Village Medical Archives - Page 4 of 5

Five Things You Need to Know About Dietary Supplements

November 10, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Five Things You Need to Know About Dietary Supplements

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Five Things You Need to Know About Dietary Supplements (Episode 64, To Your Health with Dr. Jim Morrow)

Dr. Morrow covers some of the myths about the Covid-19 vaccine and explains why they are not true. He also covers dietary supplements, the ones that work and those that don’t, the potential problems with them, the importance of a good diet and much more. To Your Health is brought to you by Morrow Family Medicine, a Member of Village Medical, which brings the care back to healthcare.

About Morrow Family Medicine, A Member of Village Medical

Morrow Family Medicine, a Member of Village Medical, is an award-winning, state-of-the-art family practice with offices in Cumming and Milton, Georgia. The practice combines healthcare information technology with old-fashioned care to provide the type of care that many are in search of today. Two physicians, three physician assistants and two nurse practitioners are supported by a knowledgeable and friendly staff to make your visit to Morrow Family Medicine, A Member of Village Medical one that will remind you of the way healthcare should be. At Morrow Family Medicine, a Member of Village Medical, we like to say we are “bringing the care back to healthcare!” The practice has been named the “Best of Forsyth” in Family Medicine in all five years of the award, is a three-time consecutive winner of the “Best of North Atlanta” by readers of Appen Media, and the 2019 winner of “Best of Life” in North Fulton County.

Village Medical offers a comprehensive suite of primary care services including preventative care, treatment for illness and injury, and management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and kidney disease. Atlanta-area patients can learn more about the practice here.

Dr. Jim Morrow, Morrow Family Medicine, and Host of To Your Health with Dr. Jim Morrow

Dr. Jim Morrow is the founder and CEO of Morrow Family Medicine. He has been a trailblazer and evangelist in healthcare information technology, was named Physician IT Leader of the Year by HIMSS, a HIMSS Davies Award Winner, the Cumming-Forsyth Chamber of Commerce Steve Bloom Award Winner as Entrepreneur of the Year and he received a Phoenix Award as Community Leader of the Year from the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. He is married to Peggie Morrow and together they founded the Forsyth BYOT Benefit, a charity in Forsyth County to support students in need of technology and devices. They have two Goldendoodles, a gaggle of grandchildren and enjoy life on and around Lake Lanier.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MorrowFamMed/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/7788088/admin/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/toyourhealthMD

The complete show archive of To Your Health with Dr. Jim Morrow addresses a wide range of health and wellness topics and can be found at www.toyourhealthradio.com.

Dr. Morrow’s Show Notes

Covid-19 Vaccine Booster Update- Myths About the Vaccines

· Myth 1: You can delay routine vaccinations until the pandemic is over.

Routine childhood and adult vaccinations are an important part maintaining health.
Vaccines prevent additional disease outbreaks during the pandemic.

· Myth 2: The COVID-19 vaccines were developed too fast to be safe.

The technology used to develop the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines is not new;
- it has been extensively studied and used in cancer research.
- Additionally, mRNA vaccines have been studied for other infections including Zika, Rabies, and CMV.
The other vaccine platform uses a weakened adenovirus, which has been studied extensively for other vaccines.
- The clinical trials for the COVID-19 vaccines were done with the same rigor as all vaccine trials and the results have been reviewed and approved by multiple independent advisory panels.
- The ability for the developers to be more efficient was due to increased collaboration, use of newer technology and funding due to the severity of the pandemic.

· Myth 3: There weren’t enough participants in the clinical trials to say the vaccines are safe.

This is not true.
- The currently authorized COVID-19 vaccines enrolled tens of thousands of participants, many of whom were followed for two months after receiving the second vaccine.
After authorization, the CDC, FDA, and other groups continue actively monitoring for safety concerns.
- There have been a few cases of blood clots plus low platelet counts occurring after the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
- However, these are really rare (15 cases in 8 million doses) so the CDC continues to recommend the vaccine.

· Myth 4: I’ve already had COVID-19, so I don’t need to get the vaccine.

It’s unclear how long a natural infection with COVID-19 provides immunity from the disease.
There are reports of individuals becoming reinfected, even after being ill with COVID-19.
Individuals who have had COVID-19 are encouraged to get vaccinated once they have recovered and symptoms are no longer present.

· Myth 5: The COVID-19 vaccines will alter my DNA.

This is not possible.
- Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines work in the cell’s cytoplasm and never enter the cell nucleus where the DNA, your genetic material, lives.
  - Like all mRNA, it is broken down quickly once it enters the cell and delivers the needed vaccine “message” to the cell’s machinery.
  - The virus spike protein is also rapidly broken down once there is no longer any mRNA.
- The adenovirus platform uses DNA encoding the spike protein which does enter the nucleus.
  - However, it does not alter the cell’s DNA in anyway.

· Myth 6: COVID-19 vaccines will make me infertile.

There is currently no evidence that COVID-19 vaccination causes any problems with pregnancy or getting pregnant.
In addition, there is no evidence that fertility problems result from any other vaccines.

· Myth 7: COVID-19 vaccines were developed to deliver a microchip into my body.

There is not a microchip in the vaccines.
- This rumor started after comments were made about digital vaccine records.
- States maintain electronic immunization records to help people and their physicians know which vaccines they have received.
- There are no electronic components in any of the vaccines.
The mRNA vaccines contain only mRNA, lipids (fat bubble), salts and other stabilizing agents, which are routinely used in other medicines.
The other vaccines contain the non-replicating adenovirus vector and stabilizing agents.

· Myth 8: I don’t need to wear a mask after I’m vaccinated.

The COVID-19 vaccines protect you from getting seriously ill from COVID.
- In July 2021, the CDC recommended masks for vaccinated people in certain areas of the U.S. to prevent the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant.
- The Delta variant is highly contagious because it can replicate to high levels in the airways of infected people.
- This means that vaccinated people may be able to transmit the Delta variant at a similar rate as unvaccinated people.
You may want to wear masks and physical distance indoors and in big crowds to be cautious.
This will also help protect people who can’t get vaccinated, like young children.

· Myth 9: I only need one dose of the vaccine to be protected against COVID-19.

There is not enough data to support changing the recommendations on the COVID-19 vaccine schedule.
You should get two doses of the mRNA vaccines to get the best protection.

· Myth 10: I have to pay for the vaccine.

Anyone living in the U.S. can get the COVID-19 vaccine for free, even if you’re not a citizen or you don’t have health insurance.

Five Things You Need to Know

About Dietary Supplements

The dietary supplement industry is huge, with billions of dollars in sales. Now a new study is suggesting that supplements are mostly useless: in a wide-ranging analysis, researchers from Johns Hopkins University determined that supplements did not increase lifespan or reduce heart disease. On the plus side, the supplements were also found to rarely cause meaningful harm. But supplements may have some unusual downsides.

1. Supplements come in many forms.

· Whether in

o pill,

o powder

o or liquid form,

§ the goal of dietary supplements is often the same:

· to supplement your diet to get enough nutrients and enhance health

· They contain at least one dietary ingredient,

o such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, amino acids or enzymes.

o Some of the most popular supplements come in a multivitamin (which can help you avoid taking a dozen pills each day),

o but they can also be purchased as a standalone supplement.

· The simplest common denominator?

o They’re labeled as dietary supplements.

· Some common dietary supplements include:

o Calcium

o Fish oil

o Echinacea

o Ginseng

o Garlic

o Vitamin D

o St. John’s wort

o Green tea

2. Some supplements are effective,

while others are not

· There’s a reason supplements are so popular: sometimes, they work.

· There is evidence that some supplements can benefit your overall well-being with little to no risk

· Common supplements that may benefit your health include:

o Vitamin B12, which can help keep nerve and blood cells healthy, make DNA and prevent anemia

o Folic acid, which can reduce birth defects when taken by pregnant women

o Vitamin D, which can strengthen bones and assist your immune system

o Calcium, which can promote bone health

o Vitamins C and E, which can prevent cell damage

o Fish oil, which can support heart health

o Vitamin A, which can slow down vision loss from age-related macular degeneration

o Zinc, which can promote skin health and slow down vision loss from age-related macular degeneration

o Melatonin, which can help counteract jet lag and help you sleep

However, despite the amount of research that’s been done on supplements

(since 1999, the National Institutes of Health has spent more than $2.4 billion studying vitamins and minerals),

§ scientific evidence isn’t completely clear.

§ Keep in mind:

· Most studies suggest that multivitamins

o won’t make you live longer,

o won’t slow cognitive decline

o and won’t lower your chances of disease,

§ such as heart disease,

§ cancer

§ or diabetes.

· In fact, it’s illegal for companies to make claims that supplements will treat, diagnose, prevent or cure diseases

· Also, the products you buy in stores or online may be different from those used in studies,

o so studies may be misleading.

3. Supplements aren’t always safe.

· In most cases, multivitamins aren’t likely to pose any health risks.

o Still, it’s important to be cautious when you put anything in your body.

· Supplements may interact

o with other medications you’re taking or pose risks if you have certain medical conditions,

§ such as liver disease, or are going to have surgery.

§ Some supplements also haven’t been tested

· in pregnant women,

· nursing mothers

· or children,

· and you may need to take extra precautions.

· Also, federal regulations for dietary supplements are less strict than prescription drugs.

o Some supplements may contain ingredients not listed on the label,

§ and these ingredients can be unsafe.

§ Certain products are marketed as dietary supplements

· and actually contain prescription drugs within them —

o drugs that are not allowed in dietary supplements.

· Some supplements that may pose risks include:

o Vitamin K,

§ which can reduce the effectiveness of blood thinners

o Gingko,

§ which can increase blood thinning

o St. John’s wort,

§ which can make some drugs, such as antidepressants and birth control, less effective

o Herbal supplements comfrey and kava,

§ which can damage your liver

o Beta-carotene and vitamin A,

§ which can increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers

4. Speak with your healthcare provider

before taking any supplements.

· The most important thing to remember is to be smart when choosing a supplement

o Your first step should be discussing your options with your healthcare provider,

§ since a supplement’s effectiveness and safety may depend on your individual situation and health.

· On top of that,

o keep these simple tips in mind as you choose a supplement:

§ Take supplements as directed according to the label and your healthcare provider’s instructions.

§ Read the label,

· including ingredients,

· drug interactions,

· and percent daily value (% DV).

· Be wary of extreme claims,

o such as “completely safe”

o or “works better than (insert prescription drug).”

· Remember that the term “natural” doesn’t necessarily equal “safe.”

· Keep supplements stored properly and away from children.

· Read about the potential dangers of weight-loss supplements

5. Nothing beats the nutrient power of a healthy diet.

· No matter what your goal is when taking supplements,

o one thing is certain:

§ They aren’t a replacement for a nutrient-dense, healthy diet.

· Supplements are meant to be supplementary

o meaning they enhance benefits already provided by eating a well-rounded diet

· Supplements should never be used in place of real food.

o Don’t underestimate what a nutrient-packed salad can do for you compared to a pill made in a factory.

· Vitamins and minerals are essential to helping your body develop and function as it should.

o While most people get all of what’s recommended by eating healthy,

§ others need a little extra nutrient boost.

§ That’s where supplements come in

· providing you with the support your body needs to stay healthy.

credit to pennmedicine.org

Shingles Vaccine

October 28, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Shingles Vaccine

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Shingles Vaccine – Episode 63, To Your Health with Dr. Jim Morrow

Shingles can be very painful and debilitating–ask anyone who’s had it. On this episode of To Your Health, Dr. Morrow discussed what shingles is and offered details about the shingles vaccine, Shingrex, including its effectiveness. Dr. Morrow also provided an update on Covid vaccine booster shots. To Your Health is brought to you by Morrow Family Medicine, a Member of Village Medical, which brings the care back to healthcare.

About Morrow Family Medicine, A Member of Village Medical

Dr. Jim Morrow, Morrow Family Medicine, and Host of To Your Health with Dr. Jim Morrow

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MorrowFamMed/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/7788088/admin/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/toyourhealthMD

The complete show archive of To Your Health with Dr. Jim Morrow addresses a wide range of health and wellness topics and can be found at www.toyourhealthradio.com.

Dr. Morrow’s Show Notes

Covid-19 Vaccine Booster Update

What is a third dose of the coronavirus vaccine?

A third dose of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna) is identical to the first two doses.
- It can help protect people with weakened immune systems who did not have a strong enough response to the first two doses of one of the mRNA vaccines.
- Such people can get a third dose as soon as 28 days after a second dose.
- The FDA has authorized, and the CDC recommends, that those with certain medical conditions that suppress the immune system get a third dose of the same brand of COVID-19 vaccine that they initially received.

Who can get a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine?

Based on CDC recommendations, third vaccine doses are available now for people who are considered moderately or severely immunosuppressed. These would include those who:

Receive active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood.
Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system.
Have either had a stem cell transplant within the last two years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system.
Were diagnosed with DiGeorge syndrome or Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.
Are diagnosed with HIV and have a high viral load or low CD4 count, or are not currently taking medication to treat HIV.
Are taking drugs such as high-dose steroids or other medications that may cause severe suppression of the immune system.

If you are not sure whether you fit into any of these categories, please contact your medical provider.

When can I get a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine?

People who have an eligible medical condition that causes a suppressed immune system can receive a third dose of either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine as soon as 28 days after the second dose.
Johns Hopkins Medicine is offering a third dose to those who are eligible.

Why is a third shot of a COVID-19 vaccine needed?

The CDC recommends a third dose of the two-shot vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) for people with certain health conditions to help further protect them from getting severely ill or dying due to COVID-19.
- Some people have conditions or take specific medication doses that can cause them to have a decreased immune system.
- Data suggest that two doses of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine may not have a strong enough response in these individuals, and that they may benefit from a third dose.

How do I know if I need a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine?

If you are unsure about whether your health condition or treatment affects your immune system, discuss it with your health care provider, who can help determine if you would benefit from a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
People eligible for Pfizer’s booster include
those 65 and older and those who live in long-term care facilities,
have underlying medical conditions
or are at higher risk of exposure to the virus because of their jobs or institutional settings,
- a group that includes health care workers, teachers and prisoners.

Would a third COVID shot have to be the same brand of vaccine I got originally?

Ideally, yes:
- Your third vaccine dose should be the same type (Pfizer or Moderna) you received when you were first vaccinated.
  - The third shot can be given to you when it has been at least four weeks (28 days) since your second shot, if you are considered immunosuppressed based on the criteria determined by the CDC.

Can I get an additional COVID-19 shot if I received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine?

Data are still emerging as to whether an additional dose is necessary for individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.
- There is no current recommendation for an extra dose for people who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, even if they have a qualifying medical condition.
- Watch for information from the CDC.

www.hopkinsmedicine.org

Herpes Zoster “Shingles” Vaccine

What Everyone Should Know about the Shingles Vaccine (Shingrix)

Shingles vaccination is the only way to protect against shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN),
- the most common complication from shingles.
- CDC recommends that healthy adults 50 years and older get two doses of the shingles vaccine called Shingrix (recombinant zoster vaccine),
  - separated by 2 to 6 months,
  - to prevent shingles and complications from the disease.
  - Your doctor or pharmacist can give you Shingrix as a shot in your upper arm.

Who Should Get Shingrix?

Healthy adults 50 years and older should get two doses of Shingrix, separated by 2 to 6 months.
You should get Shingrix even if in the past you
- had shingles
- received Zostavax*
- are not sure if you had chickenpox
There is no maximum age for getting Shingrix.
If you had shingles in the past,
- you can get Shingrix to help prevent future occurrences of the disease.
- There is no specific length of time that you need to wait after having shingles before you can receive Shingrix,
  - but generally, you should make sure the shingles rash has gone away before getting vaccinated.
- You can get Shingrix whether or not you remember having had chickenpox in the past.
  - Studies show that more than 99% of Americans 40 years and older have had chickenpox,
    - even if they don’t remember having the disease.
    - Chickenpox and shingles are related because they are caused by the same virus (varicella zoster virus).
    - After a person recovers from chickenpox,
      - the virus stays dormant (inactive) in the body.
      - It can reactivate years later and cause shingles.
    - Shingrix is available in doctor’s offices and pharmacies.
    - If you have questions about Shingrix, talk with your healthcare provider.

A shingles vaccine called Zostavax is no longer available for use in the United States, as of November 18, 2020.
- If you had Zostavax in the past, you should still get Shingrix.
  - Talk to your healthcare provider to determine the best time to get Shingrix.

Who Should Not Get Shingrix?

You should not get Shingrix if you:

- have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine or after a dose of Shingrix
- tested negative for immunity to varicella zoster virus.
  - If you test negative, you should get chickenpox vaccine.
- currently have shingles
- currently are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  - Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should wait to get Shingrix.

If you have a minor acute (starts suddenly) illness, such as a cold, you may get Shingrix.
- But if you have a moderate or severe acute illness,
  - you should usually wait until you recover before getting the vaccine.
  - This includes anyone with a temperature of 101.3°F or higher.
- The side effects of the Shingrix are temporary
  - and usually last 2 to 3 days.
  - While you may experience pain for a few days after getting Shingrix,
    - the pain will be less severe than having shingles and complications from the disease.

How Well Does Shingrix Work?

Two doses of Shingrix provides strong protection against shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN),
- the most common complication of shingles.

In adults 50 to 69 years old who got two doses,
- Shingrix was 97% effective in preventing shingles;
- among adults 70 years and older,
  - Shingrix was 91% effective.
In adults 50 to 69 years old who got two doses,
- Shingrix was 91% effective in preventing PHN;
- among adults 70 years and older,
  - Shingrix was 89% effective.

Shingrix protection remained high (more than 85%)
- in people 70 years and older
- throughout the four years following vaccination.
- Since your risk of shingles and PHN increases as you get older,
  - it is important to have strong protection against shingles in your older years.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Shingrix?

Studies show that Shingrix is safe.
- The vaccine helps your body create a strong defense against shingles.
- As a result, you are likely to have temporary side effects from getting the shots.
- The side effects may affect your ability to do normal daily activities for 2 to 3 days.
Most people got a sore arm with mild or moderate pain after getting Shingrix,
- and some also had redness and swelling where they got the shot.
- Some people felt:
  - tired,
  - had muscle pain,
  - a headache,
  - shivering,
  - fever,
  - stomach pain,
  - or nausea.
  - About 1 out of 6 people who got Shingrix experienced side effects that prevented them from doing regular activities.
  - Symptoms went away on their own in about 2 to 3 days.
  - Side effects were more common in younger people.
- You might have a reaction to the first or second dose of Shingrix, or both doses.
  - If you experience side effects, you may choose to take over-the-counter pain medicine such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- If you experience side effects from Shingrix, you should report them to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).
  - Your doctor might file this report,
  - or you can do it yourself by calling 1-800-822-7967.
- If you have any questions about side effects from Shingrix, talk with your doctor.
- The shingles vaccine does not contain thimerosal (a preservative containing mercury).

When Should I See a Doctor Because of the Side Effects I Experience From Shingrix?

In clinical trials, Shingrix was not associated with serious adverse events.
- In fact, serious side effects from vaccines are extremely rare.
- For example,
  - for every 1 million doses of a vaccine given,
  - only one or two people may have a severe allergic reaction.
- Signs of an allergic reaction happen within minutes or hours after vaccination and include:
  - hives,
  - swelling of the face and throat,
  - difficulty breathing,
  - a fast heartbeat,
  - dizziness,
  - or weakness.
  - If you experience these or any other life-threatening symptoms, see a doctor right away.
- Shingrix causes a strong response in your immune system,
  - so it may produce short-term side effects more intense than you are used to from other vaccines.
  - These side effects can be uncomfortable,
    - but they are expected and usually go away on their own in 2 or 3 days.

How Can I Pay For Shingrix?

There are several ways shingles vaccine may be paid for:
Medicare

- Medicare Part D plans cover the shingles vaccine,
- but there may be a cost to you depending on your plan.
- There may be a copay for the vaccine,
- or you may need to pay in full then get reimbursed for a certain amount.
Medicare Part B does not cover the shingles vaccine.
Medicaid
- Medicaid may or may not cover the vaccine.
- Contact your insurer to find out.

· Private health insurance

- Many private health insurance plans will cover the vaccine,
- but there may be a cost to you depending on your plan.
- Contact your insurer to find out.

· Vaccine assistance programs

- Some pharmaceutical companies provide vaccines to eligible adults who cannot afford them.
- You may want to check with the vaccine manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, about Shingrix.
Regardless of the cost, I can assure you that if in the future you were to contract shingles, you would pay three times any amount to have them go away. They are brutal and can be life-altering.

Source: CDC

Medication Errors and How to Avoid Them

October 14, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Medication Errors and How to Avoid Them

00:00 /

Medication Errors and How to Avoid Them – Episode 62, To Your Health with Dr. Jim Morrow

On this edition of To Your Health, Dr. Jim Morrow shared a personal story about medication errors, and how patients can ensure they understand their medications to avoid errors which might cause serious health consequences. Dr. Morrow also provided an update on Covid vaccines and answered commonly asked questions he’s received from patients on boosters. To Your Health is brought to you by Morrow Family Medicine, which brings the care back to healthcare.

About Morrow Family Medicine, A Member of Village Medical

Dr. Jim Morrow, Morrow Family Medicine, and Host of To Your Health with Dr. Jim Morrow

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MorrowFamMed/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/7788088/admin/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/toyourhealthMD

The complete show archive of To Your Health with Dr. Jim Morrow addresses a wide range of health and wellness topics, and can be found at www.toyourhealthradio.com.

Dr. Morrow’s Show Notes

Covid-19Vaccine Booster Update

What is a third dose of the coronavirus vaccine?

• A third dose of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna) is identical to the first two doses.

o It can help protect people with weakened immune systems who did not have a strong enough response to the first two doses of one of the mRNA vaccines.

o Such people can get a third dose as soon as 28 days after a second dose.

o The FDA has authorized, and the CDC recommends, that those with

certain medical conditions that suppress the immune system get a third dose of the same brand of COVID-19 vaccine that they initially received.

Who can get a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine?

Based on CDC recommendations, third vaccine doses are available now for people who are considered moderately or severely immunosuppressed. These would include those who:

Receive active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood.
Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system.
Have either had a stem cell transplant within the last two years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system.
Were diagnosed with DiGeorge syndrome or Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.

Are diagnosed with HIV and have a high viral load or low CD4 count, or are not currently taking medication to treat HIV.
Are taking drugs such as high-dose steroids or other medications that may cause severe suppression of the immune system. If you are not sure whether you fit into any of these categories, please contact your medical provider.
When can I get a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine?

People who have an eligible medical condition that causes a suppressed immune system can receive a third dose of either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine as soon as 28 days after the second dose.
Johns Hopkins Medicine is offering a third dose to those who are eligible. Why is the third shot of a COVID-19 vaccine needed?
The CDC recommends a third dose of the two-shot vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) for people with certain health conditions to help further protect them from getting severely ill or dying due to COVID-19.

o Some people have conditions or take specific medication doses that can cause them to have a decreased immune system.

o Data suggest that two doses of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine may not have a strong enough response in these individuals and that they may benefit from a third dose.

How do I know if I need a third dose of COVID- 19 vaccine?

If you are unsure about whether your health condition or treatment affects your immune system, discuss it with your health care provider, who can help determine if you would benefit from a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
People eligible for Pfizer’s booster include

o those 65 and older and those who live in long-term care facilities,
o have underlying medical conditions
o or are at higher risk of exposure to the virus because of their jobs or institutional settings, or a group that includes health care workers, teachers and prisoners.

Would a third COVID shot have to be the same brand of vaccine I got originally?

Ideally, yes:
o Your third vaccine dose should be the same type (Pfizer or Moderna) you received when you were first vaccinated.
§ The third shot can be given to you when it has been at least four weeks (28 days) since your second shot if you are considered immunosuppressed based on the criteria determined by the CDC. Can I get an additional COVID-19 shot if I received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine?
Data are still emerging as to whether an additional dose is necessary for individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

o There is no current recommendation for an extra dose for people who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, even if they have a qualifying medical condition.

o Watch for information from the CDC. www.hopkinsmedicine.org

Medication Errors

I started using electronic health records on December 18, 1998. At the stroke of midnight, pretty much, we made that change. We did it for financial reasons, not quality reasons. If you had asked me, I would have adamantly told you that I was practicing quality medicine, that I was taking great care of all my patients.

Then in a few months, a report was published: The Institute of Medicine’s report “To Err is Human”. Published in 1999

98,000 deaths are attributable to medication errors every year.
Launched the movement to computerized medical records. It was a slow, laborious process.

Started the move to improve care by sharing records with the entire “care team”. It took years to really start making headway.

Multiple people testified to multiple congressional committees, in and around the Washington DC area.

I had started using electronic records in December 1998, and around 2005 was asked to testify to one such committee.

One of the main points in the report, To Err is Human, was about medication errors. Even to this day, this is a huge problem and people die all too often, or have some bad outcomes all too often, because of changes that doctors make in prescribing and those changes are not accurately relayed to the patient or the caregiver.

Doctors might change things like dosage, drug, instructions as to when and how often they are to be taken.

Pharmacies, especially mail-order pharmacies, will purchase the next cheapest drug equivalent they can on any given day so that when a patient receives a refill, the look and size of the pill or capsule is completely different.

Patients become numb to the fact that medications look different from one fill to the next. Therefore, if a doctor changes a medication or a strength of a current medication, the patient might very well NOT realize that change has been made.

And then drug manufacturers change the way their pills or capsules look because they got a better deal on a blue one versus the brown one they have used for years.

And then my recent experience with medication errors . . .

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

September 24, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

00:00 /

Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Episode 61, To Your Health with Dr. Jim Morrow

On this episode, Dr. Morrow covers Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), its symptoms, and treatments. He also shares a personal story of his wife’s TIA (mini-stroke) experience, which he believes is related to a breakthrough Covid infection. To Your Health is brought to you by Morrow Family Medicine, which brings the care back to healthcare.

About Morrow Family Medicine, A Member of Village Medical

Dr. Jim Morrow, Morrow Family Medicine, and Host of To Your Health with Dr. Jim Morrow

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MorrowFamMed/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/7788088/admin/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/toyourhealthMD

The complete show archive of To Your Health with Dr. Jim Morrow addresses a wide range of health and wellness topics, and can be found at www.toyourhealthradio.com.

Dr. Morrow’s Show Notes

Covid-19 Update

“Check my antibodies” – says nothing about immunity – need a vaccine anyway.

Variants – vaccine works well so far against these new and increasingly important viruses. Previous infection does nothing to prevent infection by these variants.

“The vaccine is not a vaccine, it is gene therapy.”

“I don’t want people to get the vaccine if they live with me because then I can get the virus from them.”

HCQ has been in the news again recently. Some REPORTS, not STUDIES, said that it might help those on a ventilator. So far, All of the SCIENCE says that it does not stop this virus.

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal (GI) disorder. It describes a group of symptoms that affect your large intestine with no known cause. IBS is common and occurs most often in women. People with a family history of IBS are more likely to have it.

Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Common symptoms of IBS include:

Abdominal pain and cramping that usually comes and goes, with relief after a bowel movement
Bloating and gas
Constipation and/or diarrhea
Feeling like you need to have a second bowel movement right after finishing one (often with no results)
Mucus in your stool

IBS symptoms vary for each person. You may have some or all of the symptoms listed above. You may even have normal bowel movements some days. Most people have mild symptoms, but some symptoms may be severe enough to affect your daily life.

What causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

There is no exact cause of IBS. Doctors believe that a mix of problems with your GI tract can lead to IBS. Health problems that are known to cause or worsen IBS include:

A breakdown in how your brain sends signals to your intestines
Trouble processing food through your GI tract
Abnormal nerves in your GI tract that are more sensitive than normal
A bacterial infection in your GI tract
An increase or change in bacteria in your small intestine
Reactions to certain foods or drinks
Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety
Extreme stress

How is Irritable Bowel Syndrome diagnosed?

There aren’t any tests that detect IBS. However, your doctor can look for a pattern in your symptoms. Also, your doctor can order tests to rule out other problems. These tests may include a blood test, a stool test, a colonoscopy, or X-rays of your lower GI tract.
Your doctor will perform an exam of your abdomen. They will check for bloating, pain, tenderness, or unusual sounds. Your doctor will ask you:
If your pain improves or gets worse after a bowel movement
How often you have a bowel movement
What your bowel movements look like
You may be diagnosed with IBS if you’ve had symptoms weekly for 3 months and your symptoms started at least six months ago.

Types of IBS

There are three main types of IBS.

IBS with constipation (IBS-C)

On days with at least one abnormal bowel movement, you have:

Hard or lumpy stools at least 25% of the time
Loose or watery stools less than 25% of the time

IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D)

On days with at least one abnormal bowel movement, you have:

Hard or lumpy stools less than 25% of the time
Loose or watery stools at least 25% of the time

Mixed IBS (IBS-M)

On days with at least one abnormal bowel movement, you have:

Hard or lumpy stools at least 25% of the time
Loose or watery stools at least 25% of the time

Can Irritable Bowel Syndrome be prevented or avoided?

Since there isn’t a single cause for IBS, you can’t prevent or avoid it.

Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The best way to treat IBS is to make lifestyle changes. Treatment is different for everyone. You may need to try several options to find the one that works for you. Your doctor will guide you in which options to try. They may suggest you:

Visit with a dietitian for tips on foods that are easy to digest. You may need to avoid caffeine, dairy, some fruits and vegetables, spicy and fatty foods, and foods made with gluten. Gluten foods include cereal, pasta, and processed foods.

Eat small meals throughout the day.
Increase your fiber a little at a time.
Reduce your stress level.
Get enough sleep.
Exercise regularly.
Try meditation or therapy.
Take medicines. Your doctor will advise you about which ones may work for your type of IBS.

Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS is an ongoing problem. It can subside or flare up, based on your lifestyle. IBS does not require surgery, and it won’t shorten your life. If you have IBS, talk to your doctor about how to manage it. Symptoms often get better with treatment.

Dr. Morrow’s Personal Experience with Breakthrough Covid-19 Infection

August 27, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Dr. Morrow's Personal Experience with Breakthrough Covid-19 Infection

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Dr. Morrow’s Personal Experience with Breakthrough Covid-19 Infection – Episode 60, To Your Health with Dr. Jim Morrow

Dr. Jim Morrow is the guest on his own show as he shares with guest host John Ray his experience with a difficult breakthrough Covid-19 infection. Dr. Morrow recounts the initial symptoms and what led to a “kitchen sink” of treatments which landed him in Northside Forsyth Hospital ICU. You can read Dr. Morrow’s firsthand account in the Forsyth County News. To Your Health is brought to you by Morrow Family Medicine, which brings the care back to healthcare.

About Morrow Family Medicine, A Member of Village Medical

Dr. Jim Morrow, Morrow Family Medicine, and Host of To Your Health with Dr. Jim Morrow

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MorrowFamMed/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/7788088/admin/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/toyourhealthMD

The complete show archive of To Your Health with Dr. Jim Morrow addresses a wide range of health and wellness topics, and can be found at www.toyourhealthradio.com.

What is the Difference Between Stress and Burnout?

June 23, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

What is the Difference Between Stress and Burnout?

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What is the Difference Between Stress and Burnout? (Episode 58, To Your Health with Dr. Jim Morrow)

In this episode, Dr. Jim Morrow addresses the characteristics of stress and burnout, the five stages of burnout, and how to tell the two conditions apart. “To Your Health” is brought to you by Morrow Family Medicine, a member of Village Medical, which brings the care back to healthcare.

About Morrow Family Medicine, A Member of Village Medical

Morrow Family Medicine, a Member of Village Medical, is an award-winning, state-of-the-art family practice with offices in Cumming and Milton, Georgia. The practice combines healthcare information technology with old-fashioned care to provide the type of care that many are in search of today. Two physicians, three physician assistants, and two nurse practitioners are supported by a knowledgeable and friendly staff to make your visit to Morrow Family Medicine, A Member of Village Medical one that will remind you of the way healthcare should be. At Morrow Family Medicine, a Member of Village Medical, we like to say we are “bringing the care back to healthcare!” The practice has been named the “Best of Forsyth” in Family Medicine in all five years of the award, is a three-time consecutive winner of the “Best of North Atlanta” by readers of Appen Media, and the 2019 winner of “Best of Life” in North Fulton County.

Village Medical offers a comprehensive suite of primary care services including preventative care, treatment for illness and injury, and management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and kidney disease. Atlanta-area patients can learn more about the practice here.

Dr. Jim Morrow, Morrow Family Medicine, and Host of “To Your Health with Dr. Jim Morrow”

Dr. Jim Morrow is the founder and CEO of Morrow Family Medicine. He has been a trailblazer and evangelist in the area of healthcare information technology, was named Physician IT Leader of the Year by HIMSS, a HIMSS Davies Award Winner, the Cumming-Forsyth Chamber of Commerce Steve Bloom Award Winner as Entrepreneur of the Year and he received a Phoenix Award as Community Leader of the Year from the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. He is married to Peggie Morrow and together they founded the Forsyth BYOT Benefit, a charity in Forsyth County to support students in need of technology and devices. They have two Goldendoodles, a gaggle of grandchildren and enjoy life on and around Lake Lanier.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MorrowFamMed/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/7788088/admin/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/toyourhealthMD

The complete show archive of “To Your Health with Dr. Jim Morrow” addresses a wide range of health and wellness topics, and can be found at www.toyourhealthradio.com

Dr. Morrow’s Show Notes

Covid-19 Update

“Check my antibodies” – says nothing about immunity – need a vaccine anyway

Variants – vaccine works well so far against these new and increasingly important viruses. Previous infection does nothing to prevent infection by these variants.

“The vaccine is not a vaccine, it is gene therapy.”

“I don’t want people to get the vaccine if they live with me because then I can get the virus from them.”

HCQ has been in the news again recently. Some REPORTS, not STUDIES, said that it might help those on a ventilator. So far, All of the SCIENCE says that it does not stop this virus.

What is The Difference Between Stress and Burnout?

Stress
- It is characterized by over engagement
- The person’s emotions are overreactive
- It gives one a feeling of urgency and hyperactivity
- It leads to loss of energy
- It leads to anxiety disorders
- Its primary damage is physical

Burnout
- It is characterized by disengagement
- Blunted emotions
- Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
- It makes one lose motivation, ideals, and hope
- It leads to detachment and depression
- Its primary damage is emotional
Burnout may be as a result of excessive stress but they do not mean the same thing.
Burnout is a cycle of
- negative emotions,
- paralysis
- and withdrawal.
- It is the body’s response to putting too much effort into something without taking in what you require to restore yourself.
- It is mental, emotional and physical exhaustion that leads to diminished interest in performing tasks.
Physical symptoms of burnout include
- having low energy,
- headaches,
- muscle tension,
- digestive disorders,
- frequent colds and changes in one’s sleep patterns.
  - Its mental symptoms include
    - feeling sad,
    - inadequate,
    - frustrated,
    - unappreciated
    - and irritable.
    - These symptoms can result in
      - withdrawal,
      - accidents,
      - increased sick days and crying.
      - Increased consumption of food or alcohol
Stress, on the other hand,
involves too many pressures that demand too much from you either physically or psychologically.
- Stressed people though can still see a light at the end of the tunnel,
  - they just often can’t figure a way to get to it.
Stress is just a day-to-day experience
but burnout is a more serious consequence of the build-up of too much stress which causes the individual person to shut down.
If stress persists on a full scale for a long period of time, there are increased risks of burnout.
Although stress is an essential prerequisite for burnout,
- burnout is not necessarily the result of too much stress.
- For burnouts to occur there must be an additional psychological factor.
People who are stressed can often still function
and do all that the tasks or jobs required of them.
This is due to the fact that different people can bear different levels of stress for different lengths of time.
- This is quite a contrast to people experiencing a burnout.
- Burnout usually leads to a total shutdown of all systems in the body
  - and it causes a person to become completely nonfunctional.
  - Burnout causes people to experience long-term exhaustion

and diminished interest in life as a whole.

What are the Stages of Burnout?

Stage 1 – Honeymoon

marked by
- high job satisfaction,
- commitment,
- energy,
- and creativity,
  - the key issue is what coping strategies you begin to develop when facing the inevitable stresses of the job.
  - In theory, if the patterns of coping are positive, adaptive, then you will remain in the honeymoon stage indefinitely.
  - But few persons do.

Stage 2 – Balancing Act

as opposed to the unbridled optimism and positiveness of Stage 1,
- you now are clearly aware that some days are better than others as far as handling stress on the job.

An awareness of a noticeable increase in the following is indicative of Stage 2:
- job dissatisfaction
- work inefficiency, including avoiding making necessary decisions,
- “losing” stuff at work (even on your desk!), etc.
- fatigue (a general fatigue, often accompanied by deep muscle fatigue)
- sleep disturbances (often that you are so “busy” in your head that you can’t get to sleep)
- escapist activities of choice (including eating, drinking, smoking, zoning out in front of the TV, etc.)

Stage 3 – Chronic Symptoms

marked by an intensification of some of the same indicators cited in Stage 2, including
- chronic exhaustion
- physical illness (remember that stress is a risk factor in many diseases)
- anger
- depression

Stage 4 – Crisis

the symptoms become critical
- physical symptoms intensify and/or increase in number
- obsessing about work frustrations increases
- pessimism and self-doubt dominate your thinking
- you develop an “escapist mentality”

Stage 5 – Enmeshment

The symptoms of burnout are so embedded in your life that you are more likely to be labeled as having some significant physical or emotional problem than you are to be called a burnout case.

Source: Psychology Today

Dr. Clive Fields, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer, Village Medical

June 2, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Dr. Clive Fields, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer, Village Medical

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Dr. Clive Fields, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer, Village Medical (Episode 57, To Your Health with Dr. Jim Morrow)

Dr. Clive Fields, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Village Medical, joined Dr. Morrow to discuss the Village Medical model of care which utilizes state of the art technology, providing the best care for patients and keeping them well and out of the hospital. “To Your Health” is brought to you by Morrow Family Medicine, a Member of Village Medical, which brings the care back to healthcare.

Village Medical

Village Medical believes healthcare should be personal, accessible, and coordinated.

At Village Medical, the patient’s relationship with their primary care provider is the foundation to their health. Their doctors and staff partner with patients to understand their needs, and work together to focus not just on treatment, but also education and preventative care.

We combine the tools, technology, and people needed to help create healthier, happier patients. More connected care means more complete care.

With Village Medical at Home, they provide at-home visits designed to give eligible patients the attention they need, in a way that’s best for them and their caregivers.

At Village Medical, the future of healthcare is more personal than ever.

Company website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Clive Fields, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer, VillageMD

Dr. Fields is the co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of VillageMD. He has been a practicing primary care physician in the Houston area since 1991.

Dr. Fields has been recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the country’s 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives and has received the American Academy of Family Practice’s Robert Graham Award for Physician Executive of the Year.

Dr. Fields oversees the clinical model at VillageMD.

About Morrow Family Medicine, A Member of Village Medical

Dr. Jim Morrow, Morrow Family Medicine, and Host of “To Your Health with Dr. Jim Morrow”

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MorrowFamMed/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/7788088/admin/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/toyourhealthMD

The complete show archive of “To Your Health with Dr. Jim Morrow” addresses a wide range of health and wellness topics, and can be found at www.toyourhealthradio.com.

Revisiting Skin Cancer

May 12, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Revisiting Skin Cancer

00:00 /

Revisiting Skin Cancer (Episode 56, To Your Health with Dr. Jim Morrow)

As the summer months approach, Dr. Jim Morrow revisited the topic of skin cancer, including visible signs in bumps and moles which should prompt a checkup by dermatologist, the dangers of tanning beds and sunlamps, and much more. He also answered listener-submitted questions. “To Your Health” is brought to you by Morrow Family Medicine, which brings the care back to healthcare.

About Morrow Family Medicine, A Member of Village Medical

Morrow Family Medicine, a Member of Village Medical, is an award-winning, state-of-the-art family practice with offices in Cumming and Milton, Georgia. The practice combines healthcare information technology with old-fashioned care to provide the type of care that many are in search of today. Two physicians, three physician assistants, and two nurse practitioners are supported by a knowledgeable and friendly staff to make your visit to Morrow Family Medicine, A Member of Village Medical one that will remind you of the way healthcare should be. At Morrow Family Medicine, a Member of Village Medical, we like to say we are “bringing the care back to healthcare!” The practice has been named the “Best of Forsyth” in Family Medicine in all five years of the award, is a three-time consecutive winner of the “Best of North Atlanta” by readers of Appen Media, and the 2019 winner of “Best of Life” in North Fulton County.

Village Medical offers a comprehensive suite of primary care services including preventative care, treatment for illness and injury, and management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and kidney disease. Atlanta-area patients can learn more about the practice here.

Dr. Jim Morrow, Morrow Family Medicine, and Host of “To Your Health with Dr. Jim Morrow”

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MorrowFamMed/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/7788088/admin/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/toyourhealthMD

The complete show archive of “To Your Health with Dr. Jim Morrow” addresses a wide range of health and wellness topics, and can be found at www.toyourhealthradio.com.

Dr. Morrow’s Show Notes

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.
- Almost all skin cancers are the result of too much exposure to ultraviolet light.
  - This is found in sunlight,
  - tanning booths,
  - and sunlamps.
  - Skin cancer is usually one of the most curable types of cancer.
- Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are two of the most common forms of skin cancer.
  - They are very curable.
  - These cancers occur in the basal and squamous cell layers at the top of the skin.
  - They are almost always slow-growing.
    - If found early, they are easy to treat and do not spread.
  - Melanoma is a less common
    - but aggressive form of skin cancer.
    - It occurs in skin cells that make a skin color pigment called melanin.
      - If it is not found early, it will likely spread to other tissues.
        It can spread through the whole body and may cause death.
        Only 2% of skin cancer cases are melanoma.
        But it causes the most deaths from skin cancer.

Symptoms of skin cancer

The main symptom of skin cancer is a new or changing
- bump,
- growth,
- lesion,
- mole,
- or rough patch of skin.
  - Not all skin cancers look alike.
- A normal mole is solid tan, brown, dark brown, or flesh-colored.
  - Its edges are well defined.
  - It’s usually smaller than 1/4 inch in diameter.
  - It has a round or oval shape.
  - It is flat or dome-like.
- The ABCDE rule can help you remember what to look for when you’re checking for moles.
  - If you notice any of these signs, talk to your doctor right away.
- A for asymmetry – Mole is not symmetrical.
  - This means it’s not the same on both sides.
    - If it was folded in half, the two halves wouldn’t match.
  - B for border –
    - Edges of the mole are blurry or jagged.
  - C for color –
    - Changes in the color of a mole.
      - This could be darkening, loss of color, spreading color, or multiple colors.
    - D for diameter –
      - A mole more than ¼ inch in diameter.
    - E for evolving –
      - Mole looks different from others or is changing in shape, size, or color.

Other signs of cancer could include:
A mole that itches or bleeds.
A fast-growing mole.
A scaly or crusted growth on the skin.
A sore that won’t heal.
A patch of skin that has changed color.
Most skin cancers occur on parts of the body that are repeatedly exposed to the sun.
For men, these areas include the
- head,
- neck,
- face,
- tips of the ears,
- hands,
- forearms,
- shoulders,
- back,
- and chests.
For women, they occur most commonly on the back and the lower legs.
Melanomas can be anywhere on your body.
In men, they are most often on the chest, stomach, or back. In women, they are most often on the lower legs.
Moles also can grow in hidden areas of your body.
This include between toes, on your scalp, or under a nail.
- If you notice a mole that has changed,
  - or if you have a new mole that doesn’t look like your other moles, see your family doctor right away.

What causes skin cancer?

Most cases of skin cancer are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

This comes from the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps.

There are 2 types of UV rays:
UVA rays (long-wave) –UVA rays penetrate clouds and glass.
- They penetrate the skin more deeply and damage the basal layer of the skin.
UVB rays (short-wave) –
- UVB rays damage the upper layers of the skin. They are the main cause of tanning and sunburn.

Researchers used to believe that only UVB rays led to cancer.
- But studies have shown that both UVA and UVB damage the skin and can cause cancer.
A tan is the body’s attempt to protect itself from the sun’s harmful rays.
- Even if you don’t burn, being in the sun too often for too long can lead to skin cancer.
Tanning booths are just as dangerous as long periods of sunlight.

Some people are more at risk of developing skin cancer.
- Things that could increase your risk include:
Having fair skin, blonde or red hair, and light-colored eyes.
Long-term sun exposure, such as working outside.
A history of bad sunburns, especially as a child or teenager.
Using indoor tanning beds.
Having a weakened immune system, including having an organ transplant.

Melanoma can occur anywhere on your body.
- This includes places that aren’t exposed to the sun.
- So there could be other factors that can cause it.
- Risk factors for developing melanoma include:
  - Someone in your family has had cancerous moles or a melanoma.
  - You have many moles larger than a pencil eraser.
  - You have more than 50 moles of any size.
  - You got a bad sunburn that caused blisters when you were a child.
  - Your skin usually burns but doesn’t tan.

How is skin cancer diagnosed?

The first step to diagnosing skin cancer is usually through regular self-examination.
- Use a full-length mirror and a handheld mirror to check every inch of your skin.

Learn where your birthmarks, moles, and blemishes are and what they usually look like.
1. Check for anything new, such as a change in the
  1. size,
  2. texture,
  3. or color of a mole,
  4. or a sore that doesn’t heal.
2. Look at the front and back of your body in the mirror.
  1. Raise your arms and look at your left and right sides.
3. Bend your elbows and look carefully at your palms and forearms,
  1. including the undersides, and your upper arms.
4. Check the back and front of your legs.
5. Look between your buttocks and around your genital area.
6. Sit and closely examine your feet,
  1. including the bottoms of your feet and the spaces between your toes.
7. Look at your face, neck, and scalp.
  1. You may want to use a comb or a blow dryer to move hair so you can see better.

By checking yourself regularly, you are familiar with what’s normal for your skin.
- If you find anything unusual, see your family doctor.
  - The earlier skin cancer is found, the better.
- Your doctor will examine your skin.
  - He or she will look at the size, shape, color, and texture of any concerning areas.
  - If you have skin changes that might be skin cancer, your doctor will do a biopsy.
  - During a biopsy, a small piece of your skin is removed and sent to the lab for testing.
    - If skin cancer is diagnosed, you may undergo more tests to see if the cancer cells have spread.
    - These tests could include a CT scan, MRI, or lymph node biopsy.

Can skin cancer be prevented or avoided?

The key to preventing skin cancer is to avoid being in the sun or using sunlamps.
- If you’re going to be in the sun for any length of time,
  - follow safe-sun guidelines.
  - These are ways to protect your skin and reduce your risk of skin cancer.
  - For the best protection, follow all of these guidelines every time you’re outside.

Avoid the sun.
- Avoid being in the sun in the middle of the day, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- The sun is the strongest during these hours.
- That’s when the most damage to your skin occurs.
- Sunburns and suntans are signs that your skin is damaged.
- The more damage, the more likely you are to have complications.
- These include early wrinkles, skin cancer, or other skin problems.
Use sunscreen.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
  - Use it on cloudy days, too.
  - Check the expiration date.
  - Some ingredients break down over time.
  - Use plenty of sunscreen.
    - Rub it in well.
    - Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before you go into the sun.
    - Apply the sunscreen everywhere your skin is exposed.
      - This includes your ears, the back of your neck, and any bald areas on the top of the head.
      - Apply more sunscreen at least every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.

Remember, you’re not completely safe just because you’re wearing sunscreen.
- Sunscreen cannot give you 100% protection against the sun’s harmful UV radiation.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat, protective clothing, and sunglasses.
- If you have to be out in the sun, cover up your skin.
  - A wide-brimmed hat will help protect your face, neck, and ears.
  - A hat with a 6-inch brim all around is the best.
  - Baseball caps don’t protect the back of your neck or the tops of your ears.
- Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants made of tightly woven fabric.
  - If the clothes fit loosely, you will feel cooler.
  - Special sun-protective clothes are available from several companies.
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
- Sun exposure increases your risk of getting cataracts.
  - Choose sunglasses that protect the sides of your eyes and block both UVA and UVB rays.
- Remember that you are exposed to the sun while driving, especially your hands and arms.
  - Clouds and water don’t protect you.
  - UV rays can reach swimmers at least 1 foot below the surface of the water,
    - and 60% to 80% of the sun’s rays go through clouds.
    - The sun’s rays also can reflect off water, snow, white sand, and concrete.

Don’t try to get a tan.
- Don’t use tanning beds or sunlamps.
  - They damage your skin just like natural sunlight does.

Protect your kids.
- Sunburns in childhood are the most damaging.
  - Children younger than 6 months of age should never be outside in direct sunshine.
  - Children 6 months of age or older should wear sunscreen every day.
  - Getting numerous bad sunburns as a child increases your risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
- The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) advises talking to children, teens, and young adults, who are 10 to 24 years of age, about the dangers of too much sun exposure.
  - Teach them how to protect themselves and reduce their risk of skin cancer.

Skin cancer treatment

Treatment for skin cancer depends on several factors.
- These include the
  - type of cancer,
  - where it is located,
  - how big it is,
  - how far it has spread,
  - and your general health.
  - Most cases of nonmelanoma cancers can be taken care of with surgical removal of the mole or lesion.
  - Other options include freezing, medicated creams, or laser therapy.
- Treatment for melanoma is more complex.
  - When caught early, the cancerous tissue can be removed with surgery.
    - If it has spread beyond the skin, treatments could include:
      - Radiation – High-energy rays like X-rays shrink or kill the cancerous cells.
      - Chemotherapy – Powerful medicines, in pill form or injected into the veins, shrink or kill the cancer.
      - Biological therapy – Uses substances produced by living organisms. These can be made in the body or in a lab. They are used to boost your immune system to help your body fight the cancer. Some may suppress your immune system. This means you could more easily get sick.
      - Targeted therapy – Uses medicines that are designed to target specific weak spots in cancer cells.

Living with skin cancer

Skin cancer is treatable, especially when caught early.
- Cancerous tissue can be removed with a minor surgical procedure.
  - In many cases, that is all the treatment needed.
  - Future lesions may occur.
  - You will need to continue checking your skin.
  - Call your doctor if you see changes.
- For more advanced cases, living with cancer during treatment can be stressful.
  - Each treatment can have different side effects on your body.
  - Take good care of yourself.
  - Eat a healthy diet, get plenty of sleep, and try to keep your energy up by staying active.
- Even after your cancer goes into remission, you are at higher risk of cancer returning to your body.
  - You will need to get regular follow-up care and check-ups for years after your treatment.

www.familydoctor.org

Matt Foltz, Champion Physical Therapy

April 30, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Matt Foltz, Champion Physical Therapy

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Matt Foltz, Champion Physical Therapy (Episode 55, To Your Health with Dr. Jim Morrow)

Matt Foltz, owner of Champion Physical Therapy, joined Dr. Jim Morrow to discuss his award-winning practice, why patients with back and neck pain make up such a sizable proportion of his business, newer therapies such as needling and cupping therapy, swing assessment for golfers, and much more. “To Your Health” is brought to you by Morrow Family Medicine, which brings the care back to healthcare.

Champion Physical Therapy

Champion Physical Therapy, a locally owned private practice, services the North Atlanta region with two offices in Alpharetta and Cumming.

Injuries and pain can keep individuals from what they enjoy and keep them sidelined in sports and life. Champion Physical Therapy’s mission is to deliver the most up-to-date therapeutic care by highly trained caring physical therapists. They utilize treatments such as dry needling, manual techniques, therapeutic exercises, and advanced devices such as mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy, isokinetics, anodyne therapy, and anti-gravity treadmill.

Champion Physical Therapy will get its patients back in the game, whether they are pro athletes, weekend warriors, or someone who wants to enjoy life again. Live, play, and rehab like a Champion.

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Matt Foltz, CEO, MPT, Champion Physical Therapy

Matt is a native of Roswell, Georgia, and has been practicing physical therapy for over 25 years in the Atlanta/North Metro, specializing in orthopedics and sports medicine.

Matt received his undergraduate degree in Exercise Sports Science from the University of Georgia and his Master of Physical Therapy degree from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He received his Dry Needling Certification in 2011 from the American Dry Needling Association in Boulder Colorado.

During Matt’s 25 years in the field of physical therapy, he has assisted in numerous sports medicine venues including the SEC football championship, SEC basketball championship, ACC basketball championship, SEC gymnastics championship, World Wrestling Entertainment, Peach Bowl, Sarazen PGA tournament and area high school programs. Matt previously served as a vice president of operations of one of the nation’s largest outpatient rehabilitation corporations.

When Matt is not working, he is serving in his community and continually active with his family.

About Morrow Family Medicine, A Member of Village Medical

Morrow Family Medicine, a Member of Village Medical, is an award-winning, state-of-the-art family practice with offices in Cumming and Milton, Georgia. The practice combines healthcare information technology with old-fashioned care to provide the type of care that many are in search of today. Two physicians, three physician assistants, and two nurse practitioners are supported by a knowledgeable and friendly staff to make your visit to Morrow Family Medicine, A Member of Village Medical one that will remind you of the way healthcare should be. At Morrow Family Medicine, a Member of Village Medical, we like to say we are “bringing the care back to healthcare!” The practice has been named the “Best of Forsyth” in Family Medicine in all five years of the award, is a three-time consecutive winner of the “Best of North Atlanta” by readers of Appen Media, and the 2019 winner of “Best of Life” in North Fulton County.

Village Medical offers a comprehensive suite of primary care services including preventative care, treatment for illness and injury, and management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and kidney disease. Atlanta-area patients can learn more about the practice here.

Dr. Jim Morrow, Morrow Family Medicine, and Host of “To Your Health with Dr. Jim Morrow”

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The complete show archive of “To Your Health with Dr. Jim Morrow” addresses a wide range of health and wellness topics, and can be found at www.toyourhealthradio.com.