by Family Physicians
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by Family Physicians
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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 is the best way to protect against shingles and its complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)—a long-lasting nerve pain that can occur even after the rash heals.
The CDC recommends Shingrix for:
• Adults 50 and older, even if they’ve had shingles before
• Adults 19 and older with weakened immune systems
• Those who previously received the older Zostavax vaccine (which is no longer available in the U.S.)
Shingrix is given in two doses, spaced 2 to 6 months apart, and has been shown to be over 90% effective at preventing shingles.
Why Get Vaccinated?
Shingles can be extremely painful and may lead to long-term nerve damage. Getting vaccinated significantly reduces the risk of developing shingles and its complications, keeping you healthy and protected.
If you have questions or want to schedule your Shingrix vaccine, contact our office today!
Why can’t I just take a pill instead of injections? Some GLP-1 medications do come in pill form, but when swallowed, much of the medicine is broken down in the stomach and liver. This means the pill versions are only strong enough to match the lowest doses of the injectable medications, not the doses needed for real weight loss. Do oral GLP-1s work for weight loss? They can help slightly with appetite, but they are not strong enough for significant or long-term weight loss. There is currently no oral version that works like the full-dose weight-loss injections. What about sublingual (under-the-tongue) GLP-1s? Sublingual GLP-1s dissolve under the tongue and bypass the stomach, allowing better absorption. However, even these reach only lower dose levels and are best for weight maintenance or mild appetite control, not major weight loss. Which option works best for weight loss? Injectable GLP-1 medications provide the strongest appetite control […]
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We gathered together around the table as a doctor’s office family, sharing food, laughter, stories, and the simple joy of being together outside of our busy days caring for others. Moments like these remind us how special it is to be part of a team that truly supports one another. How perfect that today is National Pharmacist Appreciation Day, a day to recognize the incredible pharmacists who work hand-in-hand with our providers to keep our patients safe, informed, and healthy. From carefully checking medications to offering guidance and reassurance, pharmacists are a vital part of every healing journey. We are so thankful for the partnerships we share, the dedication behind the scenes, and the compassionate professionals who make quality care possible. Here’s to teamwork, gratitude, and the people who make medicine more personal every single day.
We are so grateful for the incredible people who make our office feel like family. These moments of laughter, connection, and sharing a meal together remind us why what we do matters, and who we get to do it with. As we gather together again this evening, we’re also stepping into all the exciting things waiting for us in 2026, new goals, new growth, and new memories we’ll create side by side. Cheers to friendship, teamwork, and a future full of great things.
Choosing a vasectomy is a personal decision, and we believe it should come with clear information, comfort, and trust. At our office, vasectomies are performed right here in a familiar medical setting by a doctor you can truly trust, someone who takes the time to listen, answer questions, and make sure you feel confident every step of the way. A vasectomy is a quick, minimally invasive procedure designed to provide long-term birth control. Most appointments are brief, recovery is typically straightforward, and many patients return to normal activities within a few days. Our doctor uses gentle, proven techniques and explains the process clearly, so there are no surprises. What truly sets our office apart is our approach to care. From your first conversation to your follow-up visit, your questions are always welcome. Our doctor uses the no scalpel technique and explains the process clearly, so there are no surprises. If your family […]
