By Erin Dahlke, M.D., Family Medicine with Obstetrics We talk a lot about prevention because it is one of the most important steps in staying healthy. In regard to Lyme disease, you can help prevent the disease by avoiding ticks altogether. It is not always easy when we have adventurous pets and children, and we...
By John Allan Dvorak, Certified Respiratory Therapist When it comes to lung disease, people naturally get used to their symptoms and downplay how serious their disease truly is. “A lot of respiratory patients appear to have shortness of breath or they have difficulty breathing, yet when asked if they feel short of breath or if...
For people with heart failure, getting a seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine was associated with a 50 percent drop in the risk of death during flu season and a 20 percent drop in the risk of death during the rest of the year, according to research presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session. The...
By John A. Dvorak, Respiratory Therapist Breathing is essential for life, and healthy lungs help keep us healthier overall. When lungs aren’t healthy, it negatively impacts the rest of your body in many areas. Lung disease can affect your cardiovascular system and even lead to a heart attack or stroke. Keeping your lungs healthy and...
“I have never seen the CDC flu map entirely brown (widespread) across the United States at the same time before. This is a flu epidemic,” said Jeanette Pasche, RN-BC, Infection Preventionist at Glacial Ridge Health System and board certified in infection control. “Usually, the flu starts in the southeast, and by the time it has spread to...
By Robert P. Montenegro, M.D., ABOM, Family Medicine and Bariatrics So you made a new year’s resolution to lose some extra weight… and you’ve already broken it. “The Battle of the Bulge” is one of the favorite new year resolutions. You know weight loss can help lower your blood pressure, ease your sleep apnea, and...
If you increase your protein at each meal, you’ll notice how full you’ll feel and for longer. To increase your dietary protein, you need to know how much is in a serving. Here are some examples: 4-5 ounces of meat = a large chicken breast or fish fillet, or a medium-sized steak or chop (also...
By Robert Montenegro, M.D., ABOM; Family Medicine Physician and Bariatrician Thanksgiving comes around once a year, it is the one day that is remembered as a family day, a stuff yourself with turkey and all the fixings day, and the day that inevitably ends most diets. Let’s face it, people hate limiting or completely avoiding...
