Questions to Ask at Your Next Check-Up

Your annual check-up is an important part of maintaining overall health and well-being.  Many patients, particularly those who are generally healthy, may see their primary care provider only once per year.  The annual check-up is your chance to have a face-to-face and get answers to those nagging health questions you’ve been wondering about all year.  To make sure that you’re getting the most out of your appointment, it makes sense to do a little preparation before the check-up. Here, a list of questions that I recommend asking at your next appointment.

Ask About Your Family History

If your family members have been diagnosed with certain conditions, such as breast cancer or diabetes, you may be more likely to be diagnosed with these as well.  Share your family history at your appointment, and ask how it might impact your personal health.

Ask About Any Unusual Symptoms You’ve Been Experiencing

Not every medical condition is apparent on a physical exam, so make sure to ask about anything unusual that you’ve been experiencing, such as fatigue, weight changes, or other symptoms.

Ask About Any Screening Tests or Treatments that are Recommended

As an equal partner in your own health, it’s important to understand why certain screening tests, medications, or other tests are being recommended for you.  Be sure to ask if there’s anything you’re wondering about or don’t understand.

Ask About Your Lifestyle

Many chronic diseases can be prevented with healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating well, not smoking, and getting enough exercise.  Be honest when sharing your lifestyle choices, so that your healthcare provider can properly evaluate your health risks and make appropriate recommendations for healthier options, if needed.

Ask About Your Medications

Some medications can have interactions when taken together, so it’s important to let your healthcare provider know about any and all medications you’re taking—including those prescribed by other doctors, as well as any supplements or other over-the-counter medications.  If there’s anything you’re not sure regarding your medications (dosing, side effects, whether you still need to be taking it), now is the time to ask.

Ask About Your Next Appointment

You may need to have a follow-up appointment before your next annual check-up, or you may need to schedule an appointment for additional testing or to see a specialist.  Make sure that you have a clear timeline before you leave the office.

Remember, communication is key when it comes to your health.  My office is a judgment-free zone, so don’t be afraid to speak up and ask if you have any questions.  That’s what I’m here for. You can call my office at 310-360-6807 to schedule your check-up. You can also book an appointment online by clicking below.

IBS Treatment Options

Irritable bowel syndrome — or “IBS” — is a very common disorder and one of the conditions that I see most often in my practice. In fact, researchers believe that about 55 million Americans suffer from IBS.  However, just because IBS is common doesn’t mean that it’s easy to treat.

IBS is actually a very individualized illness, so symptoms can vary widely among patients.  For example, some patients with IBS deal with chronic constipation, while others tend towards diarrhea.  Similarly, treatments that work well for one patient might have no effect (or even make symptoms worse) for someone else.  That’s why important to work with a healthcare professional, rather than trying to manage IBS symptoms on your own.

I prefer to use a patient-centered approach when treating IBS, which means that I work with each patient to formulate a unique treatment plan that addresses your individual symptoms and needs.  However, there are several broad categories of treatments that we can choose from:

Diet and Lifestyle Changes

Dietary changes are often the first-line treatment strategy for IBS symptoms.  This may include keeping a food diary to identify any problematic foods that exacerbate symptoms, meeting with a professional dietician, or restricting certain foods like gluten or dairy.  Additionally, there are diets that have been developed specifically for people with IBS, such as the low FODMAP diet. Other lifestyle modifications, such as increasing exercise and practicing stress management techniques, can also be helpful.

Rifaximin

While researchers still don’t know what causes IBS, one theory is that the disorder is related to an overgrowth of bacteria in the intestines.  An antibiotic called rifaximin has been used to treat IBS, with patients often reporting a reduction in bloating and other symptoms following treatment.  Rifaximin may work by inhibiting the growth of gut bacteria, particularly in patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS.

Other Medications

Other medications may also be prescribed for IBS, such as antidepressants, antispasmodics, and antidiarrheals.  Medications that treat constipation-predominant IBS include lubiprostone, linaclotide, and various laxatives. Remember that everyone is different, so these medications may not be right for every patient.

Probiotics and Other Supplements

The GI tract normally contains trillions of “good bacteria”, which aid in digestion and provide many other health benefits.  Experts are still doing research in this area, but one theory is that IBS symptoms occur or worsen when the balance of “good bacteria” and “bad bacteria” in the gut becomes unbalanced.  Taking probiotics might be one way to restore balance in the gut and reduce symptoms. There are many different types of probiotics, so you should work with your healthcare provider to choose the right one.  Probiotics may not be recommended for all patients with IBS.

Other supplements may sometimes be used to complement these treatment strategies.  These include digestive enzymes, fiber, and peppermint oil. As always, be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements or other over-the-counter treatments. 

If you need anything, I’m here for you. Book an appointment below and let’s talk.

National HIV Testing Day

“A day to be responsible and involved.”

— Dr. Dale

From National HIV Testing Day  

June 27 is National HIV Testing Day, a day to get the facts, get tested, and get involved!

Around 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV, and one in eight people don't know they have it. Nearly 45,000 people find out they have HIV every year.

HIV testing is the gateway to prevention and care.

• People who test negative have more prevention tools available today than ever before.

• People who test positive can take HIV medicines that can keep them healthy for many years and greatly reduce their chance of passing HIV to others. Learn more about living with HIV.

More than 90% of new HIV infections in the United States could be prevented by testing and diagnosing people living with HIV and making sure they receive early, ongoing treatment.

Find more information about HIV testing, and who should be tested, on CDC's HIV Testing Basics web page.

What Can You Do?

Get the Facts. Learn about HIV, and share this lifesaving information with your family, friends, and community. Tell them about the importance of making HIV testing a part of their regular health routine.

Get Tested. Knowing your HIV status gives you powerful information to help keep you and your partner healthy.

CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. People with certain risk factors should get tested more often. Learn what those risk factors are and how often you should be tested.

To find a testing site near you:

• visit ActAgainstAIDS,

• text your ZIP code to KNOWIT (566948), or

• call 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636).

You can also use a home testing kit available in drugstores or online.

Get Involved. CDC offers many resources to help you raise awareness about HIV testing in your community. Doing It is a new national HIV testing and prevention campaign designed to motivate all adults to get tested for HIV and know their status. Join Doing It on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, share videos of volunteers, community leaders, and celebrities explaining why they're getting tested, and download posters and other materials.