Congratulations to Dr. David Fantelli and Dr. Matthew Chase who have made the “Best Doctors of 2011″ list in Akron Life Magazine.

Fall prevention may not seem like a lively topic, but it’s important. In fact, falls are one of the leading causes of co-morbidity in the elderly and in the disabled populations. The goals of the Fall Prevention Program are to identify individuals who are at risk for falling, to identify the specific risk factors that put each individual at risk, and to provide them with the services and education necessary to reduce their risk of falling. Each patient referred to the Falls Prevention Program will be evaluated by a highly skilled physical therapist who will assess all systems that contribute to an individual’s risk for falls. The fear of falling doesn’t need to rule your life.
Instead, ask your physician if our 10-MINUTE screening is right for you.

Dr. Fantelli is now listed in U.S. News’ national Top Doctors directory! The doctors included in the search were selected via the peer nomination process.

Check out his listing here, and take a moment to read a testimonial from his patients, John and Beverly Denison.

Listen to Dr. J. Matthew Chase discuss prevention, common causes & proper treatment for overuse injuries. Dr. Chase, MD is a graduate of NEOUCOM and is board certified in Family Medicine.  In addition to working at Primary Care Associates of NE Ohio, Dr. Chase is a clinical instructor in Family Medicine at NEOUCOM and serves as the Medical Director of Laurel Lake Retirement Community in Hudson, Ohio. His areas of special interest are in Pediatrics, Sports Medicine and Geriatrics.

Print or download these two complimentary flyers on tennis elbow and runner’s knee below.

PCA Flyer Overuse-Runner’s Knee

It was early spring last year when John Denison went to his regularly scheduled appointment to see his internal medicine physician, Dr. David Fantelli.  Seeing John short of breath Dr. Fantelli quickly ordered a series of tests to investigate its origin. Test results showed metastatic lung cancer.  Treatment for cancer that has spread to the lungs is usually determined by the primary cancer, or origin of the cancer.  Chemotherapy is often the treatment of choice, and is given as palliative therapy to prolong survival and decrease symptoms.  In John’s case treatment made him very ill and he decided that he did not want to continue.  “I’m really not fond of hospitals, nothing against them- but would rather just be at home,” said John.  During John’s next visit his oxygen levels were very low.  Dr. Fantelli, knowing John’s feelings placed him on oxygen and treated him in the office for a lung infection.  “Instead of placing him in the hospital we spent the time arranging home oxygen therapy and home nebulizer therapy”, recalled Dr. Fantelli.  “We were able to get all the treatment John would’ve received in the hospital while staying at home with his family,” wife Beverly mentions. 

“People don’t realize how important it is to have a supportive primary care physician that listens to you.  When I first became a patient of Dr. Fantelli years ago he really took the time to get to know me.  He asked me all kinds of questions, even wanted to know what hobbies I enjoyed.   My wife and I tell everyone about our experience with Dr. Fantelli and all the other wonderful physicians he refers us to.  Others are always surprised when we tell them we can reach our doctor anytime.  Words cannot express how much I appreciate the care I’ve received. Dr. Fantelli, along with the other Primary Care Associate’s physicians we saw, is concerned with the patient’s entire well-being.  I want to say thank you for your belief in treating the whole person and not just the medical condition.”     

John & Beverly Denison

Keep an eye out for our upcoming features on the winning doctors!

Listen to the interview now, or download the podcast!

Type 1 Diabetes
Previously known as “juvenile diabetes” because it primarily affects children and young adults (but can develop at any age), Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas because they are perceived as a foreign intruder to the body. Much like a virus or bacteria is seen as a threat to the body, cells that create insulin become a target for elimination.

Since glucose cannot pass from the bloodstream into cells, an increase in urination can occur which may lead to dehydration. Weight loss can also occur due to the loss of calories from sugar. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) may also occur when cells become depleted of energy. Fat cells are then broken down allowing acidic chemicals called ketones to be used for energy. As ketones build up in the bloodstream acidity levels in the blood also increase. The liver continues to release the sugar it stores to help out. Since the body cannot use these sugars without insulin, more sugar fills the bloodstream. The combination of excessive sugar, dehydration, and acid build up is called, “ketoacidosis” and can be life-threatening if not addressed immediately. High sugar levels in the blood may damage the nerves and blood vessels of the eyes, kidneys, and heart and generate a hardening of arteries causing a greater risk of heart attack or stroke.

Type 2 Diabetes
Affecting 90 to 95% of the more than 20 million people with diabetes, Type 2 diabetics have  insulin production but either their pancreas does not produce enough of it or cannot use it adequately. This is called insulin resistance. When not enough insulin is produced or the insulin is not efficiently utilized, glucose cannot get into the body’s cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of entering cells, the body’s cells are not able to function properly. Just like type 1, a build up of glucose in the blood can cause frequent urination which may lead to dehydration. Failure to compensate for the loss of fluids can result in a diabetic coma. Increased glucose levels in the blood may also damage nerves and blood vessels in the eyes, kidneys, and heart and subject one to atherosclerosis of the large arteries and cause a heart attack or stroke.

Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs in 4% of all pregnancies and is characterized by high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. Nearly all women have some level of impaired glucose production due to hormonal shifts during pregnancy. In this instance, blood sugar may be higher than normal, but not high enough to warrant diabetes. Women are generally at risk for gestational diabetes during their third trimester.

Diabetes can affect the developing baby throughout the pregnancy. In early pregnancy, a mother’s diabetes can result in birth defects and an increased rate of miscarriage. Many of the birth defects that occur affect major organs such as the brain and heart.

During the second and third trimester, a mother’s diabetes can lead to over-nutrition and excess growth of the baby. Having a large baby increases risks during labor and delivery. In addition, when fetal over-nutrition occurs and hyperinsulinemia results, the baby’s blood sugar can drop very low after birth, since it won’t be receiving the high blood sugar from the mother. However, with proper treatment, you can deliver a healthy baby despite having diabetes.

Am I at risk for Gestational Diabetes?

Risk Factors:
• Being overweight prior to becoming pregnant (if you are 20% or more over your ideal    body weight).
• Being a member of a high risk ethnic group (Hispanic, Black, Native American, or Asian).
• Having sugar in your urine.
• Impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose (blood sugar levels are high, but    not high enough to be diabetes).
• Family history of diabetes
• Previously giving birth to a baby over 9 pounds.
• Previously giving birth to a stillborn baby.
• Have had gestational diabetes with a previous pregnancy.
• Having too much amniotic fluid (a condition called polyhydramnios).

Symptoms

Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms

-Frequent urination
-Unusual thirst
-Extreme hunger
-Unusual weight loss
-Extreme fatigue
-Irritability

Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms

-Increased thirst
-Increased hunger (especially after eating)
-Dry mouth
-Nausea and occasionally vomiting
-Frequent urination
-Fatigue (weak, tired feeling)
-Blurred vision
-Numbness or tingling of the hands or feet
-Frequent infection of the skin, urinary tract or vagina

Diabetes Checklist

Many who have diabetes seldom take the necessary precautions. Be aware of the following annually if you have diabetes.

1. Blood sugar self-monitoring (as directed by your doctor)
2. Daily blood test for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (At least once a year)
3. Check feet for sores or ulcers (performed by your physician) (At least once a year)
4. Eye screening for retinopathy, a condition that can lead to blindness (At least once a year)
5. Lipid panel (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides) to check heart disease risk (At least once a year)