Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Tick Information


Ever wonder what to do if you find a tick on you or your child?

Holland Hospital has a few recommendations on their website.

Click the link below to read more...

Friday, June 3, 2016

Summertime Sun Safety



It seems that summer has finally arrived in West Michigan! Here are some Sun Safety tips to keep you and your family safe this summer.
1. Sunscreen

Using a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15 before going outside is recommended. Did you know that the sun’s rays can still reach you even on cool and cloudy days? Don’t forget that sunscreen wears off after about two hours. Be sure to reapply often! Check your supply at home and make sure that your sunscreen has not expired.

2. Sunglasses

Sunglasses do a great job of protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Check to see if your sunglasses block UVA and UVB rays. Sunglasses are an inexpensive way to keep your eye protected!

3. Shade

Sitting under an umbrella and playing under a tree are just two ways that you can be outside while keeping out of the sun. Don’t forget, you still need sunscreen in the shade.

4. Hat
A wide brim hat is another great way to get protection from the sun. Wide brim hats are typically able to protect your face, ears, and neck.

5. Clothing
Loose, lightweight clothing with longer sleeves and pant legs are another way to keep cool while protecting your skin from the sun. The tighter the weave of the clothing typically the better coverage you will have. It is a good idea to have an extra shirt to put on after a few hours of sun exposure. Don’t forget, while darker colored clothes usually make you warmer, they usually protect you from the sun more effectively than lighter colored clothes.

We hope your family has a safe and enjoyable summer!

Monday, May 9, 2016

Seasonal Allergies


Do you have seasonal allergies? You may have seasonal allergies if you have some of the following symptoms: sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, nose redness, post-nasal drip, stuffy nose, itchy eyes, redness around eyes, puffy eyes, watery eyes, respiratory wheezing, difficulty breathing, itching or irritation in the throat. It is possible to have any of allergy symptoms during any season of the year.

What can you do to prevent seasonal allergies? Take a shower and change/wash clothes after working outdoors. Keeping doors and windows shut during allergy season can be helpful. Avoiding allergens that trigger your symptoms is also helpful.

What can you do to treat seasonal allergies? There are several over the counter medications that can treat or relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Some of these medications include: Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra. All three of these medications are over the counter and are also available as a generic medication. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you think you would like to try one of these medications for your allergy symptoms. There are also stronger medications available if you find that one of these medications is unable to control your allergy symptoms. If this is the case, schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms.

Friday, March 11, 2016

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month


March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of death from cancer. Colorectal cancer affects all racial and ethnic groups and is most often found in people ages 50 and older.
The best way to prevent colorectal cancer is to get screened regularly starting at age 50. There are often no signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer – that’s why it’s so important to get screened.

To increase awareness about the importance of colorectal cancer screening, Lakewood Family Medicine is proudly participating in Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. In 2012, Michigan alone saw 4,547 people diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 1,721 people died from colorectal cancer.

 People over age 50 have the highest risk of colorectal cancer. You may also be at higher risk if you are African American, smoke, or have a family history of colorectal cancer.

·         At LFM, we recommend colon cancer screening for all adults starting at age 50, unless there are additional symptoms or risk factors (such as being a smoker or having a parent or sibling with colon cancer). If you are concerned about your possible risk factors, schedule an appointment with your Primary Care Provider today.

·         If you are 50+ and have not been screened for colon cancer, schedule an Annual Physical Exam with your Primary Care Provider to discuss what you can do to be screened for colorectal cancer.

 

Everyone can take these healthy steps to help prevent colorectal cancer:

·         Get screened starting at age 50.

·         Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.

·         Get plenty of physical activity and eat healthy.

For more information, visit http://www.ccalliance.org/get-information/what-is-colon-cancer/

Thursday, March 3, 2016

What You Need to Know About the Zika Virus


If you’ve read a newspaper or turned the news on over the past month, you’re sure to have heard about the Zika Virus.

What is the Zika Virus? The Zika Virus is a disease that is spread by mosquito. Zika is currently spreading in Mexico and several South American Countries. Click this link to view all countries where Zika is currently spreading: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/active-countries.html

What are the symptoms? There are many symptoms of Zika. Some of the most common symptoms include: fever, joint pain, red eyes, rash, headache, and muscle pain. It can take anywhere between a few days and a week from exposure to the virus to develop symptoms. The symptoms of Zika are typically mild and do not require hospitalization.

How is treated? If you have Zika, it is important to treat any symptoms you may be experiencing.

·         Tylenol can be helpful in reducing pain and fever.

·         Water to prevent and treat dehydration

·         Rest!

·         Taking NSAIDs like Aspirin or Ibuprofen is NOT recommended.

How can I prevent getting the Zika Virus? How can I prevent spreading the Zika Virus?

You can prevent getting the Zika Virus by protecting yourself against mosquito bites in areas where Zika is spreading. You can do this by: wearing long sleeved shirts and long pants. If possible, stay where there are windows or screens to keep mosquitos out. Use insect repellant according to directions on the bottle. Also, use mosquito netting as appropriate.

If you have Zika, you can prevent the spread of Zika by staying away from any mosquitos during the first week of your illness. This is important because if you have Zika and get bit by a mosquito, the mosquito that bit you can bite someone else and give them Zika.

Zika & Pregnancy The Zika Virus can be harmful to the pregnant woman’s unborn child. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) recommends that pregnant women should postpone any travel to any area where Zika is spreading. If travel is necessary, it is important for the woman to talk with her doctor about steps to prevent developing Zika. Why is this important? There appears to be a link between the Zika Virus and a condition known as microcephaly. Microcephaly is a birth defect where a baby’s head is smaller than is expected. This condition can cause significant long term health issues including: hearing loss, decreased vision, and intellectual disabilities.

Want to know more about the Zika Virus? Visit www.cdc.gov

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Gold Fit-Friendly Worksite


This year, LFM received the Gold Fit-Friendly Worksite award from the American Heart Association! LFM strives to promote wellness among its employees in the workplace.  At LFM, we host several annual events including: The Team Walking Challenge and The Weight-Loss Challenge.  Additionally, LFM provides education on nutrition, diet, and healthy living.  Another fun wellness activity is our informal couch to 5K program; LFM even pays the enrollment fee for those who wish to participate in the 5K!

We are so honored to have received this award!  As health care providers, we know that our health is important in promoting and maintaining your health.  Best wishes for a happy and healthy Spring from all of us at LFM!

Click this link for more information and to view all the award winners: www.heart.org.FFWrecognition
 

Monday, February 8, 2016

Influenza in West Michigan


Although it is February, the flu (also known as influenza) has arrived in West Michigan.

What are the symptoms of the flu? Symptoms of the flu come on quickly and can include: fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose or stuffy nose, headaches, tiredness, and occasionally vomiting or diarrhea.

Who is at risk for the flu? Everyone is at risk for getting the flu. Additionally, children, pregnant women, adults over age 65, and those with chronic health conditions like asthma and diabetes are at a greater risk for developing severe symptoms if they get the flu.

How can you prevent the flu? The best way to prevent getting the flu is by getting the flu shot! Other ways to prevent getting and spreading the flu include: washing your hands frequently, staying home when sick, getting plenty of rest, choosing healthy foods, drinking plenty of water, and coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your sleeve.

Did you know? Did you know that it IS NOT too late to get your flu shot!? At Lakewood Family Medicine, we still have plenty of vaccines. Stop in during office hours to get your vaccine.

If you think that you have the flu, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your doctor. Call 616-396-6771 to speak with one of our phone nurses and to schedule your appointment.

 

References

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/symptoms.htm                     

http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/how-to-dodge-flu-without-shot