’t prevent Alzheimer’s, we can prevent some other types of dementia, especially cases related to the vascular system. Some experts estimate that up to one-third of dementia cases are not Alzheimer ’s-related and are preventable. What Is Dementia? Dementia is an umbrella term that ... Continue Reading