Chronic, widespread pain and achiness, debilitating fatigue – most would get a diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). But, before making that diagnosis, it is important to rule out other disorders that masquerade as fibromyalgia. Research shows that of people diagnosed with FMS, up to 66% may actually have another diagnosis. In classic FMS, people experience
Author: Patty Powers
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: What You Can Do to Get to the Underlying Cause
Have you been told you have hypothyroidism? Do you take medicine for “low thyroid”? Do you have an enlarged thyroid gland? Do you have positive thyroid antibodies? If you can answer yes to any of these questions, you may have a problem called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune condition that results in
Eating Disorders from a Medical Perspective
Do you or someone you care about struggle with an eating disorder? These disorders are much more common than one would think – one reference from 2002 estimates that almost 30 million Americans suffer from an eating disorder (including males and females, at any age). The most common eating disorders include anorexia, bulimia, and
Get the Lead Out!
The recent reports of high lead levels in the water in Flint, MI are shocking. Most concerning is the fact that this danger was not publicized immediately – so action could have been taken to protect the citizens there. In our society, it is impossible to avoid exposure to these toxic metals. Lead was used
5 Things You Can Do to Lower Your Cancer Risk
“You have cancer.” Three little words, terrifying to their core. Have you or a loved one heard those words? Did they shake your foundations, make you wonder if you would live long enough to see next year, next month? One in three will hear those words in their lifetimes. Shocking!
Any Stress In Your Life?
Are you hanging on for dear life? Stress is certainly a part of our lives, and some stress can be good for you. For example, using your muscles will make them stronger. Walking and running and jumping put stress on your bones and make them stronger. But, too many of us are stressed out! And
Could you have diabetes, and not know it?
There was a health fair this weekend here in Lynchburg. Seven families were shocked to find out that a loved one had a high blood sugar. Two kids and five adults now have a life-changing diagnosis. None of these people suspected they had a problem. How could this be? Typically, people associate diabetes with symptoms
Do your kids have VEGEPHOBIA?
When I ask about my patients’ eating habits, many parents tell me that their child “hates vegetables” or “only likes carrots dipped in ranch dressing” or “loves French fries, but nothing else”. Moms hate going to the effort of preparing a lot of vegetable dishes when nobody at home will eat them. Sound familiar? Vegetables