High cholesterol can be dangerous leading to a build up of plaque in your arteries that restricts blood flow and can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other vascular diseases. Bad cholesterol can be caused by a variety of things including genetics, diabetes, HIV/AIDs, hypothyroidism, lupus, chronic kidney or liver disease, and obesity and weight gain. Certain medications for treating acne, cancer, high blood pressure, and cancer, can also make cholesterol levels worse if use is not carefully monitored.

Testing for cholesterol: To check your cholesterol levels, we’ll usually do a blood test which measures the triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood). Having a high triglyceride level can 

Cholesterol management and treatment: Exercise, diet, and lifestyle changes are common ways to manage high cholesterol, as well as medications and stress management. We’ll work with you to outline a plan for how to lower your cholesterol and maintain a healthy level.

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There are three types of diabetes – Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes.

Testing for diabetes: Diagnoses for diabetes starts with testing. Diabetes testing primarily involves looking at your blood glucose levels and may involve the following tests: fasting blood sugar, A1C test, and an oral glucose tolerance test. These tests will help diagnose if you have diabetes or prediabetes, what next steps to take, and to monitor treatment effectiveness.

Treating and managing diabetes: Understanding and managing diabetes and prediabetes is critical, even more so for those who are prediabetic and may be able to prevent developing Type 2 diabetes.

For individuals with prediabetes, it’s possible to reverse blood sugar levels and prevent Type 2 diabetes from developing with lifestyle changes including weight loss, regular physical activity, and a healthier diet.

For diabetes, we try to focus on regulating blood sugar levels through a combination of medications, ongoing monitoring, and lifestyle modifications. Diabetes treatments we support include:

• Insulin therapy

• Oral and injectable medications

• Guidance for lifestyle and dietary changes

• Blood sugar monitoring

• Diabetes self-management education

• Foot care

• Referral to an ophthalmologist for eye exams to prevent diabetic retinopathy.

• Diabetes medication management and education

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Does your thyroid need to be checked? Many patients who come to us with concerns over maintaining muscle mass, weight gain, or who are struggling to lose weight we recommend testing for thyroid problems. Thyroid issues can impact people of all ages and can significantly slow or speed up your metabolism. Other thyroid issues such as Hashimoto’s Disease or Graves’ Disease can cause autoimmune problems.

Thyroid testing and diagnosis: We’ll test for hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto’s Disease, Graves’ Disease, Goiter, thyroid cancer, and thyroid nodules. Most commonly, we’ll use a blood test to diagnose thyroid conditions and measure the levels of thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

Treating thyroid problems: While treatment can vary depending on the specific thyroid condition you are experiencing, medications, radioactive iodine therapy, beta-blockers, and even surgery are options. Because some conditions like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are life-long, we’re proud to be able to offer continued management, monitoring, education, and treatment adjustment to ensure your symptoms are effectively managed and you can live your fullest life.

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High blood pressure is extremely common. About 70% of Americans will experience high blood pressure in their lifetime, but only about 1 in 4 patients actually have their blood pressure under control. This is partly because high blood pressure can be present without recognizable symptoms in the early stages. Genetics, lifestyle choices, certain medications, weight, and smoking and alcohol consumption, can all impact blood pressure.

Why testing your blood pressure is important: Controlling high blood pressure is key for reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and other cardiovascular diseases. We recommend regularly checking your blood pressure to make sure you can avoid costly and complex issues. That’s why we measure your blood pressure as part of your general health assessment at appointments, and why we may recommend ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) or home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM). We may sometimes order blood and urine tests to also rule out underlying conditions that could be contributing to your high blood pressure (e.g., diabetes or kidney disease).

How we can help you manage high blood pressure: Managing and treating high blood pressure involves lifestyle changes, medications, and routine monitoring with a home blood pressure monitor.

Want to learn more? We recommend this quick fact resource from the CDC.

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Asthma is something we routinely see in our pediatric and adult patients, and we offer both asthma testing and treatment support.

Asthma tests and clinical evaluation: Diagnosing asthma typically involves a combination of tests and a clinical evaluation with one of our providers. We’ll ask you about symptoms, triggers, any previous asthma diagnoses, and listen to your lungs for wheezing or other breathing abnormalities. Following a physical exam and medical history discussion, we may perform other tests to make an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan customized to your asthma and any related conditions that could be compounding it such as allergies. 

Tests may include:

• Spirometry

• Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF)

• Referral for Allergy testing

• Blood test

Treating asthma: Managing asthma symptoms and preventing attacks are the goals. Treatment may include medications, typically delivered through inhalers, such as short-acting beta-agonists, inhaled corticosteroids or leukotriene modifiers, nebulizers, or even combination medications that offer both quick-relief and long-term control. We’ll also develop an asthma action plan and help you learn how to identify and avoid asthma triggers.

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With today’s produce and diet fads, anemia problems have become more prevalent as many patients aren’t getting consuming enough iron.

Diagnosing anemia: For anemia, our goal is to help provide an initial evaluation and diagnosis, which may include blood tests (such as a complete blood count (CBC), an iron panel, vitamin B12/folate levels test, or a peripheral blood smear). We’ll then offer guidance and management recommendations based on what’s causing your anemia. Diagnosis is crucial for proper anemia treatment, and in more severe cases, we may refer you to a hematologist.

Managing anemia: For anemia, we’ll usually recommend dietary changes, and may prescribe you iron or vitamin supplements for iron-deficiency anemia or vitamin deficiencies.

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We’re able to manage and treat a wide range of men’s and women’s health issues to help you live your healthiest and happiest life. See below for common health issues we can help with.

• Menopause

• Contraception management

• STIs

• Osteoporosis

• Urinary incontinence

• Breast and cervical cancer screenings

• Low testosterone

• Prostate cancer and colorectal cancer screenings

• Urinary and prostate issues

• Erectile dysfunction

• Concerns about sexual health and low sex drive

• Pelvic floor dysfunction and pelvic pain

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