Tri-County Medical has announced a merger with MVHS, bringing Dr. Deepak Buch and his team to the MVHS Medical Group. All current providers, nurses and reception staff will have positions with MVHS, and patients will continue to see their provider according to the list below:
Patients with Dr. Deepak Buch will now be seeing him at 500 East Main Street, Suite #2, Little Falls, NY 13365; 315-823-1113.
Patients with Dr. Virendra Sharma and Linda Jones, FNP will now go to 201 East State Street, Herkimer, NY 13350; 315-574-2300.
And patients with Dr. Amita Butala will now be seen at 1617 North James Street, Rome, NY 13440; 315-336-8260.
MVHS brings healthcare expertise across a broad range of care encompassing primary as well as specialty care close to our communities. Tri-County Medical and MVHS share common goals of delivering timely, high quality, compassionate and affordable care to all patients. MVHS practice sites endeavor to deliver care using a patient-centered medical and healing environment model. Through their residency programs in Family Practice, psychiatry, general surgery, nurse practitioner and podiatry, MVHS has ongoing pool of future highly trained physicians and nurse practitioners ensuring continuity of care to you and your families.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. One in five will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and one person dies from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, every hour. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding sunscreen:
What should I be looking for in my sunscreen?
Choose a sunscreen that offers a broad-spectrum protection because it protects against both UVA and UVB rays, has a SPF, or sunburn protection factor, of 30 or higher, and is water resistant. A sunscreen that has all of these factors protects the skin from sunburn, early skin aging, and skin cancer.
When should I use sunscreen?
Every day you are outside. The sun emits harmful UV rays all year, even on cloudy days. Snow, sand, and water increase the need for sunscreen because they reflect the sun’s rays. Studies show that daily use of sunscreen can reduce your risk of: skin cancer, including melanoma, the most-serious skin cancer, precancerous skin growths that can turn into cancer, signs of premature skin aging like age spots, wrinkles, and leathery skin, sunburn, melisma, dark spots on your skin that can appear when acne, psoriasis, or another condition clears.
How do you apply sunscreen? How often do you reapply?
First, choose a sunscreen that has all of the above factors. Be sure the sunscreen has not expired. Then, apply 1 ounce, or enough to fill a shot glass, to all exposed skin on the entire body. Rub the sunscreen thoroughly into your skin. It takes around 15 minutes for the sunscreen to absorb into your skin and protect you. Reapply the sunscreen after 2 hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating. Water resistant sunscreen stays effective for 40 minutes in the water and very water resistant stays effective for 80 minutes in the water. After the allotted time, you’ll need to reapply.
Besides sunscreen, what steps should I take to protect my skin from diseases such as skin cancer?
- Seek shade when appropriate.
- Wear protective clothing when possible.
- Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand as they reflect the sun’s harmful rays.
- Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet or vitamin supplements.
- Avoid tanning beds.
- Check your skin often.
- See a board-certified dermatologist. Skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early.
What better way to celebrate than to update your dental hygiene routine. These five tips will get you
started on caring for your teeth – after all, you’ll have them all of your life. It’s best to take good care of them!
Brushing
It’s best to brush two times a day with your brush at a 45-degree angle pointed toward your gums. Soft circular brushing motions should be used. Careful not to brush too hard or you’ll risk erosion of your gum line.
Limit Alcohol Consumption and Stop Use of Tobacco Products
Tobacco use is directly related to periodontal disease and oral cancer, in addition to bad breath, teeth stains, loss of taste, and more. Avoiding use of tobacco related products has a direct correlation with your oral health in particular. Alcohol consumption can also be a dangerous habit. Heavy drinkers are at a higher risk for gum disease, tooth decay, mouth sores, and even oral cancer. Though, the most common affects of alcohol consumption on teeth are plaque build-up and stains on the teeth.
Use American Dental Associational Sealed Products
The ADA will provide its Seal of Acceptance on a product only if scientific evidence is provided that reflects both safety and efficacy. When you purchase a product with the ADA seal you should feel safe and confident as you know it is from a tested and reputable source.
Eat a teeth-friendly diet
Your teeth appreciate a good diet just as much as the rest of your body does. Chicken, fruits, vegetables, cheese and nuts are all teeth-friendly foods. Sweets and sugars should be limited as they not only lead to decay but also put you at risk of breaking a tooth.
Change your toothbrush
Your toothbrush should be changed 3-4 times a year. The bristles of your brush deteriorate over time and with continued use. For an effective clean opt to change your brush with the seasons! The equinoxes and solstices are great reminders for change.
You should also plan to visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Your teeth should be cleaned professionally twice a year. MVHS’s Dental Health Center has a dual purpose as it serves both the dental needs of the community while also helping to educate and practice dental care for our resident dentists.
Resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/adult-oral-health/tips.html
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/6-great-dental-hygiene-ti_b_11345130
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/healthy-teeth-tips#1
https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/toothbrushes
https://www.ada.org/en/science-research/ada-seal-of-acceptance/ada-seal-faq
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/what-does-alcohol-do-to-your-teeth
Health screening is the process of analyzing for signs of disease before the person displays actual symptoms of it. Screenings are helpful in finding disease in its earliest stages and prevention for those at higher risk of developing one.
Screenings are beneficial to doctors and scientists as they help to indentify people who are more likely to develop or acquire a disease based on several factors including their genetics, diet, exercise, and more.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast Cancer is one of most prevalent cancer types in the United States. In fact, about 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer within her lifetime.
Because of advances and improvements in treatments, earlier detection, and more the death rate of those diagnosed with breast cancer have continually decreased since 1989.
Types of Breast Cancer Screening
- Mammography
- Clinical breast examination
- Breast self-examination
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Risk assessment questionnaire
With our new electronic health record system, Epic, you can review the results of your examinations, mammogram and more just hours after your appointment.
There are several factors that may put you at a greater risk of developing breast cancer which include:
- Excess fatty tissue and obesity
- An excess of consumption of alcoholic beverages
- Poor dietary habits
- Use of tobacco products
- Inconsistent use of hormonal contraceptives
- Genetics
Filling out a risk assessment questionnaire is a great first step in prevention of breast cancer, as it will help highlight the areas that show room for improvement. Simple things like increasing your exercise regimen, improving your diet, and becoming more consistent in terms of hormonal contraceptives are all helpful in decreasing your risk for developing breast cancer.
Our MVHS Cancer team, is well-versed in the world of cancer and the toll it takes on our patients. Our team at the MVHS Cancer Center are here to offer the support through services which include: symptom management, cancer education, support groups, clinical trials, and more.
Resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/screening.htm
https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/patient/breast-screening-pdq
https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/prevention-and-healthy-living/cancer-screening
Suffering from chronic back and neck pain is an unfortunate reality for many working adults. The reason? Poor ergonomics.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) explains that Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) like back pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome affect one’s muscles, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments, and tendons. Short term pain relief may be a temporary fix, but ultimately many work-related MSDs can be prevented or improved by updated ergonomics.
What is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics is the science of fitting a workplace to the needs of the user. Over time the tools and workspace that you use on a daily basis have the ability to put strain on your body that can cause damage, like back, neck and wrist pain. Ergonomics are designed to increase productivity by reducing user fatigue and discomfort.
Who can help?
Occupational therapists (OT) specialize in the study of ergonomics and improvement of them. An OT will work to adapt the environment in which one works to its user rather than the other way around. The process begins with an OT conducting in-depth analysis of the environment, and the physical, cognitive, and social elements at play. After their analysis the OT will make their recommendations of potential ergonomic improvements which may include;
- Designing and modifying workplace tools and equipment
- Working with the user’s insurance company to develop preventative programs, and more.
How can you improve your ergonomics?
The first step in improving your own ergonomics is evaluating your work environment and tasks. Be mindful of what you’re doing and anticipate what movements feel awkward or uncomfortable and make note of them. If you notice you have back and neck pain at the end of every work day you might consider replacing your workplace seating or lifting heavy items less often. If you notice regular headaches you might consider adjusting your workplace lighting.
You might also consider adjusting your diet and exercise regimen. Simple things like walks during lunch and packing healthy lunches are simple adjustments to stay healthy at work. Before making any changes be sure to consult your doctor.
Resources:
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/
https://medlineplus.gov/ergonomics.html
https://www.aota.org/About-Occupational-Therapy/Professionals/WI/Ergonomics.aspx
