"I'm Not Depressed I Have Lyme Disease"

One would think that being in the medical field things should not slip by, however as a medical provider I have noticed that as patients we tend to either ask too many questions or not enough. I have seen this type of behavior being on both ends of the spectrum. An example of that was when my daughter was having vague symptoms and it took three years to have her diagnosed with Lyme disease.
She was having vague symptoms of headaches, dizziness, and feeling tired all the time she was twelve at the time. I had taken her to the pediatrician whom in turn did some lab work, then told me all was normal. The pediatrician stated that sometimes with puberty these vague symptoms may occur, understandably I accepted this diagnosis. Then I was told that she may have the beginning of depression. So I went in a circle for several years until finally someone listened to her say "I'm not depressed, listen to me please."
Unknown to me that some of these symptoms could have been resolved if only the proper testing was done in a timely fashion.
My advice is to ask questions, many questions and if they are not answered ask more questions!

Breast Cancer: Testing and Detecting

There are still too many women today that do not get screened for breast cancer for reasons that I just cannot comprehend. There are certain cancers that if detected early can have a great prognosis and this is one of those types of cancers. So maybe understanding a little about testing and screening it will help educate the public on why they should have early screening.
According to the American Cancer Society breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. It can occur at any age, but it is more commonly found over the age of forty.
There have been certain risk factors associated with breast cancer, these factors may increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer.
Usually they include:
- family history of breast cancer (male or female)
- personal history of breast cancer
- genetic changes
- previous radiation therapy to the chest wall
Other factors may also have a chance in increasing your risk such as:
- menstruating at an early age
- going through menopause at a late age
- not having children
- first pregnancy over the age of thirty
- weight gain
- excessive use of alcohol
So please be proactive in your own health!

What is Occupational Medicine?

There are many different areas of medicine, however some just aren't easily recognized by the title of that area of expertise. Occupational Medicine is one of those sub-specialties that most are not familiar with. The misconception is that it is related to a form of occupational therapy which in itself is an entirely different specialty. As a Physician Assistant working in an occupational health setting my specialty is often confused with another area of medicine.
It is unique in that we deal most of the time with well individuals seeking employment or individuals seeking to return to work as soon as possible so the interest of recovery is higher. It can also be challenging as some may not be fit for certain positions, however as a health care provider accommodations should be done to get them employed. It is in the best interest of both employee and employer. I think the better educate we are about the specialties in medicine will also allow for better resources.

Oral Cancer: Is it Being Overlooked?

When people hear the word cancer I think that only the most common cancers come to mind such as breast, lung, prostate, skin etc. However not too often does one hear about oral cancer, including myself.
That thought changed for me when I had a recent visit to my dentist he suggested that I have a screening for oral cancer. Not thinking that I was at any risk since I thought it was linked mostly with smokers I declined. He didn't seem to push the screening, which basically only consisted of using a special light to look at cells in your mouth, cheek and throat. So when he walked away I picked up the brochure that he left behind and started reading some interesting facts about oral cancer and then realized that maybe I needed to get screened.
I believe when a screening is offered and if it will make a dramatic difference in the outcome, then it should strongly be considered. It can save your life.

Are you Overweight? Do you know how to calculate your BMI?

The Body Mass Index is used to measure body fat based on height and weight. It applies the same value for both adult men and women. Body Mass Index assesses whether an individual is underweight, normal, overweight or obese. It is inexpensive and easily calculated by using a chart method which can be readily found on the internet or in a physician's office. The caveat to this is that there usually is not an explanation attached to it.
I personally am not a great fan to calculating your body mass index because it does not take into account the difference between women and men. Neither can it distinguish muscle mass in athletes or body builders. However, literature states that it is a good way to assess the health of an individual so for the average person it may be a marker to determine a baseline of their health. I do agree that everyone should have an idea of their BMI (Body Mass Index) it can help in setting some goals in lifestyle changes.

How you feel can impact your day!

I don't care what anyone says about controlling your emotions. I know that depending on how you feel physically will definitely impact your feelings emotionally.
Do you ever wake up with that nagging headache? How does this impact the remainder of your day? Does it seem like everyone is annoying you, although the day before these same situations had no emphasis on you either way. If you get up feeling good then the chances of having a better day is higher.
Well today I woke up with terrible cramps and boy did it affect both my mental state as well as my productivity. Nothing I did seemed to help my emotional state, even though I took something for the pain. This is when I realized that I cannot let my pains control how I feel, funny thing is that I often give out that same advice to others.
Feel well and be well.

Anti-Anxiety and Anti-Depression Medications

I have found in the last several years that there has been a stigma attached to anti-anxiety and anti-depression medications. I mostly found this when patients were filling out their health history and left it blank or put none, yet when I would personally ask them they would reluctantly mention one of the medications for anxiety or depression.
I am here to tell you that there is nothing to be ashamed of. Today’s world is so complicated that I actually commend the individuals that are on these medications especially if they feel good. It is more important to feel well and happy then not to take these medications and be upset, sad, or anxious.
My only reason to suggesting that individuals admit to this is because I do not wish them to add another burden by denying something. I’m not saying to tell everyone, you may be selective but chances are the person whom you are talking to may be taking it as well.
Just be happy and confident in who you are and if it takes a pill to do this then that is perfectly OK.

Is your health care provider listening?

I wasn't too convinced at my last appointment. Had a recent visit to a health care provider, which I must admit I do not go often but I felt like they were not really listening to me. "How terrible" I thought to myself. I know that time is sometimes an issue, scheduling may become an issue but that is not my problem. I would expect to be treated as the very first person that was seen that day.
Now I can truly relate. I like to consider myself compassionate and caring. I try to hear everyone out, but after this visit I will make sure to be more alert to what anyone has to say. I hope this does not occur to anyone, although I am sure it has. I guess understanding and patience is what is needed. And that is what I told myself as I left the office. I recommend you do the same. It's healthier...instead of getting aggravated :)

Working In The North Country

Coming from NYC and now working in the North Country I thought I had pretty much seen it all. But if I tell you having to deal with the snow and weather up North is actually much worse than a lot of things I dealt with down south. Of course with my profession it is difficult not to go to work and in these last two days we have had treacherous driving conditions, snow, ice and sleet.
But when I look around I see so many others out and about and that is when it occurred to me that if you are used to something you deal with it. If this weather had happened in the city they would probably close school for days. Unless of course they were used to it. So I guess I will go with the flow and next year invest in good snow boots.

Toothache, Headache, Backache Hydrocodone Anyone?

I am sure we all know someone who has been on some form of hydrocodone more commonly known as Vicodin. Some may take it for a simple toothache, others for chronic pain, but the reality is that some are just plainly addicted to it. Yes I will admit that it is prescribed sometimes too freely and thus may cause an addictive response but who is accountable. Physician or patient. Some symptoms are subjective meaning as a medical provider the pain cannot be seen so we rely on patients being honest and truthful, however should some providers be more conservative with their treatments at time. I am not sure there is a right answer.
From personal experience I had very bad side effects with hydrocodone. So it is difficult for me to even believe that this is addicting, but anyway this should be used with lots of caution.

My Occupation...

As a full time PA I often find that many question "what is" my profession. So in one of my articles for AC (Associated Content) I have laid it out the best I could. I give a brief description of my role as a PA in hopes to clarify some of these questions. What is a Physician Assistant?
At least this will explain a little about what we do. And yes in our field there are many who have different roles in all specialties and as a growing profession I am sure that you may have encountered one in some way. We can all hope that the experience was a professional and pleasant encounter as it should be with any health care provider.
I would love to say that I hear only pleasant stories about health care providers, but we all know including myself that we have had a few that either lack professionalism and have no "people skills" and some that may or may not, but present with a lack of knowledge as well. Which I say sometimes it is Ok as long as the answer is being sought. And with medicine honesty is the best policy. It builds trust between the provider and patient. Agree?

Why Anything Goes...

Recently I moved into the North Country about one year ago. I have found that one of the most interesting things that I have discovered is listening to people. I am a working full time mother in the medical field and also most recently started writing articles. I constantly hear my share of stories from patients, friends as well as other parents. Stories are many and if really listening, a vivid image can appear and soon enough there is a story. Everyone has them.
I also find that I give out a lot of medical advice away from the office as well as in my workplace so I figured this would be a great place and a great challenge to continue doing so.

I know that I am not the only one with my share of stories so I hope this will give me a way to connect in all areas. It also gives me a way to connect to many that I have unfortunately lost communication with mostly due to distance. So, basically I have created this with the title of anything goes so the lines of communication can include, friendships, health, parenting and just about whatever there is to talk and write about.