Muscle cramps can occur in any muscle- legs, feet, arms, hands, back- and can occur day or night. Muscle cramps become more common as we age and are not typically a sign of something harmful; however, if they are persistent, you should be evaluated by your physician. Common causes of muscle cramps: 1. Dehydration. First, ensure you are drinking enough water throughout the day. If you choose to drink only coffee, tea, soda, juices and alcohol, you can cause your muscles to cramp. You must remain hydrated and include water throughout the day to avoid muscle cramps. 2. Medication side effects . Medications such as diuretics, Lasix (furosemide) is the most common, can cause muscle cramps. Some people experience cramps with statins, such as Lipitor (atorvastatin) or Zocor (simvastatin), or the heart medication Procardia (nifedipine). If cramps begin just after starting a new medication, you should discuss the possibility of side effects with your doctor. 3. Muscle Fatigue. Heav
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Did you know that in the state of Texas there is a Bill (HB2102), also known as Henda's Law, that requires mammography centers to notify all women with dense breast tissue that the accuracy of their mammograms is less than that of women with lower breast density and that they may benefit from “supplemental screening” in addition to their annual mammogram? Since the Bill was passed in 2011, several other states have adopted similar legislation. Last week, Governor Abbott signed House Bill 1036 that makes 3D mammography a covered benefit for the women of Texas as part of their wellness exam. Dense breast tissue is a relatively common condition and can be associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Dense breast tissue can also obscure the Radiologist's view of the breast and mask very early signs of breast cancer. Therefore, women who have dense breasts may benefit from supplemental imaging, such a tomosynthesis (3D mammography), breast ultrasound or b
With the uncertainty in the health care market, concerns over the fate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), physician burnout, frustration with insurance reimbursement, and the rising cost of doing the business of medicine, Americans are driven to consider other alternatives to access health care. Innovative free market solutions such as Direct Primary Care (DPC) is quickly becoming a mutually agreeable alternative for both those who access health care and the Direct Primary Care doctors providing their care. In the 1940s, post-war America saw the implementation of third-party insurance companies and Americans began to see a sharp rise in employer-based insurance coverage. Prior to this, Americans paid cash for virtually all of their health care. Gradually, the third-party payment systems in both private health insurance and government programs have become increasingly complex and costly, less transparent, and more economically inefficient. In the environment of these increasing com