The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus.But what...
The illness and pain that gallstones cause are formidable. For their diminutive size, they bring a great many unpleasant symptoms, including pain in the shoulder and shoulder blade, fever, nausea and vomiting, and pain in your upper and middle abdomen that typically starts abruptly and worsens quickly. You might also...
For many, a heart attack is the first sign of coronary artery issues. Chances are, you’ll feel fine if you have coronary artery disease right up until the moment your heart attack begins. But if you know what to watch for you might be able to recognize the building danger...
Intrusive thoughts can be alarming. They’re unwanted, appear out of nowhere, and the contents can be disturbing. Not surprisingly, constant worrying may accompany intrusive thoughts. But having these thoughts doesn’t mean you have some hidden desire to fulfill them. Yes, they’re unpleasant, but they’re also manageable. And while there are...
At approximately 22 square feet, your skin is your body’s largest organ and, as such, needs special TLC during the summer. But did you know that sunscreen isn’t the only product that can help protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays? Dr. Richard Pavelock, Ronnita Holden, PA, and all...
Family celebrations, job promotions, and a victory for your favorite team can and should cause you to feel elated. You can’t wipe the smile from your face, and all seems right with the world. But it’s just as normal to feel grief, sadness, and mild depression when tragedy strikes. How...
Anyone who has ever suffered from a panic attack understands how debilitating the experience can be. Common symptoms of panic attacks include nausea, sweating, heart palpitations, and an overall feeling of doom. Many people even mistake the symptoms of a panic attack for a heart attack. Although recurrent episodes of...
Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death for men and women in America. The good news is, it’s often preventable. Educating yourself about heart health can help you lower your chances of developing heart disease. Dr. Richard M. Pavelock and Ronitta Holden, PA at Family Medicine and Acute...
Have you made your New Year’s resolutions yet? If you’re like many people, you may have resolved to lose weight. Most people, however, give up on their resolutions within a month, but that doesn’t have to be your fate. The secret to successfully losing weight isn’t found in fad diets...
While the gray days of winter make even the sunniest among us a little duller, especially as winter wears on, there’s a big difference between the winter blues and symptoms of depression. Depression is a very serious mental disorder caused by chemical imbalances in your brain, and it requires medical...
As obesity rates continue to soar, so too do the associated health risks. In fact, throughout the world, weight-related chronic disease is a top cause of mortality. At Family Medicine and Acute Care of Sandhills, our weight loss experts are passionate about health education to help you live your best...
There’s a misconception that heart disease is a men’s health issue more often than not. But the truth is, it’s the leading cause of death for women in America today. One in three women dies from heart disease. It’s hard to overstate the importance of heart health in your overall...
Some 22 million Americans live with sleep apnea. It’s an extremely common condition that occurs when you stop breathing for periods of time while you sleep. Don’t think that’s you? If you snore loudly, wake up in the night gasping for breath, or suffer from daytime sleepiness, sleep apnea may...
Living with eczema can be a challenge, with the itchiness and dry skin driving you crazy. Unsightly rashes lead to discomfort and embarrassment, and any open sores on your skin can increase your risk of infection. It's important for your overall health and well-being to keep your eczema under control....
Talk therapy, medication, and various alternative treatments have helped thousands cope better with their depression and allow them to lead happier, more productive lives. Our caring doctors at Family Medicine and Acute Care of Sandhills in Cameron, North Carolina are here to provide help to anyone in need. Are you...
Having a large belly or gut, or an increasing waistline can affect you mentally, as well as physically. It can actually be quite dangerous to your well-being. The health risks of obesity are well-documented, including diabetes. Among the other risks are: High blood pressure Heart disease Stroke Some cancers Sleep...
Allergies can be quite irritating, with symptoms ranging from itchy, watery eyes to rashes and hives. These symptoms can be both irritating, hindering your daily life, and quite hazardous to your health, depending on the severity of your symptoms. Allergy testing and immunotherapy are keys to a proactive method that...
You’ve tried taking the pounds off numerous times. You’ve attempted diet after diet, but after an initial loss, you seem to plateau and then lose motivation. It may be time to consider a medically supervised weight-loss program. A physician trained in obesity and weight management supervises your progress in this...
Avoiding a sunburn altogether is one of the best ways to protect yourself from damage and skin cancer. If your skin is stinging, tight, and radiating heat from too much time in the sun, you need care. Usually, sunburn is a condition you can treat at home, but professional help...
February is American Heart Month, aimed at raising awareness of heart health, and it’s a good occasion for you to review your risk factors for developing heart disease. It’s not simply a prudent personal health evaluation. Heart disease accounts for about 25% of all deaths annually in the United States,...
Medically supervised weight loss provides patients with ongoing guidance, monitoring, and support. To find out if you’re a good candidate, call our office, or schedule an appointment at Family Medicine and Acute Care of Sandhills. Read on to learn more about medical weight loss. How medically supervised weight loss works...
Do you have a fever, chills, a cough, and body aches? You may have influenza. It’s tempting to stay home and hope you get better, but that’s not the best decision. Influenza is a virus that assails your respiratory function, including your nose, throat, and lungs. It’s a serious illness...