Odessa American - The Permian Basin Medical Directory - February 2023

MEDICAL DIRECTORY

Your Guide To Area Healthcare Providers & Services

Still young at heart, yet your love life isn’t ?

You may be going through menopause or andropause (male menopause). This means the production of hormones has slowed down, taking your romantic feelings with it. The good news? You can still do something about it. Pellet therapy utilizing the SottoPelle® Method may improve what’s missing and get your love life back!

Hormonal balance is key to your well-being and delicate to accomplish. Our goal is to help our patients achieve their best individual hormonal balance. Contact us to learn more about how SottoPelle® Therapy may help you improve your quality of life so you can enjoy your life.

Proudly serving the Permian Basin with senior care services for more than 25 years!

HOSPICE

• Providing competent and compassionate care, concentrating on comfort.

• Staff includes Physicians, Nurses, Home Health aides, Social Workers, Chaplains, Counselors, and Volunteers; available 24 hours a day.

• Funded by Medicare, Medicaid and Private Insurance. Patients are eligible for hospice regardless of their ability to pay.

HOME HEALTH

• Dedicated to overseeing your healthcare needs.

• Providing skilled nurses, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Home Health aides, Social Workers and Dietician.

• Dedicated to offering the highest quality of care while remaining in the comfort of their own home.

• Funded by Medicare, Medicaid and Private Insurance.

Home Hospice provides many grief recovery options for those in need of support.

You can learn more about us and connect with a care expert by going to the website at:

www.homehospicewtx.com

Jose G. Garcia PA-C, MPAS

Sandra

Araceli Romero APRN, FNP-C

Salcido

MD,

Why are migraines so much worse than other headaches?

Anyone who has experienced a headache is aware of just how overwhelming they can be. And when it comes to pain and disruption of daily life, perhaps no type of headache is more overwhelming than migraines.

The World Health Organization notes that migraines are caused by the activation of a mechanism deep in the brain that leads to the release of painproducing inflammatory substances around the nerves and blood vessels of the head. Though all headaches can be painful, migraines tend to be especially so, and even long-time migraine sufferers may not know why that is.

The health care experts at Penn Medicine note that migraines are more than just headaches. When a person is suffering a migraine, the changes in brain activity that are occurring are affecting blood in the brain and surrounding tissues. That can cause a range of symptoms that can make migraines an especially difficult issue to contend with. Severe head pain is a common characteristic of migraines, but Penn Medicine notes individuals also may develop these symptoms while suffering from a migraine:

• Nausea

• Increasing sensitivity to light, sound or smells

• Dizziness

• Extreme fatigue

Each of these symptoms is difficult to contend with on its own, and much more so when individuals also are experiencing migraine-related pain. In addition, some individuals experience some or all of these symptoms during the course of a migraine. What’s more, estimates from the American Migraine Foundation indicate that untreated migraines can last anywhere from four to 72 hours. In addition, the AMF notes that a migraine attack is made up of four phases, and a week can go by between the onset of

the first phase and the completion of the fourth. The symptoms combined with the length of the migraine undoubtedly contribute to the well-earned reputation that migraines are the most difficult of all headaches to confront.

So what can be done?

The AMF notes that the exact causes of migraines remain unclear. However, there

may be a hereditary link, and various environmental factors can trigger an attack. Individuals should ask close family members, including parents, if they have dealt with migraines. It also can be wise to avoid common triggers, which may include certain foods and alcohol. Making a concerted effort to stay hydrated also may help in the fight against migraines. Data indicates that women suffer considerably more migraines than men, and the AMF suggests that hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during menstrual cycles, could be behind that. Women armed with this knowledge can do their best to avoid potential migraine triggers when they’re menstruating.

Migraines can be debilitating, and headaches are not the only way they can adversely affect quality of life. Individuals can learn more about migraines at www. americanmigrainefoundation.org.

Though all headaches can be painful, migraines tend to be especially so, and even long-time migraine sufferers may not know why that is.

How often to see the doctor

Routine health checkups are a key part of staying healthy. Older adults may feel like they’re always visiting one doctor or another. But what is an acceptable frequency for doctor appointments?

The answer isn’t always so cut and dry, and many health professionals have mixed feelings even among themselves over the magic number. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults over the age of 65 visit the doctor more than twice as often as 18- to 44-year-olds. According to Paul Takahashi, a physician at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., adults should see their primary care physicians at least once a year to make sure diseases are being properly managed and to stay current on preventative screenings.

Visiting the doctor more frequently does not necessarily add up to better health, and it actually can do the opposite. Dr. Peter Abadir, an associate professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, says frequent visits to health facilties where sick people congregate puts one at a higher risk of illness or infection. Visiting the doctor only when necessary is one way to avoid risky exposure.

Doctor visit frequency is not a one-size-fits-all answer. A yearly physical or checkup is a given, even for people who are healthy. People with a family history of certain conditions, like sleep disorders, cancer, high blood pressure, and other conditions, may need to see a doctor more frequently than those with no such histories. In addition, patients may need referrals to certain specialists who work together to provide an overall health plan. That can increase the number of appointments and shorten the intervals

between them. Johnson Memorial Health offers some statistics.

• People visit the doctor four times a year on average.

• Studies show that poor or uninsured people prolong the time between doctor’s visits.

• Individuals with high blood pressure may need to see the doctor four times a year to ensure medications are working properly.

• Patients on dialysis see the doctor several times a week.

Dr. Jennifer Caudle, a family physician and assistant professor at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, NJ, says too often people visit the doctor only when they are really sick. That works to their disadvantage because the appointment will focus only on treating the illness instead of addressing other preventative care and screenings. Balance is necessary in regard to health care.

Patients can work together with their doctors to develop screening schedules that are customized to their particular profiles. These schedules can be modified as health history information changes or as patients age. Doctors can dial back or increase health visits as needed.

John K. Dorman, M.D.

Early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is an insidious illness that slowly robs individuals of their memories, personalities and relationships. The Mayo Clinic says Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurological disorder that causes brain atrophy and cell death, which contributes to continuous decline in thinking, behavioral and social skills. This eventually affects a person’s ability to live independently.

The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which is believed to affect approximately 5.8 million Americans age 65 and older. While there currently is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, there are strategies that can help mitigate symptoms. An ability to recognize dementia symptoms early can help millions take proactive steps to improve quality of life.

Below are some early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease, courtesy of notable health organizations, including MJHS¨ Health System, the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s New Zealand, and the Mayo Clinic.

• Recent memory loss that affects daily life. While it is normal to forget where you left keys, names or even telephone numbers from time to time, a person with dementia may have difficulty remembering recent events or where they live.

• Personality changes. Individuals may begin to show subtle differences in their personalities, including mood swings. For example, a person who is easygoing may become reluctant to interact with others.

• Difficulty with familiar routes. A person with dementia may have regular difficulty driving familiar routes or finding the way home.

• Trouble finding the right words. Finding words to converse freely can be difficult for people with Alzheimer’s. Such individuals may experience particular difficulty finding the right words to express their thoughts or identify objects.

• Disorientation with time. Someone with Alzheimer’s disease may be confused about the time of day and what is appropriate for that time.

• Decreased or poor judgement. Individuals with dementia may make consistently poor decisions and may start paying less attention to their physical appearance.

• Difficulty following a plan. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may have challenges solving problems, such as working with numbers, following a recipe or keeping track of finances.

Early signs of dementia may be confused as normal age-related changes. However, when such signs present themselves, it is critical to speak with medical professionals to get a clear diagnosis.

An ability to recognize dementia symptoms early can help millions take proactive steps to improve quality of life.

How to avoid computer eye strain

Workplace hazards are a part of life for people in various professions. Office workers might not consider themselves vulnerable to injury when they’re at work, but individuals who spent much of their day staring at a computer screen are at risk of developing computer eye strain.

According to The Vision Council, nearly 60 percent of individuals who routinely use computers and digital devices experience symptoms of computer eye strain. The health care experts at Cedars Sinai note that computer eye strain symptoms can include dry eyes, headache, blurred vision, and eye twitching. Despite the prevalence of computer eye strain, office workers and others who spend long periods of time at their computers can take steps to reduce their risk.

• Redo your work environment. Cedars Sinai recommends individuals concerned about computer eye strain create a better work environment to reduce their risk. The online vision health and wellness resource All About Vision notes that eye strain is often a byproduct of excessively bright light. That light could be natural light coming in through a window or from interior lighting that is harsh on the eyes. If exterior light is making your office excessively bright, close drapes, shades or blinds to keep that light out. Excessively bright lighting fixtures can be remedied by using fewer light bulbs or fluorescent tubes or replacing existing bulbs with lower intensity alternatives. All About Vision also notes that

some individuals find floor lamps that employ soft white light from LED bulbs are less taxing on their eyes than overhead fluorescent lighting.

• Schedule vision checkups. Cedars Sinai notes that uncorrected vision problems are a major cause of computer eye strain. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends individuals get a complete eye exam once in their 20s, twice in their 30s and then again when they turn 40. A comprehensive eye exam at 40 is necessary because the AAO notes that this is when early signs of disease or changes in vision may appear. Diseases or changes can contribute to computer eye strain, among other issues. After conducting a comprehensive eye exam, ophthalmologists will then tell patients how often they should have their vision tested, and individuals should heed this advice and keep appointments.

• Upgrade your tech. All About Vision notes that flat-panel LED screens with anti-reflective surfaces are preferable to computer screens with cathode ray tubes, which can cause an imperceptible flicker of images that contributes to computer eye strain. A large display screen, whether it’s a desktop computer or a monitor connected to a laptop, also can reduce risk for computer eye strain.

Computer eye strain can make workdays difficult for office workers. Individuals who think they might be dealing with eye strain can try various strategies to prevent it or reduce its severity.

PIONEER SPIRIT | CARING HEART | HEALING MISSION

At Midland Health, we believe the health of our community extends far beyond hospital walls. For over 70 years, we have maintained our pledge to deliver quality health care to the residents of Midland County and the surrounding region. Our staff, physicians, volunteers, facilities, and services reflect the commitment to leading our community to be the healthiest in Texas.

At Midland Health, we believe the health of our community extends far beyond hospital walls. For over 70 years, we have maintained our pledge to deliver quality health care to the residents of Midland County and the surrounding region. Our staff, physicians, volunteers, facilities, and services reflect the commitment to leading our community to be the healthiest in Texas.

We have taken steps toward this vision and are recognized as one of the Healthiest Counties in Texas for two years in a row, according to the County Health Rankings supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Midland Health is committed to our community by implementing the newest technologies and treatments in preventative practices, along with our many outreach programs.

As we work towards the top, some areas of focus are:

We have taken steps toward this vision and are recognized as one of the Healthiest Counties in Texas for two years in a row, according to the County Health Rankings supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Midland Health is committed to our community by implementing the newest technologies and treatments in preventative practices, along with our many outreach programs.

• Obesity Awareness

As we work towards the top, some areas of focus are:

• Smoking Cessation

• Obesity Awareness

• Prevention, Education, Services to Address Chronic Diseases, Lifestyle Choices, and Family Planning

• Smoking Cessation

• Prevention, Education, Services to Address Chronic Diseases, Lifestyle Choices, and Family Planning

Learn how you can join us in lighting the way at midlandhealth.org

Learn how you can join us in lighting the way at midlandhealth.org