Cholesterol is a waxy substance that’s present in every cell in the body and is required to produce vitamin D, hormones, and digestive substances. While it is essential for the body to function, your body creates all that it requires.
This is a condition that occurs when the levels in the blood are elevated. 28 million adults in the U.S. have high cholesterol, which is defined as levels that are higher than 240 mg/dL. Unfortunately, this increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerosis (the narrowing of the arteries), among other serious conditions. (more…)
Besides colorful leaves, pumpkins, and cozy sweaters, the fall season brings about many common illnesses. A variety of factors make autumn the peak season for a range of infections. But, being informed on these common ailments and staying diligent about prevention can help keep you healthy this fall and winter!
Your thyroid is a gland that releases hormones into your body that regulates your metabolism. Thyroid problems occur when the thyroid either secretes too much or not enough hormones. When this happens, it’s called thyroid disease. This disease comes in two main varieties, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, with several sub-variants. While anyone can get this disease, you have a higher risk if any of the following apply to you:
The question of whether or not you can get COVID-19 has been asked frequently over the past year. In truth, there’s much that we still don’t know about it, and studies are underway regarding the likelihood of reinfection.
Cases of patients getting it again have been reported. However, these cases are very rare. Further research is required for more information about reinfection, including risk factors and what reinfection indicates about a person’s immunity.
The Difference Between COVID-19, the Flu, and a Cold
During the winter, cases of the flu and the common cold become more frequent. This year, we have the added complication of the COVID-19 pandemic. With some overlapping symptoms, it can be difficult to tell whether you’re experiencing a cold, the flu, or COVID-19. While the only sure way to know if you have COVID-19 is to receive a test, you can stay informed about the differences between the common viral infections.
Comparing the Flu and COVID-19
The flu is a viral infection that shouldn’t be taken lightly. In serious cases, it can lead to hospitalization or even death. Thankfully, shots are available each year to offer protection against the infection. The vaccine will provide an inactive dose of the virus so that your body can create the antibodies that you need to fend off the illness.
Everyone is worried about the coronavirus pandemic; and, well, we should be. But sometimes hearing so much about a pandemic can make you think twice about your own symptoms. Before jumping to the conclusion that you have COVID-19, consider these other explanations for your symptoms before calling for an appointment.
Fever
Fever can be caused by almost any illness or infection. A fever by itself is no reason to fear a COVID diagnosis. However, fever is a telltale symptom that should be addressed if it doesn’t resolve itself. You can give it a few days before you decide to give us a call if the fever is mild, but you should self-isolate until you are sure that you aren’t infected.
Most of the time a cough is nothing to worry about. Most coughs do not last long, and they are usually caused by things in our environment or irritation to the lungs. These coughs are nothing to worry about and will go away on their own. Some coughs are the result of a mild viral cold, but this too doesn’t usually require any type of treatment.
However, there are some situations in which you should see a doctor for a chronic cough. This is a cough that does not go away after 8 to 10 days, and may actually hang on for months at a time. Some chronic coughs are unavoidable, such as long-time smokers cough and allergy symptoms, but for the most part a chronic cough is an indicator that some type of treatment is required.
Many people are confused about when they need to see a doctor for a fever. Often, there is nothing to worry about. A 24-hour stomach bug can cause a fever. Even a bad cold can cause a fever. Obviously you don’t need to see your doctor for such matters. But when do you need to see your doctor? Here’s what you need to know.
Infants and Children
Infants and children cannot handle the same high temperatures that most adults can pull through. Infants should see a doctor if they have a fever over 100.1 for more than 24 hours. Children over two should see a doctor when their temperature reaches over 101 for more than 24 hours. If your child has a fever that will not go down with Tylenol or ibuprofen, you should take them to the doctor.
