Health Topics
In-depth information on common health concerns, treatments, and prevention.
Cholesterol, Heart Disease & Statins
Measuring cholesterol is our best indicator for preventing heart disease. We use traditional LDL testing, plus Lipoprotein A and Apolipoprotein B for more detailed understanding, along with CT Calcium score to directly evaluate artery damage.
Family History
Genetics plays the largest role in high cholesterol. Diet and exercise help, but if your family has heart disease and high cholesterol, chances are high the children will too. In short, it's okay to have avocados and eggs in your diet.
About Statins
Statins are excellent drugs (like Lipitor & Crestor). Lower LDL directly correlates with lower heart attacks and strokes. They're also anti-inflammatory on arteries and help reduce aneurysm risks. Even low doses are helpful. Beware those criticizing statins to sell their own supplements.
Alternatives
Diet and exercise alone are rarely sufficient to lower high LDL. Zetia (Ezetimibe) is a good additional medication for those with side effects from other medications.
Red Yeast Rice
Supplement advertisers push this as an alternative to statins — and it actually helps. The reason it works is RYR actually contains a statin. It's the SAME thing but at a lower dose and not as effective.
Recommended Video:
Peter Attia: Deep Dive on Statins
An excellent summary of statins, side effects, and the best alternatives. Dr. Attia MD explains the controversies.
What High Blood Pressure Really Is (and Why It Matters)
High blood pressure (hypertension) is often called the "silent killer" because it usually has no symptoms but can lead to serious health problems like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
What's Normal?
Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg. Elevated is 120-129/<80, Stage 1 hypertension is 130-139/80-89, and Stage 2 is 140+/90+. We work with you to find your ideal target based on your health history.
Why It Matters
Uncontrolled high blood pressure damages blood vessel walls over time. This leads to hardening of arteries, heart strain, kidney damage, vision problems, and significantly increases stroke risk.
Lifestyle Changes
Reducing sodium intake, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and managing stress can all help lower blood pressure — sometimes enough to avoid medication.
When Medication Helps
When lifestyle changes aren't enough, medications are very effective. There are many types (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, diuretics), and we find the right fit for your body and lifestyle.
How Diabetes Works & Ways We Treat It
Diabetes occurs when your body can't properly use or produce insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. Understanding the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 helps guide treatment.
Type 1 vs Type 2
Type 1 is an autoimmune condition where the body doesn't produce insulin. Type 2 (more common) occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough. Both require monitoring and treatment.
Why Blood Sugar Matters
Consistently high blood sugar damages blood vessels and nerves over time. This can lead to heart disease, kidney problems, vision loss, nerve pain, and slow-healing wounds.
Lifestyle Treatment
For Type 2 diabetes, diet changes (reducing carbs and sugars), regular exercise, and weight loss can dramatically improve blood sugar control — sometimes enough to reduce or eliminate medications.
Medications
Metformin remains a first-line treatment for Type 2. Newer medications like GLP-1 agonists help with blood sugar AND weight loss. We tailor your treatment plan based on your specific situation.
When is a Cough More Than a Cold?
Most coughs are caused by viral infections and resolve on their own. But sometimes a cough signals something more serious that needs attention.
Why We Don't Always Prescribe Antibiotics
We take no pleasure in frustrating patients or parents. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections — not viral ones. 95% of upper respiratory colds, including bronchitis, are viral. Some are allergies or caused by chemicals (smoke or vaping). The best approach is to treat symptoms.
Normal Cold Cough
- • Lasts 7-10 days (sometimes up to 3 weeks)
- • Accompanied by runny nose, sneezing
- • Gradually improves over time
- • Low-grade or no fever
When to Call Us
- • Cough lasting more than 3 weeks
- • High fever (over 103°F) or fever returning after improvement
- • Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- • Coughing up blood or thick green/brown mucus
- • Chest pain when coughing
Sore Throat & Strep — What's the Difference?
Most sore throats are caused by viruses (like the common cold) and don't need antibiotics. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that does require treatment.
Viral Sore Throat Signs
- • Usually comes with cold symptoms (runny nose, cough, sneezing)
- • Gradual onset
- • May have hoarse voice
- • Low or no fever
- • Gets better on its own in 5-7 days
Strep Throat Signs
- • Sudden, severe sore throat
- • Fever over 101°F
- • Painful swallowing
- • Swollen, tender neck lymph nodes
- • White patches or red spots on tonsils
- • NO cough or runny nose (key difference!)
The Quick Test
We use a rapid strep test that gives results in minutes. If positive, antibiotics (usually penicillin or amoxicillin) are prescribed to prevent complications and reduce contagiousness. If negative, we focus on symptom relief.
Ear Infection Signs & Care
Ear infections are common, especially in children. Understanding the type of ear infection helps determine the best treatment approach.
Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media)
Most common in children. Fluid builds up behind the eardrum, often after a cold.
- • Ear pain (children may tug at ears)
- • Fever
- • Fussiness, trouble sleeping
- • Trouble hearing
Outer Ear Infection (Swimmer's Ear)
Infection of the ear canal, often from water exposure or scratching.
- • Pain when touching or pulling the ear
- • Itching in the ear canal
- • Drainage from the ear
- • Redness and swelling
Treatment Approach
Not all ear infections need antibiotics. Many middle ear infections in children over 2 can be managed with pain relief and observation for 48-72 hours. We'll examine the ear and recommend the best approach for your situation.
Sinus & Cold vs Allergies — How to Tell
The symptoms can overlap, making it tricky to know what you're dealing with. Here's how to tell the difference:
Cold
- • Lasts 7-10 days
- • Body aches, fatigue
- • Low-grade fever possible
- • Sore throat common
- • Thick, yellow/green mucus
- • Contagious
Allergies
- • Lasts weeks or months
- • Itchy eyes, nose, throat
- • No fever
- • Sneezing fits
- • Clear, watery mucus
- • Not contagious
Sinus Infection
- • Symptoms worsen after 10 days
- • Facial pain/pressure
- • Fever may be present
- • Pain when bending over
- • Thick, discolored mucus
- • May need antibiotics
Key Question: How Long Have You Had Symptoms?
Allergies come and go seasonally or with exposure. Colds follow a predictable pattern and resolve. Sinus infections often start as colds that get worse instead of better. We can help determine what you have and the best treatment.
Fever — What to Do and When to Call the Clinic
Fever is your body's natural response to fighting infection. It's not always something to fear, but knowing when to seek care is important.
What Counts as a Fever?
- Adults: 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Children: 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Infants under 3 months: 100.4°F needs immediate attention
Home Care
- • Rest and stay hydrated
- • Tylenol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen as directed
- • Light clothing and comfortable room temperature
- • Cool compresses if desired
Call Us Right Away If:
- • Infant under 3 months with any fever
- • Fever over 104°F (40°C)
- • Fever lasting more than 3 days
- • Fever returns after being gone for 24+ hours
- • Accompanied by severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, difficulty breathing, or rash
- • Person seems very ill, lethargic, or unresponsive
Top 5 Treatments That Actually Work for Migraines
Migraines are more than just headaches — they can be debilitating. Here are proven treatments that can help prevent and stop migraines:
Triptans
Medications like sumatriptan (Imitrex) are specifically designed to stop migraines. They work best when taken at the first sign of a migraine. Available as pills, nasal sprays, or injections.
Prevention Medications
For frequent migraines, daily medications can reduce how often they occur. Options include beta-blockers (propranolol), antidepressants (amitriptyline), and anti-seizure medications (topiramate).
CGRP Inhibitors (Newer Options)
Medications like Aimovig, Ajovy, and Nurtec are newer treatments that target the CGRP pathway involved in migraines. They can be used for prevention or treatment with fewer side effects than older options.
Trigger Identification
Keeping a headache diary helps identify your triggers. Common triggers include stress, certain foods (aged cheese, alcohol, processed meats), poor sleep, hormonal changes, and weather changes.
Lifestyle Modifications
Regular sleep schedule, staying hydrated, regular exercise, and stress management techniques can significantly reduce migraine frequency for many people.
Weight Loss
The new weight loss drugs are working very well for most people. Ask about our weight loss programs.
About Side Effects
There are few simple solutions in medicine. These medications primarily cause nausea for 10-20% of people when first started — for some it's too much to continue, particularly if starting at a higher dose.
Long-Term Success
Long-term weight loss is most successful when combined with an exercise plan and better nutrition to avoid repeating the weight gain.
COVID-19
Treatment
Early treatment is best, and our approach depends on timing and symptoms. We may use Budesonide, Dexamethasone, and home oxygen in severe cases. COVID has evolved and our treatment does too — we use the best medical evidence.
Prevention
Vaccinations and prior immunity are the best defense. COVID vaccines turn potentially serious illness into a cold. We recommend vaccines for those at high risk — not necessarily for healthy children or young adults. Vaccines are your personal choice.
Supplements
We Don't Sell Supplements
We do not sell or take commissions (kickbacks) on any supplements or medications. Our recommendations are based solely on your health needs.
Supplements have their place but are not a substitute for healthy nutrition, regular exercise, or medications when needed. We recommend specific supplements for certain conditions.
How to Spot a Good Supplement
- ✓Clearly states the active ingredient and dose
- ✓Is third-party tested
- ✗If it has “proprietary ingredients,” it is likely a scam with false promises
Verify supplements at Operation Supplement Safety (OPSS) →
Have Questions About Your Health?
Members can call, text, or email us anytime.