Why You Should Have a Personal Physician

Many people feel they are healthy, they "never get sick", or use acute care clinics when the need arises and have chosen not to establish with a primary care doctor (PCP). This is a common mistake. One strong argument for establishing with a primary care doctor is that regularly scheduled physical examinations and acute care appointments are an opportunity to uncover silent medical issues early in their evolution, such as high blood pressure, pre-diabetes or diabetes, high cholesterol, anemia and some types of cancers. Early detection saves lives and improves overall health & outcomes. Another argument is that PCPs ensure that patients get the right care in a timely manner. Data has also demonstrated improved outcomes, higher quality of care and tremendous cost-savings. Make a commitment to find a personal physician you feel comfortable with and who will partner with you to ensure you are the healthiest version of yourself possible because there is an immeasurable value being cared for by someone who knows you well and understands your health challenges and belief system.

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ABCDEs of Melanoma

Melanoma is one of many types of skin cancer, but it is the most serious type we can develop. It starts in the melanocytes, which are the type of skin cells that produce skin color. However, there are other cells that can develop melanoma, including those in the eyes and internal organs. Risk factors for Melanoma include being someone who: has had exposure to UV rays from the sun and/or tanning beds has a history of sunburns has a lot of moles has fair skin, blue or green eyes, or blonde or red hair has a family history of melanoma has a personal history of melanoma has a weakened immune system from autoimmune disease, another cancer, chronic stress, diabetes, heart disease, etc. is of older age. Most Melanomas are black or brown, but they can also be flesh-colored, pink, red or purple. Men tend to have Melanomas on the trunk. Women tend to have Melanomas on the arms and legs. Check your skin once a month, especially if you had sunburns as a child. If yo...

Breaking Your Sugar Addiction

When a screening mammogram just isn't enough.

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...

Not Just Your Doctor

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