Nashville Doctor

Fungal Nail Infections

2008-04-14T21:29:00.002-05:00

Fungal Nail Infections

A fingernail or toenail infection that is caused by a fungus is called onychomycosis (say: "on-ee-koh-my-ko-sis"). Toenails are more likely to become infected than fingernails.
This infection can make your nails thick and discolored. Your nails may also be brittle or change their shape. You may even have pain in your toes or fingertips.

Who gets fungal nail infections?
Anyone can get a fungal nail infection. These infections are more common in adults older than 60 years of age. They are especially common in people with diabetes or circulation problems. Children rarely get fungal nail infections.

Why did I get a fungal nail infection?
It may be hard to know where or how you got a fungal nail infection. A warm and wet place provides the perfect conditions for a fungus to grow. If you often wear heavy work boots that make your feet warm and sweaty, a fungus can grow around your toenails. If you often walk barefoot in locker rooms, you can pick up a fungus from the warm, wet floors.

People whose hands are often wet (for example, dishwashers in restaurants and professional house cleaners) are more likely to get fungal fingernail infections.

Sometimes several people in a family will get fungal infections in their nails at the same time. This can happen because their immune systems aren't't able to fight off the infection very well or because the infection is being passed when they use the same towels.

How do I find out if I have a fungal nail infection?
If you think you have a fungal infection in your fingernails or toenails, see your doctor. By looking carefully at your nails, your doctor might be able to tell if you have an infection.

How is a fungal nail infection treated?
Several medicines can treat a fungal nail infection. Some of these medicines are not safe for people who have liver problems or a history of congestive heart failure. Be sure to let your provider know if you have one of these conditions. Your provider will decide which medicine is right for you.

You might only need to take the medicine for 6 weeks. You might need to take it for 6 months, or longer. It depends on where the infection is and the severity of the infection.
Topical treatments, or creams and polish that you apply to the top of your nail, also may be available for mild infections.

Because of the high price of some of these medications your provider may consider other treatments like toenail removal in severe infections.

What can I do to take care of my nails?

Keep your nails cut short and file down any thick areas.
Don't use the same nail trimmer or file on healthy nails and infected nails. If you have your nails professionally manicured, you should bring your own nail files and trimmers from home.
Wear waterproof gloves for wet work (like washing dishes or floors). To protect your fingers, wear 100 percent cotton gloves for dry work.
Wear 100 percent cotton socks. Change your socks when they are damp from sweat or if your feet get wet. Put on clean, dry socks every day. You can put over-the-counter anti-fungal foot powder inside your socks to help keep your feet dry.
Wear shoes with good support and a wide toe area. Don't wear pointed shoes that press your toes together.
Avoid walking barefoot in public areas such as locker rooms.

Information Source: FamilyDoctor.org

Diabetes: What the Diagnosis Means

2008-04-13T11:40:00.001-05:00

If you just found out you have diabetes, you probably have a lot of questions and you may feel a little uncertain. It may help to know you're not alone. In the United States, nearly 16 million people have diabetes. Most of these people lead full, healthy lives. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to learn all you can about diabetes. This handout will tell you some of the basics about diabetes.

What is diabetes?
Your body changes most of the food you eat into glucose (a form of sugar). Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that allows glucose to enter all the cells of your body and be used as energy. Diabetes is a disease that occurs when a person’s body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use insulin properly. When you have diabetes, the sugar builds up in your blood instead of moving into the cells. Some, but not all, of the excess sugar is carried out of your body (through urine), and the energy is wasted.There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 occurs when the body doesn’t produce any insulin. People with type 2 diabetes either don’t produce enough insulin or their cells ignore the insulin. Nearly 95% of people with diabetes have type 2.

How can I help myself stay healthy if I have diabetes?
Although diabetes can’t be cured, you can live a long and healthy life. The single most important thing you can do is control your blood sugar level. You can do this by eating right, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight and, if needed, taking oral medicines or insulin.Eat a healthy diet. The recommended diet for many people who have diabetes is very similar to that suggested for people who don't have diabetes. It's important to eat at least 3 meals per day and never skip a meal.
Exercise. Exercising will help your body use insulin and lower your blood sugar level. Maintain a healthy weight. Losing excess weight and maintaining a healthy body weight will help you in 2 ways. First, it helps insulin work better in your body. Second, it will lower your blood pressure and decrease your risk for heart disease.Take your medicine. If your diabetes can’t be controlled with diet, exercise and weight control, your doctor may recommend medicine or insulin. Oral medicines (taken by mouth) can make your body produce more insulin or help your body use the insulin it makes more efficiently. Some people need to add insulin to their bodies. Always take medicines exactly as your doctor tells you to.

How do I check my blood sugar level?
Your doctor may suggest that you check your blood sugar level (also called blood glucose level) at home. Checking your blood sugar level involves pricking your finger to get a small drop of blood that you put on a test strip. You can read the results yourself or insert the strip into a machine called an electronic glucose meter. Check your blood sugar level as often as your doctor suggests. You may need to check it more often at first, until you get the feel for how it changes and what makes it change.

What if my blood sugar gets too low?
People with diabetes are at risk of hypoglycemia, also called low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia occurs when the amount of sugar in your blood drops. The signs of low blood sugar may include having a headache, sweating, and feeling weak or anxious. Talk to your doctor about how to treat hypoglycemia. Usually, you can correct this problem by quickly eating some candy or drinking some regular (not diet) soda or fruit juice.

source: FamilyDoctor.org

Toilet Training Your Child

2008-04-13T11:39:00.000-05:00

When should I start toilet training my child?
Do not start toilet training until both you and your child are ready. You are ready when you are able to devote the time and energy necessary to encourage your child on a daily basis for at least 3 months.Your child is ready when he or she can signal that the diaper is wet or soiled, or when your child is able to say that he or she would like to go to the potty. This usually occurs when a child is 18 to 24 months of age. However, it is not uncommon for a child to still be in diapers at 2 and a half to 3 years of age.

How should I prepare my child for toilet training?
Allow your child to be present when you go to the bathroom and make your child feel comfortable in the bathroom. Allow your child to see urine and bowel movements in the toilet. Let your child play with flushing the toilet.Before toilet training your child, place a potty chair in your child's normal living and play area so that your child will become familiar with the potty. Consider placing a potty chair on each floor of the house if you live in a multilevel home. Allow your child to observe, touch and become familiar with the potty chair.Tell your child that the potty chair is his or her own chair. Allow your child to sit fully clothed on the potty chair, as if it were a regular chair. Allow your child to leave the potty chair at any time. Do not force your child to spend time sitting on the chair.After your child has become used to the potty chair and sits on it regularly with his or her clothes on, try having your child sit on the potty without wearing pants and a diaper. Let your child become comfortable with sitting on the potty without wearing pants and a diaper.The next step is to show your child how the potty chair is used. Place stool from a dirty diaper into the potty chair. Allow your child to observe the transfer of the bowel movement from the potty chair into the toilet. Let your child flush the toilet and watch the bowel movement disappear down the toilet.

How do I teach my child to use the toilet?
After your child has become comfortable with flushing the toilet and sitting on the potty chair, you may begin teaching your child to go to the bathroom. Keep your child in loose, easily removable pants.Place your child on the potty chair whenever he or she signals the need to go to the bathroom. Your child's facial expression may change when he or she feels the need to urinate or to have a bowel movement. Your child may stop any activity he or she is engaged in when he or she feels the need to go to the bathroom.Most children have a bowel movement once a day, usually within an hour after eating. Most children urinate within an hour after having a large drink.In addition to watching for signals that your child needs to urinate or have a bowel movement, place your child on the potty at regular intervals. This may be as often as every 1and a half to 2 hours.Stay with your child when he or she is on the potty chair. Reading or talking to your child when he or she is sitting on the potty may help your child relax. Praise your child when he or she goes to the bathroom in the potty chair, but do not express disappointment if your child does not urinate or have a bowel movement in the potty. Be patient with your child.Once your child has learned to use the potty chair, your child can begin using an over-the-toilet seat and a step-up stool.

How long will it take to toilet train my child?
It may take up to 3 months. It is important for you to be patient and supportive. Do not punish your child when he or she has an accident.If your child is not toilet trained within 3 months, consult your family doctor. The most likely reason your child has not learned to use the potty is that your child is not yet ready for toilet training.

source: FamilyDoctor.org

Quit Smoking

2008-04-13T11:36:00.001-05:00

Why does it seem so hard to stop smoking?

Smoking causes changes in your body and in the way you act. The changes in your body are caused by an addiction to nicotine. The changes in the way you act developed over time as you bought cigarettes, lit them and smoked them. These changes have become your smoking habit.When you have a smoking habit, many things seem to go along with having a cigarette. These might include having a cup of coffee or an alcoholic drink, being stressed or worried, talking on the phone, driving, socializing with friends or wanting something to do with your hands.

Immediate reasons to stop
Bad breath and stained teeth
Bad smell in clothes and hair and on skin
Lower athletic ability
Cough and sore throat
Faster heartbeat and raised blood pressure
Risk of second-hand smoke to people around you
Cost of smoking
Long-term reasons to stop
Toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke
Risk of lung cancer and many other types of cancer
Risk of heart disease
Serious breathing problems
Time lost working or having fun because you're sick
Wrinkles
Risk of stomach ulcers and acid reflux
Risk of gum disease
Risk of damage to babies of pregnant women who smoke
Setting a bad example for your children

How can I stop smoking?
You'll have the best chance of stopping if you do the following:
Get ready.
Get support and encouragement.
Learn how to handle stress and the urge to smoke.
Get medication and use it correctly.
Be prepared for relapse.
Keep trying.

How should I get ready to stop smoking?
Set a stop date 2 to 4 weeks from now so you'll have time to get ready. Write down your personal reasons for stopping. Be specific. Keep your list with you so you can look at it when you feel the urge to smoke.To help you understand your smoking habit, keep a diary of when and why you smoke. Using information from this diary, you and your doctor can make a plan to deal with the things that make you want to smoke.Just before your stop date, get rid of all of your cigarettes, matches, lighters and ashtrays.

How can I get support and encouragement?
Tell your family and friends what kind of help you need. Their support will make it easier for you to stop smoking. Also, ask your family doctor to help you develop a plan for stopping smoking. He or she can give you information on telephone hotlines, such as 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669), or self-help materials that can be very helpful. Your doctor can also recommend a stop-smoking program. These programs are often held at local hospitals or health centers.Give yourself rewards for stopping smoking. For example, with the money you save by not smoking, buy yourself something special.

What about stress and my urges to smoke?
You may have a habit of using cigarettes to relax during stressful times. Luckily, there are good ways to manage stress without smoking. Relax by taking a hot bath, going for a walk, or breathing slowly and deeply. Think of changes in your daily routine that will help you resist the urge to smoke. For example, if you used to smoke when you drank coffee, drink hot tea instead.

What will happen when I stop smoking?
How you feel when you stop depends on how much you smoked, how addicted your body is to nicotine and how well you get ready to stop smoking. You may crave a cigarette or feel hungrier than usual. You may feel edgy and have trouble concentrating. You also may cough more at first, and you may have headaches.These things happen because your body is used to nicotine. They are called nicotine withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms are strongest during the first few days after you stop smoking, but most go away within a few weeks.

What about nicotine replacement products or medicine to help me stop smoking?
Nicotine replacement products are ways to take in nicotine without smoking. These products come in several forms: gum, patch, nasal spray, inhaler and lozenge. You can buy the nicotine gum, patch and lozenge without a prescription from your doctor. Nicotine replacement works by lessening your body’s craving for nicotine and reducing withdrawal symptoms. This lets you focus on the changes you need to make in your habits and environment. Once you feel more confident as a nonsmoker, dealing with your nicotine addiction is easier.Prescription medicines such as bupropion SR (one brand name: Zyban) and varenicline (brand name: Chantix) helps some people stop smoking. These medicines do not contain nicotine, but help you resist your urges to smoke.Talk to your doctor about which of these products is likely to give you the best chance of success. For any of these products to work, you must carefully follow the directions on the package. It's very important that you don't smoke while using nicotine replacement products.

Will I gain weight when I stop smoking?
Most people gain a few pounds after they stop smoking. Remember that any weight gain is a minor health risk compared to the risks of smoking. Dieting while you're trying to stop smoking will cause unnecessary stress. Instead, limit your weight gain by having healthy, low-fat snacks on hand and being physically active.

What if I smoke again?
Don't feel like a failure. Think about why you smoked and what you can do to keep from smoking again. Set a new stop date. Many ex-smokers did not succeed at first, but they kept trying.The first few days after stopping will probably be the hardest. Just remember that even one puff on a cigarette can cause a relapse, so don't risk it.

source: FamilyDoctor.org

Common Allergies and Their Symptoms

2008-03-27T23:46:00.003-05:00

What are the most common allergens?

You have an allergy when your body overreacts to things that don't cause problems for most people. These things are called allergens. Your body's overreaction to the allergens is what causes symptoms (see the box at the bottom of this page) For example, sometimes the term "hay fever" is used to describe your body's allergic reaction to allergens in the air.

What are the most common allergens?
Pollen from trees, grass and weeds:
Allergies that occur during spring are tree pollen induced.
Allergies that occur during summer are from grass.
Allergies that occur in the fall are due to ragweed.

Mold:
Mold is found in damp conditions, like your bathroom or basement.
Most mold allergies are at their peak when weather conditions are humid.

Animal dander:
Proteins found in the skin, saliva, and urine of furry pets such as cats and dogs are allergens. You can be exposed to dander when handling an animal or from house dust that contains dander.

Dust:
Many allergens, including dust mites, are in dust. Dust mites are tiny living creatures found in bedding, mattresses, carpeting and upholstered furniture. They live on dead skin cells and other things found in house dust.

What medicines can I take to help relieve my symptoms?

Antihistamines:
This medication reduces the sneezing, runny nose and itchiness of allergies. They're more useful if you use them before you're exposed to allergens.
Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness and dry mouth.

Decongestants:
Phenylephrine help temporarily relieve the stuffy nose of allergies. Decongestants are found in many medicines and come as pills, nose sprays and nose drops. They are best used only for a short time. Nose sprays and drops shouldn't be used for more than 3 days because you can become dependent on them. This causes you to feel even more stopped-up when you try to quit using them.

With this form of treatment there could be medication interactions, like with people who have high blood pressure. Please walk-in or make an appointment with our providers if you have concerns.

Nasal Steroids:
Sprays reduce the reaction of the nasal tissues to inhaled allergens. This helps relieve the swelling in your nose so that you feel less stopped-up. They come in nasal sprays that your doctor may prescribe. You won't notice their benefits for up to 2 weeks after starting them.

Steroid Shots:
Steroid shots are great for relieving many allergy symptoms. They have been shown very effective to relieve swelling and pressure caused from allergies, hives, and poison ivy allergy skin reactions.

When taking any of these medications, please consult our providers to check for possible drug interactions or side effects.

If any of these symptoms are persistent or worsen please walk-in for treatment, make an appointment, or even visit our website for your very own Online Housecall.

Discolored mucus (Anything that is not clear) Sinus pain and pressure Sore or swollen throat Continous cough Hives or rash

Information Source: FamilyDoctor.org

Tami-flu Nashville

2008-03-13T23:18:00.000-05:00

Flu season is finally winding down. If you or a family member suspects that you may have the flu, please call to make an appointment or walk in to be seen. Tami-flu is a medication that we prescribe that can shorten the length and severity of the flu.

Strep Throat

2008-02-24T18:15:00.002-06:00

Strep Throat

What is strep throat and what are the signs of strep throat?

Strep throat is an infection caused by bacteria. It is called "strep" because the bacteria that causes the infection is called streptococcus.

Adults with strep throat may have a sore throat, a fever and swollen neck glands, stomach pain or nausea, and rash.

Children with strep throat may or may not have a sore throat. Often they may have tummy pain or a red rash with small spots. The rash is worse under the arms and in skin creases.

How is strep treated?

Your health care provider may give youor your child an antibiotic. Antibiotics kill bacteria, which helps strep throat go away a little faster. It can also prevent a few rare but serious conditions that people with strep throat might get. It is important to take all of the medicine your doctor gives you.

What tests can tell I have strep throat?

Your health care provider may use a test called the rapid strep test. For this test, the doctor uses a long cotton swab to swab the back of your throat. The results of this test can be ready in about 5 minutes.

The rapid strep test can tell your health care provider if you have strep throat. If some other microbe is causing your sore throat, these tests do not tell what it is.

Can other people catch my strep throat?

Yes. You can give the infection to other people until you have been treated with an antibiotic for 1 to 3 days. Children with strep throat should not go back to school or day care until their feverhas gone away and they have taken an antibiotic for at least 24 hours.

What can make my sore throat feel better?

Here are some things that might help you feelbetter:
Gargling with warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup [8ounces] of warm water). For adults and older children, sucking on throat lozenges, hardcandy or pieces of ice. Eating soft foods, drinking cool drinks or warm liquids or sucking on Popsicles.

If the symptoms persist or worsen please contact you health care provider to come in and be seen for an appointment.

Information Source: FamilyDoctor.org (http://familydoctor.org/)

Try our Online Features

2008-02-20T20:48:00.002-06:00

You can create your own account on our website by going here - https://www.medfusion.net/secure/portal/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.register&destination=welcome&gid=219&muu=241

This enables you to take advantage of our interactive features, such as:

Yearly Physicals

2008-01-16T11:04:00.000-06:00

Stay Healthy for Years to Come

Annual Preventive Physicals

Staying healthy for years to come is not an impossible achievement. Healthy diet and exercise are the first steps in the right direction in maintaining good health. Another great way to stay healthy is to have an annual preventive exam or physical.

During your annual physical, you may be offered age appropriate diagnostic tests that will help determine your current level of health. Many of the areas that we examine during a physical include: heart health, hearing loss, bone loss, and some cancers and blood disorders.

Health Facts about the Heart:
Total Cholesterol should be less than 200 LDL (Bad) Cholesterol should be less than 100 or less than 70 for patients with Diabetes HDL (Good) Cholesterol should be greater than 40 Cholesterol ratio should be less than3.5
Heart Disease is the number one cause of deathfor men and women in the United States. Currently 1 out of 10 women have heart disease and 1 out of 6 men have heartdisease. There are many factors that affect the health of the heart: smoking, diet, exercise, cholesterol, and heredity. With use of thenewest technology many heart problems are preventable if not avoidable. Blood work to check cholesterol, EKG or heart ultrasounds if indicated,and regular blood pressure checks are a great way to monitor potential problems.
Health Facts about Osteporosis (Bone Loss):
Osteoporosis may be preventable with good consumption of Vitamin D and Calcium alongwith daily excercise. This disease can be treated with a range of prescription medication.
Caucasian and Asian women are more likely to develop osteoporosis. Menopause can also increase the chances to have the disease. The Dexa Scan is the test used for most women over forty to detect the disease. A scan is recommended every two years for screening after age forty.
This test is available at AFD for yourconvenience.
Osteoporosis or bone loss is adebilitating disease that can be prevented and even treated. Bone loss affects an estimated 44 million Americans, of which80% are women. This disease causes the bones to become fragile and more likely to break. If not prevented or left untreated,osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks. These broken bones usually occur in the hip, spine, and wrist. Women arefour times more likely than men to develop the disease, but men also suffer from osteoporosis. This condition is detectable by bone densitytesting, which is a quick eight to ten minutes test.
Health Facts forsome Cancers and Blood work:
Annual Pap smears & breast exams are recommended for all women. Women should do a breast self-exam every month.
Yearly PSA & Prostate / Rectal Exam starting at age 40 for men. Men should have a fecal blood test every year starting at age 50; with a colonoscopy once every 10 yearsstarting at age 50, earlier if there is a family history. Annual blood work will also indicate cancers like Leukemia, which affect the young and old. Blood work will also indicate the presence of many diseases like diabetes, thyroid problems, HIV, Hepatitis, commoninfections, and many other problems.
Are you at risk for some type of cancer or blooddisease? Cancers are on the rise in this country and around the world, 4 out of 10 people will develop cancer in their lifetime. Manycancers are detectable by blood work and diagnostic testing. Simple blood work and testing are great forms of preventativemedicine.
Health Facts about the Ear:
Ear problems can manifest by dizziness, ear fullness, earache, ringing in the ears (Tinnitus),ear wax, and inner eardisorders. Hearing loss can be noise induced. Proper hearing protection will decrease your risk of hearing loss. Wearing ear plugs/ ear muffs while mowing the lawn or turning down the volume of your MP3 player can minimize thepermanent damage on your inner ear. Wearing swimmers plugs/ ear plugs while swimming may minimize swimmers ears or ear infection. Ringing in the ears or fluctuating hearing loss combined with dizziness may be a sign of Menere's disease.
Ear and hearing disorders are one of the most common conditions affecting ALL age groups from infants to older adults. Of the 28million Americans who suffer from hearing loss, approximately 17 in 1000 children have some degree of hearing loss less than 18 years of age, whichcould be potentially identifiable by some quick hearing tests. One in three people older than 60 and half of those older than 85 have hearingloss. Hearing problems can make it hard to respond to warnings and to hear doorbells and alarms. They can also make it hard to enjoy talking withfriends and family. Regular annual hearing tests will help in early identification of middle & inner ear disorders including dizziness &vertigo.
Take Charge of your Health:
LegendaryInvestor, Warren Buffet once said that if God allows us to pick any car we want BUT we must drive it forever, how well will we take care ofthis car?
Engaging in a healthy lifestyle along with an annual physical may add manyhealthy years to your life.
Services thatAmerica's Family Doctors offer during Annual Physicals:
AFD schedules appointments Monday through Friday for full physical exams and pap smears. Our fullphysicals may include:
Blood Work Chest X-ray Urine Analysis Hearing &Vision TestingEKG Breathing Tests Prostate examination for men Paps for women Further testing may be indicated like Bone Densityscans and Heart ultrasounds at the time of your appointment. Please call today to schedule your Annual Physical. Same dayappointments are now available.
Feel free to visit our newest location. The new clinic, Get Well, is located inMurfreesboro with extended hours 7 days a week. For more information please visit http://www.getwellclinics.com/ (http://www.getwellclinics.com/)

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays

2007-12-24T00:51:00.001-06:00

We would like to wish all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!!

Dear Friends,

We would like to take this time to introduce ournewest addition to the America's Family Doctors Clinics, Dr. SkyHawk Fadigan. Dr. SkyHawk has recently joined us and is now accepting newpatients in both locations. She has over 15 years of experience and takes care of all primary care issues. Feel free to calland schedule an appointment with her for any of your primary care needs.

Keeping the HolidaysSafe!
Family gatherings, special traditions, delicious treats - it just may be the mostwonderful time of the year, especially for children. Unfortunately, for emergency room doctors it's also one of the busiest. Take timeout to learn how to protect your little ones from some common holiday dangers, and you and your family can enjoy a season that's notonly happy but healthy.

Poisoning
Mistletoe, holly, poinsettias, Jerusalem cherry plants, andother plants are commonly used as decorations during the holidays. Like many plants, these are considered potentially poisonous and should be keptout of the reach of children. Symptoms of plant poisoning can include rashes, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you suspect that your child has eaten any part of a plant,immediately call your child's doctor or the national poison control number: (800) 222-1222.

"Bubble lights" containing methylene chloride can be poisonousif a child drinks the fluid from the light (even if labeled nontoxic). Snow sprays may be harmful if the aerosol propellants are usedimproperly.

Alcohol poisoning is a common risk for children during theholiday season. Many parents host holiday parties where alcohol is served. Most parties will include seasonal alcholic beverageslike Eggnog and Boiled Custard. Parents must take care to remove all empty and partially empty cups as soon aspossible. Because children imitate adults, many may drink the beverages they see adults drinking. Children become "drunk" much more quickly thanadults; so even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous to children.

Food poisoning is another potential holiday hazard. Practicefood safety by washing hands, utensils, dishes, and anything else that comes in contact with raw meat, including poultry and fish, and raweggs before and after use. Don't contaminate a serving dish with raw meat. Store leftovers properly and heat them thoroughly before serving.

Choking and Swallowing
Tree ornaments, light bulbs, icicles, tinsel, and small toysare potential choking hazards for small children because they may block the airway. The general rule of thumb is that if it's small enough to fit inthe mouths of babies and toddlers, it's too small to play with.
Common holiday foods such as peanuts or popcorn are potentialchoking hazards and should not be given to children under age 4.

The needles of holiday trees can cause painful cuts in themouth and throat of a child who swallows them. Angel hair (made from finely spun glass) and ornament hangersmay cause cuts, skin irritation, or eye damage if touched or swallowed by children.

Fire and accidents are also common safety hazards around the holidays. Click here (http://www.kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=familydoctor&lic=44&article_set=22164) for moreinformation about keeping the holidays safe. We care about the safety of you and your family!

Fighting Depression

The holidays can be tough for people with depression. Feelings ofsadness and hopelessness may make it hard to enjoy the season and the time with family and friends. It's a good time to start becoming educated aboutdepression. There are plenty of resources online to help you study up and reassure you that you aren't alone. According to the NationalInstitute of Mental Health (NIMH) approximately 1 in 10 people are affected by depression each year.
Familydoctor.org offers an online pamphlet, "Depression: What It Is and How to Get Help". During this time of year, aspecial type of depression, called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or winter depression, affects many people. In this season of giving, giveyourself a gift -- learn about depression and talk with your family orovider about getting help.

HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE HOLIDAY SEASON!!!!

Nashville Flu Shots - Now Available

2007-09-21T10:22:00.001-05:00

Update From America's Family Doctors

Our Flu Shots Have Arrived!!!
As of 09/18/07 we are offering flu shots.

At this time we have a limited quantity.

These are given on a first come, first serve Walk In Only Basis.

If you and your family would like a flu shot please walk in seven days a week, while our flu shots last.

Also remember that the FluMist Nasal Spray will be available as well, for those who are more needle shy.

The FluMist will be arriving next week.

As always, if you have any questions or comments,
feel free to email us anytime!

Career Opportunities with America's Family Doctors

At this time, we are looking for very good people to join our AFD Team.

- We are currently looking for MDs, NPs and PAs.

- Also we are looking for X-ray techs and MAs.

If you are interested in applying for a career with America's Family Doctor's please email your resume to Support@afdclinics.com.

Beat The Heat

2007-07-12T10:58:00.000-05:00

Due to the HOT! temperatures lately, we have been seeing a lot of heat related illnesses and even have had local school closings like today due to the heat.

So hope this topic is timely and helps us all beat the heat:)

What causes heat-related illness?

Heat-related illnesses, such as "heatstroke"and "sunstroke," occur when your body can't keep itself cool. As the air temperature rises, your body stays cool when your sweat evaporates. On hot,humid days, the evaporation of sweat is slowed by the increased moisture in the air. When sweating isn't enough to cool your body, your bodytemperature rises, and you may become ill.

What does the "heat index" mean?

The heat index tells you how hot it feels outside in the shade. It is not the same as the outside temperature. The heat index is a measurement of how hot it feels when relative humidity is combined with the effects of the air temperature. When you are standing in full sunshine, the heat index value iseven higher. A heat index of 90°F or above is dangerous.

How can I prevent heat-related or caused illness?

When the heat index is high, stay indoors inair-conditioned areas when possible. If you must go outside, take these precautions:
Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes.
Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat or using anumbrella.
Don't forget the sunscreen!
Drink plenty of water before starting an outdoor activity.
Drink extra water all day.
Drink less tea, coffee, cola and alcoholic beverages.
Schedule vigorous outdoor activities for cooler times of the day--before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
During outdoor activities, take frequent breaks and drinkwater or other fluids every 15 to 20 minutes, even if you don't feel thirsty.
If you have clear, pale urine, you are probably drinking enough fluids.
If you have chronic medical problems, ask your doctor about how to deal with the heat and about drinking extra fluids and about your medicines.
Rember also to carry a cell phone just in case you need to call 911.

What should I do if I have signs of heat-realated or caused illness?

Go to a shady, cooler area right away. Removeany excess clothing and begin sponging your body with lukewarm tap water. Slowly sip water or other fluids.

Get medical help right away if you have these warning signs:
Hot, dry skin, but not sweaty. Confusion or loss of consciousness. Frequent vomiting. Shortness of breath or troublebreathing. If you or any family member is having a problem with any of these symptoms, please come in and see us anytime Monday-Friday 8:00a.m.-6:00p.m and Saturday-Sunday 9:00a.m.-12:00p.m. for an office visit.

Feel free to visit our newest location. The new clinic, Get Well, is located inMurfreesboro with extended hours 7 days a week. For more information please visit http://www.getwellclinics.com/.

Better Hearing & Speech Month

2007-05-18T23:30:00.000-05:00

Hearing problems are the third most chronic health condition in the United States. These problems can be linked to loud noise exposure, heredity, repeated colds, long standing diabetes, or high blood pressure, and even side effects of certain drugs. Issues with hearing can affect a person socially. Whether it is trying to have a conversation with friends, listen to the TV, or enjoy your favorite music. Not being able to hear properly can take the joy out of your favorite activities.

Here is some healthy ear advice:
When swimming, use swimmer's ear plugs to the keep the ears dry. This prevents swimmers ear infections.
Avoid loud noises, use protection like ear plugs or ear muffs when operating noisy machinery
Turn down the volume of your Personal CD/MP3 player
Every child and adult should have a hearing test done annually
Clean ears regularly (A build up of ear wax can mask infections and decrease hearing ability)
Do not use Q-tips to clean out your ears.
We encourage you to maintain optimum hearing health and to help identify early hearing loss in both children & adults.
During your annual physical, we offer hearing tests as well. Hearing tests may indicate any ear disorders, infections, or hearing problems that you may have. At America's Family Doctors we use diagnostic equipment to aid us in the diagnosis and management of these ear related problems such as:
Hearing Loss
Dizziness
Vertigo
Middle ear disorders, ear infections, or fluid in the middle ear .
Tinnitus or ringing in the ears
Ear ache or fullness / pressure in the ears
Please visit these websites for more information:
American Tinnitus Association Website http://www.ata.org/
American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/anatomy/