Admin - Dalewood Medical Center

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is blood pressure that is higher than normal. Your blood pressure changes throughout the day based on your activities. Having blood pressure measures consistently above normal may result in a diagnosis of high blood pressure (or hypertension).

The higher your blood pressure levels, the more risk you have for other health problems, such as heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Blood pressure is the pressure of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Arteries carry blood from your heart to other parts of your body. Your blood pressure normally rises and falls throughout the day.

High blood pressure can damage your arteries by making them less elastic, which decreases the flow of blood and oxygen to your heart and leads to heart disease. In addition, decreased blood flow to the heart can cause:

Chest pain, also called angina.

Heart attack, which happens when the blood supply to your heart is blocked and heart muscle begins to die without enough oxygen. The longer the blood flow is blocked, the greater the damage to the heart. Heart failure, a condition that means your heart can’t pump enough blood and oxygen to your other organs.

What do blood pressure numbers mean?

Blood pressure is measured using two numbers:

The first number, called systolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.
The second number, called diastolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats. If the measurement reads 120 systolic and 80 diastolic, you would say, “120 over 80,” or write, “120/80 mmHg.”

What are normal blood pressure numbers?

A normal blood pressure level is less than 120/80 mmHg. No matter your age, you can take steps each day to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range. High blood pressure usually develops over time. Dr Motameni indicates that high blood pressure can happen because of unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as not getting enough regular physical activity. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes and having obesity, can also increase the risk for developing high blood pressure. High blood pressure can also happen during pregnancy.

Dr Motameni recommends you take the initiative and help us to manage and diagnose high blood pressure and make treatment decisions by reviewing your systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels and comparing them to levels found in certain guidelines regularly.

Admin

The floodgates have opened on the flu, with millions of people across the U.S. reporting an estimated 6.2 million flu illnesses logged, and nearly 3,000 deaths from influenza since the beginning of October 2022, according to the CDC.

Holiday season is here and lots of gatherings and family visits are on the horizon. We are likely to see an increase in number of Flu and COVID cases on the upcoming weeks ,” Dr. Motameni says.

Dr. Motameni further noted that ” People don’t have a good understanding on how severe flu can be”. Several years of limited viral activity have resulted in few people with immune systems capable of fighting off the most virulent infectious diseases. This years Flu, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and COVID numbers could be very high.

“We are dealing with three very contagious respiratory viruses, our expectation is we are likely to see an increase in the upcoming weeks, particularly with influenza and Covid” said Dr. Ashish Jha, coordinator for the White House Covid-19 Task Force.

Typical flu seasons ramp up in December, peaking in January or February. With the early start to the flu season this year, many people were infected before they had a chance to get vaccinated, making it easier for the virus to spread.

The latest CDC data on flu activity shows spread “very high” across much of the nation, especially in Washington, Virginia, D.C. Arkansas, California, Colorado, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, as well as New York City.

Majority of insurances cover your Flu vaccine. If you have symptoms of flu, please keep your distance, cover your mouth and nose and schedule your visit to our clinic to be tested and treated.

Admin

The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Flu View report show extraordinarily high numbers of positive flu tests reported to the agency from labs around the US. As of November 5, nearly 14,000 positive flu tests had been reported.

This year’s early and meteoric rise in flu transmission is at least somewhat related to the fact that more people are being tested for the flu than during previous years. Over the past five weeks, nearly twice as many flu tests were done at clinical labs nationwide as during the same period last year.

More than five times as many people have been hospitalized for the flu so far this season than at the same point in any of the last 10 years. And unlike RSV, which poses the biggest threat to the youngest and oldest, the severe disease flu causes is more evenly spread across age groups. About one-third of the people who’ve been hospitalized for flu this year were 65 or older, while another quarter were ages 18 to 49.

Dr. Motameni, Highly recommends to use the basics of Hygiene, wash your hands, keep your safe distance, Cover your mouth and nose and your insurance usually covers the fees and so take your flu vaccine sooner.

flu season

Admin

When your blood pressure is too high for too long, it damages your blood vessels – and LDL (bad) cholesterol begins to accumulate along tears in your artery walls. This increases the workload of your circulatory system while decreasing its efficiency.

As a result, high blood pressure puts you at greater risk for developing life-changing and potentially life-threatening conditions.

High blood pressure can lead to:

High Blood Pressure threatens your health and quality of life
Hear Attack– High blood pressure damages arteries that can become blocked and prevent blood flow to the heart muscle.
Stroke – High blood pressure can cause blood vessels in the brain to clog more easily or even burst.
Heart Failure – The increased workload from high blood pressure can cause the heart to enlarge and fail to supply blood to the body.
Kidney disease or Failure – High blood pressure can damage the arteries around the kidneys and interfere with their ability to filter blood effectively.
Vision Loss – High blood pressure can strain or damage blood vessels in the eyes.
Sexual Dysfunction – High blood pressure can lead to erectile dysfunction in men or lower libido in women.
Angia – Over time, high blood pressure can lead to heart disease or Micro-Vascular Disease (MVD) . Angina, or chest pain, is a common symptom.

Admin

Cholesterol is both good and bad. At normal levels, it is an essential substance for the body. However, if concentrations in the blood get too high, it becomes a silent danger that puts YOU at risk of heart attack. A person with high cholesterol levels often has no signs or symptoms, but routine screening and regular blood tests can help detect high levels.
A person who does not undergo testing may have a heart attack without warning, because they did not know that they had high cholesterol levels. Regular tests can help to reduce this risk.

Cholesterol is both good and bad

Cholesterol is present in every cell of the body and has important natural functions when it comes to digesting foods, producing hormones, and generating vitamin D. The body produces it, but people also consume it in food. It is waxy and fat-like in appearance.
Cholesterol is an oil-based substance. It does not mix with the blood, which is water-based. It travels around the body in lipoproteins. There are two types of cholesterol:
low-density lipoproteins (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol
high-density lipoproteins (HDL), or “good” cholesterol

A build-up of cholesterol is part of the process that narrows arteries, called atherosclerosis. In atherosclerosis, plaques form and cause restriction of blood flow. Risk factors for high cholesterol include family history and the modifiable lifestyle choices of diet and exercise. If lifestyle changes are unsuccessful or cholesterol levels are very high, a doctor may prescribe a lipid-lowering drug, such as a statin.

Admin

Treatment works best when cancer is found early – while it’s still small and is less likely to have spread to other parts of the body. This often means a better chance for a cure, especially if the cancer can be removed with surgery.

A good example of the importance of finding cancer early is melanoma skin cancer. It can be easy to remove if it has not grown deep into the skin. The 5-year survival rate (percentage of people who live at least 5 years after diagnosis) at this early stage is around 98%. Once melanoma has spread to other parts of the body, the 5-year survival rate drops to about 16%.
Sometimes people ignore symptoms. Maybe they don’t know that the symptoms could mean something is wrong. Or they might be frightened by what the symptoms could mean and don’t want to get medical help. Maybe they just can’t afford to get medical care.
Some symptoms, such as tiredness or coughing, are more likely caused by something other than cancer. Symptoms can seem unimportant, especially if there’s a clear cause or the problem only lasts a short time. In the same way, a person may reason that a symptom like a breast lump is probably a cyst that will go away by itself. Having one sign or symptom may not be enough to figure out what’s causing it. But no symptom should be ignored or overlooked, especially if it has lasted a long time or is getting worse.
You should know some of the general signs and symptoms of cancer. But remember, having any of these does not mean that you have cancer – many other things cause these signs and symptoms, too. If you have any of these symptoms and they last for a long time or get worse, please see a doctor to find out what’s going on.

Unexplained weight loss Most people with cancer will lose weight at some point. When you lose weight for no known reason, it’s called an unexplained weight loss. An unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more may be the first sign of cancer. This happens most often with cancers of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus (swallowing tube), or lung.
Fever is very common with cancer, but it more often happens after cancer has spread from where it started. Almost all people with cancer will have fever at some time, especially if the cancer or its treatment affects the immune system. (This can make it harder for the body to fight infection.) Less often, fever may be an early sign of cancer, such as blood cancers like leukemia or lymphoma.
Fatigue is extreme tiredness that doesn’t get better with rest. It may be an important symptom as cancer grows. But it may happen early in some cancers, like leukemia. Some colon or stomach cancers can cause blood loss that’s not obvious. This is another way cancer can cause fatigue.
Pain Pain may be an early symptom with some cancers like bone cancers or testicular cancer. A headache that does not go away or get better with treatment may be a symptom of a brain tumor. Back pain can be a symptom of cancer of the colon, rectum, or ovary. Most often, pain due to cancer means it has already spread (metastasized) from where it started.
Skin changes Along with skin cancers, some other cancers can cause skin changes that can be seen. These signs and symptoms include:
Darker looking skin (hyperpigmentation)
Yellowish skin and eyes (jaundice)
Reddened skin (erythema)
Itching (pruritis)
Excessive hair growth
Signs and symptoms of certain cancers Along with the general symptoms, you should watch for certain other common signs and symptoms that could suggest cancer. Again, there may be other causes for each of these, but it’s important to see a doctor about them as soon as possible – especially if there’s no other cause you can identify, the problem lasts a long time, or it gets worse over time.
Change in bowel habits or bladder function Long-term constipation, diarrhea, or a change in the size of the stool may be a sign of colon cancer. Pain when passing urine, blood in the urine, or a change in bladder function (such as needing to pass urine more or less often than usual) could be related to bladder or prostate cancer. Report any changes in bladder or bowel function to a doctor.
Sores that do not heal Skin cancers may bleed and look like sores that don’t heal. A long-lasting sore in the mouth could be an oral cancer. This should be dealt with right away, especially in people who smoke, chew tobacco, or often drink alcohol. Sores on the penis or vagina may either be signs of infection or an early cancer, and should be seen by a health professional.
White patches inside the mouth or white spots on the tongue White patches inside the mouth and white spots on the tongue may be leukoplakia. Leukoplakia is a pre-cancerous area that’s caused by frequent irritation. It’s often caused by smoking or other tobacco use. People who smoke pipes or use oral or spit tobacco are at high risk for leukoplakia. If it’s not treated, leukoplakia can become mouth cancer. Any long-lasting mouth changes should be checked by a doctor or dentist right away.
Unusual bleeding or discharge Unusual bleeding can happen in early or advanced cancer. Coughing up blood may be a sign of lung cancer. Blood in the stool (which can look like very dark or black stool) could be a sign of colon or rectal cancer. Cancer of the cervix or the endometrium (lining of the uterus) can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding. Blood in the urine may be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer. A bloody discharge from the nipple may be a sign of breast cancer.
Thickening or lump in the breast or other parts of the body Many cancers can be felt through the skin. These cancers occur mostly in the breast, testicle, lymph nodes (glands), and the soft tissues of the body. A lump or thickening may be an early or late sign of cancer and should be reported to a doctor, especially if you’ve just found it or notice it has grown in size. Keep in mind that some breast cancers show up as red or thickened skin rather than a lump.
Indigestion or trouble swallowing Indigestion or swallowing problems that don’t go away may be signs of cancer of the esophagus (the swallowing tube that goes to the stomach), stomach, or pharynx (throat). But like most symptoms on this list, they are most often caused by something other than cancer.
Recent change in a wart or mole or any new skin change Any wart, mole, or freckle that changes color, size, or shape, or that loses its sharp border should be seen by a doctor right away. Any other skin changes should be reported, too. A skin change may be a melanoma which, if found early, can be treated successfully.
Nagging cough or hoarseness A cough that does not go away may be a sign of lung cancer. Hoarseness can be a sign of cancer of the larynx ( voice box) or thyroid gland.

The signs and symptoms listed above are the more common ones seen with cancer, but there are many others that are not listed here. If you notice any major changes in the way your body works or the way you feel – especially if it lasts for a long time or gets worse – let a doctor know. If it has nothing to do with cancer, the doctor can find out more about what’s going on and, if needed, treat it. If it is cancer, you’ll give yourself the chance to have it treated early, when treatment works best.

Admin

We are excited that spring is here. There are many thinks to enjoy outdoors as the weather gets warmer and blooms and flowers are covering the landscape.

This is nature’s beaty at its finest… unless you suffer from allergies. Profuse nasal congestion, sneezes, runny nose, wheezes, itchy red eyes and headaches make the victim feel miserable.

25 million to 35 million Americans is estimated to be suffering from these symptoms. In the beginning of spring, tree pollen and grass pollen continue to bloom through the end of fall. Weeds, however, begin to pollinate in the middle of summer and continue throughout autumn.

However, the length of time of allergic symptoms gradually increases to a few months and eventually becomes all year round, or perennial.

Estimated 25 million people with sinus problems live in the United States. Many times, sinus symptoms are a result of an untreated allergic condition. This condition can be successfully treated by your Physician.

Knowing exactly what you are allergic to can help you lessen or prevent exposure and treat your reactions.

There are several tests to pinpoint allergies:

Allergy skin test – Allergy skin testing is considered the most sensitive testing method and provides rapid results. The most common test is the “prick test,” which involves pricking the skin with the extract of a specific allergen, then observing the skin’s reaction.
Serum-specific IgE antibody testing – These blood tests provide information similar to allergy skin testing.

Allergy Treatment:

Allergy season
For allergy sufferers, the best treatment is to avoid the offending allergens altogether. This may be possible if the allergen is a specific food, like peanuts, which can be cut out of the diet, but not when the very air we breathe is loaded with allergens, such as ragweed pollen. Air purifiers, filters, humidifiers, and conditioners provide varying degrees of relief, but none is 100 percent effective. Various over-the-counter or prescription medications offer relief, too.

Antihistamines – These medications counter the effects of histamine, the substance that makes eyes water and noses itch and causes sneezing during allergic reactions. Sleepiness was a problem with the first generation of antihistamines, but the newest drugs do not cause such a problem.

Nasal steroids – These anti-inflammatory sprays help decrease inflammation, swelling, and mucus production. They work well in combination with antihistamines and, in low doses for brief periods of time, are relatively free of side effects.

Cromolyn sodium – A nasal spray, cromolyn sodium can help stop hay fever, perhaps by blocking release of histamine and other symptom-producing chemicals. It has few side effects.

Decongestants – Available in capsule and spray form, decongestants thin nasal secretions and can reduce swelling and sinus discomfort. Intended for short-term use, they are usually used in combination with antihistamines. Long-term usage of spray decongestants can actually make symptoms worse, while decongestant pills do not have this problem.

Immunotherapy – Immunotherapy (allergy shots) might provide relief for patients who don’t find relief with antihistamines or nasal steroids. They alter the body’s immune response to allergens, thereby helping to prevent allergic reactions. Current immunotherapy treatments are limited because of potential side effects.

Starting point is to contact your health care provider.

Admin

Watch your health numbers and take action. It’s motivating and It works.

How many steps you take per day
Moving a lot improves every other heart-health measure and disease risk. We urge you walking up to 10,000 steps a day, or almost five miles. Another rule of thumb is to exercise 150 minutes per week.

Your blood pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, has no symptoms; it can only be detected by being measured. A score of 120/80 is optimal, and 140/90 is normal for most people. Higher readings mean that arteries aren’t responding right to the force of blood pushing against artery walls (blood pressure), directly raising the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Your non-HDL cholesterol
That’s your total cholesterol reading minus your HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, a measure of fats in the blood that can narrow and clog arteries to the heart. Lower is better: Aim for a score lower than 130 mg/dL or, if you’re at a high risk of heart disease, lower than 70–100 mg/dL.

Your blood sugar
High blood sugar ups your risk of diabetes, which damages arteries. In fact, type 1 and type 2 diabetes are among the most harmful risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

How many hours of sleep a night you get
Although there’s no one “right” answer for all, consistently getting the number of hours that works for you helps lower the risk of heart disease. Most people need to sleep six to eight hours a night.

Admin

Medical providers are seeing an increase in health problems issues as a direct result of pandemic-era living.

Temporary halts to annual doctors’ appointments also played a role. Dr. Motameni explains that delaying routine care can have damaging effects due to worsening of your current underlying conditions and missing opportunities to catch a new or developing disease early in its course. Delaying preventive care that can reduce one’s chance of developing a disease,

Main items interrupting plan of care in Covid-19 time are:

1. Eye Issues: digital eye strain ― dry, tired, sore, watery eyes, blurred vision and headaches ― due to increased time in front of smartphones, computers and TVs in adults and kids as a result of working and schooling from home during COVID-19. Every 20 minutes, remind yourself to take your eyes off the screen and look at something that’s at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds and turn down the brightness level.

2. Neck And Back Pain: Kitchen counters, soft couches and even beds have been the go-to workstations for many people, and the effects of the repetitive stress caused by poor posture are starting to rear their ugly heads a year later. Dr. Motameni recommends frequent stretching, shoulder shrugs and, in some advanced cases, physical therapy.

3. High Blood Pressure: Pandemic has prevented many patients from seeing their doctor and receiving primary care. For others, it’s due to a worsening diet and a lack of exercise in their work-from-home routine. Intense work demands and social isolation can seriously take their toll on the body.

4. Diabetes And Heart Disease: Extreme weight gain, stress and increased alcohol use, combined with missed physicals, can put people at a higher risk of not catching and properly addressing both of these issues.

5. Mental Health Conditions, Such As Depression And PTSD: Dr. Motameni comments that there is huge increase in anxiety, depression and increased OCD [obsessive-compulsive disorder] symptoms due to COVID. The social isolation, income loss, working from home with kids and being a caregiver can also all caused or contributed to this stress disorder.

6. Cancer: As direct result of delayed care and blood work, with patients reluctant to seek medical attention due to COVID-19 concerns, cancers are not detected in advance and early stages. Keeping up with preventative screenings, such as colonoscopies and mammograms, is key.

Admin

Admin - Dalewood Medical Center

What is high blood pressure (hypertension)?

Christmas alert: flu and Covid-19

Flu season is here

High Blood Pressure threatens your health and quality of life

When your blood pressure is too high for too long, it damages your blood vessels – and LDL (bad) cholesterol begins to accumulate along tears in your artery walls. This increases the workload of your circulatory system while decreasing its efficiency.

High blood pressure can lead to:

Cholesterol is both good and bad

How are signs and symptoms of Cancer helpful?

Treatment works best when cancer is found early – while it’s still small and is less likely to have spread to other parts of the body. This often means a better chance for a cure, especially if the cancer can be removed with surgery.

Allergy season is here again

We are excited that spring is here. There are many thinks to enjoy outdoors as the weather gets warmer and blooms and flowers are covering the landscape.

There are several tests to pinpoint allergies:

Allergy Treatment:

5 keys to watch your health numbers and take action

Watch your health numbers and take action. It’s motivating and It works.

Medical issues are on the rise due to Covid-19. Tips for you to do.

Medical providers are seeing an increase in health problems issues as a direct result of pandemic-era living.

Visit us for COVID PCR and Rapid testing