October 2019 - Elite Care Family Medicine

Lupus is an autoimmune disease affecting nearly 1.5 million Americans each year. It occurs when the immune system attacks its body’s own organs. Anyone can develop lupus although some people are born with a tendency to develop the disease which can be triggered by infection, some drugs, and even sunlight.  There is no cure for lupus, but treatment is available to help control symptoms. It’s best to start treatment at the first sign of lupus. But, what is the...

What is Osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a disease that decreases bone density and the overall quality of the bone. This disease most often affects the hip, spine, and wrist bones causing them to easily break. You have a greater risk of developing osteoporosis if you: Are a female of Caucasian or Asian descentHave a family history of the diseaseAre small and thinAre getting olderHave low bone densityAre taking certain medications How do I know if I have...

sick toddler girl with handkerchief at the home Cold and flu season is here and with it comes a number of cold and flu-like illnesses, including respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. For most, RSV causes mild cold-like symptoms, but for infants, toddlers, and older adults, RSV can be deadly. People with chronic lung or heart problems, as well as those with compromised immune systems, are also at risk for severe illness.  If you have someone in your home or family...

October 10 is World Mental Health Day and National Depression Screening Day. Today, we know more about mental health and its conditions than ever before. But, we still have some progress to make when it comes to acceptance and awareness of mental health illnesses, including self-awareness and acceptance of our own state of health.  Many people simply don’t understand what it’s like to live with a mental health illness, and others who do live with a mental...