Veritas Family Medicine: Weight Loss Program

Acute illnesses come on quickly and include a cold, the flu, infections, etc. Treatment for acute illness depends on the type of illness and are usually treated utilizing medication such as antibiotics, or rest, such as staying at home and avoiding strenuous exercise. You also may be instructed to make lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet, avoiding certain foods and stopping harmful behaviors such as drug use or smoking. If your acute illness doesn't improve with home treatment or symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend emergency care and refer you to a hospital to receive more intensive treatment. Month acute illnesses can be treated and result in a full recovery within a month.   

 Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes inflammation and the narrowing of the airways, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Effective asthma management aims to control symptoms, prevent exacerbations, and improve quality of life.

Medication: 

-Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS): Reduce inflammation in the airways. 

-Long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs): Relax the airways and improve breathing. 

-Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs): Quick-acting relievers for asthma attacks. 

-Biologic medications: Targeted therapies for severe asthma. 

Environmental Control: 

Identify and avoid triggers, such as dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and smoke. 

-Use an air purifier or HEPA filter. 

-Cover furniture and bedding with dust mite covers. 

Lifestyle Modifications: 

-Exercise regularly (within limitations). 

-Maintain a healthy weight. 

-Get enough sleep. 

-Manage stress.

Birth control, also known as contraception, refers to any method, device, or medication used to prevent pregnancy. It aims to block the fertilization of an egg by sperm, preventing conception. Birth control options include hormonal methods (e.g., pills, patches, injections), barrier methods (e.g., condoms, diaphragms), intrauterine devices (IUDs), and surgical procedures (e.g., tubal ligation, vasectomy). The choice of birth control method depends on individual factors such as health, lifestyle, and desire for future children.  

Blood pressure checks measure the force of blood against the walls of your arteries. This information helps detect and manage high blood pressure (hypertension), a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.  

 Chronic illness management refers to the ongoing care and treatment of long-term health conditions that require continuous monitoring and intervention. Effective management aims to minimize symptoms, prevent complications, and improve the quality of life for individuals with chronic diseases.

 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung diseases that cause airflow obstruction and breathing difficulties. It is diagnosed by reviewing the medical history and conducting a physical exam, as well as a Spirometry test (which measures airflow) and a chest X-ray or CT scan.

Causes:  Smoking is the primary cause of COPD. other risk factors include air pollution, occupational exposure to dust or chemicals, and genetic factors 

Symptoms: 

• Persistent cough with or without mucus production
• Shortness of breath, especially during exertion
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Fatigue 

Treatment:

• Smoking cessation is the most important treatment.
• Medications:
  • Inhalers to open airways and reduce inflammation
  • Oxygen therapy
• Pulmonary rehabilitation: Exercise, education, and lifestyle modifications
• Surgery: In severe cases, lung transplant may be an option 

Depression is a common mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. 

Symptoms: 

• Persistent low mood or sadness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleeping)
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness
• Thoughts of death or suicide 

 Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how the body uses glucose (sugar) for energy. It occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body does not use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose from food enter the cells to be used as fuel. 

Type 1 diabetes: An autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. 

Type 2 diabetes: The most common type, where the body does not use insulin effectively or does not produce enough insulin. 

Gestational diabetes: A type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy.

A general check-up, also known as a physical exam, is a routine health screening that includes an assessment of your overall health. It can include a variety of tests and screenings, such as blood pressure and cholesterol checks, eye exams, and immunizations. 

What's included:

Vital signs: Measuring your blood pressure, breathing rate, pulse, temperature, height, and weight 

Vision: Testing your sharpness of vision from a distance 

Head, eyes, ears, nose, and throat: Examining your head, eyes, ears, nose, and throat 

Skin: Checking your skin for any abnormalities 

Other screenings: Depending on your age and gender, your doctor may recommend additional screenings, such as mammograms, Pap tests, testicular exams, prostate exams, and PSA blood tests 

For ages 19-21, once every 2-3 years

For ages 22-64, once every 1-3 years

Over 65, once a year

 High Cholesterol, also known as hyperlipidemia, is a condition where there are high levels of certain fats (lipids) in the blood. These fats include: 

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): Often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, LDL builds up in the arteries and forms plaque, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. 

High-density lipoprotein (HDL): Known as "good" cholesterol, HDL helps remove LDL from the arteries. 

Triglycerides: Another type of fat that can contribute to high cholesterol.

High cholesterol is typically diagnosed through a blood test called a lipid panel. This test measures the levels of LDL, HDL, and triglycerides in the blood. 

Causes: Genetics, lifestyle, such as a diet high in saturated and trans fats, lack of physical activity, and smoking, can increase cholesterol levels also, certain conditions, such as hypothyroidism, kidney disease, and liver disease, can also contribute to high cholesterol. 

 Hyperthyroidism: an overactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This speeds up the body's metabolism, which can lead to many symptoms. 

Symptoms include: Rapid or irregular heartbeat, Weight loss, Increased appetite, Anxiety, Sleep problems, Hand tremors, Increased sweating, Itchy skin, Protruding eyes, and Skin blushing or flushing.

Hypothyroidism: an underactive thyroid, is when the thyroid gland doesn't make enough thyroid hormones to meet your body's needs. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck.

Symptoms: Fatigue, Weight gain, Cold intolerance (feeling cold when others aren't), Muscle aches, Constipation, A slower heartbeat than normal, Dry skin and hair, Chipped or peeling nails.

 Immunizations are the process of getting a vaccine to protect against disease. Vaccines work by stimulating the body's immune system to create immunity. In Texas, children must have the required immunizations to enroll in public or private schools. These vaccines include: 

DTaP: Diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (whooping cough)

Polio: Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) or oral polio vaccine (OPV)

HepB: Hepatitis B vaccine

Hib: Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine

PCV: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine

MMR: Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines combined

Varicella: Chickenpox vaccine

HepA: Hepatitis A vaccine

How immunizations work 

- Vaccines are the most effective way to protect against serious illness.

- Vaccines reduce the risk of getting a disease.

- Vaccines help people live longer, healthier lives.

- Vaccines are critical to preventing and controlling infectious disease outbreaks.

 An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, inflammation, and sometimes infection. Surgical removal may be necessary in severe cases. 

Procedure:

1. Local anesthesia: The toe is numbed with a local anesthetic. 

2. Removal of the ingrown portion: The surgeon carefully cuts away the portion of the toenail that is ingrown. 

3. Destruction of the nail bed: To prevent regrowth, the nail bed may be destroyed with a chemical (phenol) or laser. 

4. Closure: The wound may be closed with stitches or a bandage. 

Types of Surgery: 

Partial nail avulsion: Removal of only the ingrown portion of the nail.

Complete nail avulsion: Removal of the entire toenail.

Matrixectomy: Destruction of the nail bed to prevent regrowth.

 Joint injections involve injecting medication directly into a joint to relieve pain, inflammation and improve function.

How it works 

- A small amount of anesthetic is injected to provide immediate pain relief

- The corticosteroid begins to reduce inflammation and pain levels 2–3 days after the injection

- The corticosteroid can provide relief for 3–6 months

 Laceration repair involves closing a cut or tear in the skin. It aims to minimize scarring, infection, and pain.  Most lacerations heal within 7-14 days, sutures or staples are typically removed after 10-14 days, and the wound may take several months to fully heal. 

Procedure: 

1.   Assessment: The healthcare professional evaluates the depth, location, and extent of the laceration. 

2.   Cleaning: The wound is thoroughly cleaned with soap and water or an antiseptic solution. 

3.   Anesthesia: Local anesthetic may be injected to numb the area. 

4.   Closure: 

• Sutures: For deeper or complex lacerations, sutures are used to close the wound. 
• Tissue adhesives: For smaller lacerations, tissue adhesives (e.g., Steri-Strips) can be applied. 
• Staples: Staples may be used for scalp lacerations. 

5.   Bandaging: The wound is covered with a bandage to protect it from infection. 

6.   Instructions: The patient receives instructions on how to care for the wound, including keeping it clean, avoiding activities that cause tension, and following up for suture or staple removal.

 Minor fractures, also known as incomplete fractures, can be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). You can also take pain medication and wear a splint or cast to keep the bone in place.

First aid 

• Stop any bleeding by applying pressure with a clean cloth or bandage
• Keep the injured area from moving
• Apply ice wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling and pain
• Treat for shock if the person feels faint or is breathing rapidly

RICE method 

• Rest the injured area
• Ice the area for 20 minutes at a time, every 40 minutes
• Compress the area with a wrap to control swelling
• Elevate the injured area above the level of your heart

Pain medication 

• Take over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen
• If prescribed a prescription pain medication, take it as directed

Splint or cast

• A splint or cast can keep the bone in place while it heals 
• Follow your doctor's directions for wearing a splint 

Follow-up care 

• You'll likely need follow-up X-rays to make sure your bones are healing correctly

 Mental health care is a range of services that treat and support people with mental illnesses and impairments. Psychotherapy can be done in person or virtually to help diagnose and treat mental health conditions. Medication can also help treat mental illness with the guidance of a medical professional. We specialize in treating mental health conditions such as ADD, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Migraines, etc. 

 A physical examination is a comprehensive medical assessment that involves a healthcare professional examining the patient's body to detect any signs or symptoms of underlying health conditions. The purpose is to assess overall health and well-being, to screen for potential medical problems, to diagnose existing conditions, to monitor treatment progress, and to promote preventive healthcare.

 A sports physical is an exam that assesses a person's ability to safely play sports. A school physical is an exam that assesses a person's overall health. Most insurance plans cover preventative care, including school and sports physicals. All sports in the state of Texas require a sports physical annually before a child may be eligible to play 

Sports physical 

• Evaluates flexibility, joints, posture, and strength
• Checks blood pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and rhythm
• Checks the ears, nose, throat, heart, lungs, and abdomen
• Measures height and weight
• Reviews medical history
• Checks vision
• Considers medications, prescriptions, and dietary supplements

A medical screening is a test that checks for diseases or conditions before symptoms appear. Screenings can help find problems early on, when they may be easier to treat. Screenings can include blood tests, physical exams, or questionnaires. Screenings can be for conditions such as cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, and sexually transmitted infections. The type of screenings you may need changes as you age. We specialize in breast, colon, and lung screenings, but many other screenings can be performed as necessary  

 A skin biopsy is a medical procedure where a small sample of skin is removed and examined under a microscope to diagnose skin conditions such as skin cancer, infections, and inflammatory diseases. It also determines the cause of a skin rash or lesion 

Procedure:

The area to be biopsied is cleaned and numbed with local anesthetic. Next the doctor uses a sharp instrument, such as a scalpel, punch, or shave, to remove a small sample of skin. Then the sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis. 

Types of Biopsies:

Shave biopsy: Removes a thin layer of skin

Punch biopsy: Removes a small, circular sample of skin

Excisional biopsy: Removes the entire lesion

  A sleep study, also known as polysomnography, is a painless test that measures sleep quality and helps diagnose sleep disorders. It can also help determine if treatments are working. 

How it's done: A technician records brain activity and other body data while you sleep in a sleep lab 

The study measures brain waves, breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels, eye movements, and leg movements 

What it shows 

• How much time you spend in light and deep sleep
• How often you wake up
• If you're getting enough oxygen
• If arm and leg movements disrupt your sleep

 STD screening is a medical exam that checks for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It can include blood tests, urine samples, and swabs of affected areas. 

Who should get tested? 

• Anyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should get tested for HIV at least once
• Sexually active women under 25 should get tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea every year
• Pregnant women should get tested for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C early in pregnancy
• Sexually active men should get tested for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea at least once a year

What STIs are tested for 

• HIV
• Syphilis
• Gonorrhea
• Chlamydia
• Herpes
• Hepatitis B and C
• Trichomoniasis
• HPV (for people assigned female at birth who are over 30)

 Telemedicine is a service that allows you to speak to one of our health care providers LIVE over the phone or video chat. You can send and receive secure messages, ask questions, and receive quality care from the comfort of your own home. This method of health care is preferred by some of our patients as they can, skip the drive and time spent in the waiting room. You are seen at a scheduled time and able to get quality care wherever you are.   

 Flu Vaccine

• Prevents the flu, a contagious respiratory illness that can cause fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue 
• Protects against the most common strains of the flu that are expected to circulate during a flu season 
• Can be given at any time of year 

Pneumonia vaccine 

• Protects against pneumonia, a serious lung infection that can require hospitalization or even death
• Most people only need to get the vaccine once, but people over 65 and some people with certain health conditions may need a second dose

Tdap is a vaccine that protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). It's a combination of three vaccines in a single shot. 

Who gets the Tdap vaccine?

• Children 10 and older
• Pregnant women in their third trimester
• Adults who have already received the vaccine
• Adolescents, as recommended by the CDC

 A men's health check is a series of screenings and tests that can help identify health issues early, such as erectile dysfunction. These can include blood tests, physical exams, and other screenings. A men’s examination may include screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, colorectal cancer, bone density, eye exam, testicular exam, skin cancer screening, EKG for heart health, and or a prostate/ rectal exam if appropriate. 

 A woman's health check is a series of screenings and tests that can help identify health issues early. These can include blood tests, prenatal care, physical exams, and other screenings. A women’s health check may include breast, pelvic exams, pap smears, discussions about contraception, menopause, Urine screens, pregnancy tests, STI screenings, prenatal care to monitor the mothers health and the baby’s development, tests to detect birth defects, fetal heartbeat, uterine and fetal positions, blood draws, diabetic management, eye exams, lung exams, birth control, gynecological exams, etc. 

  Weight management healthcare includes a variety of services, including lifestyle changes, medication, and counseling, that can help people lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. We have started a new program to help patients manage their weight and see real and effective results under the program. Contact our Denton office for more information, Call (940) 383-3444