Blog Archive
What you eat affects you in both the short and long term. You’ve probably noticed how a particularly unhealthy meal makes you feel sluggish, bloated, or sick. Conversely, you might have observed that you have more energy on the days you eat better. The effects of a healthy diet aren’t...
More than one in ten people of all ages in the US struggles with the same health condition: diabetes. That doesn’t mean that they all face the same wellness challenges. That’s because diabetes isn’t a single condition. Instead, it’s an umbrella term for a group of conditions. The common thread...
Most of us get cut or scraped from time to time. Fortunately, the body has a remarkable ability to heal wounds. That doesn’t mean, however, that things always go as expected here. Without proper care — and, in some cases, even with it — your wound might not heal without...
The majority of the human body is water. It makes up 83% of your lungs, 79% of your muscles and kidneys, 73% of your brain and heart, 64% of your skin, and 31% of your bones. In other words, this substance plays a big role in your body. It’s unsurprising...
While there are plenty of fad diets and weird alleged weight loss hacks out there, losing weight doesn’t have to mean suffering from hunger. In fact, it shouldn’t mean treating your body badly at all. As the experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) put it, healthy...
Most health conditions have warning signs. If you get the flu, you might get a fever. Arthritis causes joint pain. The cold comes with a cough. But not all diseases have apparent symptoms that tell you something’s wrong. That’s particularly true of hypertension, or high blood pressure. That’s why our...
A cough is one of the most common health symptoms. A lingering chest cold or allergies might cause you to have a cough that sticks around for a while. However, a persistent cough could also indicate something is wrong with your lungs. If you have a cough that’s lasted more...
When you think about fluid and the lungs, your mind might go to pneumonia. With that condition, fluid can build up inside your lungs. Pneumonia isn’t the only fluid-related lung issue, though. In some cases, a respiratory or other health condition can cause fluid to build up in the lining...
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus.But what...
When you think about the most common symptoms, a few probably immediately jump to mind. While headaches and stomach problems accompany many health issues, other widespread symptoms exist. Because it comes with a few of the most common health issues — colds, allergies, and the flu — most people get...
In our digital age, medical tools have advanced significantly. And that’s not just true when you’re at the doctor’s office. Today, technical innovations can follow you home, making it easier to communicate your current state of health to your doctor. Medical experts call this remote patient monitoring, or RPM for...
If you’ve ever had an ingrown toenail, you probably know how painful and frustrating it can be. But did you know that improper nail clipping techniques often cause ingrown nails? It’s true! How you trim your toenails matters, and following a few simple guidelines can reduce your risk of developing...
Spirometry is a common test that evaluates how well your lungs are functioning, and it provides valuable information to help diagnose various respiratory conditions. But if you’re scheduled for a spirometry test, having questions is normal. At Medical Associates Of North Texas, we specialize in pulmonary care in Fort Worth,...
About 14 million Americans have emphysema, a chronic lung condition that affects your ability to breathe and has a significant impact on your quality of life. If you’ve recently been diagnosed, you’re not alone — and it’s normal to have questions. Our team at Medical Associates Of North Texas specializes...
Primary care includes comprehensive, ongoing health care services — and you might not give it much thought, but your primary care provider is often the backbone of your health care journey. Your primary care provider is your first point of contact for any health concerns. They know your medical history....
A skin biopsy is a procedure to diagnose various skin conditions. So whether you have an unusual patch of skin or a suspicious-looking mole, your doctor might have recommended a biopsy — and it’s normal to have questions. Not all skin biopsies are created equal, and the best type for...
More than 38 million Americans have diabetes, a chronic metabolic condition that changes the way your body processes sugar. Because it’s so common, it’s easy to assume that diabetes is no big deal — but unfortunately, that’s far from the truth. While it may seem manageable at first glance, the...
Moles are dark, round growths on your skin. Almost everyone has them, and they’re almost always harmless. But sometimes, a mole can evolve and become cancerous. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, which means monitoring your moles is an important part of your...
Life is all about motion and movement, and that means healthy joints. When you start to feel aches in your joints, the temptation to sit still and rest becomes irresistible, yet keeping still is perhaps the worst way to deal with these aches and pains. Joint aches and pains usually...
Pulmonary functions are essential to life. You breathe in air for its oxygen content, and your lungs work to transfer oxygen to the bloodstream, where it’s distributed throughout the body. It’s a process you likely give little thought to until something goes wrong. When you have trouble breathing or question...
Two in three adults in the United States are overweight or obese. And if you’re one of the millions of Americans carrying extra weight, you probably know that shedding pounds and keeping them off isn’t easy. Successful weight loss takes knowledge, consistency, and a personalized approach. The good news is...
Finding out you might have a sexually transmitted disease (STD) can be distressing. But you're not alone — about one in five Americans has a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and there are steps you can take to protect your health even after exposure. Our team at Medical Associates Of North...
Ingrown toenails are a real pain, both literally and figuratively. They happen when the sharp edge of your nail grows into the soft surrounding skin, causing inflammation and even making it hard to wear shoes comfortably. If you have pain, swelling, or redness along the side of your toenail, it...
Your feet carry you through life. Taking good care of them over the years helps you avoid issues from acute injury to chronic pain — but did you know that foot care is extra important when you have diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects your body’s ability to...
Wounds happen to everyone from time to time. They range from minor cuts and scrapes to more significant injuries and are part of daily life. However, it’s not always easy to determine when your wound necessitates emergency care. Many wounds can be treated at home with basic first aid; however,...
Warm temperatures bring sun-soaked days, outdoor activities, and weekend barbeques. But with summer fun comes sun exposure — and an increased risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is the top cause. Getting too much sun significantly increases your...
The flu is one of the most common viral illnesses in the United States. About 9 million Americans get the flu each year — and while many people associate it with winter, the truth is that you can catch it in any season. Getting sick with the flu isn’t fun,...
Nearly one in four American adults has osteoarthritis: a degenerative joint disease that breaks down the cartilage that cushions joints. Arthritis can cause debilitating pain, stiffness, and swelling — finding an effective treatment is essential. While several treatments are available, joint injections are consistently one of the most popular choices...
Finding out that you have prediabetes can be overwhelming. It’s normal to have questions and to start wondering what you can do to improve your health and get your prediabetes under control. Prediabetes means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a type 2...
Chronic diseases include heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis — and if you think you have one, you’re not alone. About 60% of American adults have a chronic disease. And 40% of Americans have two or more. If you’re concerned that you might have a chronic disease, you may be wondering...
It’s no secret that losing weight — and keeping it off — can be a challenge. Even with the best intentions, many people struggle to find an effective, sustainable approach to weight loss. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are two key components of lasting weight loss, but knowing what...
Nosebleeds are a common occurrence. In fact, nearly everyone experiences at least one in their lifetime. They happen when the inside of your nose starts to bleed, and although it can be unsettling, it usually does not cause alarm. However, experiencing frequent or heavy nosebleeds could be a sign of...
We’ve all heard it before: eating a healthy diet is key to successful weight loss. But you’re not alone if you’re wondering what constitutes a healthy diet. These days, we have countless food options for every meal, and it seems like there’s a new fad diet every week. It’s hard...
Type 2 diabetes changes how your body regulates sugar and converts it into energy. More than 37 million Americans have diabetes, and right now, there’s no cure for the condition. You probably have many questions if you’ve been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. What does a diabetes diagnosis mean for my health?...
Blood pressure is the force your blood exerts on the walls of your arteries. It’s a key health indicator because it represents how hard your heart is working to pump blood throughout your body. When you measure your blood pressure, you get two numbers. The systolic number is first, and...
Primary care covers a range of basic health care needs. It’s an essential resource, providing services from treatment for acute illnesses to chronic condition management. Our medical Associates Of North Texas team believes that enjoying your best health starts with primary care. We offer comprehensive primary care for adults of all ages at our...
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection anywhere in your kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. It’s very common, and around 40% of women and 12% of men get at least one UTI in their lifetimes. The primary symptoms of a UTI are pain, a frequent urge to urinate, and a...
Your lungs are filled with small sacs called alveoli. These alveoli fill with air on each inhale, take in oxygen, and eliminate carbon dioxide when you exhale. Alveoli play a critical role in your pulmonary system, but exposure to airborne irritants can damage them over time and affect your ability...
Everyone gets cuts and scratches from time to time. Your body has a unique ability to heal itself after injury, but more serious cuts may require stitches to promote proper healing. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to know if that cut you just got needs stitches or not. Severe lacerations...
Hormones are specialized chemicals in your body. Humans naturally produce about 50 different types of hormones, which control bodily functions ranging from metabolism to sex drive. Your hormone levels are always changing. In fact, it’s normal for hormones to ebb and flow hour by hour, day to day, and over the...
Millions of Americans have diabetes: a chronic metabolic condition that changes the way glucose works in the body. Glucose is your body’s primary source of energy, and it comes primarily from the food you eat. Having diabetes means your body can’t utilize glucose properly. Instead of being converted to energy,...
1. I eat protein with each meal: Always (+1) Usually (0) Inconsistently (–1) 2. I eat fruits and vegetables: 5 or more servings a day (+1) 3 servings a day (0) Less than 3 servings a day (–1) 3. I skip meals: Never (+1) Seldom (0) Often (–1) 4. I...
Why Consult with a Registered Dietitian? A registered dietitian can help you sort through misinformation and provide sound, easy-to-follow nutrition advice. They can help you learn how to read labels at the supermarket; discover that healthy cooking is inexpensive; and learn how to eat out without ruining your eating plan....
About 8.2 million Americans have slow-healing wounds. A slow-healing wound is one that doesn’t start getting better on its own within a few weeks, and if it’s left untreated, it can lead to some serious health complications. Slow-healing wounds often necessitate specialized wound care to prevent complications like infection and...
It’s no secret that the last couple of years have brought a lot of changes to the world of health care. With concerns around the pandemic, many health organizations recommended postponing non-essential appointments, screenings, and procedures until further notice. But now, those routine appointments are resuming. And the start of...
Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacterium. It’s one of the most common causes of sore throats, and strep alone accounts for nearly one third of sore throats in children. Strep throat is characterized by a sore, scratchy, or swollen throat — but a sore...
Over one third of Americans have high blood pressure. It’s a very common condition, but it doesn’t have noticeable warning signs and you may not know you have it until you get your blood pressure taken at the doctor’s office. When high blood pressure is left undiagnosed and untreated, it...
Have you had a physical exam this year? If your answer is no, now is the time to get it scheduled. It’s easy to take your health for granted when you’re feeling well, but regular physical exams are one of the best ways to ensure you’re enjoying your best health...
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death in the United States. More than 16 million Americans have been diagnosed with COPD, and millions more may have it without knowing it. COPD includes a few different lung conditions, like emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It’s a serious...
Wounds and injuries are common, and anyone can get one. While many types of wounds heal on their own within a few weeks, some types of wounds heal slower — or not at all. In fact, about 6.5 million Americans have chronic wounds. These wounds don’t start healing on their...
Strep throat is a common infection. It’s best-known to cause symptoms like a scratchy sore throat, swollen neck glands, and pain with swallowing. Strep accounts for about one third of sore throats in children, but it’s different from the sore throat that comes along with the common cold or the...
Chances are you already know that diabetes is among the most common chronic illnesses in our country and increases the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and other severe health problems. But did you know that up to nine in ten diabetes cases are preventable? It’s true: Type 2 diabetes,...
Nearly 50% of American adults try to lose weight every year. The latest trend in workout routines and the newest fad diet might cause temporary weight loss, but for many people, those methods either aren’t successful or they’re simply not sustainable. If you’ve tried to achieve a healthy weight without...
Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders in the United States. It makes you stop breathing for periods of time while you’re asleep, and you could have it without knowing it. In fact, an estimated 22 million Americans have sleep apnea — but experts believe up to...
An estimated 25 million Americans are living with asthma. It’s a chronic disease that’s characterized by inflamed airways and difficulty breathing. Asthma attacks make airways swell even more, restricting breathing and causing wheezing, chest tightness, and other symptoms. Having uncontrolled asthma can lower your quality of life and even put...
Across the country, COVID-19 infection rates are on the rise. The medical community continues to learn about the disease, and federal agencies and pharmaceutical companies are getting closer and closer to vaccine approval. But when will a COVID-19 vaccine be widely available? And what exactly are the symptoms that you...
About 34 million Americans have diabetes. Diabetes is a term used to describe several different metabolic conditions that affect your body’s ability to use glucose for energy, but the two most common are type 1 and type 1 diabetes. Your body relies on insulin, a hormone created in the pancreas,...
In this day and age when every doctor seems to specialize in a narrow field, your primary care provider (PCP) is the equivalent of your utility player in baseball — able to handle a wide range of responsibilities. At Medical Associates of North Texas in Fort Worth, our expert team...
Facts and information about the coronavirus pandemic are constantly changing. Visit the CDC site for the most up-to-date information during the COVID-19 outbreak. Know how it spreads There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to...