Happy New Year!

Welcome to a grand New Year! As you kick-off 2018 to be your best year yet, we're thrilled to be your partner in health!

This month, we highlight the hidden dangers in many routine tests and what you need to know to protect yourself. We also offer more information about Dr. Stacey Hendricks, pelvic health physical therapy and what makes her practice model unique in the region. And, if you're struggling to keep your New Year's resolution to get fit and lean, check out more about dietician Jennifer Bain's new, 12-week weight-loss program. Lastly, we highlight the convenience and cost-savings for patients with our in-house prescription medication dispensing. You can save time and money!

We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and that you are taking care of yourself during this cold winter. As the flu remains a danger in our area, remember to wash your hands frequently, and if you are sick, drink plenty of fluids, rest and try to avoid coming into contact with others.

Here's to a happy, healthy New Year!

In good health,

Lisa Larkin, MD, and Associates



Radiation Exposure from Routine Tests: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You

By Lisa Larkin, MD, FACP, NCMP, IF

Medical providers today have more tools than ever to help with diagnostics. CT scans, X-rays, mammograms – these are all tools that help your provider discover disease or rule out concerns. These tests also have one other thing in common: radiation. Just how much radiation do these tests expose us to, and how much radiation exposure is considered dangerous? When should you agree to a test and when should you ask for alternatives? Understanding more about diagnostic tools and radiation exposure can help patients have an informed dialogue with their provider to make smart decisions. (Read more...)

Ready to start your weight-loss journey? Now offering 12-week program

Low fat. Low carb. More exercise. No sugar. Gluten-free. The amount of information we receive about the best way to lose weight is overwhelming. With an estimated 160 million Americans (including more than 60% of adults) considered overweight, it’s no wonder that “losing weight” tops the list of New Year’s resolutions year after year. Despite the mixed messages on dieting and nutrition, healthcare professionals can all agree on one point: the best healthy diet is one that you can stick to long-term. That’s why registered dietician Jennifer Bain is offering a personalized, 12-week weight-loss program, featuring one-on-one nutrition counseling, to help jump-start your weight-loss journey. Read on for more information…

Understanding Pelvic Health Physical Therapy

 

Pelvic floor health is an essential component of women’s health. Pelvic floor muscles are important for spine, bladder, bowel and sexual function, and they are often neglected. Pregnancy and childbirth, aging, menopause, chronic constipation, surgeries, and spine issues can all impact the health of the pelvic floor. Unfortunately, pelvic floor issues frequently go untreated or are misdiagnosed.

 

Dr. Stacey Hendricks is the premier pelvic floor physical therapist in our region. She provides specialized care for pregnancy and postpartum-related back pain, sacroiliac/pubic symphysis dysfunction, abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti), and pelvic floor dysfunctions.  (Read more...)

Prescription Medication for $4 a month? It’s True.

 

We’re thrilled to be able to offer patients another affordable and convenient service: Prescription medications available for dispensing in our offices.

 

We carry and are able to dispense several commonly prescribed medications, offering you tremendous cost-savings, not to mention the convenience of avoiding the line and wait time at the pharmacy.

 

We offer many medications at just above our costs – and way below the retail cost, and in many cases, below insurance co-pay costs.  (Read more...)

Lisa Larkin, MD, discusses breast cancer prevention on FOX 19 Morning Show

Dr. Larkin was a featured guest earlier this month on the Fox19 Morning Show. In her conversation with anchor Charisse Gibson, Dr. Larkin advocates for changing the conversation about breast cancer from one that is strictly about screening and detection to include prevention. See the segment here.

 

By Jennifer Bain, MEd, RDN, LDN

The flu is here, and it has arrived with vengeance. In addition to washing your hands frequently and avoiding those who are sick, there are a few diet and lifestyle hacks to help keep your system as strong as it can in hopes of preventing the flu, or at least decreasing symptoms if you do get sick.

Sticking to a plant-based diet – especially including citrus foods that are high in Vitamin C—combined with physical activity will help keep your immune system strong for the long run. Even though I usually promote whole foods over supplementation, Vitamin D is found in limited food sources, and is poorly absorbed through dietary intake alone. The best source of Vitamin D is sunlight. Unfortunately, in our part of the country, sunlight exposure is insignificant this time of the year. In clinical studies, vitamin D supplementation is >2x more effective at preventing the flu than flu shots and decreasing symptoms than antivirals. For viral care, adult recommendations are up to 5,000IU/day during winter months and 50,000IU/day for the first 3 days of viral symptoms. Until you are able to get back outside, remember to take your Vitamin D regularly for immune support! 

As always, be sure to check with your provider if you have questions supplements and their proper dosing.

"Coverage" Isn't "care"

"Not only is coverage not equivalent to care, coverage can and many times does create a barrier to care.”

Read more in this informative piece featured on the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) blog.

Thank you! The highest compliment we can receive is your trust and confidence in referring friends and family to our practice. We also know your friends and family seek recommendations – including those online. If you would like to leave a review about your experience with our practice, please do so at Google, Healthgrades.com ( Dr. Larkin,  Dr. Wright, or  Anna Fox, CNP) or on  Facebook. We so appreciate your time and trust in us.