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Every 66 seconds, someone in the Unites States develops Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease, a type of dementia, is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that affects an estimated 5.4 million Americans and by 2050 that number could rise as high as 16 million. The causes of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are not completely understood, but researchers believe they include a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. In more than 90% of people with Alzheimer’s, symptoms...
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Low-Dose CT Can Identify Lung Cancer for Those at High Risk Midland Memorial Hospital’s Diagnostic Imaging Associates (DIA) offers lung cancer screenings using low-dose computed tomography (CT). Individuals who have smoked the equivalent of a pack of cigarettes daily for 30 years are at a higher risk for lung cancer. By screening those at high risk, we can identify lung cancer in earlier stages when it is more likely to be treatable. Lung cancer screenings are recommended only for adults who have no sym...
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Is Diabetes Reversible? Type 2 diabetes is almost always preventable and even reversible through diet and lifestyle changes. Like other leading killers— especially heart disease and high blood pressure—type 2 diabetes is an unfortunate consequence of dietary choices. However, there is hope if you have diabetes. Through lifestyle changes, you may be able to achieve a complete remission of type 2 diabetes, even if you have been suffering for decades. Facts to Know Approximately 84 million American adults—...
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WHAT IS A HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT? A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a great way to save pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified health care expenses. Contribute as much money as you can into your HSA as a part of payroll deduction, allowing you to pay medical costs pre-tax. To sign up for an HSA, contact your company’s Human Resources Department. Don’t forget to ask if your company offers an HSA matching program. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF AN HSA? An HSA is a great way to save pre-tax dollars to pay for qualif...
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What is arthritis? The word arthritis literally means joint inflammation. It refers to more than 100 different diseases. These diseases usually affect the area in or around joints such as muscles and tendons. There are many types of arthritis. Most forms of arthritis are chronic which means they may last a lifetime. How does arthritis feel? Arthritis usually causes stiffness pain and fatigue. The severity varies from person to person and even from day to day. In some people only a few joints are affecte...
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Early Mammography Saves Lives 40 is the magic number. Don't wait until age 50 to get a mammogram. Call (432) 221-2300 to schedule your mammogram today! Did You Know? 20% of new breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women aged 40-49 Approximately 50,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are diagnosed in women aged 40-49 each year Cancers diagnosed in women aged 40-49 can be much more aggressive and life-threatening than cancers diagnosed in women aged 50+ An abnormality may be seen on a mammogram two ye...
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September is National Baby Safety Month. Amber teething necklaces have become quite popular over the last year, but Lori Benninghoff, Physician Assistant at Wall Street Pediatrics, shares a warning about the risk of these necklaces and why you should avoid using them. In recent months, I have been seeing more and more infants come into our office with amber teething necklaces. Parents who have been up three times the night before with a teething infant are seeking relief (and sleep!) Teething seems to g...
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While millions of people are breast cancer survivors, it remains one of the most common cancers affecting women. Regardless of the high survival rate of breast cancer, there are many misconceptions or myths about the disease. Myth No. 1: You’ll only get breast cancer if you have a family history. Breast cancer cannot be inherited, but a higher risk of developing it can be inherited through gene mutations. Only 5-10 percent of cancers are from inherited gene mutations, and about 85 percent of women who a...
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August is National Immunization Awareness Month. The goal is to raise awareness about the importance of vaccinations in preventing serious diseases and more specifically, helping to protect your family. Lori Benninghoff, Physician Assistant at Wall Street Pediatrics, shares five things you should know about immunizations. 1. Vaccines Are Important Before vaccines, each year in the United States: Roughly 10,000 children became paralyzed by Polio, Rubella (German measles) caused birth defects and m...
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There are many causes of sleep deprivation which may intrude upon your ability to sleep well. Perhaps you're one of the millions of Americans who trade sleep for more work or play. Whatever the reason, it is critically important to realize that sleep deprivation is often due to unrecognized sleep disorders. After a typical night's sleep, you may not feel restored and refreshed. You might think, "It's just the stress of work or the kids," or you might have "always felt this way," and had no idea you shou...