Health Topics / Primary Care

Chances are, you’ve had a sore throat from time to time. Whether it’s scratchy, dry or just painful, it can be easy to worry that every little throat tickle is something serious. Fortunately, a sore throat is one of the...

Your thyroid may be small, but it plays a big role in your health. This butterfly-shaped gland in your neck regulates metabolism, energy, digestion and even mood. When your thyroid is out of balance, you’ll feel the effects across your...

If you’ve ever been prescribed an antibiotic and found yourself feeling more drained than usual, you may have wondered if the medication is making you feel sluggish. So, do antibiotics make you feel tired? Let’s dive in. While fatigue is...

When you feel under the weather, need a check-up or are looking for ongoing management of a chronic condition, your first call should be to your primary care provider (PCP). But what exactly is a primary care provider? What is...

It's easy to underestimate the power of washing your hands. We hear it recommended all the time, but when was the last time you really washed your hands well? Handwashing is one of the easiest and most effective ways to...

Body aches, a common symptom of many viral illnesses, can leave you feeling tired, stiff and uncomfortable. Whether caused by a lingering illness, the stress of a busy day or an underlying medical condition, these aches can range from mild...

Hair loss, while common for women, can feel incredibly overwhelming—especially if you’re dealing with it for the first time. Most people lose between 50 to 150 hair strands on a daily basis. But what happens when one day your ponytail...

If you’re like most people in their 20s, you have a lot going on. Maybe you’re in college and living away from home for the first time. Or you’re starting that first job—or a family. You’re meeting new people, making...

The stethoscope you see draped around your medical professional’s neck has long been an iconic symbol of care. While you probably know the stethoscope is used to listen to the heart and lungs, you may wonder what this vital tool...

Is your hair falling out? Is it growing in places that it shouldn’t? While some hair loss or growth can be normal, there are a variety of medical conditions or specific life changes that can lead to abnormal hair loss...

It’s just a toenail, right? An important accessory you can choose to paint pink or teal, right? Nope. As it turns out, fingernails and toenails can give you some good hints as to the internal events of your body. While...

At the end of the day, we all just want the truth about how to live well and stay healthy. But what is the truth? From “old wives’ tales” to simple misunderstandings, let’s set the record straight on these top...

It’s easy to glorify busy. With time being our most limited and precious resource, establishing a relationship with a primary care physician might not be at the top of your list. Whether you are a working parent, a senior with...

In an age where we are encouraged to “live in the moment,” it may be hard to think about your future health, especially when you already feel healthy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 75 percent of...

As Ben Franklin said many moons ago, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” When we talk about chronic diseases and cancer, prevention is paramount. We’d much rather prevent on the front end than have to cure....

Do you only see your family medicine or primary care physician for annual physicals or during cold and flu season? Like many people, you might be unaware of the wide variety of treatments and procedures that can be provided right...

In a national survey, 89 percent of Americans agreed it’s important to have a relationship with a physician who knows their family medical history and health background. So why is it that, despite this statistic, a significant percentage of Americans...

To understand how to reduce your risk of kidney stones, you must first understand a little bit about the function of the kidneys. The primary function of the kidneys is to eliminate toxins, and they also play an important role...

Have you ever left a doctor’s visit feeling overwhelmed or intimidated? You’re not alone.Recent studies reveal over half of patients are unable to recall their medical condition and treatment plan once they leave their doctor’s office. Patients may feel overwhelmed,...

If you have a primary care physician, then you probably receive a reminder once a year that it’s time for your annual physical. While it may be tempting to cancel or postpone your appointment for another time, it’s important not...