Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, there’s been an uptick in depression, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In fact, both new diagnoses of depression and prescriptions for antidepressant medications rose over the last year and many existing anxiety and depression cases worsened.

Almost half of all Americans have high blood pressure, a condition that can affect blood flow and damage blood vessels in the brain, raising the risk for brain injury, cognitive impairment and dementia. In fact, a recent clinical trial determined treating blood pressure reduced mild cognitive impairment by as much as 19 percent, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Interest in functional medicine is on the upswing; in fact, it’s a wellness trend of the 2020s. But what is functional nutrition? And how can it help you?

Join us for a lively event discussion on how to successfully get to a healthy weight and how to maintain it.

Please bring a friend and RSVP, as space is limited. We will have light refreshments and door prizes.

If you are NOT fully vaccinated, please bring and wear your mask and practice social distancing. 

RSVP by calling the office at 706-842-4210

Where: Wallace House @ Augusta Country Club, 655 Milledge Rd, Wallace House, Augusta

When: Thursday, August 26, 6:00 PM

Medicare coverage for telemedicine visits is relatively new. Traditionally Medicare has paid for such visits in a limited way. But the coronavirus, or COVID-19 pandemic, has changed all of that. Why? Many primary care physicians are using telemedicine appointments in lieu of traditional in-office visits to keep patients, doctors and their staffs safe during this time. This has been valuable to patients 65 and older who are considered to be at higher risk, especially if they have an underlying condition such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), heart disease or diabetes.

Many patients wonder when they have a problem whether they should go straight to a specialist or a primary care physician. For example, if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, should you seek out a cardiologist? What about type 2 diabetes—do you need to see an endocrinologist? 

Are You Hungry All the Time? You May have Low Blood Sugar

You’re trying to lose weight. But despite your best efforts, it’s not working. One problem is that you’re hungry most of the time, even shortly after eating a meal. Ignoring hunger will make you feel miserable, while giving in can add hundreds of extra calories. You’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. And of course, you’re probably wondering: Why am I hungry all the time?

Blood Pressure Diet Credited with Reducing Heart Injury and Strain

High blood pressure is a major problem in the United States. In fact, close to half of all Americans have it. And while the condition is one of the leading predictors of cardiovascular disease – the leading cause of death in the U.S. – it also contributes to kidney problems, vision conditions and sexual dysfunction.

Study Suggests New Prostate Cancer screening Is More Accurate than PSAs

For the last 25 years, doctors have used the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test along with digital rectal exams (DRE) to screen for prostate cancer. This approach, to say the least, has been controversial. 

Vaccinated & Unvaccinated Travel 

If you are fully vaccinated during the pandemic it is both safer and more convenient to travel. Still, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you self-monitor for symptoms and wear a mask and socially distance while traveling, especially on public transportation (where it’s required) and in crowded areas. Even if you’re vaccinated, you can still catch and spread COVID.