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4 Lifestyle Changes to Make If You Have Diabetes

Diabetes is more common than you might think; about 40 million Americans live with it. Of those, more than 36 million have type 2 diabetes. While it’s a condition that requires medical management, the way you live…

What Does a Pacemaker Do?

When it comes to the wonders of modern medicine, the pacemaker deserves a standing ovation. This tiny and unassuming device plays a colossal role in keeping hearts beating and lives thriving. For individuals with arrhythmias – or…

8 Helpful Health and Wellness Tips for Winter

When the temperatures drop and winter’s chill sets in, it’s tempting to trade outdoor adventures for cozy blankets, hot cocoa, and Netflix marathons. While there’s nothing wrong with indulging in…

The Importance of Preventive Care for Your Overall Health

We’ve all heard it before: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It’s one of those sayings that feels easy to agree with in theory – but…

Low Back Pain After Lifting: Common Causes and Treatment

Working out is supposed to make you stronger and revitalized. If you’re finding yourself in pain after lifting, then it’s worth taking some time to investigate why. Low back pain…

Investing in Your Health and Wellbeing

It’s no secret that healthcare can be expensive, but it’s also one of the best investments you can make. Plus, it’s typically late care that is pricy. Preventive care is where to focus. After all, an ounce…

The Difference Between Virtual Care and Telehealth

Innovation in technology comes with new words and jargon that can leave the average individual puzzled. This confusion can hinder adoption. For instance, there is a revolution underway in healthcare, particularly in the field of remote medical…

Exploring the Different Models of Direct Primary Care

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a healthcare model where patients or employers pay a flat-rate, recurring fee for access to a range of basic healthcare services. It offers a direct…

Chronic Pain: What Does It Mean?

When we talk about pain, most of us think about a headache after a long day or the soreness after a workout: uncomfortable but temporary. When pain lingers for weeks,…

How Often Do You Need Immunizations?

The COVID-19 pandemic threw the spotlight on vaccines, sparking curiosity, debates, and plenty of misinformation. While vaccines are nothing new, the pandemic made us all a little more aware of…

How Direct Primary Care Can Benefit Small Businesses

It’s a competitive environment for employers looking to attract and retain top talent while keeping costs under control. One of the biggest challenges in this pursuit is healthcare. As the cost of traditional health insurance plans continues…

How To Relax When Living with Anxiety

Anxiety is something we all experience from time to time. It's that feeling of nervousness or dread that sneaks in before a big presentation, during an argument, or when facing an uncertain future. In moderation, it’s completely…

Effective Communication Strategies in Healthcare

Whether it’s diagnosing a condition, explaining a treatment plan, or addressing patient concerns, every interaction can have a profound impact on outcomes. With the rise of digital technologies, healthcare communication…

How’s Your Sexual Health Awareness?

Safe, consensual sex is the only truly satisfying sex. But how often do we talk about what that actually means in practical terms? Sure, we understand the concept of consent…

10 Preventive Care Benefits for Adults

We all know the old saying: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." While it may sound cliché, it’s worth repeating when it comes to healthcare. In…

Do I Really Need an Antibiotic?

Antibiotics are among the most commonly prescribed medications, and they’ve been a game-changer in modern medicine: They help us combat infections that were once deadly. But despite their widespread use, many people still have questions – and…

What is Thyroid Disease?

Nestled at the front of your neck lies the thyroid gland – a small, butterfly-shaped organ that plays a monumental role in your body’s overall health. Although small, the thyroid gland is a powerhouse producing hormones that…

How Your Doctor Can Treat Dermatitis

Dermatitis, an often painful skin condition characterized by redness, itching, swelling, or blisters, can be managed and treated effectively through various means with help from medical practitioners. Southern Maryland Medical…

Tips for Seniors to Stay Safe at Home

For seniors, the house should be a place of comfort, not a source of danger. Consulting with a primary care physician from Southern Maryland Medical Group can provide valuable…

Why Mental Health Matters in Primary Care

It has been proven for a long time that physical health and mental health are intertwined. According to the World Health Organization, “health is a state of complete physical, mental,…

6 Methods for Dealing with Stiff Elbow Joints

Stiff elbow joints can turn even the simplest tasks into a painful challenge. Whether you're trying to lift a cup, reach for a shelf, or just straighten your arm, a stiff elbow can be frustrating and debilitating.…

How To Stay Healthy All Year Round

Maintaining good health is a life-long commitment, not a seasonal job. Each season brings unique challenges and opportunities for our health, and by adjusting our habits accordingly, we can enjoy a balanced and healthy life all year…

The Blood Pressure Basics

Blood pressure is a term we hear frequently, yet many of us don't fully understand what it involves. From the numbers we see on the monitor to their implications for…

Common Sports Injuries That Benefit from Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is all about helping people move better and feel better. If you've ever had an injury, surgery, or just chronic pain, then a physical therapist (PT) can be…

4 Chronic Diseases Which Weight Loss Can Help Reverse or Manage

Believe it or not, weight plays a critical role in an unnerving number of chronic diseases. Excess weight, particularly obesity, is a major risk factor for many health conditions that…

Carotid Ultrasound: How to Prepare

If your physician has ordered a carotid ultrasound, then he/she is asking for a test to detect dangerously narrowed carotid arteries. While medical jargon can sound nerve-wracking, there is nothing to be worried about. A carotid ultrasound…

Strategies for Weight Management

Weight management is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Each person's body, lifestyle, and goals require a unique, tailored approach. Whether you're aiming to lose weight, gain weight, or maintain your current weight, understanding and implementing the right strategies…

Harnessing Your Instincts for a Healthier Life

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle often feels like navigating a maze of conflicting advice and ever-changing trends. Amidst this noise, there is a powerful and often-overlooked tool at our disposal: our…

7 Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

You wash your hands, wear a mask, order take-out and go through a ton of motions to protect yourself from illness, but layers of defense are not enough on their…

The Essential Medical Tests Every Woman Needs!

Health is not merely a state of being; it's a continuous journey and a way of life. Achieving and maintaining a vigorous and satisfying life requires mindfulness and proactive measures.…

Healthy Aging Tips for Older Adults

Aging is an inevitable journey that brings wisdom, experience, and unique challenges. While the passage of time may bring changes to our bodies and lifestyles, there are numerous strategies and practices that older adults can adopt to…

The Importance of Men Having Annual Physicals

Men are often encouraged to be stoic and they are less likely to discuss their feelings or health concerns openly. This cultural stereotype sometimes extends to their approach to healthcare, where many men may believe that as…

When Do I Need Blood Work vs. a Urine Test?

Medical tests are essential tools that can help uncover hidden health issues. But how do you decide between a blood test and a urine test? Each type of test offers…

Sign You Need Wound Care from a Primary Care Physician

Minor injuries are a common occurrence in everyday life. While these incidents are often brushed off as minor, a wound that doesn’t heal as expected may prompt medical attention. If…

Why Do I Keep Getting Strep Throat?

A sore throat can be an unwelcome visitor, turning simple tasks like swallowing into a painful ordeal. Most of us have experienced the discomfort, often likened to swallowing razor blades…

The Fundamentals of Crohn’s Disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the digestive tract, causing a range of symptoms that can significantly impact daily life. While there's no cure for Crohn's disease, effective management strategies and treatments can help…

How To Have a Healthy Relationship with Food

Food is more than about mere sustenance; it's intertwined with our emotions, cultures, and daily rituals. Our relationship with food can vary widely, from deep emotional connections to purely functional eating habits. However, cultivating a healthy relationship…

The Importance of Vaccinations

Doubts and skepticism surrounding the effectiveness of vaccinations have gained traction in recent years, fueling debates and discussions about their role in protecting public health. However, amidst the noise and…

Why Are Rates of Colorectal Cancer Increasing?

Colorectal cancer, once predominantly associated with older individuals, is increasingly affecting younger people and raising concerns about the underlying causes as well as the need for heightened awareness and preventive…

How To Keep Allergies From Ruining Your Day

Allergic reactions can be quite bothersome, to say the least, as they cause symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes. While consulting a primary care physician is…

Deep Dive into the Health Benefits of Physical Activity & Exercise

Physical activity is well-known as a cornerstone of health and well-being. While the importance of exercise is widely acknowledged, very few understand the intricacies of exercise’s impact on human physiology. These benefits encompass physical, mental, and emotional…

Two Effective Strategies to Prevent Obesity

In a world where obesity is on the rise, the adage "an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure" holds truer than ever. Obesity not only takes a toll on physical health but…

5 Benefits of Telemedicine

In an era where technology permeates nearly every aspect of our lives, it should come as no surprise that the field of healthcare is experiencing a significant transformation. Telemedicine, the…

The Importance of an Annual Physical Exam

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to overlook the most important thing of all: Our health. An annual physical exam is an opportunity to catch…

Strategies to Lower Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is a fundamental metric which measures the force exerted by the heart to circulate blood throughout the body. Maintaining blood pressure within a healthy range is crucial for…

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent condition that affects a significant number of men worldwide. Also known as impotence, ED is characterized by the consistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. This…

Understanding Chronic Disease Management

Living with a chronic disease presents unique challenges that can significantly impact one's daily life. While there may be no swift cure for many chronic diseases, a proactive and holistic approach to management can empower individuals to…

The Emotional Impact of Diabetes

Diabetes, often perceived as a biological phenomenon centered around blood sugar levels and excess weight, extends its reach far beyond the physical realm. Beyond the laboratory results and medication regimens,…

How Can You Address Your Allergies?

In the United States, allergies affect more than 50 million people, with a notable prevalence among adult women, children, and individuals aged 45 to 64. Allergies are immune system responses…

Benefits of Direct Primary Care for Employers

Happy and healthy employees are productive and reliable employees. Employers who are struggling with workers calling off sick or presenting symptoms of lethargy and fatigue should know that offering direct…

Do I Always Need Treatment for an Ear Infection?

Ear infections are a pervasive health concern that affects all age groups. Symptoms vary based on the type of infection and its severity. Individuals may experience sudden and intense ear pain, noticeable fluid discharge, and a fever.…

How Primary Care Navigates Early Cancer Detection and Prevention

Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality globally, but the narrative is evolving. With progress in medical science and a growing emphasis on prevention and early detection, individuals now have the tools to assert some control in…

How To Prepare For An ECG (or EKG)

An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a crucial diagnostic tool that offers valuable insights into the functioning of the heart. This non-invasive procedure records the electrical activity of the heart…

Managing Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a prevalent and potentially debilitating condition characterized by weakened and brittle bones, rendering them more susceptible to fractures. Although it can affect individuals of any age, it is…

Can You Actually Detox from Sugar?

Detoxification refers to the physiological or medicinal removal of toxic substances from a living organism, including the human body. While detox diets and cleanses are promoted as a way to…

Why are Patients So Angry?

In the fast-paced world of modern healthcare, emotions can run high and often simmer beneath the surface, with stress, frustration, and anger becoming palpable realities for patients. As healthcare providers, it is important to grasp the roots…

Signs You May Have Kidney Disease

Situated on either side of the spine, the kidney is a vital, bean-shaped organ responsible for a myriad of functions, including filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood, regulating electrolyte balance, and producing hormones that help…

Things to Know About Food Allergies in Children

The human body is a remarkable and intricately designed system, equipped with numerous mechanisms to protect us and keep us healthy. The immune system, in particular, plays a central role…

Ways to Reduce Your Risks of Illnesses

With winter around the corner, many people are preparing for colds, flu, and other ailments. After all, the combination of cold weather, reduced daylight, and indoor gatherings creates an environment…

Artificial Intelligence and Medicine 2023

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and innovation, one domain stands out for its mesmerizing potential to transform the future of healthcare: artificial intelligence (AI). While the weaknesses of AI…

Carotid Doppler Ultrasound Explained

An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure, but early diagnostics is essential either way. Routine checkups and periodic screenings are key for a healthy life, and a Carotid Doppler Ultrasound is…

How Do I Know If I Need to Be Screened for Colon Cancer?

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths every year. In the United States, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women. Fortunately, the…

How an Online Doctor Visit Works

Scheduling periodic checkups with a licensed doctor is a pillar of a healthy life, but going to the doctor's office or the hospital is a challenge for many individuals. Fortunately,…

How to Avoid Getting Sick While Traveling

Traveling can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it often comes with risks to your health. Exposure to new environments, different climates, and unfamiliar pathogens can increase the likelihood…

Understanding Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a medical emergency that can strike when least expected. Understanding its causes, recognizing its symptoms, and taking preventative measures are crucial to protecting yourself and others from…

Your Guide to Exercising with Lupus

Lupus, a chronic autoimmune inflammatory illness, is a condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues and organs. This relentless battle within the body can affect various parts, including joints, skin, kidneys, blood…

The Most Effective Ways to Treat Chronic Back Pain

Chronic back pain is a common condition that affects millions of people every day. It can significantly hinder everyday life and reduce overall quality of life. Fortunately, there are various management and treatment options available to alleviate…

How to Tell If You're Having a Migraine or a Headache

Headaches and migraines are both a type of head pain. They have many similar symptoms, and both can vary in intensity from mild to severe, but there are differences as…

Does Menopause Cause Osteoporosis?

Menopause, a natural phase in a woman's life, marks the end of menstrual cycles and reproductive function. This transitional period, typically occurring around the age of 50, is accompanied by…

What Causes Low Testosterone?

Testosterone, a pivotal sex hormone, plays a leading role in the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics in both men and women. Primarily produced by the testicles in men and…

Two Types of Headaches

Headaches are a common pain that most individuals have encountered at some point in their lives. They vary in intensity, duration, and underlying causes. Broadly classified, headaches can be categorized into two main types: primary headaches and…

4 Effective Ways to Lose Weight

Weight loss is not just about aesthetics. It’s a journey towards achieving optimal health, increasing vitality, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. In this brief article brought to you by Southern Maryland Medical Group, we share…

What Foods Trigger Migraines?

Migraines are more than just a headache; they are a neurological condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. While the exact cause of migraines is complex, certain foods and beverages…

Screening for Down Syndrome

Bringing a child into the world is an awe-inspiring journey, filled with excitement and anticipation. As expectant parents, it's natural to have concerns about your baby's health. Prenatal genetic screening…

Why Vitamin D Is So Important?

We all know vitamins and nutrients are essential for good living, but there are so many different types that keeping up can be challenging. One vitamin we’re all familiar with…

3 Ways to Test for Food Allergies

Food allergies are immune system reactions to certain proteins found in specific foods. When someone with a food allergy consumes or comes into contact with the allergenic food, their immune system mistakenly identifies the protein as harmful…

What Is Preventive Medicine?

They say there’s no point in crying over spilled milk, and they’re not wrong. When the damage is done, you’ve got to get to damage control and cleanup! Responsible adults also understand that an ounce of prevention…

How Physical Therapy Can Help Your Arthritis

Arthritis is a common and debilitating condition affecting millions of individuals worldwide. It is characterized by inflammation and stiffness in the joints along with symptoms including pain, reduced mobility, and…

How Your Primary Care Physicians Can Help Your Gut Health

A flat belly might look great, but it does not necessarily mean a healthy gut! If you are suffering persistent bloating and gas, sensitivity to certain foods such as cheese,…

ECG vs. EKG: What's the Difference?

Medical terminologies are perplexing as they are without the abbreviations. Abridge that jargon and you have an alphabet soup of confusing medical terms. To be fair, these abbreviations are vital…

Can a Nurse Practitioner Replace a Physician?

If you’ve been having a hard time scheduling a prompt appointment with a doctor, it may be due to a shortage of physicians. According to data published in 2020 by the Association of American Medical Colleges,…

Reducing the Spread of Infections and Viruses at Home

Viruses are microscopic agents that can cause a range of diseases, from mild illnesses like the common cold to more severe conditions such as influenza, COVID-19, and viral hepatitis. Understanding viruses and taking proactive steps to prevent…

What is a Primary Care Physician?

A doctor, also known as a physician, is a medical professional who diagnoses, treats, and prevents various health conditions, but there are many types of physicians, and a primary…

Can Stress and Anxiety Cause High Blood Sugar?

Stress, anxiety, and blood sugar levels are natural parts of our body, each serving an important role in our survival. However, unhealthy levels can be detrimental. In this brief read…

How to Sleep Better

If you are tired of being tired after long nights of tossing and turning, then the following tips may help you sleep better and be more energetic during the day.…

Can A Primary Care Doctor Treat Asthma?

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of asthma, or is suspected of having asthma, then you might be wondering what physician to schedule an appointment with. Is it better to see primary care…

Benefits of Having a Holter Monitor

If you've ever experienced heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or dizziness, then you know how concerning it can be. These symptoms could be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, anxiety, or a more serious underlying…

Carpal Tunnel Surgery Recovery

Carpal tunnel is a fairly common neurological disorder that is especially likely to develop in people who perform repetitive hand movements, such as typing or using a computer mouse. Symptoms…

Benefits of Breastfeeding and Lactation Support

Breastfeeding is a natural process that provides numerous benefits for both the baby and the mother. However, some mothers may experience challenges with breastfeeding, which can be addressed with lactation…

Chiropractor vs. Physical Therapist: Differences and Specifications

Are you experiencing back pain, neck pain, or joint discomfort and considering seeing a specialist? You might be wondering whether you should visit a chiropractor or a physical therapist.…

What Is Testicular Cancer?

Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that affects the testicles, the male reproductive glands located inside the scrotum. While it is relatively rare compared to other types of cancer, it is the most common cancer in…

The Benefits of Having a Primary Care Doctor

A primary care physician plays a vital role in the healthcare system. They provide patients with comprehensive and continuous medical care, and act as a first point of contact for all non-emergency health issues. This includes preventive…

A Day in the Life of a Physical Therapist

Physical therapy is a healthcare profession that focuses on helping individuals recover from injuries or illnesses and regain their physical mobility and strength. Physical therapists work with people of all…

Is High Cholesterol Hereditary?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that our bodies, specifically our livers, produce naturally. The body uses this cholesterol to build cells and create vitamins and other hormones. Not all…

Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active

With age, our bodies undergo various changes that can increase the risk of certain health problems. For instance, there is an increased risk of falls and fractures due to decreased…

Exercises to Boost Your Heart Health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death around the world, and exercising is an excellent way to keep your heart healthy and improve your overall well-being. Regular physical activity can help reduce your risk of developing…

The Ergonomics of Working from Home

Working from home has become increasingly popular in recent years as a greater portion of work has shifted online. This transition has many benefits, such as flexibility and cost savings. However, working from home also presents challenges…

Echocardiogram Explained

With so many medical procedures available and as much medical jargon to go with it, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by question marks in your head. Let’s take…

Pet Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, allergies affect as many as 30% of adults and 40% of children in the United States, and allergies to cats and…

The Benefits of Using Remote Patient Monitoring

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is a technology-centered healthcare practice in which healthcare providers use digital devices and communication tools to remotely collect and analyze patient health data, such as vital…

The Best Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with an estimated 9,500 new diagnoses every day according to statistics shared by the American Academy of Dermatology Association. The same source estimates that one in…

Medical Tests Every Man Can Benefit From

The human body is marvelous, and we continue to learn more and more new things about it with every passing day. Even if you are not in the medical field, you would be wise to study the…

How to Prevent Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects roughly 11 percent of the US population. There is an even larger group of 96 million adults who have prediabetes, with high…

What Causes High Cholesterol?

It rings a bell for almost everybody, but many do not know what high cholesterol really means. What is cholesterol, and what does it mean to have too much of…

5 Causes of Your Shoulder Pain

The shoulder is made up of several layers and is the most movable joint in the body. This incredible range of motion can also be a liability, however, as the…

How High Blood Pressure Can Affect Your Body

You have likely heard the term before, but what exactly is blood pressure and what levels are considered high? More specifically, what risks does high blood pressure come with? In this brief article brought to you by…

Urinary Tract Infections Symptoms

Do you feel a burning sensation when you pee? You may have a urinary tract infection. A urinary tract infection or UTI is a common infection that can affect several parts of the urinary tract. In this…

Tips for Selecting the Best Doctor for Your Family

Whether you just moved to a new place or have decided on finding new primary care doctors, the process can be overwhelming. Fortunately, we can break things down into simpler,…

How to Find an Experienced Primary Care Physician

Your health should be your number one priority in this world and finding reliable primary care physicians is key. Unfortunately, finding a dependable primary care doctor can be difficult. The…

Heart Attack Symptoms in Women Over 60

Women over 60 may also experience symptoms that differ from what is typically associated with a heart attack in men, so it’s important to understand some of the more subtle…

Your Guide to the Flu Season

Every year the flu season arrives, often unexpectedly. As primary care physicians, the team at Southern Maryland Medical Group wants to help our patients avoid the hassles and health issues that come along with the flu.…

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