Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays dormant in the nervous system and can reactivate later in life, leading to shingles. Shingles often begins with burning, tingling, or itching on one side of the body, followed by a rash that develops into fluid-filled blisters. The rash typically appears in a band-like pattern along a nerve pathway. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, fatigue, and sensitivity to light. Who is at Risk? Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk for shingles, but it is more common in: • Adults 50 years and older • Individuals with weakened immune systems (due to conditions like cancer, HIV, or certain medications) • People under high stress or with a history of chronic illnesses The Shingles Vaccine The Shingrix vaccine […]
Spring is here and we sure would appreciate you springing into action by following us on social media! You’ll stay informed about important health news, seasonal wellness tips, and any updates from our office. We have X, Instagram and Facebook. Stay in the loop and be a part of our growing community! Your health is our priority, and we’re here to keep you informed and supported every step of the way. How to Like & Follow Our Page on Facebook 1️⃣ Open Facebook and search for Family Physicians of Cedar Rapids, PC in the search bar. 2️⃣ Tap on our page when it appears. 3️⃣ Tap the thumbs-up “Like” button (if you haven’t already). 4️⃣ Tap the three dots (•••) menu under our name. 5️⃣ Select “Follow” and then “Favorites” (so you always see our posts). That’s it, and we thank you in advance for the support.
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Your dedication, compassion, and expertise make a difference in the lives of so many, and we are truly grateful to work alongside you. May this special day bring you joy, relaxation, and all the appreciation you deserve. Wishing you another year of health, happiness, and success!
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Happy St. Patrick’s Day from all of us at Family Physicians of Cedar Rapids☘️ Today, we feel extra lucky to have such wonderful patients like you. May your day be filled with good health, happiness, and a little bit of Irish cheer! Stay safe, stay well, and may the luck of the Irish be with you today and always!
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Spring break is a great time to relax and recharge, but it’s also important to keep your health in mind while enjoying the break. Stay hydrated, especially if you’re traveling to a warm destination or spending time outdoors. Practice sun safety by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing to prevent sunburns and long-term skin damage. If you’re traveling, wash your hands frequently and consider bringing hand sanitizer to reduce the risk of illness. For those engaging in outdoor activities, use proper safety gear and be mindful of potential injuries. Finally, if you’re on any medications, be sure to take them as prescribed and pack enough for your trip. Stay safe, have fun, and take care of your health this spring break!
As we spring our clocks forward, let’s not forget the importance of quality sleep! Losing an hour of rest is a reminder of how vital sleep is for our overall health. March is Sleep Apnea Awareness Month and it’s time to talk about a condition that affects over 30 million Americans, yet nearly 80% remain undiagnosed. If you or a loved one snores, wakes up gasping for air, or struggles with constant fatigue, sleep apnea could be the culprit. Left untreated, it can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and even diabetes. But here’s the good news: treatment can drastically improve sleep quality, energy levels, and overall health. If you suspect sleep apnea, don’t wait, talk to a doctor and take control of your sleep health! Did you know? ✅ Sleep apnea can cause up to 400 interruptions in breathing per night. ✅ It’s more common in men […]
Each year, March marks National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, shining a much needed spotlight on a disease that impacts 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women during their lifetime. Why is this month important? Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, but the good news is that it is highly preventable with regular screenings. When detected early, colorectal cancer is often treatable and sometimes even avoidable. Who should get screened? • Adults 45 and older, even if you have no symptoms. • Anyone with a family history of colorectal cancer. • People experiencing symptoms like persistent changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, or unexplained weight loss. What are your screening options? There are multiple ways to screen for colorectal cancer, including: • Colonoscopy (the gold standard for detection and prevention) • Stool-based tests (non-invasive options you can do at home) Prevention starts with […]
Thank you to Total Balance in Vinton for welcoming Family Physicians to speak about our Weight Loss Injections. We’re excited to support patients who are ready to begin this new journey. We find ourselves stepping into a brand new journey, one filled with hope, uncertainty, and excitement. As the seasons begin to shift, so does our path, and we are ready to embrace the opportunities ahead. There’s something refreshing about this month, a reminder that growth comes from movement, even when the destination isn’t fully clear. With each step, we are choosing courage over comfort, curiosity over fear, and trusting that this new chapter will unfold exactly as it’s meant to. Here’s to marching into March with an open heart and an eager spirit.
If you’ve been considering weight loss injections, now is the time to start. While the FDA is still determining final regulations, it could be months before any major decisions are made. Even then, legal challenges, like those currently affecting tirzepatide, will likely delay changes. Right now, compounded versions remain available, allowing patients to access effective treatment at a fraction of the cost of brandname options, which can be as high as $1,400 per month. However, if regulatory changes tighten restrictions, these more affordable options may become limited. By starting now, you give yourself the time to achieve your weight loss goals while these medications are still accessible. If you’ve ever thought about trying them, this is the window of opportunity to take action.
With the weather finally warming up, it’s the perfect time to focus on feeling our best, both inside and out. As we enjoy longer days and more sunshine, it’s a great opportunity to prioritize our health and well-being. That’s why I’m excited about an upcoming event where we’ll be diving into the benefits of weight loss injections. It’s not just about shedding pounds, it’s about improving overall health, boosting confidence, and feeling more energized. Learning more about these treatments can open the door to a healthier lifestyle, and I can’t wait to explore how they can help us all feel our best this season! Call Today to Reserve Your Seat! 319-365-7581 Event Details: Date: Thursday, February 27th Time: 6pm Location: Total Balance 217 W Fourth St, Vinton, IA
