Newton Medical Center

Do You Have Osteoporosis?

Throughout our lives, our bones are continuously broken down and renewed to maintain a delicate balance of blood calcium levels and bone density. In a healthy person, bones are kept at ideal strength through adequate dietary calcium and vitamin D, as well as regular physical activity. In some cases, however, the bones fail to reform as quickly as they are broken down, resulting in a condition known as osteoporosis. The physicians at a comprehensive medical care facility can diagnose and address osteoporosis.

A person suffering from osteoporosis has significantly reduced bone mineral density and strength, and, as a result, can fracture a bone very easily. The most common cause of osteoporosis is the natural decrease in estrogen or testosterone secretion that occurs later in life. For this reason, women aged 50 and older and men aged 70 and older are at an increased risk for developing the condition. The other causes of osteoporosis include:

• Prolonged periods of bed rest.
• Eating disorders that can result in calcium deficiency.
• Hyperparathyroidism.
• Deficiency in vitamin D.

Are you at risk for developing osteoporosis? According to the National Center of Biotechnology Information, Caucasian women with a family history of osteoporosis are at the highest risk, especially if they smoke or drink excessively. You may have already developed the disease if you are experiencing any of the following signs:

• Fractures resulting from no cause or minor trauma, like that which can occur when sneezing.
• Progressive loss of height.
• Chronic bone tenderness, especially in the cervical or lumbar spine.
• Stooped posture.

In its early stages, osteoporosis is almost always asymptomatic. If you believe that you may be at risk for osteoporosis, speak with your doctor to manage your risk factors and improve your health. The Women Diagnostic Center at Newton Medical Center is dedicated to helping the women of Covington and the surrounding areas take a powerful first step against the debilitating complications of osteoporosis. Call us today at (888) 507-9146 to learn more about our advanced diagnostic services and how they can help you to detect bone disease before it becomes serious.

May is Mental Health Month

For over 60 years, May has been designated as Mental Health Month to improve public awareness of mental illness and to promote continued mental wellness. With professional medical treatment, those who suffer from these illnesses can find relief from their symptoms and live fulfilling, productive lives. According to Mental Health America, 1 in every 4 American adults currently lives with a diagnosable and treatable mental illness. This month, you can do your part by reaching out to individuals in your life who suffer from symptoms of mental health conditions and encouraging them to seek treatment today.

• Depression: Chronic depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States and affects more than 19 million Americans each year. Those suffering from clinical depression often lose pleasure in aspects of life that brought them great joy in the past. They can also feel chronically fatigued and be plagued by feelings of hopelessness or pessimism.
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Although this condition is often associated with children, ADHD can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms of ADHD can include forgetfulness, distractibility, mood swings, chronic boredom, disorganization, and low self-esteem.
• Anxiety Disorders: While it is natural for adults to experience feelings of fear, nervousness, and anxiety before a job interview or other meaningful life event, those with anxiety disorders will suffer from these emotions for no apparent reason. If someone you know suffers from panic attacks with no known cause, encourage him or her to seek treatment.
• Bipolar disorder: Also known as manic depression, bipolar disorder is characterized by dramatic mood swings from a euphoric ‘mania’ to feelings of hopelessness and depression. Those suffering from bipolar disorder often deny that anything is wrong and can get into the habit of abusing drugs, alcohol, and other harmful substances.

Helping someone you know get the care that he or she needs can make a huge difference in that person’s overall quality of life. If you have any questions about the evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment of mental health conditions, contact the healthcare experts of Newton Medical Center at (888) 507-9146.

Learn How to Sleep Better!

• You can find an informational booklet all about osteoporosis and its related risk factors by clicking on this link.
• Click on this link to learn more about specific sleep disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea as well as their treatment options.
• Get more information about sleep deprivation from this article produced by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.
• Educate yourself about what questions to ask to find the right birth care center for you and your needs at BirthCenters.org.
• Learn what a birth care center is and what services these facilities provide on this page from the American Pregnancy Association.

If you are looking for a top-quality medical clinic in Covington, visit Newton Medical Center. Call (888) 507-9146 today to learn more about our services.

Osteoporosis: Risks for Men and Women

Although osteoporosis is typically thought of as afflicting mostly postmenopausal women, it in fact affects both men and women alike. As this video explains, there are many different factors that can increase a person’s risk of osteoporosis.

In this clip of the Early Show, the hosts interview Dr. Jennifer Ashton, who explains how high the risks of osteoporosis are for men and women. Watch it to learn about some of the risk factors and what you can do to reduce your chances of having an osteoporosis-related injury later in life.

Visit Newton Medical Center to learn more about what you can do to reduce your risk of osteoporosis. Schedule an appointment at our emergency center in Covington by calling (888) 507-9146 today.

Insomnia Symptoms and Treatment Options

Insomnia is a serious sleep disorder that can have a drastic effect on overall health. Yet this condition is often misunderstood, with people often thinking that it can be solved relatively easily. It is always best to seek help from a medical clinic when you suspect that you are dealing with a sleep disorder like insomnia, because it is a serious condition that requires professional attention.

Symptoms of Insomnia

Insomnia generally entails an inability to obtain adequate sleep. This may mean that you are unable to fall asleep for a large portion of the night, or that you wake at irregular times and are unable to return to sleep. One or two nights of such symptoms may not indicate a problem, but chronic symptoms may constitute a medical situation.

Potential Treatments

Many types of medical facilities treat the symptoms of sleep disorders. A wide range of treatment options exists for combating insomnia, since no one treatment method works for every single case. Medication has been shown to have a high rate of success in treating patients with sleep disorders. Usually, such medicine will be prescribed in conjunction with changes to a person’s lifestyle. Adjusting your routine to make your sleep schedule more regular also helps in many cases. Work with a doctor at your local medical facility to find a solution that fits your sleep problems and lifestyle.

With a sleep disorder center, minor care area, and ER, Newton Medical Center can care for many of your medical needs. If you have trouble sleeping and feel that it may indicate a sleep disorder, pay a visit to our medical clinic in Covington where you can seek help. Call (888) 507-9146 to schedule an appointment with us today.