Breastfeeding is a natural process, but that doesn’t mean it comes to new mothers intuitively or that you won’t need to ask for help. We hope this quick guide will help make things a little easier for you when you begin to breastfeed.

Breastfeeding Dos

1. Get Comfortable

When you breastfeed, you’ll need to stay in one place for a long time, and if you don’t start out in a comfortable position, the process may seem even longer. If you need to use pillows to support yourself, go ahead and do so.

2. Pay Attention to Your Baby’s Feeding Pattern

As your baby feeds, you should notice a rhythmic pattern of sucking and swallowing. If this pattern is not present, your baby may not have latched on properly. If you don’t notice the rhythm, release the suction and start again.

3. Avoid Bottles and Pacifiers

If possible, avoid giving your baby bottles or pacifiers until he or she is at least four weeks old. There’s a difference between the way your baby sucks on a bottle or pacifier and the way your baby sucks on your breast. Babies who receive pacifiers or constantly switch back and forth between the bottle and breast may develop difficulty latching on—a term called “nipple confusion.” Although nipple confusion is often correctable, it is better to avoid it altogether. Bottles and pacifiers can wait until the baby gets a little older.

Breastfeeding Don’ts
Breastfeeding is like any other skill; you probably won’t do it perfectly the first time, but the more you practice, the better you’ll get. Here are some things to try to avoid.

1. Don’t bring the breast to your baby

In other words, don’t lean forward in order to put your breast within the baby’s reach. Holding such an awkward position for an extended period of time will tire you out quickly. Instead, bring your baby to your breast by cradling him or her close to your body.

2. Don’t remove your baby from your breast without first releasing the suction

Do this by taking your finger and inserting it into the corner of the baby’s mouth.

3. Don’t try to make your baby stick to a schedule

Your baby knows better than you do when he or she needs to eat and how much, so follow your baby’s lead. Don’t try to force your baby to nurse at certain times, don’t release your baby from the breast before he or she is finished and if your baby shows no interest in the second breast, don’t force the issue.

Above all else, be patient. Your doctor or a lactation consultant can help you learn how to breastfeed properly, and you and your baby will work as a team to figure it out as you go. Most mothers ultimately find breastfeeding to be well worth the effort.

The obstetricians/gynecologists, nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives at Revere Health OB/GYN provide a full range of healthcare services to women throughout all stages of their lives, including puberty, child-bearing years, menopause and beyond.

The Blog “Breastfeeding Dos and Don’ts for New Mothers” was initially posted Here

The amount of caffeine you’re consuming varies depending upon your drink of choice. Do you enjoy cola? A 12-ounce typically has 35 to 45 mg, according to MedlinePlus. If you’re a tea drinker, each cup you consume has 14 to 60 mg of caffeine. Energy drinks contain more, between 70 and 100 mg per serving. And as for coffee, an 8-ounce mug may have anywhere from 95 to 200 mg.

Drinking caffeinated beverages can affect your health in both positive and negative ways. And for some people, limiting or avoiding any caffeine intake can be wise. Here’s what you need to know about how caffeine affects your health.

Effects of Excessive Caffeine

Most people can consume up to 400 mg of caffeine in a day without any negative effects. If your caffeine intake is higher, you may experience one or more of the following health problems:

• Restlessness

• Shakiness

• Dizziness

• Rapid heart rate

• Anxiety

• Headache

• Dehydration

• Insomnia

Caffeine can also interfere with your body’s absorption of calcium, and excessive consumption may increase your blood pressure.

Reasons to Limit or Avoid Caffeine 

Some people can benefit from limiting or avoiding caffeine consumption. If any of the following apply to you, ask your family doctor if caffeine intake is a concern:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding

• You have insomnia or another sleep disorder

• You suffer from migraines or chronic headaches

• You have ulcers or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• You have an irregular heart rhythm 

• You have high blood pressure

In addition, certain medications and supplements—including some antibiotics, stimulants, asthma medicines and heart medicines—can interact with caffeine. If you currently take any medication or use supplements, check with your doctor to ensure drinking caffeinated beverages won’t result in any interactions.

What About Coffee?

Habitual coffee drinkers enjoy several health benefits, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Evidence has shown that drinking coffee on a regular basis may:

• Give you energy

• Sharpen your mental focus

• Boost your mood

• Improve your exercise performance

• Help you lose weight

Furthermore, coffee is a great source of antioxidants, which help protect the cells in your body from damage. Regular consumption of coffee is also associated with a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as a lower risk of total mortality.

What About Energy Drinks?

Energy drinks often contain large amounts of caffeine. Plus, their labels do not always provide an accurate explanation of how much caffeine is really in your drink.

Companies make many claims about the benefits of energy drinks, saying that they improve both mental and physical performance. Very little evidence exists to support this—and in fact, because of their high sugar content, energy drinks may lead to weight gain and worsening symptoms of diabetes. 

Ultimately, how much caffeine you consume should be a discussion between you and your primary care provider. If you feel like your caffeine intake is affecting you, talk to your doctor.

Our providers take time to listen and communicate clearly with each patient. Our specialties include weight control, depression management, skincare, hormone replacement, cardiac conditions and cholesterol management. We strive to provide our patients and their families with quality healthcare services. 

The Blog “How Caffeine Affects Your Health” was initially posted Here

Fracturеs, or brokеn bonеs, can be painful and disrupt our lives, but with the right approach to care, individuals can navigatе the journey from diagnosis to rеcovеry successfully. Family mеdicinе spеcialists, thе backbonе of family hеalthcarе, play a crucial role in providing comprеhеnsivе fracturе carе that addrеssеs both thе physical and еmotional aspеcts of thе hеaling procеss.

Journey from Injury to Recovery

If you or someone you know, suffers from a fracture, then a proper diagnosis and treatment is essential for the holistic recovery –

• Diagnosis by Family Mеdicinе Spеcialists - Thе first stеp in thе comprеhеnsivе guidе to fracturе carе is an accurate diagnosis. Family mеdicinе doctors arе trainеd to assess and diagnose a wide range of mеdical conditions, including fracturеs. Thеy еmploy various diagnostic tools, such as X-rays and somеtimеs advancеd imaging tеchniquеs, to dеtеrminе thе location, typе, and sеvеrity of thе fracturе. 

• Immеdiatе First Aid and Trеatmеnt - Immеdiatе first aid and trеatmеnt arе еssеntial for optimal hеaling upon diagnosis. Family mеdicinе spеcialists guidе patiеnts on propеr immobilization tеchniquеs and pain managеmеnt stratеgiеs. The treatment may involve splinting, casting, or (in some cases) surgical intervention. Thе goal is to stabilizе thе fracturе and promote an еnvironmеnt conducivе to natural hеaling.

• Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustmеnts - Family health involves continuous monitoring of the patient's progress. Family mеdicinе doctors play a vital role in assеssing thе fracturе's hеaling trajеctory and making nеcеssary adjustmеnts to thе trеatmеnt plan. This may include modifications to thе cast or rеcommеnding physical thеrapy to еnhancе mobility and prеvеnt complications.

• Pain Management and Rеhabilitation - Family mеdicinе spеcialists work closеly with patients to manage pain еffеctivеly, еnsuring their comfort throughout thе rеcovеry procеss. Rеhabilitation bеcomеs a kеy focus as thе fracturе hеals, with family hеalthcarе еmphasizing thе importancе of physical thеrapy to rеgain strеngth, flеxibility, and functionality.

• Emotional Support and Mеntal Hеalth - Fracturе carе is not solеly about physical rеcovеry; it also involves addressing thе еmotional and mеntal wеll-bеing of thе patiеnt. Family mеdicinе doctors arе adеpt at providing holistic family hеalthcarе, offering support, and addressing any psychological aspects associatеd with thе injury. This support includes managing anxiеty, strеss, or dеprеssion that may arise during thе rеcovеry pеriod.

• Prеvеntivе Mеasurеs and Futurе Wеllnеss - As thе patiеnt progrеssеs towards rеcovеry, family mеdicinе spеcialists play a rolе in еducating thеm on prеvеntivе mеasurеs to avoid futurе injuriеs. This may include lifеstylе adjustmеnts, nutritional guidancе for bonе health, and rеcommеndations for еxеrcisе programs to maintain ovеrall wеllnеss.

A Journey to Healing and Health

Navigating thе journey from diagnosis to rеcovеry in fracturе carе rеquirеs a comprеhеnsivе and holistic approach. Family mеdicinе spеcialists at Revere Health have years of experience, making them the champions of family healthcare in Salem. The family medicine doctors еxcеl in providing pеrsonalizеd carе that goеs bеyond thе physical aspects of thе injury and maintain optimal hеalth and wеll-bеing in thе long run. To schedule an appointment with a family medicine specialist at Revere Health, visit https://reverehealth.com/

Also known as allergic rhinitis, hay fever is a condition that leads to cold-like symptoms such as runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing, and sinus pressure. Hay fever is not caused by a virus, however, it’s actually caused by an allergic response to triggers like pollen, dust mites and pet dander.

Hay fever can affect your quality of life and performance at work or school, but there are ways to identify triggers and find proper treatments. Here’s a look at everything you need to know about hay fever.

Symptoms, Triggers and Complications

There are two types of hay fever:

• Seasonal: Symptoms may occur in spring, summer and early fall and are usually caused by sensitivity to airborne mold spores or pollen from trees, grass or weeds.

• Perennial: Symptoms occur year-round and are usually caused by sensitivity to dust mites, pet hair, pet dander, cockroaches or mould.

Despite its name, hay fever is not usually accompanied by fever and does not require exposure to hay to trigger symptoms. Generally, symptoms are caused by breathing an allergy-causing substance. Symptoms can include:

• Stuffy nose

• Itching in the nose, eyes, mouth, throat or skin

• Puffy, swollen eyelids

• Allergic conjunctivitis: Watery, itchy, red eyes

• Sneezing or cough

• Swollen, blue-colored skin under the eyes

• Postnasal drip

• Fatigue

Sometimes, hay fever can be triggered by common irritants like cigarette smoke, perfume or hair spray odours, cosmetics, laundry detergents and cleaning solutions. In seasonal cases of hay fever, triggers may include:

• Tree pollen – expected in early spring

• Grass pollen – common in late spring and summer

• Ragweed pollen – common in fall

• Dust mites, cockroaches and pet dander

• Spores from indoor and outdoor fungi and moulds (can be both seasonal and perennial)

There are a few possible complications associated with hay fever:

• Reduced quality of life due to loss of productivity and enjoyment of regular activities

• Poor sleep

• Worsening asthma symptoms

• Sinusitis (infection or inflammation of the sinus membrane)

• Ear infection (in children)

How is Hay Fever Different From a Cold?

Signs of a common cold can be similar to those of hay fever, but there are a few important areas that can help you differentiate between the two:

• Signs and symptoms: Hay fever causes a thin, watery discharge and does not include fever, while a cold is accompanied by a thick, yellow discharge, body aches and a low-grade fever.

• Onset: Hay fever sets in immediately after exposure to an allergen, while a cold sets in 1-3 days after exposure to a cold virus.

• Duration: Hay fever lasts as long as allergen exposure continues, while a cold usually lasts 3-7 days.

Causes and Risk Factors

Hay fever occurs when the immune system identifies an airborne substance incorrectly, and believes it to be harmful. The immune system produces antibodies to attack the substance, and these antibodies remain in the body to protect it the next time it encounters the same substance. At this time, the antibodies tell the immune system to release chemicals like histamine into the bloodstream, causing allergic reactions that lead to hay fever.

These factors can increase your risk of developing hay fever:

• Other allergies or asthma

• Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

• A blood relative with allergies or asthma

• Living or working in an environment with frequent exposure to allergens

• A mother who smoked during the first year of life

Treatment

A big part of hay fever treatment is limiting exposure to triggers, and in some cases, basic over-the-counter medications can relieve moderate symptoms. In other cases, however, certain prescription medications may be needed:

• Nasal corticosteroids: For preventing and treating nasal inflammation, itching and runny nose.

• Antihistamines: These help reduce itching, sneezing and runny nose by blocking histamine from being released during a chemical reaction.

• Decongestants: To help with congestion. Decongestants can cause side effects, so speak with your doctor about these before use.

• Cromolyn sodium: Can be in the form of an over-the-counter nasal spray or a prescription eye drop (Crolom). This helps prevent the release of histamine and reduce symptoms.

• Leukotriene modifier: A tablet that blocks the action of leukotrienes, a chemical that causes certain allergy symptoms.

• Nasal ipratropium: Relieves severe runny nose.

• Oral corticosteroids: Can be used to relieve severe allergy symptoms, though these can cause serious side effects and are usually only prescribed for short periods of time.

Other hay fever treatments may include:

• Allergy shots: Taken over three to five years, these shots contain tiny amounts of allergens, They allow your body to get used to the allergens over time and decrease the need for medications.

• Under-the-tongue tablets or drops: Instead of shots, some people opt for oral allergy treatment.

• Sinus rinses: Rinsing the nasal passages with a distilled, sterile saline can relieve nasal congestion.

If you or your child is dealing with symptoms of hay fever, your doctor can offer recommendations for treatment and avoiding triggers.

Our Utah Valley allergy specialists diagnose and treat patients who suffer from allergic and immunologic disorders. We work with both pediatric and adult patients and use the most comprehensive and up-to-date medical therapies.

The Blog “Do You Have Hay Fever? What You Need to Know” was initially posted Here

Imagine having to deal with poor vision in everyday tasks! Isn’t it a little harsh? Wearing glasses or contact lenses may be helpful, but these devices aren’t very effective treatments for astigmatism or other complex eye issues. Laser surgeries are the best treatments for such problems, and LASIK is one of them. LASIK is a quick procedure that uses an excimer laser to change the cornea’s shape, which is the top layer of the eye.

ABOUT THE LASIK PROCEDURE

Laser treatments aid in the correction of refractive errors. These refractive errors result from an irregularly shaped cornea. The four types of refractive errors are as follows:

● Nearsightedness (myopia)

● Farsightedness (hyperopia)

● Astigmatism

● Presbyopia, also known as the aging eye

A circular flap incision is made in front of the cornea using a femtosecond laser after numbing eye drops to begin the Lasik Eye Surgery. To correct the imperfections and improve your vision corneal flap is folded back, and an excimer laser beam is used to reshape the cornea.

ADVANTAGES

1. Speedy Recovery — LASIK allows for near-perfect vision in a single day. Although you can see instantly after LASIK, your vision may be slightly blurred. It usually takes about a month after surgery for the eyesight to stabilize. Because no stitches are involved, the individual can resume their daily activities after 24 hours. It is always best to relax for a few days following surgery because the healing process varies from patient to patient. You will not be able to drive right away after Lasik surgery, but most surgeons evaluate that patients will be able to resume their normal activities within a few days.

2. Lower Complication Rate — Because LASIK has a high success rate, complications are uncommon. Cases of vision loss are sporadic. The majority of people are pleased with the results. Some common complications include dry eyes and temporary visual disturbances, which resolve with time and proper medication.

HOW TO GET READY FOR LASIK SURGERY

1. Make arrangements for travel to and from the clinic — You may still feel the consequences of the medication prescribed during the procedure. It may cause temporary blurred vision, so have an individual drive you home safely.

2. Leave out the eye makeup — It is best to avoid wearing any eye makeup, lotions, or cream perfume before and at the time of surgery. To reduce the risk of infection, we suggest cleaning your eyelashes daily (or more frequently) for several days before the treatment.

3. Remove your contact lenses — For at least a few weeks before LASIK surgery, stop wearing contact lenses and start wearing glasses. Contact lenses can occasionally disrupt the shape of your cornea, negatively impacting measurements and surgical consequences.

Any surgery necessitates a thorough consultation and examination. It would help if you met with your coordinator before undergoing Lasik eye surgery to clarify what to consider before and after the procedure. It will review your medical history during this consultation. Initial tests will include refraction, corneal thickness, eye pressure, corneal mapping, and pupil dilation. After the initial assessment, you will meet with your surgeon to discuss any concerns you may have — finally, you have to set up an appointment for the surgery.

The Blog “Lasik Eye Surgery: Everything You Need to Know” was initially posted Here

Foot and ankle problems can arise from a simple sprain, a fracture, or not wearing the right shoes. Foot problems occur from gout, diabetes, osteoarthritis, etc. Improper foot function can later lead to complex foot and ankle problems that may lead to swelling or Instability of your foot function. It is necessary to see the foot and ankle doctors if the problem is aggravating. 

Causes of Foot and Ankle Problems

• The foot deformities such as hammertoes, bunions, bone spurs, claw toes, etc., can lead to foot and ankle problems.

• Injuries occur because of trauma due to foot fracture, ankle sprain, Achilles tendon rupture, etc. The trauma can increase if the normal wear and tear is not taken care of.

• Diabetic Neuropathy will cause damage to the nerves of the feet because of high blood sugar levels. 

• The feet and ankles have many joints, and they can get prone to arthritis. A few people may experience Pain every time or occasionally. Arthritis can occur because of old pains, wear and tear, and more.

• The degenerative condition of your foot and ankle may also occur due to old age problems. You can go ahead with foot and ankle surgery to fix the problems related to old age.

Symptoms of Foot and Ankle Problems

✓ Pain and stiffness on the heel bone

✓ Increased swelling

✓ Redness on your foot and ankle

✓ Chronic Pain in your foot

✓ Wearing shoes or flats may lead to acute Pain

✓ Pain on the ball of the feet or the back of the heel

✓ Limping

✓ Instability of the foot and ankle in the long run

If you are facing these foot and ankle problems regularly, seeing foot-ankle doctors in Utah is essential. They will diagnose your problem and provide the proper treatment.

Treatment of Foot and Ankle Problems

1. You must get enough rest, and if you are facing many problems, try to put an ice pack on the foot pain. Please keep it for 20 minutes after every two to three hours.

2. Do wear the right shoes when going for a walk or doing mild exercise.

3. Always consult the foot and ankle surgeon when feeling acute or chronic Pain in your foot and ankle.

4. The treatment for patients includes stretching, mobilization activities, and physical manipulation.

So, if you are looking forward to foot-ankle doctors in Utah, contact RevereHealth, which provides advanced treatment. Schedule your consultation today!

If your doctor has suggested a hip replacement but you want to put it off a little longer, you are not alone. Many people who need this procedure want to find relief from the pain but are reluctant to undergo surgery. Feeling reluctant is normal, but choosing to put off such a surgery can lead to further issues and delay healing.

You may be surprised to learn that there are some significant disadvantages to putting off a hip replacement and some advantages to having hip replacement surgery done early.

Osteoarthritis, otherwise known as degenerative joint disease or “wear and tear” arthritis, is the most common reason for hip replacement, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS).

Arthritis, fracture or other conditions may damage your hip joint to the point where engaging in common activities, such as walking or getting out of a chair, becomes painful and difficult. Your hip may become stiff, making it hard to put on shoes and socks. Hip discomfort can even prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. In many cases, hip damage and dysfunction will worsen without treatment.

Inactivity can lead to loss of muscle strength and increased stiffness of the hip joint. Without a hip replacement, weak hip muscles and joint stiffness could lead to a noticeable limp.

Significant muscle loss associated with delayed hip replacement may result in a longer recovery time. Strong muscles help stabilize your thighbone within the newly replaced hip joint socket; strong muscles also help you power through physical therapy sessions to speed healing.

Putting off a hip replacement will lead to a sedentary lifestyle that leads to weight gain and obesity-related illnesses. Excess weight puts extra pressure on an already distressed hip joint to increase pain and disability. Long periods of inactivity can also reduce muscle tone and mass, which can make moving around on a damaged hip even more difficult and painful.

Feeling good is the best reason to stop delaying hip replacement. A recent survey of 180 patients two to three years after hip replacement found that 89 percent were satisfied with the results of their surgery. Such high patient satisfaction rates suggest that most patients are glad they had the surgery rather than struggling with the pain, stiffness and disability of a hip problem.

Hip replacement surgery may allow your activity level to return to how it was before you developed arthritis or sustained an injury. Having the procedure done early allows you to resume your normal life of working, playing and taking care of your family.

Deciding the best time to undergo surgery depends on the cause of your hip problem, the health of the hip joint and your immediate concerns.

For more information on hip replacements and the disadvantages of delaying the procedure, contact our Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Center in Utah office. We have offices in Provo and Lehi, Utah. Call (801) 373-7350.

Dr. Carlson tends to be conservative with surgical treatment, and much of his training is in minimally-invasive procedures, such as arthroscopy. He believes everyone deserves a trial of a more conservative treatment before moving to more invasive treatments such as surgery. Dr. Carlson tries to spend time with patients to better understand their goals and work together to come up with a treatment plan based on those goals and their distinct medical history.

The Blog “5 Reasons You Should Not Put off a Hip Replacement” was initially posted Here

Access to trusted pediatric care at a family medicine facility is vital for your child's health and comprehensive treatment. Family medicine doctors provide complete pediatric therapy for children's physical, emotional, and developmental well-being. As a parent, you must know the essential components of pediatric care at family medicine health centers and the role of family medicine doctors in providing complete care for your child.

The Approach of Family Medicine in Pediatric Care

Family medicine is a medical specialty that highlights the necessity of ongoing and comprehensive care. Family medicine specialists care for patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. Because of their holistic approach, they are the best healthcare practitioners for pediatric patients.

Complete Pediatric Services

·        Sick Child Care - If your child becomes ill, family medicine doctors will treat them promptly and effectively. They diagnose and treat common childhood ailments such as colds, fevers, and ear infections.

·        Preventive Care – A family medicine health center provides children with preventive care, including screening, vaccination, and guidance on living a healthy lifestyle.

·        Chronic Disease Management - If your child has a chronic medical disease, such as asthma or diabetes, family medicine doctors will collaborate with you to create a customized care plan.

·        Developmental Assessments - Physicians also keep track of your child's developmental milestones and might offer advice and referrals to specialized services if necessary.

A Trusted Medical Care

A family medicine facility as a pediatric care provider will have the following benefits –

·        Continuous Care - Family medicine provides continuity of care from long-term relationships with patients and families to provide continuity of care throughout childhood and beyond.

·        Accessibility - Family medicine health centers are frequently located in convenient locations and provide flexible scheduling options, making it easier for parents to get care for their children.

·        Coordinated Care - Family medicine provides coordination of care; when required, physicians cooperate with other healthcare providers to ensure that your child receives coordinated and integrated treatment.

·        Holistic Care - Family medicine provides holistic care. Doctors consider not just children's physical health but also their emotional and social well-being, delivering holistic care that addresses all areas of health.

Invest in Your Child's Health

Pediatric care at Revere Health's Family Medicine in Mt. Pleasant provides comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for your child. With the expertise of family medicine doctors who are skilled in primary care, your child will receive the highest level of care - from infancy through adolescence. Hence, you can trust the dedicated team to safeguard your child's health and ensure their overall well-being.

You can visit Family Medicine Doctors in Mt. Pleasant to schedule the appointment so your child receives personalized care for their excellent health.

Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in America for both men and women? As of 2015, one out of every four deaths in the U.S. is caused by heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heart disease kills more women every year than any other medical condition, including all forms of cancer combined.

Americans suffer approximately 720,000 heart attacks annually, and over 370,000 people die from coronary heart disease each year. The American Heart Association reports that over 7 million Americans have experienced a heart attack.

What are the types of heart disease?

“Heart disease” refers to many different conditions. It’s possible to have heart disease for years without noticing any symptoms.

Coronary artery disease, or cardiovascular disease, refers to a blockage or narrowing of the blood vessels that can lead to a stroke or heart attack. Atherosclerosis is caused by the build-up of plaque in artery walls that narrows them, restricting blood flow. If a clot forms, blood flow is further impeded, and the result is a stroke or heart attack.

An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks one of the blood vessels that feed the brain. The death of the brain cells causes a loss of function associated with that region of the brain, such as limb movement or speech.

Approximately 370,000 people die from coronary heart disease each year.

Arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, are irregularities in the heartbeat’s rhythm. It may be very fast and chaotic, as in tachycardia, or too slow, called bradycardia.

Cardiomyopathy is a thickening or stiffening of the heart muscle that is often symptomless. Arrhythmias combined with cardiomyopathy can lead to sudden death.

Congestive Heart Failure is often caused by high blood pressure or coronary artery disease that leaves the heart too weak to pump effectively.

What are the common risk factors for heart disease?

Aging, smoking, obesity, and a family history of heart disease are major risk factors. Although men are at greater risk of heart disease, menopause increases the risk for women because low levels of estrogen contribute to the development of small vessel heart disease. Other risk factors include:

• A diet high in fat, sugar, and salt

• High blood cholesterol levels

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure

• Uncontrolled diabetes

• Physical inactivity

• Uncontrolled stress and anger

• Poor dental health

• High C-reactive protein

Is heart disease different in women?

“Almost two-thirds of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease have no previous symptoms,” according to the CDC, and unlike men, women don’t always experience chest pain when having a heart attack. Women under age 55 who do visit an emergency room during a painless heart attack are more likely to die than men, according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Some of the other symptoms of a heart attack in a woman include:

• Extreme fatigue

• Pain, tightness, fullness, or pressure in the chest

• Back, neck, jaw, or shoulder pain that is sudden or gradual

• Nausea, dizziness, sweating

• Sleep disturbances before the attack

How can I protect my heart?

The Mayo Clinic reports that many forms of heart disease are both treatable and preventable with healthy lifestyle choices.

The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of daily physical activity. Walking is one of the best ways to achieve this. Just one-half hour of brisk daily walking lowers your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and reduces your risk of diabetes, decreasing your risk for heart disease and stroke. What if we told you that every hour you walk adds two hours to your life expectancy? You can even break up your walk into 15-minute sessions and enjoy the same benefits.

Eat a heart-healthy diet with abundant fruits and vegetables. Oats, saltwater fish, berries, and citrus fruits are especially smart cardiovascular-protective choices.

Research shows a link between the inflammation caused by gum disease heart disease and stroke. Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions.

Our providers are board-certified in general cardiology and interventional cardiology. We have over 30 providers with decades of experience in heart-related care. As a part of Utah’s largest independent physician group, we have a network of physicians who can care for all cardiology needs. Schedule an appointment with one of the best Cardiology Doctors in Utah.

The Blog “Protecting Your Heart: The Importance of Heart Health” was initially posted Here

Some women experience severe itching of the hands and feet during late pregnancy. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), a liver disease that affects digestive fluid, may be the culprit. According to the American Liver Foundation, ICP occurs in approximately 1 out of every 1,000 pregnancies.

What is Cholestasis of Pregnancy?

ICP affects the release of bile (digestive fluid) from the liver, resulting in a build-up of bile acids. Although the primary symptom of this disease is itching, ICP can cause other symptoms including fatigue, loss of appetite, depression, light-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) and nausea.

You may first experience ICP-related itching on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet, but the itching can extend to other parts of the body over time.

Who is at Risk of ICP?

Genetics play a role in a woman’s risk of ICP, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. 

Under normal circumstances, these genetic factors do not significantly affect liver function. During pregnancy, however, elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones can make the problem worse.

Other factors, such as having previous liver damage, a family history (mothers or sisters) of ICP and multiple pregnancies can also increase your risk. 

ICP occurs more frequently in women of Western European, Chilean and Scandinavian origin, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. However, having this genetic condition does not necessarily mean you will develop ICP if you become pregnant.

If you develop ICP, you are susceptible to getting it again in future pregnancies, although the condition will subside after delivery.

Can My Family Doctor or OB/GYN Treat ICP-Related Itching?

Depending on your medical history and the progression of the cholestasis, your doctor may prescribe medication to decrease the level of bile acids in your body, along with topical anti-itch cream.

Other options for treating ICP include taking cold baths, drinking ice water and taking supplements prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor may also require regular fetal heart monitoring and periodic blood testing to track your liver function and the levels of bile serum in your body.

How Does Cholestasis of Pregnancy Affect My Baby?

In some cases, ICP can cause complications for your baby. Risks include premature birth, fetal distress and stillbirth, according to the American Pregnancy Association. 

Women with ICP should work closely with their doctor to monitor the disease’s progression and the health of their baby. Your doctor may recommend inducing labor once the baby’s breathing capacity reaches maturity. 

Following the recommendations of your family doctor or OB/GYN can help you get manage ICP and other challenges you may encounter, so you can deliver a happy, healthy baby. 

Dr. Oldham’s scope of training allows him to treat a variety of health issues from day-to-day health concerns and dermatological conditions to women’s health and obstetrics. He enjoys family medicine because he gets to help people of all ages live a more active and healthy lifestyle. He also finds great satisfaction in helping his patients achieve their health goals. Contact us today!

The Blog “Itching During Pregnancy? You May Have Cholestasis” was initially posted Here

A 2018 study by Accenture found more than half of healthcare consumers in the United States have low health literacy, which means they lack the ability to make appropriate healthcare decisions, such as knowing what medical concerns are suitable for emergency rooms (and what concerns aren’t) or understanding how lifestyle choices negatively affect their health. Low health literacy increases a person’s risk of ER visits and hospitalization, poor health outcomes, higher healthcare costs, and treatment noncompliance.

So why does this matter to business owners? Low health literacy costs insurers and employers in the U.S. approximately $4.8 billion each year, compared to only $1.4 billion in administrative costs for people with high health literacy. These data suggest the potential for billions in savings with an improvement in health literacy.

The following five strategies can help empower employees to approach their healthcare with more confidence and ultimately reduce healthcare spending.

#1 Assess your employees’ knowledge gaps

The first step to an effective employee health literacy campaign is to identify what your employees don’t know about healthcare. Ask questions such as:

How often do you need help reading a medical bill?

• Do you feel confident filling out medical forms?

• How often do you understand your doctor’s instructions?

• Do you ask for clarification from your provider if you don’t understand something?

• Can you identify your health needs, and do you know where to go for care?

 You may also want to assess what your employees would do in hypothetical health situations. This sample assessment from Boston University’s Health Literacy Tool Shed is a good example. The Kaiser Family Health Foundation also offers an online quiz to measure health literacy in regards to insurance.

#2 Hold regular benefit seminars throughout the year

A once-per-year presentation during open enrollment is not enough to help employees confidently navigate the healthcare system. Holding regular “fireside chats”, workshops, or lunch and learns to provide an avenue for employees to ask questions and make smarter healthcare decisions. Consider inviting a benefits representative from your company’s insurance provider to discuss policy components or ways to save on out-of-pocket costs.

Remember that people learn in different ways, so it’s essential to use multiple methods to disseminate information (e.g., diagrams, written materials, Q&A sessions, video recordings, etc.)

#3 Involve families

Your employee may not be the primary health decision-maker for their family. If that is the case, the primary decision-maker may not be getting all the information they need. Methods to distribute information to the entire household include:

• Quarterly mailers to employees’ homes

• Email blasts

• Invites to attend open enrollment education sessions

• A microsite with information about benefits and health education resources

#4 Don’t put all the responsibility on human resources

Although your HR team might spearhead your employee health literacy efforts, don’t be afraid to involve other departments. For example, the marketing department can help create materials to educate employees. Supervisors and managers may be able to identify individual needs within their departments (e.g., notifying HR when an employee announces a pregnancy so that they can send relevant health and benefits information to the family).

#5 Help employees find the time to take care of their health

Unfortunately, most clinics (except ERs and urgent care facilities) keep regular business hours, which makes it difficult for employees to get to their primary care provider to get the care they need. Consider allowing employees to be flexible with their hours so they can attend their appointments and makeup lost time later in the week. You may also choose to hold free screenings at your business on a designated day to encourage employees to prioritize preventive health.

Learn more about smart healthcare decision-making at reverehealth.com/vbc.

Revere Health offers a unique, patient-oriented approach to healthcare. We strive to keep medical costs at a minimum while providing high-quality healthcare. Our name is our mission and our promise: your health above all else.