Blog - Page 6 of 14 - Kavita Rao M.D.

15 May

Don’t Put Off Your Health for Fear of the Pandemic

There is no doubt that these are scary times; and for the most part, people are pulling together and doing what they can to stop the spread of the coronavirus. While it is important to maintain social distancing and only go out when needed, there are some things that are essential that you should not avoid during quarantine. One of those things is your health.

It can be very tempting to put off healthcare visits that don’t seem important. You might think that a problem is minor and can wait until the situation improves. Unfortunately, sometimes those minor problems can worsen and become major medical issues. It is best to leave that decision up to the medical professionals familiar with how your symptoms might relate to a diagnosis.

15 Apr

What to Expect from a DOT Physical

With the current crisis, commercial truck drivers, especially over the road drivers, are in high demand. These essential workers are responsible for getting food and supplies delivered all over the country. As some drivers become ill or feel the need to stay home, new drivers are starting to hit the roads.

Before you can get your CDL and work for a trucking company, you have to go through a DOT physical. The Department of Transportation requires these physicals to ensure that you are in good enough health to manage one of these large trucks with trailers. If you have certain medical conditions that could incapacitate you while driving, you could be denied your CDL license.

15 Mar

What You Can Do to Stop the Spread of COVID-19

In these times of crisis, it is important that we all work together for the good of the community. When everyone does their part, we can start to flatten the curve and begin making a comeback. Here are some basic things you can do to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Beware of Deliveries

You want to get as much as you can delivered, but don’t forget that whatever you have delivered has been touched by several people before it reaches you — people who are considered essential employees and have constant contact with the public. Your vigilance shouldn’t stop when it comes to the door.

15 Feb

Foods to Avoid When You Are Diabetic or Insulin Resistant

If you have any type of problems with your body regulating insulin (blood sugar), maintaining a healthy diet is your best weapon against health complications. You are probably well aware that you should avoid refined sugar and anything containing simple sugars like cakes, cookies, and other desserts, but there are many other foods that you should avoid. Here are just a few.

Trans Fats

Trans fats are unsaturated fats that have had hydrogen added to them to extend shelf life. Trans fats are found most often in frozen dinners, margarines, and peanut butters, but they can also be present in some muffins and breads to extend shelf life. While trans fats will not raise your blood sugar, they can be problematic for diabetics and insulin resistant patients. These patients are more prone to heart disease.

15 Jan

National Oatmeal Month: How Oatmeal-Based Products Help Your Skin

If you go into the skincare section of nearly any drug store, you are going to find many different products made from oatmeal for the treatment of several skin conditions. Oatmeal-based products can do a lot for your skin. In fact, you can even make oatmeal at home for these remedies. Here are just a few of the ways you can use oatmeal in your skincare routine.

Acne Treatment

Oatmeal contains zinc, which reduces inflammation and kills the bacteria that can cause acne. Some acne such as black heads are caused by clogged pores. This acne can also be cleared up by oatmeal because it contains compounds called saponins, which are known for their cleansing properties. Oatmeal will clean out the pore that is clogged causing the black head or pimple.

15 Dec

Planning for the New Year: Scheduling Your Annual Physical

With the new year quickly arriving, there are a lot of things that require your attention. It is important that you don’t allow your health to fall to the wayside in favor of handling other year-end tasks at work and at home. You should have an annual physical every year, and planning ahead to schedule it at the first of the year is the best choice.

Preventative Medicine

Your annual physical is all about preventative medicine. During your physical exam, your doctor can help you identify areas of health concerns so that you can make lifestyle changes to prevent conditions or illnesses from occurring. This means less downtime, less time away from work, and fewer medical costs.

15 Nov

How to Do a Breast Exam and When to See Your Doctor

Whether you think about breast cancer or the thought never crosses your mind, it’s devastating when it happens. You may not be able to avoid breast cancer, but with early treatment you have a better chance of dealing with it before it spreads. Along with mammograms and ultrasounds as needed, the best way to find problems early is to do a monthly breast exam on your own. Here’s what you need to know.

Doing a Breast Exam

You can check your breasts while taking a shower. Simply move the pads of your fingers in a circular motion from outside to inside around your entire breast. Another way is to stand in front of a mirror. Look closely at your breasts, then raise your arms high, and look again. Now, flex your chest muscles and look one more time.

20 Oct

Three Lab Tests Your Doctor Should Order Annually

You may have heard that you should be having a complete examination on an annual basis, but did you know that there are also some lab tests that should be checked annually? These lab tests are usually done as part of an annual physical. But if you have not had these tests recently, you should consider getting them done. Here are three tests your doctor should be checking annually.

Metabolic Panel

A metabolic panel is a comprehensive variety of tests done on blood drawn to determine if there are any issues with glucose level, fluid balance, kidney function, and liver function. The metabolic panel aims for early detection of kidney, liver, and other health problems.

10 Oct

The Importance of Routine Well Woman Exams

Most women are conscious of their health, and your sexual and reproductive health is also important. Just as you should see your primary doctor each year for a complete physical and blood workup, so too should you be seeing your doctor for a well woman exam on an annual or biannual basis. Here’s what you need to know about well woman exams and why they are important.

What Is a Well Woman Exam?

A well woman exam will allow the doctor to check your reproductive organs and sexual health. The well woman exam may include a pap smear, a pelvic exam, or both, depending on the appointment and your age. Well woman exams detect issues with the reproductive or sexual organs.

20 Sep

The Difference Between Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis

Do you have a lot of pain in your joints? Do you frequently feel stiff? Have you had some recent fractures? All of these symptoms can add up to osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, or both. Learn what these conditions are, how they differ, and how to determine if you are at risk.

What Is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition that usually sets in at an older age and is typically caused by a lack of calcium in the body and the bones. Osteoporosis causes the bones in the body to become more brittle and more easily broken. This can also affect your joints because the bones of the joints can deteriorate with osteoporosis.