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Tuesday, 15 July 2014 12:49

Preventing Sports Injuries In Young Athletes

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For young children and teens participation in sports improves coordination and fitness while also encouraging teamwork and self-discipline.

Because children are still growing, participation in sports brings greater risk for injury. An injury incurred while playing sports in the early years of life can have consequences for long term heath consequences far into adulthood.

The key to avoiding injury in young athletes is proper training, physical conditioning and using appropriate equipment for the child's age. Each age group will have differences in strength, coordination and stamina that must be taken into account to avoid injury to muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones.

Coaches and parents are the first line of defense in the prevent of injuries. It is their responsibility to create a healthy environment by putting the learning skills and promoting overall health and fitness ahead of competition and winning.

Tips for Preventing Injury in Young Athletes

  • See your doctor for a sports physical to screen for potential problems
  • Warm up properly before playing
  • Wear appropriate protective equipment
  • Drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated
  • Don't play when overly fatigued or in pain


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Sunday, 15 June 2014 00:00

Menopause – What to Know and What To Expect

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Menopause marks the end of menstrual cycles and is defined as occurring 12 months after your last menstrual period. The average age for menopause is 51, although it can happen as early as the 40s. With the natural end of menstruation a woman's body goes through changes that no longer allow her to get pregnant.

In the time leading up to menopause (perimenopause), you may experience these symptoms:
  • Irregular periods
  • Weight gain
  • Vaginal dryness 
  • Hot flashes 
  • Night sweats 
  • Sleep problems 
  • Mood changes 
  • Thinning hair and dry skin 
Some woman will experience the symptoms of menopause, that include hot flashes, and emotional symptoms. If you experience problems with the symptoms of menopause – such as disruption of sleep, lower energy or anxiety – don't hesitate to talk with your doctor. There are many effective treatments available, from lifestyle adjustments to hormone therapy.

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Thursday, 15 May 2014 00:00

Identifying and Treating ADHD Symptoms in Adults

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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a well-recognized childhood developmental problem. Symptoms include difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. For 60% of children who with ADHD, these symptoms will persist into adulthood. As many as 4% of adults in the U.S. have ADHD. However, very few adults are diagnosed or treated for the disorder.

Adults with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may have difficulty following directions, remembering information, organizing tasks, or completing work within time limits. Without a management plan, adults with ADHD have develop behavioral and emotional problems that can cause problems in social and work environment.

Treating ADHD In Adults

Treating ADHD in adults involves an in-depth patient assessment, treatment planning, medication management and individual therapy. Because ADHD is often associated with other conditions – such as anxiety and mood disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder – an in-depth assessment is the first step in developing a comprehensive, customized treatment plan.


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Tuesday, 15 April 2014 00:00

Understanding the Symptoms of Arthritis

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The onset arthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, often occurs after the age of 40 and progresses gradually.

Arthritis symptoms include the following:
  • Fatigue
  • Joint pain or tenderness
  • Joint swelling
  • Joint redness
  • Joint warmth
  • Stiffness of joints and decreased range of motion
There are two primary types of arthritis, the most common of which is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by wear damage to the joint's cartilage — the friction reducing coating on the ends of bones. Worn cartilage can result in bones grinding against bone, causes pain and limiting movement. This wear and tear can occur over many years, or it can happen more quickly when there is a joint injury or infection.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

With rheumatoid arthritis, the body's immune system attacks the lining of the joint capsule, a membrane that encloses your joints. This lining, known as the synovial membrane, then becomes inflamed and swollen. Rheumatoid arthritis can eventually destroy cartilage and bone within the joint.

Arthritis Risk Factors

Family history - Your genetic history can make you more susceptible to environmental factors that can trigger arthritis.

The risk of most types of arthritis increases with age.

Women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis.

A history of joint injury. A joint that is injured playing sports or in an accident is more likely to develop arthritis.

Being overweight. Excess weight puts stress on joints, particularly the knees, hips and spine.

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Wednesday, 12 March 2014 00:00

Women and Heart Disease, What Every Woman Needs To Know

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One in four women will die of heart disease. In 2004, nearly 60 percent more women died of cardiovascular disease than from all cancers combined. Women of all ages should be cncerned about heart disease, but older women are more likely to devolop cardiovascular disease.

All women should take steps to prevent their risk of heart disease. Here are a few steps to take to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

1. Know your blood pressure.

While there are often no symptoms, over the years high blood pressure can lead to heart disease. An annual physical can detect high blood pressure. High blood pressure can be treated with medications if necessary.

2. Quit smoking.

If you're having trouble quitting, there are products and programs that can help, including: nicotine patches and gums, and support group programs designed to help you stop smoking. Ask your doctor for help.

3. Get screened for diabetes.

Having diabetes raises your chances of getting heart disease. Diabetics with with high blood glucose often have no symptoms, so have your blood glucose checked regularly.

4. Get your cholesterol and triglyceride levels tested.

High blood cholesterol can lead to clogged arteries eventually causing a heart attack. Triglycerides are a form of fat in your blood stream. High levels of triglycerides are associated with heart disease. If your levels are high, talk to your doctor about what you can do to lower them. You may be able to lower your both levels by eating better and exercising more. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to help lower your cholesterol.

5. Maintain a healthy weight.

Being overweight raises your risk for heart disease. Measuring your Body Mass Index (BMI) can help you find out if your are maintaining a healthy weight. Healthy food choices and physical activity are two ways to maintain a healthy weight.

6. Reduce stress.

Excercise, meditation and maintaining social relationships with friends are great ways to lower stress levels.
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Wednesday, 19 February 2014 00:00

Is It An Allergy Or A Cold?

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6 Ways To Tell If Your Child Has Allergies Or A Common Cold.

Symptoms of allergies and colds can be very similar, but there are several ways to tell the difference:

1. Onset of symptoms

Both allergies and colds cause symptoms of sneezing, congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, fatigue, and headaches. However, colds usually cause these symptoms one at a time: first sneezing, then a runny nose, and then congestion. Allergies typically cause these symptoms to occur all at once.

2. Duration of symptoms

Cold symptoms generally last from seven to 10 days. Allergy symptoms continue as long as one is exposed to the allergens and may subside after eliminating allergen exposure.

3. Mucus discharge

Colds often cause yellowish nasal discharge, suggesting an infectious cause. Allergies are more likely to produce clear, watery mucus discharge.

4. Sneezing

Sneezing is a more common allergy symptom, especially when sneezing is repeated several times in a row.

5. Seasonal symptoms

Colds are more common during the winter months. Allergies are more common in the spring through the fall, when pollen levels are highest.

6. Fever

Colds may be accompanied by a fever, but allergies are not usually associated with a fever.
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Tuesday, 14 January 2014 00:00

Frequently Asked Questions About Bone Density Testing

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We reach our peak bone mass during our 20s. By our mid 30s we lose a little more bone mass than we are rebuilding each year. The more bone mass we have in our 20s and early 30s, the less likely we are to develop osteoporosis.

Bone density screenings are designed to help determine if you are at risk for the development of osteoporosis and osteopenia. Early detection is important in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Who Should Undergo Bone Density Testing?

According to National Osteoporosis Foundation, there are several groups of people who can benefit from bone density testing:
  • Postmenopausal women below age 65 with risk factors for osteoporosis
  • Women aged 65 and older
  • Women with medical conditions associated with osteoporosis
  • Men age 70 or older
  • Men ages 50-69 who have risk factors for osteoporosis

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of a Bone Density Test?

Many health insurance companies cover the cost of a bone density test. Medicare covers the cost of screening for patients over age 65 with certain conditions.

How Is a Bone Density Test Performed?

DEXA scanning is a hospital-based evaluation of the density of the lumbar spine and femurs, and is considered to be the “gold standard” of testing. Widespread osteoporosis testing and diagnosis is often limited by high cost and inconvenience.

At Parkway Family Physicians, we use an AccuDEXA portable bone densitometer to evaluate bone density in the hand to screen for overall bone density.  This is a cost-effective, low-radiation alternative to formal DEXA scanning shown to be positively and significantly correlated with hip bone density.  If osteoporosis is suggested, we follow up those results with a recommendation for formal DEXA scanning.

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Tuesday, 17 December 2013 05:05

Maintaining Healthy Bone Density

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Maintaining Healthy Bone Density

It is estimated that over 50 million American adults have low bone density or osteoporosis. One in two women and up to one in four men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. By 2020, half of all Americans over age 50 are expected to have low bone density or osteoporosis.

The health implications of low bone density

Weak bones decrease the ability to do daily activities and broken bones, particularly major breaks such as hip fractures, can cause disability and ongoing pain. Osteoporosis, which means “porous bone,” is a disease that leads to fractures and breaks due to loss of bone mass and strength.

Risk Factors For Osteoporosis

  •  Being over age 50
  •  Being female
  •  Menopause
  •  A family history of osteoporosis
  •  Low body weight/being small and thin
  •  Broken bones or height loss
  •  A diet low in calcium and vitamin D
  •  Not eating enough fruits and vegetables
  •  Consuming too much sodium and caffeine
  •  Having an inactive lifestyle
  •  Smoking
  •  Drinking too much alcohol
  •  Weight loss
  •  Certain medications
Taking steps to improve bone health

Preventing bone loss starts as early as childhood. Children who do not get the recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D while their bones are developing can have bone density problems starting later in adolescence and young adulthood.

Get the recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D in your diet by drinking milk or eating calcium-rich foods such as cheese, yogurt, almonds and broccoli into your diet.

Regular, weight-bearing physical activity is also very important. Running and walking are the best weight bearing activies, swimming and biking are not.

When to see a doctor

Bone density testing is recommended for certain individuals who are at greater risk for osteoperosis:
  • Postmenopausal women under age 65 with risk factors for osteoporosis
  • Men between the age of 50-70 who have risk factors for osteoporosis
  • Women age 65 or older, even without any risk factors, a man age 70 or older, even without any risk factors or a woman or man after age 50 who has broken a bone.
Bone density tests are simple painless and covered by most insurance plans and Medicare. Knowing the strength of your bones can help your physician recommend steps, and medications if necessary, to prevent additional bone loss.
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Wednesday, 11 September 2013 00:00

Experience The Health Benefits of Walking

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Experience The Health Benefits of Walking

Physical activity doesn't have to be a complicated. Taking a daily, brisk walk is a great way to improve your health and well being.

Walking has many benefits, including:
  • Helps maintain a healthy weight
  • Reduces your risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes
  • Strengthens joints and bones to reduce the risk of osteoporosis
  • Can improve your mood
  • Improves balance and coordination
Getting Started

Start your walking routine with the right gear. Make sure your shoes have proper arch support and sufficient cushioning. If you walk in the early morning or evening, wear clothing with reflective tape for visibility. Start by walking slowly for several minutes to warm up your muscles. Finish your walk by slowing down for several minutes to help your muscles cool down. Stretching can be performed prior to your walk or after the cool down.

Walking Technique

To gain the most benefit from walking, walk as briskly as you are able to do comfortably. Maintain a straight, yet relaxed posture, looking forward not down at the ground. Roll your feet smoothly from heel to toe.

Maintaining A Walking Routine

For healthy adults, 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity is recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you haven't been exercising regularly start slowly with five minutes a day the first week, and then increase your time by five minutes each week until you reach at least 30 minutes.

Keeping track of the distance you walk (or how many steps you have taken using a pedometer) will help motivate you to continue by tracking the progress you are making over time. Those short daily walks will add up to many miles over the course of a year.

By starting small with realistic goals you'll be surprised how quickly walking becomes part of your daily routine while controlling your weight and gradually improving your overall health and sense of well being.
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Tuesday, 20 August 2013 01:44

The First Stop Before Heading Back To School Is Parkway Family Physicians

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To go to school in Minnesota, students must show they’ve had proper immunizations.

For children, we recommend starting immunizations early to provide protection for our young and most vulnerable as many diseases prevented by vaccines are very often more serious in young children.

Get your children ready for school by making sure they are up to date on their immunizations. Schedule an appointment early.

Make Sure Everything Is Okay

Parkway Family Physicians provides school and sports physicals for athletes and students of all ages. No matter which sport your student athlete plays a sports physical is required to make sure they’re in top shape and healthy enough to participate safely.

Beyond The Athlete’s Physical

Parents want to know that their children are healthy and thriving both physically and developmentally. The best way to do that is to make sure your kids receive an annual physical as part of the back to school routine. Not only will we do a thorough physical examination, we’ll also make sure all immunizations are current.

At Parkway Family Physician we're focused on providing your child with quality care and a great experience each time they visit our clinic.

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