Dr. Mastoor Joins Practice

DrMastoor-300-CMYK Wake Internal Medicine Consultants, Inc. is pleased to welcome Bushra Mastoor, M.D., to the practice. Dr. Mastoor is board certified in Internal Medicine and is a primary care physician. Her interests are preventive medicine and women’s health and she is practicing at the Blue Ridge Road offices. Originally from Pakistan, Dr. Mastoor earned her undergraduate degree from the DHA Degree College for Women in Karachi. She attended medical school at Ziauddin Medical University and then completed her residency at Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C. For the past several years Dr. Mastoor has worked as an internal medicine hospitalist in Virginia. Dr. Mastoor is now accepting new patients. Appointments may be scheduled by calling (919) 781-7500.

Spring Allergies

stock-photo-12017623-allergy-cold-flue It’s that time again…spring is here, and with that comes the joy of allergy season. While there are masses of products available for allergy relief, finding the right product for what ails you can be confusing. The first step is to find out what allergen triggers your symptoms. Is it ragweed, dust mites, pollen, grass or pet dander? Your doctor can recommend an allergist, and once you find what you are allergic to, you can narrow down your choice of relief. Here are some of the options for allergy relief that are readily available.

• Antihistamines – Used to block histamines, or in easier terms, the allergen your body reacts to. Whether it is pollen, ragweed or dust mites, these over-the-counter drugs can come in tablets, liquids, sprays or eye drops. Common names are Zyrtec, Claritin and Allegra.
• Decongestants – Used to shrink swollen blood vessels and tissues to relieve congestion. Common names are Afrin and Sudafed. Do not use for more than three days at a time or the chance of congestion actually increases.
• Steroid nasal sprays – Steroids decrease inflammation within the nasal passages, relieving congestion and nasal symptoms. Common prescription names are Flonase, Nasonex and Veramyst.
• Allergy eye drops – Eye drops can relieve burning, itching, tearing and swelling of the eyelids. What type you need will depend on the allergy trigger. The different types are antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, mast cell stabilizers and multiple action.
• Leukotriene inhibitor – A newer addition to the allergy fighting family is Singulair. Singulair works to keep the lungs open to relieve allergy symptoms and asthma attacks. A prescription is required.
• Allergy shots – Also called immunotherapy, allergy shots don’t cure symptoms but will help the body get used to the allergens that affect you, thereby improving symptoms. These work well if other allergy medications do not work and if you have symptoms more than three months out of the year.

Aside from medication, there are other things you can do in your daily life to decrease the effects of the allergens swirling around you.

• Prevent mold and mildew by keeping repairs up in your home. Pay special attention to leaky pipes, especially in the bathroom. Wipe down your shower or tub after every use.
• Change heating and AC filters regularly. Also change vacuum filters so you do not kick allergens back into the air.
• Minimize dust by using a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner and dusting often. Install easy-to-clean shades and dry clean window panels.
• Stomp out dust mites by changing and washing bed linens once a week in hot water. Use allergen-proof covers for your pillows and mattresses and steam clean carpets, rugs and upholstered furniture every three to six months.
• Plant flowers with higher pollen counts far from windows and doors so that the pollen can’t easily enter your home.
• Plan outside activities for later in the day when pollen counts are lower.
• Keep windows closed.
• Shower nightly to reduce the spread of pollen to your bed.
• You can’t eliminate the existence of pollen this time of year but you can take steps to stay ahead of the discomfort it may cause you. Be proactive and enjoy the warmer weather.

Back pain is exacerbated by weak stomach and thigh muscles. Simple leg lifts while lying on the floor may help reduce back pain by strengthening those weak muscles. Woman doing self breast examination

Importance of the Breast Self-Exam

One in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Even with the advances in medical science, that is a sobering statistic. But vigilance, knowledge and education can help ensure that you are not one of those eight. The first step in preventative care is the breast self-exam. While the breast self-exam is not recommended as a screening tool for breast cancer, knowing how your breasts should feel normally will help you see or feel changes that could lead to problems.

How to check your breasts:

You can check your breasts in two ways. One is by looking in the mirror and checking to see if your breasts show any pulls, or dents. Check for odd coloring or lumps. Make sure both breasts look the same, particularly around the nipple. The second way to check the breasts is by feel. The best way to do this is in the shower so that you can use water or soap to help your fingers glide easily over the skin. Use the palm of your hand versus the fingertips. Examine from the outside into the nipple and then from the inside to the outer edge. Don’t forget to include feeling into the armpit. Also feel around the nipple. You can do this exam lying down, standing up or even leaning forward.

When to do the self-exam:

Your self-exam should be done monthly. The best time is about one week after the start of the period. Write it on your calendar or input it into an electronic calendar, but make sure you do it every month. This will help you become extremely familiar with your breasts so that if you notice any changes, you can alert your doctor immediately.

Warning signs of breast cancer:

See your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following signs:

• Lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm
• Nipple discharge
• New pain in any area that does not seem to abate
• Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• Change in the size or shape of your breast
• Inverted nipple

There are other factors that come into play when discussing preventative care for breast cancer. If you have a family history of breast cancer guidelines become much more stringent. Instead of waiting until the age of 40 to have a baseline mammogram, you should talk with your doctor about when it’s appropriate to begin them. Keep in mind that baseline mammograms don’t catch every incidence of breast cancer. If you ever have heard a doctor say you have “dense breast tissue,” be aware that the mammogram may not catch lumps or tumors until they have become more prominent. If that is the case and/or you have a history of breast cancer, have a discussion with your doctor as to what other tests may be necessary as a precaution. They may suggest a mammogram and an ultrasound that can penetrate the breast dense tissue and rule out any problems. Start by becoming very familiar with your breasts. If you have any concerns or something does not feel quite right, do not hesitate to call and get a thorough check-up from your doctor. Prevention and early detection are the keys to healthy breasts. Eating healthier in a fast food world: When eating fast food such as burgers and fried (insert greasy food here), this simple tip can make a big difference. Instead of ordering fries, skip the side dish. And rather than a soft drink, order water. You’ll save money, cut out hundreds of calories, and feel better after eating because your body won’t have to digest as much processed food.

How much sleep do children need

How Much Sleep Do Kids Need?In this high-tech, fast-moving world we live in, it seems like getting enough sleep is becoming more and more difficult. Sleep deprivation can lead to serious health and safety consequences and it’s vital for children of all ages to get adequate sleep to ensure healthy growth and development. While there are guidelines for how much sleep children should get at certain ages, keep in mind that sleep is a very individual thing. While your toddler may be fine running on 12 hours of sleep, the toddler next door may need 14 hours to function best. You will be the one to make the call on how much sleep your child needs based on his daily behavior, Here is a general guide to how much sleep kids need on a daily basis:

• Newborns (1-12 weeks) – 12-18 hours
• Infants (3-11 months) – 14-15 hours
• Toddlers (1-3 years) – 12-14 hours
• Preschoolers (3-5 years) – 11-13 hours
• School age (5-10 years) – 10-11 hours
• Tweens/Teens (11-17 years) – 8½-9½ hours

Without the proper amount of sleep, motor skills may become impaired, obesity is more likely, heart and diabetes problems can increase, depression and substance abuse may increase, and behavior and attention issues can occur. Sometimes, though, getting your child to sleep is easier said than done. To help ensure your child gets a good night’s sleep, try the following tips:

• Establish a consistent sleep and wake schedule. That includes daily naps for the little ones.
• Create a bedtime routine. A hot bath or shower followed by reading or listening to soothing music. Avoid TV or computers because they can lead to over stimulation.
• Make sure the environment is calm and soothing, i.e., comfortable blankets, dark and quiet environment.
• Make sure your baby or child gets plenty of exercise and fresh air each day.
• Recent studies have shown the importance of sleep to children’s growth and the impact it has on their health. Make it a priority in your home, for everyone’s benefit.

Colon Cancer Alert

Colon cancer Alert Wake Internal MedicineColon cancer is one of the most common cancers, but it’s also one of the easiest to prevent as long as people take screening for the disease seriously. The biggest issue with colon cancer is that by the time you start to exhibit symptoms the cancer is already in the late stages. Regular colorectal cancer screening is the most powerful tool for preventing this type of cancer.When should I be screened?Screening for colon cancer typically begins at age 50 for men and women. Ninety percent of people diagnosed with colon are over the age of 50 and the average age is 64. At the age of 50, a colonoscopy is the best and most complete screening for early detection. If you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps, talk to your doctor about when it’s appropriate to begin screening.What else can I do to prevent colon cancer?Many of the things you can do to prevent any type of cancer are the same. Follow these basic rules:

• Eat a balanced diet to include whole grains, fruits and lots of vegetables, particularly green ones. High fiber choices are best. Stick to lower fat, low cholesterol options. Stay away from excess sugar.
• Maintain a healthy weight – obese men are more prone to colon cancer than obese women, but staying at a healthy weight and watching the fat around the waistline is important in preventing colon cancer.
• Be active – get out and exercise. Research shows it can reduce your risk by up to forty percent.
• Know your family history – this is key for any cancer. The genes you inherit could be your roadmap to preventing a number of medical conditions. Once you know your risk factors, you can take control by either getting earlier screenings or genetic testing that can indicate your risk for developing cancer. Talk to your doctor very openly about all links to any cancers in your family history.
• Stop smoking – Tobacco not only transports carcinogens to your colon, but also has been shown to increase polyp size.

What are the signs of colon cancer?Talk to your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following signs:

• Thin stools
• Unexplained weight loss
• Cramping
• Bloody stools

From the time the first abnormal cells begin to grow into polyps, it usually takes 10-15 years to develop into colorectal cancer. Regular screening can prevent the cancer altogether. That’s because most of those polyps can be found and removed before they even have a chance to turn into something more severe. Colonoscopies help find the cancer early, and by doing so, turn your prognosis into a highly curable situation.

Healthy Eating: An Easy & Tasty Recipe

From Cooking Light 2 (1/2-inch-thick) slices white onion 1 (8-ounce) package mini sweet bell peppers Cooking spray 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided 4 (5-ounce) tilapia fillets 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas 1 small jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced 8 lime wedges (optional) Preparation Preheat grill to high heat. Arrange onion slices and bell peppers on a grill rack coated with cooking spray. Grill onions for 12 minutes, turning after 6 minutes. Grill bell peppers 12 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove onions and bell peppers from grill, and let stand for 5 minutes. Slice onion rings in half. Thinly slice bell peppers; discard stems and seeds. Combine onion, bell peppers, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle fish evenly with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and remaining 3/8 teaspoon black pepper. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add fish to pan, and cook for 3 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork or until desired degree of doneness. Warm tortillas according to package directions. Divide fish, onion mixture, and jalapeño slices evenly among tortillas. Serve with lime wedges, if desired.