Showing posts with label Oak West Medical Clinics. Show all posts
Seasonal Affective Disorder - Oak West Clinic
Daylight
savings occurs on 11/2/14 this year. Everyone will need to adjust to
the shorter days and longer nights. However, some people develop a
more serious problem which can include depression and possible
suicidal thoughts. About 5% of Americans can develop seasonal
affective disorder due to reduced light exposure and persistent gray
skies. There is a theory that a chemical imbalance in the brain
occurs.
If
you believe you suffer from seasonal affective disorder, talk with
your doctor today.
Hirsutism - Oak West Medical Clinics
Hirsutism
is a condition whereby women will develop hair and unwanted areas.
Many times this will grow on the face, chest, or back. But here is
determined mostly by your family history and genetic makeup. An
excess of testosterone and other male hormones and women will cause
this to develop more often.
When
testosterone levels are too high, women may develop other symptoms
including a deep voice, balding, or acne.
There
are several conditions that are linked with hirsutism. Polycystic
ovarian syndrome results in irregular periods, obesity, and
difficulty becoming pregnant. Although this condition is not curable,
medications such as Metformin have been used successfully to treat
infertility and help with symptoms of abnormal hair growth.
Your
family doctor or gynecologist will ask specific questions about your
menstrual history, weight, acne, and skin changes. Basic blood tests
may be conducted including a complete blood count, liver function
testing, thyroid testing, and hormone testing. Your doctor may also
order a CAT scan to determine if you have enlargement of the ovaries
or adrenal glands.
There
are several medications available to help manage the symptoms. These
may include birth control pills, hormones, or creams.
If
you suffer from hirsutism, talk with your doctor today to determine
the best options.
Cataracts
Cataracts
develop as people age with clouding of the lens of the eye. This
condition is extremely common and affects vision for otherwise
healthy people.
The
eyeball itself has clear parts (which include the lens) and colored
parts (which include the pupil). The eye requires a certain amount of
light to penetrate through the lens, pupil, and other structures of
the eyeball to reconnect in a special way at the back of the eye to
create an image. The retina and optic nerves need good input so
patients can see appropriately.
It
is estimated that over half of all Americans by the age of 80 will
have cataracts. Cataracts are not contagious and do not develop from
any specific irritation. There is usually no pain or redness
associated with it.
There
are surgical treatments which are common and safe for most people
develop cataracts. If you have difficulty seeing and are concerned,
talk with your ophthalmologist to schedule a thorough eye exam.
Abscesses 101
What is an abscess?
A basic definition of an abscess is "a localized collection of pus." In other words, in one area of the human body, something has caused the area to become red and swollen (usually an infection), and the body's response resulted in the abscess. The pus is created as a result of the battle between white blood cells (leukocytes) and invading microbes. What is left, what the patient understands as "pus," is the residue of dead white blood cells, dead microbes, and all the material that this battle entailed.
Abscesses can be minor or serious. For example, a common abscess are the dreaded pimple. Teenagers are familiar with the "head" of pus that forms over a particularly stubborn patch of swollen, red skin. However, abscesses can also indicate a serious infection. One such serious condition associated with abscesses is diabetes, wherein poor circulation to extremities, such as feet, are prone to develop abscesses and infection.
When To See a Doctor
Many skin abscesses with resolve on their own. As a guideline, patients are advised to NEVER drain the abscess on their own. Most minor abscesses with resolve themselves in time, and the pus will drain on its own accord.
Patients should seek medical attention if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms with their abscesses:
* Fever higher than 102 degrees.
* Unresolved swelling
* Abscess growth to larger than 1 centimeter in width.
* Red streaking across the skin around the abscess
Any of the above symptoms require action, and it is recommended for the patient to see their PCP or local urgent care center for further evaluation and treatment.
Again, patients are strongly advised to NEVER pierce or break the abscess on their own. This can cause permanent scarring of the skin, as well as encourage further infection of the site.
A basic definition of an abscess is "a localized collection of pus." In other words, in one area of the human body, something has caused the area to become red and swollen (usually an infection), and the body's response resulted in the abscess. The pus is created as a result of the battle between white blood cells (leukocytes) and invading microbes. What is left, what the patient understands as "pus," is the residue of dead white blood cells, dead microbes, and all the material that this battle entailed.
Abscesses can be minor or serious. For example, a common abscess are the dreaded pimple. Teenagers are familiar with the "head" of pus that forms over a particularly stubborn patch of swollen, red skin. However, abscesses can also indicate a serious infection. One such serious condition associated with abscesses is diabetes, wherein poor circulation to extremities, such as feet, are prone to develop abscesses and infection.
Many skin abscesses with resolve on their own. As a guideline, patients are advised to NEVER drain the abscess on their own. Most minor abscesses with resolve themselves in time, and the pus will drain on its own accord.
Patients should seek medical attention if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms with their abscesses:
* Fever higher than 102 degrees.
* Unresolved swelling
* Abscess growth to larger than 1 centimeter in width.
* Red streaking across the skin around the abscess
Any of the above symptoms require action, and it is recommended for the patient to see their PCP or local urgent care center for further evaluation and treatment.
Again, patients are strongly advised to NEVER pierce or break the abscess on their own. This can cause permanent scarring of the skin, as well as encourage further infection of the site.
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