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Asthma Attacks in Children

leavittmd@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Paul J. Leavitt, M.D.) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 09:19:00 EST

Spot the Symptoms and Take Action Coughing is the primary symptom of asthma. Children who have asthma often start coughing after running, laughing or crying. They seem to cough more at night and have colds, bronchitis and other upper respiratory infections more frequently than children who do not have asthma. Other symptoms include wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. When having an asthma attack, children may have trouble talking or they may panic, becoming very anxious. Younger children may complain of stomachaches, headaches or scratchy, sore throats when their asthma is worsening. Other signs include lethargy or reduced energy, running out of breath, being unable to talk, neck muscles tightening or clenching with each breath, chest sucking in with each breath, and lips or nail beds turning grayish or blue. If your child is having an asthma attack: Remain calm. Follow your child's emergency asthma action plan. (Talk with your family doctor ahead of time ab...

Top 10 Symptoms of Diabetes

leavittmd@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Paul J. Leavitt, M.D.) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 18:12:00 EST

Wondering if you could have Diabetes? Be sure to pay attention to the subtle and not-so-subtle warning signs. For some people, the signs of diabetes can be obvious. Symptoms such as frequent urination, always feeling tired or run-down, and excessive and near-constant thirst can be hard to miss. But for other people, warning signs of diabetes are more subtle and much easier to miss. In fact, many people do not have any symptoms at all. Usually a routine blood test is what first alerts them to having diabetes. Getting regular blood work is important, because the sooner you know that you have diabetes, the sooner you can take control of it, make wise decisions, and reduce complications. Diabetes Warning Sign #1: Feeling Fine For many people, especially in the early stages of diabetes, they feel fine. Maybe not great, but no different than how they have been feeling for awhile. Experts estimate that approximately 7 million people have undiagnosed diabetes. Some people don't have al...

Ask Dr. Leavitt-- I'm dieting and exercising, but I'm still having trouble losing weight. How can I boost my metabolism?

leavittmd@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Paul J. Leavitt, M.D.) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:55:00 EST

You are definitely not alone. This is an issue I hear about quite often in my practice. The key to success for your weight loss is to look at it from each angle. First, it's important to get your thyroid checked with a simple blood test. You will need to look at the full thyroid panel, not just T4 or T3. Your family doctor can help you with this. Your weight depends more on the number of calories you eat and how much physical activity you get than your metabolism, but it is true that it is more difficult to lose weight if your metabolism is not working properly. If your blood test does show you to have a slow thyroid, or have hypothyroidism, your family doctor can help you with ways to boost your level. Focus on the factors you have control over. Make sure you are eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise. Other areas that are important to provide an body environment conducive to weight loss are getting good sleep, positive stress management, and having a good suppor...

Ask Dr. Leavitt--What is hypothyroidism?

info@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Paul J. Leavitt, M.D.) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 13:02:00 EST

Hypothyroidism is a disorder of the thyroid gland, which is located in your neck. The thyroid produces hormones-- thyroxine or T4 and triiodothyronine or T3, that affect how the body works (for example, controlling metabolism). With hypothyroidism, also commonly known as slow or sluggish thyroid, the gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism affects both men and women. It can happen at any age but is more common in adult women. Symptoms of Hypothyroidism Mild hypothyroidism may not cause symptoms. Most people do not have all the symptoms listed below, but quite often may have several of the following: Poor appetite and difficulty with bowel movements (constipation) can lead to gaining or losing weight Anemia or low red blood cell or iron count Becoming pale Feeling cold quite often Inability to sweat Frequently feeling tired Problems with mental abilities, including poor memory and feeling depressed Trouble sleepin...

Is it Heartburn or Something Else? How to Tell the Difference

info@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Paul J. Leavitt, M.D.) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 09:39:00 EST

  One common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is heartburn-like pain. But a number of other conditions can cause that burning feeling in your chest. Most often, your family doctor will be able to identify whether you have heartburn or GERD by doing simple tests. Nine other conditions that can cause heartburn-like pain Angina-- chest pain caused by lack of blood flow to the heart, can feel a lot like heartburn. The biggest clue is if you get heartburn when you are doing strenuous or moderate activity.  Also if you are over age 50 and get heartburn—especially if you have never had this kind of pain before—increases suspicion of angina. Suspicions are also raised for those who are younger but have heart risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease  Gallstones-- a stone blocking your bile duct can cause pain,normally in the middle ...

Ask Dr. Leavitt: I have High Blood Pressure. How can I lower it?

info@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Paul J. Leavitt, M.D.) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 21:43:00 EST

Researchers have found people with even slightly elevated blood pressure, called prehypertension, are at a 50% higher risk of stroke than people who have normal blood pressure, known as normotension. This is just one of the many reasons getting to goal, reaching your blood pressure goal, is so important. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is life-threatening because it can lead to stroke, heart attacks, heart failure, or kidney disease. The goal of hypertension treatment is to decrease high blood pressure and protect your body, including blood vessels and organs. Reaching normal blood pressure level has been associated with risk reduction in stroke (reduced an average of 35%-40%), heart attack (20%-25%), and heart failure (more than 50%), according to research. What are the defined levels of high blood pressure? Normal blood pressure: less than 120/80 mmHg Prehypertension: 120-139/80-89 mmHg Hypertension: greater than 140/90 mmHg Stage 1 Hypertension:140-159/90-99 mmH...

Ask Dr. Leavitt--I was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism. What can I do to feel better?

info@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Paul J. Leavitt, M.D.) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 22:22:00 EST

Hypothyroidism is a condition that happens when the thyroid does not make enough hormone. The thyroid gland is in the front of the neck just below the voice box. It releases hormones that regulate metabolism. The most prevalent cause of hypothyroidism is inflammation of the thyroid gland, which damages glands cells. Hashimoto's thyroiditis, when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, is the most common example of this inflammation. Some women can develop hypothyroidism after pregnancy (known as postpartum thyroiditis). Common causes of hypothyroidism include: Congenital (birth) defects Radiation treatments to the neck to treat different cancers, which may also damage the thyroid gland Radioactive iodine used to treat an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) Surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland, done to treat other thyroid problems Viral thyroiditis, which may cause hyperthyroidism and is often followed by temporary or permanent...

If You Have Diabetes--Get Your Flu Shot

info@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Paul J. Leavitt, M.D.) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:37:00 EST

People dealing with diabetes should get a flu vaccine every year. You should get the flu shot fairly early in the Fall because it takes about two weeks to start working. Flu season can last until early Spring, so there are benefits of getting your flu shot until February.  And if you haven’t already done so, a pneumonia shot is also recommended. This can be done any time during the year. One pneumonia shot is generally needed in a lifetime. Some conditions may require an additional pneumonia vaccine. Why It's Important Diabetes can weaken the immune system causing people with diabetes to be more likely to catch the flu and also to catch more severe cases of it. People with diabetes are six times more likely to be hospitalized with flu complications. People who have diabetes and get the flu or pneumonia are about three times more likely to die from it.  More Ways to Protect Yourself this Fl...

Ask Dr. Leavitt--I have gout. What foods should I avoid?

info@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Dr. Paul Leavitt) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:35:00 EST

Gout is an extremely painful form of arthritis. This condition is chronic in nature with severe, brutal acute attacks. Gout has long been associated with diet, particularly eating too much meat, seafood (shellfish) and alcohol. Because of this, treatment for gout used to involve severe dietary restrictions, which made the gout diet hard to stick with. Now that newer medications are available to treat gout, the need for a strict gout diet has been reduced, although following the guidelines is highly recommended. The gout diet resembles the healthy eating plan recommended for most people in many ways. Besides helping maintain a healthy weight and avoiding many chronic diseases, this diet may contribute to better overall management of  your gout.   How does gout occur? Gout occurs when high levels of uric acid in your blood cause crystals to form and accumulate around a joint. Your body produces uric acid when it breaks down purines. Patients with gout either under e...

Prediabetes: What is it and how can I reverse it?

info@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Paul J. Leavitt, M.D.) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:35:00 EST

Being diagnosed with prediabetes is not the end of the world, but it is a wake up call to get in better health. Prediabetes has other names tool-- metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, syndrome X. If you have any of these terms, it is important to do something about it now.   Before people develop type 2 diabetes, known as diabetes mellitus, they usually have prediabetes or impaired fasting blood glucose. Blood sugar levels > 100 mg/dL (5.5 mmol) but < 126 mg/dL (7 mmol) are considered prediabetes. Prediabetes means that your blood sugar level is higher than normal, but it's not yet increased enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. Still, without intervention, prediabetes is likely to become type 2 diabetes in 10 years or less. And, if you have prediabetes, the long-term damage of diabetes — especially to your heart and circulatory system — may already be starting. There's good news, however. Prediabetes can be an oppor...

Living the Sweet Life--How Sugar Bites Back

info@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Paul J. Leavitt, M.D.) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 09:31:00 EST

Added sugar is a big concern; Here is what you can do to cut back and ramp up your health  Most Americans get more than 22 teaspoons — or 355 calories — of added sugar a day, which far exceeds USDA guidelines and American Heart Association recommendations.  Lots of people are eating and drinking more sugar than ever because it is added to so many foods and beverages. Added sugar is most likely a major factor in the rise in obesity and other health problems. What exactly is added sugar, what makes it so dangerous and what can we do about it? It does not mean you have to avoid sugar at all costs. Sugar occurs naturally in some healthy foods, including fruits. However, it is added to many other foods and beverages. Desserts, sodas and energy/sports drinks are the top sources of added sugar in most American diets. Foods high in added sugar do nothing to help your health. In face they do little more than add extra calories...

Ask Dr. Leavitt--Does smoking really cause wrinkles?

info@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Dr. Paul Leavitt) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:33:00 EST

Is it true that smoking causes wrinkles?   Yes. Premature wrinkles are great reasons to quit smoking, and the sooner the better. Smoking can speed up the normal aging process of your skin, contributing to wrinkles. These skin changes may occur after only 10 years of smoking. The more you smoke and the longer you smoke, the more skin wrinkles you are likely to have — even though the early skin damage from smoking can be difficult to see at first. Smoking does not cause wrinkles just on your face. Smoking is also associated with increased wrinkling and skin damage on other parts of your body, including your inner arms. You can prevent worsening of wrinkling by quitting smoking now. How does smoking lead to wrinkles? The nicotine in cigarettes causes narrowing of the blood vessels in the outermost layers of your skin. This reduces blood flow to your skin. With less blood flow, your skin does not get as muc...

Ask Dr. Leavitt--I have abdominal pain that hasn't gone away. What could it be?

info@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Dr. Paul Leavitt) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:36:00 EST

  For a while now, I have had abdominal pain. I thought it would go away, but it hasn’t. What could it be? Sometimes new patients to my practice say they have lived with abdominal pain for years. They have been told it is in their head or that it is part of getting older. Nothing could be further from the truth. Abdominal pain can be somewhat tricky to deal with, but with a good history and physical examination, the cause of the pain can be found. Think of your abdomen as a tic-tac-toe board. Right upper pain can be gallstones or a liver mass. Middle pain can be a stomach ulcer, inflammation of the pancreas or gastritis. Left sided pain can be diverticulitis or sometimes constipation. Pain along the sides can be either a kidney infection or renal stones. Lower abdominal pain can signify appendicitis on the right side and sigmoid spasms on the left. Generalized pain can sometimes be celiac sprue, irritable bowel syndrome, or Crohn’s disease. Ulcerative co...

Ask Dr. Leavitt--I was recently diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. What can I do to change my health for the better?

info@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Dr. Paul Leavitt) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:02:00 EST

My resolution this year was to take better care of my health. I was diagnosed last year with metabolic syndrome. What can I do to fix this? Metabolic syndrome is simply insulin resistance and inflammation within the body. It is also known as pre-diabetes or syndrome X. The American Heart Association defines metabolic syndrome as having an elevated waist circumference, high triglycerides, reduced good cholesterol (HDL), hypertension (>130/85), and elevated blood sugar. Common risk factors are stress, obesity and sedentary lifestyle. . You are not alone as many people deal with this syndrome and the good news is it is reversible. Positive changes include daily physical activity, reduced caloric intake, finding new outlets to handle stress, losing excess weight and limiting sugar, salt, and fat in the diet. A great way to track your progress is to sit down and talk with your family doctor as you begin your lifestyle changes. Get your complete blood work done and discuss ...

Ask Dr. Leavitt--I have high blood pressure. What is normal blood pressure and how can I get there?

info@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Dr. Paul Leavitt) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:03:00 EST

I’ve been told I have high blood pressure. What is normal blood pressure and what can I do to get there? High blood pressure, or hypertension, is elevated arterial blood pressure in your system. Normal blood pressure is <120/80mmHg. Prehypertension is 120-139/80-89mmHg. Stage 1 hypertension is 140-159/90-99mmHg. Stage 2 hypertension is >=160/100mmHg. Persistent hypertension is one of the risk factors for stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and arterial aneurysm, and is a leading cause of chronic kidney failure. Moderate elevation of arterial blood pressure leads to shortened life expectancy. Dietary and lifestyle changes can improve blood pressure control and decrease the risk of associated health complications, although drug treatment may prove necessary in patients for whom lifestyle changes prove ineffective or insufficient. Here are some excellent ways to lower your blood pressure: Eliminate or effectively handle stress ...

Ask Dr. Leavitt--How do I find out if I have Alzheimer's?

info@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Paul J. Leavitt, M.D.) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:09:00 EST

It seems the older I get, the more I keep forgetting. What can I do to find out if I have Alzheimer’s? Alzheimer’s dementia and memory loss in general are very common areas of concern for patients in my clinic. Many have family members or friends who have Alzheimer’s dementia and want to do everything they can to avoid memory loss. Several types of blood tests are available to check for memory loss. Genetic risk factors, including the apoE gene, E4, can be tested for Alzheimer’s dementia. Other risk factors for memory loss include sleep apnea, depression, alcohol or drug abuse, certain types of cancer and cancer fighting treatments, smoking and cerebral vascular disease. High homocysteine levels can indirectly lead to memory loss, as well as low estrogen levels in women and low testosterone levels in men. It is important to sit down and talk with your family doctor to discuss and assess your memory loss, to make sure you are utilizing preventative...

Ask Dr. Leavitt-- I have high cholesterol. What can I do to lower my cholesterol number?

info@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Paul J. Leavitt, M.D.) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:12:00 EST

I have been told I have high cholesterol. What is normal and how can I get there? Reaching your cholesterol goal is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Hyperlipidemia, or high cholesterol, is directly associated with increased risk of heart disease, coronary artery disease, stroke, and heart attack. Your cholesterol level, found through a simple blood test, includes Total Cholesterol, HDL (known as good cholesterol), Triglycerides (a type of fat found in your blood), and LDL (known as bad cholesterol). Normal range for most adults is Total Cholesterol (125-200mg/dL), HDL (>40mg/dL), Triglycerides (<150mg/dL) and LDL (<130mg/dL). However, patients with coronary heart disease or diabetes should aim for an LDL of <100mg/dL; patients with diabetes and known heart disease should aim for an LDL of <70mg/dL. Ways to lower your cholesterol include lifestyle modifications such as eating a heart-healthy diet—reduce saturated fat (...

Ask Dr. Leavitt--I have Diabetes and check my blood sugar 4 times a day. Is there a better way?

info@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Dr. Paul Leavitt) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:46:00 EST

I have diabetes and check my blood sugar four times a day. Is there a better way of monitoring my blood sugar? Yes, there could be. If you have non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, known as type 2 diabetes, daily blood glucose monitoring may not be necessary.  Two different blood tests are available to help monitor your blood glucose levels.  The first test is the hemoglobin A1C test, which measures what your blood sugar has been running on average for the last three months.  You do not need to be fasting for this test to get an accurate reading.  The second test is new, and is called the Glycomark test.  This test has been approved by the FDA to measure intermediate term glycemic control with diabetes. It allows your doctor to determine how well your blood sugar is controlled after eating meals, which can be problematic for patients with diabetes. Both tests are usually done every three to six months. Be sure to sit down and have a good...

Ask Dr. Leavitt--I have high cholesterol and was just put on a statin. Is there anything else I can try?

info@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Paul J. Leavitt, M.D.) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 18:23:00 EST

My doctor started me on a statin drug for high cholesterol, but I've heard about bad side effects with this type of medicine. Is there anything else I can try? In treating high cholesterol, there are many factors to consider.  Treatment depends on which part of the cholesterol is high (LDL, HDL, Triglycerides, Total Cholesterol), how high it is, and what your cholesterol goals are. Statins are the most commonly prescribed drugs for treating high cholesterol.  In my practice I prescribe them for patients with very high total cholesterol and very high LDL, commonly known as ‘bad cholesterol’.  One possible side effect of statins is rhabdomyolysis, which is the breakdown of muscle tissue.  Patients who experience a severe muscle cramp, should discontinue the medication immediately.  Statins can also lead to liver damage, therefore, blood tests are needed every three months when statin therapy is initially started to monitor liver function....

Ask Dr. Leavitt--why is it important to check my Vitamin D3 level?

info@leavittfamilymedicine.com (Dr. Paul Leavitt) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 17:15:00 EST

I am hearing a lot of talk about Vitamin D3; why is it important to check my level? In recent years, there has been an increase in Vitamin D deficiency.  Studies report that nearly half of the U.S. population suffers from lack of Vitamin D.  So why is having enough Vitamin D important? Without enough Vitamin D, calcium in our diet cannot be absorbed, thus leading to osteomalacia in adults, and rickets in children, both of which are bone thinning and deforming disorders.  Lack of Vitamin D has been linked with depression and immune system dysfunction. So if you’re the person who is always catching the latest cold/sinus infection/24 hour bug going around, Vitamin D deficiency may be to blame. The prefrontal cortex of the brain is also affected by Vitamin D deficiency, leading to poor planning of complex cognitive behaviors and decision making.  Vitamin D can help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s dementia by helping the immune system fight da...