The difficulty concentrating and the feeling of dread, irritability or restlessness that come with anxiety can make it difficult to notice some of the physical symptoms of anxiety. Some level of anxiety is normal and a natural reaction embedded in our bodies. For instance, in a dangerous situation, our bodies respond by releasing hormones that…
You need a primary care physician and a gynecologist, because while each can address a broad range of issues, each has specialized experience to make sure you get the right care when you need it. Both can perform basic health assessments, write prescriptions, and provide flu shots or other immunizations. Most insurance plans cover an…
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a disease caused by bacteria carried by ticks. The bacteria spreads to humans through a bite from a tick. What kind of tick causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever? Ticks in Kentucky include wood ticks and dog ticks. Lyme disease is spread by deer ticks, but is fairly uncommon in…
COVID-19 and the seasonal flu have some of the same signs and can range from no symptoms to severe illness. Both infections can cause: Fever or chills Cough Difficulty breathing Fatigue Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose Body aches Headache Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults) One frequent symptom of COVID-19 that…
Mpox rash symptoms include pimples or blisters that can be painful or itchy and often are located on or near the genitals or anus, according to health care providers. In addition to the groin area, a monkey pox rash can break out on the hands, feet, chest, face or mouth. If you are concerned about…
Most people get sunburns. That painful tightness and red skin causes discomfort with every movement. Have you ever blistered from sunburn, or wondered if you have sun poisoning and need to seek medical treatment? Melody Presley, APRN, nurse practitioner with Norton Community Medical Associates – Taylorsville, answers a few questions regarding sunburns and when to seek…
The flu shot’s effectiveness this year — or any year — is not 100%. But getting the shot, along with practicing good hand hygiene and taking precautions when caring for someone sick with the flu, will improve your chances of staying healthy this season. Scientists who devise the flu shot each year have to predict…
Dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke can catch you off guard and be life threatening during the high temperatures and humidity of summer in Louisville and Southern Indiana. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in the United States, over 9,000 high school athletes are treated for heat illnesses each year. Many…
Maybe you know the drill. The temperature rises and so do your hopes as spring seems to have finally arrived. Then it starts: the sneezing, the itchy eyes, the dry cough and sore throat. Now you remember why spring is your least favorite season. Louisville consistently is ranked one of the worst cities for seasonal…
Kentucky and Indiana face many challenges when it comes to the health of their residents. They rank among the worst states for obesity and physical inactivity, health outcomes such as diabetes, and cancer and heart disease deaths. Many of these diseases affect African Americans at higher rates. Giavonne D. Rondo-Hillman, M.D., internal medicine physician with…