Medical Minutes

Ear, nose and throat symptoms affect us all.  Each year, as many as 36 million American adults report some degree of hearing loss, two-thirds of couples say their partner snores at night, and 37 million people are afflicted with sinusitis. Otolaryngologists are trained in the medical and surgical treatments of patients with diseases of the ear, nose, throat (ENT), and related structures of the head and neck. They are commonly referred to as ENT physicians.

Is that injury just a bump, a nasty bruise or something more? While head injuries and concussions are of significant concern, there is a range of non-head related injuries that can sideline an athlete; these can include sprains, broken ankles, torn ligaments, lacerations, pulled muscles and other ailments. In fact, any injury that results in swelling, numbness, intense pain or tenderness, stiffness, loss of flexibility or a symptom that persists that affects an athlete’s performance should be examined by a doctor.

Roughly 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. That statistic can be quite alarming and cause many women to worry and wonder. During the month of October, media sources overwhelm us with statistics, numbers, and information regarding breast cancer to build awareness. But no matter your level of understanding, being told you have breast cancer can suddenly turn your whole world upside down. The diagnosis of breast cancer can have lasting effects on not only you, but your family and friends who are closest to you.

Ladies, it is time to mark your calendars and get ready to start your engines! All month, PMC will be raising awareness about Breast Cancer. Our annual Brake for Breakfast Event will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2015. This fun, free, drive-through event will begin at 7am; breakfast, information and goodies will be available until supplies run out. Later in the month, PMC will host a physician lead panel seminar on breast cancer. The seminar is free and open to the public.

This year, more than 14,000 women will die from the most deadly of all female reproductive system cancers – ovarian cancer. Additionally, it is estimated that more than 21,000 mothers, daughters, wives, sisters and friends in the US will be diagnosed with this terrible disease. During Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we encourage all women to speak with their primary care physician about their risk for cancer and, more specifically, to educate themselves on the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer and what you can do to reduce your risk for disease.

While most of us recognize the importance of regular exercise, we too find it difficult to squeeze daily exercise into our increasingly busy schedules. If time and money are hindering your family’s fitness goals, try walking! While aerobic exercise and strength training are essential, studies indicate that we can reduce our risk for disease and lead a longer, healthier life if we increase our overall physical activity each day. The benefits of living an active lifestyle are endless and go further than just fighting heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer.

We rely on our feet to get us where we need to go and with so much expected of our feet, it is not surprising that one in four people experience foot pain during their lifetime. While some foot troubles are hereditary, others are accidental and occur because you have done something unusual, overdone some activity or ventured into an area where your feet were exposed to infection or other dangers.

Reaching menopause is a natural life chapter; yet coping with the numerous physical and emotional side effects might not come so naturally and can be a bit of mystery to your spouse. While the overall experience is unique for each woman, the ups and downs definitely affect those around you – and in particular, your partner. The more you know about menopause, the better you communicate. With heightened communication, the more easily you and your partner will be able to get through the various chapters and stages as a team.

An emergency can happen at any time and emergencies often demand immediate action. By calling 911, you activate the emergency medical services (EMS) system; a chain of highly trained providers from dispatchers, EMTs and Paramedics, to flight nurses and flight paramedics. These teams are dedicated and ready to provide each patient with lifesaving interventions whether it is in the home, on highways or in remote areas. While the main focus is on patient care, the EMS system is much more than a ride to a hospital.

Osteoporosis, the most common and potentially the most debilitating bone disease, has no early warning signs. Osteoporosis is referred to as a silent disease as most patients don’t realize they have it until it’s too late and they break a bone from little or no trauma. It is estimated that osteoporosis is a threat for over 44 million Americans and is responsible for 1.5 million fractures annually.