Tag Archives: ipalc.org

07.10.17
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Managing Hives

ipalc rash

ipalc rashBreaking out in hives can make you crazy. The itching, the scratching, it can be so intense it keeps you up at night. Nothing seems to help and until you know the source, you feel doomed to bouts at pretty well any moment.

When they initially come to pass it becomes a process of elimination in order to figure out the cause and eliminate it from your life.

Brought on by Hives, although normally associated with allergic reactions, can also be brought on by stress, insect bites, certain medications, infections, sun exposure and even extreme cold. The sooner you identify what it is that is causing hives for you, the better and more quickly you can halt them.

What works?

  1. Avoidance of the stimulant is the #1 best defense. If you can’t avoid it or haven’t yet figured out what it is here are some suggestions to help.
  2. Take Benadryl (antihistamine) to calm the reaction.
  3. Oatmeal or anti-itch bath – take a cool bath and soak allowing the skin to moisturize.
  4. Scratching, though it may feel good, will increase the need to scratch. It’s a vicious circle. If at all possible, avoid scratching. If that isn’t possible, try and use a skin brush rather than your nails which can have bacteria on them and are more prone to tearing. The brush will feel even better and not lead to broken skin areas.
  5. Moisturize with a hypoallergenic lotion directly after the bath. Pat dry.
  6. Use Calamine lotion to relieve itching by cooling the skin.
  7. Talk to your doctor about prescription options if you experience chronic hives.

 

Let your doctor help you pinpoint the cause. They are able to help diagnose and get to the root of the problems so that you can get on with your life, hive free. To find a practitioner here in Lee County, Florida please visit our FREE resource list from the Independent Physicians Association of Lee County by going to www.ipalc.org/find.

07.05.17
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Does Medical Terminology Confuse You?

terminology

terminologyDoctors spend over a decade on schooling, sometimes more depending on the choice of specialty. Is it any wonder that they come out speaking a whole other language than the rest of us?

While many different professions have their own lingo, the medical profession exaggerates this disconnect because so many of the terms are simply foreign to the majority of us in the public.

Doctors need to be able to get across their diagnoses, thoughts, and possible strategies in order to have a successful doctor-patient exchange.

Unfortunately, not all doctors have an ideal bedside manner or the ability to simplify and communicate effectively. This can leave patients not fully understanding their situation and if there was ever a topic that really needs to be fully understood it’s your own medical advice.

Brushing up on your medical lingo can give you confidence in doctor-patient communications making your visits less stressful. Even more importantly, if you don’t understand something you are being told, do not be afraid to ask questions.

 

Here are some of the most commonly used medical terms. They are a good starting off point for better understanding your own health.

 

ABATEMENT – A decrease in the acuity of a symptom.

 

ABSCESS – A collection of fluid located on or in the body. This is an immune system response to an infection. It is accompanied by redness and swelling.

 

ACUTE – Condition that comes on suddenly, with severity and ends after a short course.

 

AMBULATORY – Ability to walk.

 

ASYMPTOMATIC – Shows no symptoms.

 

BENIGN – A condition or abnormal growth that is treatable and not life-threatening.

 

BIOPSY – Removal of tissue for diagnostic purposes.

 

CYANOTIC – Bluish color of the skin due to poor circulation and lack of oxygen in the blood.

 

EDEMA – Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body causing swelling of the affected area.

 

EMBOLISM – The halting of blood flow by a blood clot, which can result in a stroke or heart attack.

 

FIBRILLATION – Uncontrollable twitching of muscle fibers of the heart.

 

IDIOPATHIC – Of unknown cause.

 

PALLIATIVE – Treatment is given to alleviate symptoms of a disease but not cure it. This mainly refers to pain management of a chronic disease state.

 

RADICULAR – Referring to the nerve roots which originate in the spine.

 

SUBLUXATION – A slight dislocation or misalignment of a bone in a joint.

 

The more well-learned you are, the more confident you will feel when speaking with doctors, nurses and other medical personnel, whether it’s regarding your own health or that of a friend or loved one.

To find a doctor in Lee County, Florida please visit our free resource www.ipalc.org/find sponsored by the Independent Physicians Association of Lee County.

05.03.17
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Yearly Wellness Exam

wellness exam

Have you had your annual wellness exam yet this year? Surprisingly, many people overlook and bypass going despite the fact that it is covered 100% by most insurance policies. This quick checkup can help to maintain your health year after year as you age. It only takes an hour or less and can give you peace of mind.

The exam starts by taking a personal Health Risk Assessment. This includes health history, family health history, and physical exam. Your doctor will take note of any physical complaints you currently have as well. The family history can be important in diagnosing symptoms as some conditions and diseases are genetic and hereditary. It is important to bring a list of all medications and supplements with you for a completely accurate outcome.

Glucose and cholesterol levels are measured by doing bloodwork. Fasting, drinking water only, for 8 hours’ prior is usually assigned before your appointment.

They will then examine your eyes, mouth, ears, nose and skin. Your doctor will check vitals such as blood pressure, pulse, oxygen level, and heart rate. Height and weight will be taken to determine your BMI (body mass index) making sure you are in the normal range making suggestions for best health.

Age appropriate screenings may be included: For younger sexually active patient’s STD screenings may be offered as well if deemed necessary. Breast exams, as well as prostate check, may also be included, though full exams should be done by your gynaecologist and proctologist respectively.

Opening up the patient-doctor dialogue is vital during not only your wellness exam but during any visit. Choosing a doctor, you are comfortable talking to can make a difference in your overall health care. Honesty in answers and feeling free to ask questions makes it easier for the doctor to get a full health picture and give you answers based on fact. It enables them to give you the very best personalized recommendations.

If you are looking for a physician in Lee County, Florida please visit www.ipalc.org/find to find a doctor near you.

 

03.17.17
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ER or Urgent Care?

ER

ERHealthcare is more confusing than ever these days. If an unexpected illness or injury were to happen, do you know where to go?

Being treated in an emergency care facility may be convenient but it also generally costs two to three times for than a standard doctor.

Here are some helpful tips on how to decide if you really need to go to the ER.

Call 911 immediately if you or someone else:

  • Has stopped breathing
  • Is choking
  • Has sustained head injury
  • Is passing out, fainting, or has confusion
  • Has possibly sustained an injury to neck or spine
  • Inability to move
  • Electric shock
  • Severe burn
  • Severe chest pain or pressure
  • Seizure that lasted 3 to 5 minutes

Go to an emergency department or call 911 for help for problems such as:

  • Breathing issues
  • Passing out, losing consciousness
  • Pain in the arm or jaw
  • A headache that starts suddenly and is more painful than usual
  • Suddenly not able to speak, see, walk, or move
  • Suddenly weak or drooping on one side of the body
  • Dizziness or weakness (persistent)
  • Inhaled smoke or poisonous fumes
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Sudden confusion
  • Serious burn
  • Possible broken bone
  • Wound
  • Coughing up or throwing up blood
  • Severe pain anywhere on the body
  • Severe allergic reaction with trouble breathing, swelling, hives
  • High fever + a headache and stiff neck
  • High fever that does not get better with medicine
  • Throwing up or loose stools that do not stop
  • Poisoning or overdose of drug or alcohol
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Seizures

Go to an Urgent Care

Urgent care facilities are wonderful if you have issues and cannot wait for a regular doctors appointment, yet they are also not life threatening.

Commonly treated ailments can include:

  • Colds
  • Influenza
  • Earaches
  • Sore throat
  • Migraines
  • Fever
  • Rash
  • Sprains
  • Back pain
  • Minor cuts and burns,
  • Broken bones (minor)
  • eye injuries (minor)

Suggestion

On the back of your health insurance card is usually a hotline where you can call and speak to a nurse for advice. Call this number and tell the nurse your symptoms. They will then issue advice on what best to do next.

To find a doctor in Lee County, go to http://ipalc.org/find/
For emergency personnel, dial 911

Google “Urgent Care Near Me” to find urgent care facilities in your area.

03.14.17
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Chronic Sinusitis

Do you suffer seasonally or year round from bouts of fatigue accompanied by a stuffy nose, sore throat, watery eyes, and headache?

All are signature sinus issues. All can make your life downright miserable. It is sometimes hard to distinguish if you are experiencing allergies or a cold. Proper diagnosis and treatment can lead to quicker recovery and less suffering.

All are signatures of chronic sinusitis.

Sinusitis can make you feel just downright rotten and unable to cope with daily life. When persistent it can be difficult to tell the difference between a cold or allergies. Diagnosing the condition properly will lead to the quickest recovery.

Both colds and allergies can trigger sinus issues. When the mucus cannot drain properly it can lead to increased pressure resulting in pain and eventually infection can set in.

Those who have allergies or asthma are the most likely to develop sinusitis as their sinus tissue becomes swollen when breathing in allergy triggers like pollen, smoke or dust.

Sinusitis will generally heal without antibiotics if you have a good immune system in about two weeks. If you are still experiencing the same level of symptoms or they have gotten worse over the first two week period consult your doctor.

Self Care: Heat packs, nasal decongestants, nasal sprays, humidifiers or salt water rinse with a net pot, breathing in essential oils of peppermint or eucalyptus may ease symptoms.

If you have allergies, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of sinusitis. Your doctor may recommend ongoing treatments such as allergy shots or medication which can help to control inflammation. Avoidance of allergy triggers is always advised if possible.

To find a board certified ENT or Immunologist in Lee County visit www.ipalc.org/find

02.06.17
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Skin Cancer Micro Surgery – Mohs

If you have been diagnosed with basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma your doctor may suggest Mohs as a viable treatment option.

Mohs microsurgery may be recommended when:

  • The tumor is very large
  • Rapidly spreading cancers
  • The cancerous cells have come back
  • There is scar tissue in the area of the cancer cells
  • The tumor is large
  • The edges cannot be clearly defined
  • The cancer is in an area where function preservation is vital 

What is Mohs surgery?

This type of surgery is done with a microscope which allows surgeons to trace cancerous cells down to the very root, ensuring full removal. It is most widely utilized to treat basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.

Because of the precise nature of the surgery, it is the most minimally invasive allowing for less chance or scarring or disfigurement.

During the procedure

The surgeon will remove the tumor as well as a thin layer of tissue surrounding it. They will create a drawing of the removed area which can be used as a guide if any remaining cells need to be further removed.

If microscopic analysis still shows evidence of remaining cancer cells, the process then continues layer-by-layer until the cancerous cells are eradicated. 

The intent is to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible making the recovery as full as nature permits. Sometimes reconstructive surgery is necessary due to size or shape of removal.

Who are the surgeons who perform Mohs?

These surgeons specialize in both pathology and dermatology. They remove only the cancerous tissue leaving healthy cells untouched. This skill level minimizes the cosmetic impact of the surgery itself while increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome.

The cure rate using this technology is the highest among all skin cancer treatment procedures – up to 99% even when other treatments have previously failed.

Visit www.ipalc.org/find to locate a dermatological surgeon in Lee county, Florida.

01.30.17
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Have a tattoo that you regret getting?

If you are considering tattoo removal it is important to go to see a board certified plastic surgeon who is skilled with laser removal.

There are multiple reasons people remove tattoo work. An impetuous decision they wish they had not made, perhaps a name that is no longer associated with your life, or a bad quality tattoo.

The laser can undo what the needle has drawn. Treatments take only a short window of time to perform. They are generally performed right in your doctor’s office. Removal is done with anesthetic, topical cream for smaller regions and injectable anesthesia for larger areas.

Each session the design will become lighter and less visible.  Removal requires multiple visits as the skin needs time to heal and recover between sessions. They are spaced approximately one month apart. All ink colors are removable, though black and grey are the easiest. Others may require more sessions. Each session lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. The laser is set to target certain colors or depth of ink to give optimal results.

The laser delivers energy in short quick bursts which dissolve the ink embedded in the skin into very small particles which are then safely detoxified through normal bodily processes. Drinking extra water the day before, the day of and a few days after will help the process along.

There is very minimal risk of discomfort or scarring. If you get keloid scars, that is one of the few cases where tattoo removal may not be right for you. Following the session the treatment are may blister or scab (much like the healing process of tattooing itself.) Avoid sun exposure during the healing process. Keep it clean and dry and wash only using very mild unscented soap.

Through repeated sessions, your old tattoo will eventually be non-visible. Results vary, but most are very pleased with the outcome.

To find a certified plastic surgeon who is skilled in laser tattoo removal please visit www.ipalc.org/find.

01.25.17
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Is it time for a trip to the ENT?

ENT

ENTAn ENT is an ear nose and throat specialist. They have chosen this as their practice and specialty over focusing on general medicine. They can help you to better understand how you are feeling and if your symptoms are in any way related to inflamed sinuses or if there could be more serious underlying causes.

Why visit an ENT?

Headaches – An ENT can help determine if the headache cause stems from a sinus problem, respiratory infection, sinusitis, or even anatomic abnormalities. Chronic headache causes are tough to diagnose.

A sore throat – if you have a lingering sore throat that does not get better with normal home care or a round of antibiotics from your general practitioner a visit to the ENT may be warranted. Sore throat symptoms can sometimes be related to digestive issues or sinus problems.

Hearing Loss – Hearing loss may be due to ear wax build-up, fluid, or possibly damage to the nerves.

Sinus Issues – Tooth pain, earache, and even facial pain – congestion, nasal discharge, and allergies all can be disconcerting.

If you are experiencing these symptoms without improvement after a week or longer or they are reoccurring, you should be checked by an ENT. To find a board certified ENT please visit www.ipalc.org/find