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Mary Savio Medical Plaza

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At the Mary Savio Medical Plaza, we have a wide variety of  medical and health care professionals who can assist you. Here is a list of symptoms that will help you determine the specific doctor that you need to see.

Adult Day Care Facility (Hale Hau'oli)

  •          Assistance with eating, taking medications, toileting and walking
  •          Educational programs or mental stimulation
  •          Health Monitoring (Vital signs, Meal and Fluid Intake)
  •          Crafts
  •          Field Trips
  •          Gardening
  •          Music Therapy
  •          Flower arranging
  •          Escort to physician appointments in the medical plaza
  •          Social Activities
  •          Relaxation Techniques
  •          Exercise programs
  •          Cooking
  •          Games
  •          Holiday and Birthday Parties
  •          Pet Therapy
  •         Tea Ceremonies

What is an Adolescent (Pediatric) Health Specialist?

Julie-Ann Lee-Horita, MD 

Ranjini Kandasamy, MD

  • If your child is between the ages of 11 and 21 years, he or she may benefit from the care of an adolescent health specialist.
  • Today’s adolescents face tremendous social and academic pressures, as well as potentially life-threatening illnesses, habits, and behaviors. Adolescent health specialists have the training and expertise to help teens and young adults with their complex physical, behavioral, and emotional health care needs—from physical exams and immunizations to reproductive and mental health care.
  • What Types of Treatments Do Adolescent Health Specialists Provide?
  • Adolescent health specialists provide adolescents and young adults with comprehensive care and treatment for a variety of problems and conditions, including
  • Physical exams required for driver’s permits, college entrance, and sports participation
  •  Sports medicine and orthopedic problems, such as scoliosis
  •  Growth and development issues
  •   Acute or chronic illness, from strep throat to asthma, diabetes, or cerebral palsy
  •  Headaches, chest pain, and other aches
  •  Gynecologic and reproductive health/sexuality issues
  •   School, learning, and attention problems
  •   Nutrition, obesity, and eating disorders
  •   Drug, alcohol, and tobacco use prevention and counseling
  •   Psychosocial problems including depression, stress, anxiety, self-esteem, and sleep problems
  •   Acne and other skin conditions

When to see a Cardiologists?  (Queens Medical Health Center-808-486-6116 located at MSMP)

Donna Colobong, PA-C

Rachel Lee, MD

Kahealani K. Rivera, MD

  • Many of us are familiar with the symptoms of heart diseases like heart attack or stroke. There are other symptoms of heart disease as well, however, to be aware of: 
  • Severe pressure, squeezing, pain or discomfort in the chest
  • Pain or discomfort that spreads into the shoulders, neck, arms, or jaw
  • Chest pain that becomes more intense
  • Chest pain that isn’t relieved by rest
  • Chest pain combined with the following symptoms: Sweating, cool, clammy skin, and/or paleness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Unexplained weakness or fatigue
  • Rapid or irregular pulse
  • Pain in the jaw, neck, upper back, and/or chest
  • Hoarseness because of pressure on the vocal cords
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Heart palpitations
  • Anxiety
  • Low blood pressure  

10 signs you should see a Chiropractor

Lindsey J. Kimura, DC  

Ammon M. Zukeran, DC  

Chronic pain in your joints, muscles or head hasn’t improved with traditional medical treatments

  • Your job requires you to sit for long periods of time or to perform repetitive physical tasks
  • An injury to a muscle, joint or spine hasn’t healed with initial medical treatment, medications or physical therapy
  • You want to address joint or muscle pain without drugs or surgery
  • The soles of your shoes consistently wear differently. For instance, the left outer heel of shoes for your right foot wears down more quickly 
  • Sharp pain shoots from your hip down your leg
  • Pain, achiness, a burning sensation or stiffness comes and goes in parts of your body, with no explainable cause
  • The hem of your skirt or pants hangs unevenly
  • Your head is positioned forward rather than directly over your shoulders
  • One of your shoulders is lower than the other

When to see a Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeon

Kevin Dieffenbach, MD

  • Surgeons can reshape the appearance of body parts through cosmetic surgery. Some of the most common body parts people want to improve through surgery include
  • Breasts: Increase or reduce the size of breasts or reshape sagging breasts
  • Ears: Reduce the size of large ears or set protruding ears back closer to the head
  • Eyes: Correct drooping upper eyelids or remove puffy bags below the eyes
  • Face: Remove facial wrinkles, creases or acne scars
  • Hair: Fill in balding areas with one's own hair
  • Nose: Change the shape of the nose
  • Tummy: Flatten the abdomen

Cosmetic and plastic surgeries provided include:

  • Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
  • Botox
  • Breast augmentation
  • Breast lift (Mastopexy)
  • Browlift
  • Collagen, Juvederm, Restylane
  • Ear surgery (Otoplasty)
  • Eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty)
  • Face lift (Rhytidectomy)
  • Facial peels
  • Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics
  • Laser hair removal
  • Laser treatment for facial redness and veins
  • Liposuction
  • Mole removal
  • Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)
  • Skin care products
  • Spider veins
  • Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
  • Body contouring after weight loss
  • Breast reconstruction
  • Breast reduction
  • Cleft lip/cleft palate surgery
  • Craniofacial surgery
  • Pediatric plastic surgery
  • Skin cancer surgery reconstruction

 

What are some signs I should see a Dentist?

Frank M. Baumholtz, III DDS

Steven K. Ertel, DDS

Lloyd S. Hataishi, DDS

Derek H. Ichimura, DMD

Eduardo K. Manapat, DMD

Myles C. Miyasato, DDS Periodontics

Claude N. Tamura, DDS  

Ricky M. Tsuhako, DDS

  • Your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold
  • Your gums are puffy and/or they bleed when you brush or floss
  • You have fillingscrownsdental implantsdentures, etc.
  • You don’t like the way your smile or teeth look
  • You have persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
  • You are pregnant
  • You have pain or swelling in your mouth, face or neck
  • You have difficulty chewing or swallowing
  • You have a family history of gum disease or tooth decay
  • You have a medical condition such as diabetescardiovascular diseaseeating disorders or are HIV positive
  • Your mouth is often dry
  • You smoke or use other tobacco products
  • You are undergoing medical treatment such as radiation, chemotherapy or hormone replacement therapy
  • Your jaw sometimes pops or is painful when opening and closing, chewing or when you first wake up; you have an uneven bite
  • You have a spot or sore that doesn’t look or feel right in your mouth and it isn’t going away

Diagnostic Laboratory

Diagnostic Laboratories of Hawaii:

  • Laboratory tests check a sample of your blood, urine, or body tissues. A technician or your doctor analyzes the test samples to see if your results fall within the normal range. The tests use a range because what is normal differs from person to person. Many factors affect test results. These include
  • Your sex, age and race
  • What you eat and drink
  • Medicines you take
  • How well you followed pre-test instructions
  • Your doctor may also compare your results to results from previous tests. Laboratory tests are often part of a routine checkup to look for changes in your health. They also help doctors diagnose medical conditions, plan or evaluate treatments, and monitor diseases.

 

When to see an Ear, Nose & Throat Doctor (ENT)

S. James Lee, MD

Wilson T. Murakami, MD

  • While all individuals may be prone to ENT problems, certain symptoms are hereditary such as allergic rhinitis, ear disease and thyroid conditions. Still other symptoms correspond with specific ages and stages of life:
  • Newborns:  Squeaky breathing, typically related to laryngomalacia
  • Toddlers:  Ear infections, second in prevalence only to tonsil problems and adenoidectomies
  • Adolescents: Frequent sinusitis, nose bleeds, snoring and throat infections
  • Teenagers:  Nasal fractures, frequent sore throats, allergies and sinusitis
  • Young adults:  Sinusitis, thyroid nodules and chronic sore throats
  •  Middle age: Sinusitis and allergies, thyroid nodules, parathyroid problems, neck masses, ringing in ears/hearing loss
  • Mature:  Hearing loss, thyroid and parathyroid problems, ringing in ears and swallowing problemsPatrick J. Munley, DMD

 

Wade K. Nobuhara, DDS

Gary S. Yonemoto, DDS 

Rachel M. Yorita, DDS  

There are several ways treatment from an endodontist may be sought. In the course of a regular dental check up, if the general dentist or hygienist finds symptoms of endodontic (root canal) infection or inflammation, a consultation with an endodontist may be recommended. However, a referral is not necessary for an endodontic consultation.

If you experience any of these signs and symptoms, an endodontic consultation is advised:

  • Lingering pain to cold or hot
  • Spontaneous pain
  • Swelling
  • Pain during chewing

 

Family Practice Physicians are dedicated to treating the whole person. They treat each organ, every disease, all ages and both genders. The cornerstone of family medicine is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focused on integrated care.

Randall Nitta, MD

Gabriela Ortiz-Omphroy MD

Dean K. Otaka, MD  

  • Care for all ages from infants to elderly
  •  Care for chronic conditions, such as diabetes, asthma and heart disease
  • Ear, nose and throat care
  • Emergency medical care
  • Minor surgical procedures
  • Mental and behavioral health care
  • Bone and joint care
  • Eye care
  • X-rays
  • Care of the urinary system
  • Well-woman care, reproductive counseling, family planning

When Should You See a Gastroenterologist?

Mark  A. Morisaki, MD 

Patients are usually referred to gastroenterologist by their primary care physician. Your physician may recommend you see a gastroenterologist if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms of GI disorders:

Patients are usually referred to gastroenterologist by their primary care physician. Your physician may recommend you see a gastroenterologist if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms of GI disorders:

  • Rectal bleeding
  • Leakage/underwear stains
  • Bowel movement urges that are hard to control
  • Diarrhea
  • Change in bowel habits
  • Pale-colored stools
  • Dark urine
  • Heartburn (acid reflux)
  • Abdominal pain or bloating
  • Excessive gas or belching
  • Esophageal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite or weight
  • Lethargy Heartburn/GERD

If you have frequent heartburn for six months or longer and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) aren’t helping, you may need treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

 Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of disorders, including Crohn’s disease, that cause inflammation of the intestines. Symptoms include:

  • Severe or chronic abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Joint pain
  • Fever Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Although irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) does not cause permanent damage or lead to serious disease, it can be uncomfortable. Symptoms include:

  • Cramping
  • Abdominal pain
  • Bloating
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation 

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that makes your body unable to process gluten, which is found in wheat, rye and barley. Symptoms include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability or depression
  • eight lossItchy rashes and blisters

Colon Cancer Screening 
A colonoscopy is a safe and effective method of inspecting the full length of the colon and rectum to screen for colon cancer. Using a small camera attached to a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope, physicians can see inside the colon, perform biopsies, remove colon polyps and diagnose colon and rectal conditions. 

 

When do I need to see my Gynecologist/Obstetrician?

Richard T. Ikehara, MD

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that teenage girls start seeing a gynecologist between the ages of 13 and 15.

  • Gas
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability or depression
  • Weight loss Itchy rashes and blisters

If you don’t go at that time, you should make sure to visit a gynecologist, adolescent health specialist, or other health professional who can take care of women’s reproductive health if:

  • You have ever had sex (vaginal, oral, or anal) or intimate sexual contact
  • It has been three months or more since your last period and you haven’t gotten it again
  • You have stomach pain, fever, and fluid coming from your vagina that is yellow, gray, or green with a strong smell — all of which are possible signs of a serious condition called pelvic inflammatory disease(PID) that needs immediate treatment
  • You are having problems with your period, like a lot of pain, bleeding heavily, or bleeding for longer than usual, or it has stopped coming regularly
  • You have not gotten your period by the age of 15 or within three years of when your breasts started to grow
  • You’ve had your period for two years and it’s still not regular or comes more than once a month
  • You are having sex and missed your period

Why do you need an Internist?

Craig Y. Hamasaki, MD

Daniel M. Harada, MD Suite 307

Joel E. H. Kobayashi, MD

Mona N. Suzuki, MD Suite 217 

 

An internist provides preventive care that helps you stay healthy. He or she will ensure you have the physical exams, screenings, and vaccinations that are important for your specific health needs.

Even with healthy habits and the best preventive care, illnesses can still happen, and your internist can address your health concerns with you and establish the appropriate treatment plan. Whether it’s a cold, the flu or a chronic disease, such as diabetes or hypertension, Internists are trained to diagnose and treat a range of the most common adult illnesses.

Who do Internists treat?

  • Internists provide primary care to men and women age 18 and up. 
  • ​Healthy people see their internists to maintain their good health. At your scheduled appointments, your doctor will provide advice about preventive measures, such as routine physical exams, screenings and test.
  • But people also get treated by internists when they are sick. A cardiologist cares for your heart, and an ophthalmologist focuses on your eyes, but your internist is concerned with your overall health and well-being.
  • Because your internist cares for the whole person, he or she considers all of your medical needs, concerns, and treatments. 

 

When to See a Neurologist Melvin C. Wong, MD 

Neurologists specialize in disease of and damage to the nervous system. The following symptoms may indicate the need to see a neurologist: 

  •  Change in mental status
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Dizziness
  • Double vision
  • Fainting
  • Forgetfulness
  • Headaches
  • Numbness
  • Pain in the neck or back
  • Seizures
  • Slurred speech
  • Tingling
  • Weakness

The above symptoms may have many causes, such as decreased blood flow to the brain, chemical imbalances, autoimmune disorders or damage from diabetes.

If you have any of the above symptoms, make an appointment with your primary care physician-your pediatrician, family practitioner or internist, to discuss whether a visit to a neurologist is warranted.

8 Signs You Might Need an Eye Exam

  • Ideally, one eye exam every year should help you to stay on top of your eye health, but some people might need to schedule more than one exam in a year. Vision can change quite a bit over the course of a year, especially for those over the age of 50, and it is important to know when you need to schedule an exam.
  • Here are 8 signs that you should get another exam on the calendar soon:
  • Your eyes are red, dry, itchy, or you are seeing spots, flashes of light, or floaters.
  • You have diabetes or another health condition that affects your eyes. Also, if you have a family history of conditions like diabetes or glaucoma you may need exams more often, especially as you move into your 50s and beyond.
  • You can't remember when you last had an eye exam. If it’s been longer than a year, you’re overdue.
  • You have difficulty driving at night and seeing street signs in the dark.
  • You experience eye strain, headaches and/or blurred vision after spending an extended amount of time in front of a computer screen.
  • You get motion sick, dizzy, or have trouble following a moving target.
  • You hold books or the newspaper further away from your face and squint or close one eye to read them clearly.
  • You notice any changes in your vision, especially after an incident of head trauma.
  • Don't wait until you experience any of these 8 things before you schedule an eye exam. Keep in mind that an eye exam benefits more than just your eyes. Your eye doctor can detect a wide range of diseases like diabetes and cancer just by looking at your eyes.

What is a hematologist-oncologist?

William S.Loui, MD: Certified member of MD Anderson Cancer Network-the leading cancer hospital in the country.

A hematologist-oncologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and/or prevention of blood diseases and cancers such as iron-deficiency anemia, hemophilia, sickle-cell disease, leukemia and lymphoma. This physician is trained in hematology — the study of blood — and oncology — the study of cancer.

Hematologist-oncologists do not usually treat operable cancers such as prostate cancer, but specialize in treating blood cancers, such as Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, leukemia's and multiple myelomas. A hematologist-oncologist may also specialize in the management of solid tumors.

Although many hematology-oncology graduates end up solely focusing on oncology, the two specialties intersect in the understanding of leukemia's, lymphomas and solid tumors. Hematology and oncology are further joined in the diagnosis and management of hematologic conditions that may accompany various malignancies.

Imaging and Xrays

Hawaii Advanced Imaging Suite 320,  808-200-4933

Diagnostic imaging lets doctors look inside your body for clues about a medical condition. A variety of machines and techniques can create pictures of the structures and activities inside your body. The type of imaging your doctor uses depends on your symptoms and the part of your body being examined. They include

 

Eye Doctors: Optometrists and Ophthalmologists

Ophthalmologists offer medical and surgical eye care services. These include:

Michael Bennett, MD

Wendell Danforth, MD

Chris Mai, MD

David Mai, MD

Luis C. Omphroy, MD

Karl Waite, MD

  • Vision services, including eye exams
  • Medical eye care -- for conditions such as glaucoma, iritis,  chemical burns and etc.
  • Surgical & Laser eye care -- for trauma, crossed eyescataractsglaucoma, retinal and other medical problems
  • Diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions related to other diseases, such as diabetes , hypertension, arthritis, thyroid and etc.
  • Plastic surgery -- for drooping eyelids and smoothing wrinkles

Optometrist (OD): Vision and Eye Care Services

Walter G. Au, OD

Jessica Cho, OD

Edwin Y. Endo, OD

Edwin Y. Endo II, OD

Sarah S. Takenaka, OD

Optometrists are medical professionals and focus on regular vision/medical eye care and prescribe medications for eye diseases including eye infections, glaucoma, dry eyes and etc, eyeglasses and contacts. Services include:

Optician: Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses Amy Endo, CPOT

Opticians fill the prescription that your eye doctor gives you. Services include:

  • Evaluate lens prescriptions
  • Provide, adjust, and repair glasses, frames, and contact lenses
  • Take facial measurements
  • Help decide which type of lenses and frame will work best
  • Order and check products, including contact and eyeglass lenses

Oral Surgeon:  Cameron Y. S. Lee, MD

An oral surgeon is a dentist specialist who is trained to handle dental implants, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders, facial pain, and restorative surgical procedures such as wisdom teeth removals. In addition to common dentistry services, an oral surgeon can also treat tooth and facial injuries, such as broken jaws, and broken or knocked-out teeth. Oral surgeons also treat oral cancers and can perform facial cosmetic surgeries.

Your general dentist will recommend a visit to an oral surgeon when you require service beyond the general dentist’s scope. Oral surgeons, also called maxillofacial surgeons, are trained to detect, diagnose, and prevent defects and diseases that affect the mouth, jaw, teeth, and gums.

When Should my Child to see an Orthodontist?

Randal D. Morita, DDS

Scott L. Morita, DDS


Orthodontic treatments and dental treatments are quite different. Orthodontic treatments address issues such as malocclusion, tooth alignment, and jaw spacing, while dental treatments are aimed at maintaining overall tooth health. Because of the specific nature of orthodontic treatments, it can sometimes be tough for parents to know when their child needs to see the orthodontist . Below are some telltale signs for parents to keep an eye out for.

  • Asymmetry – If you notice that your child has an asymmetrical face or if their teeth don't line up
  • Problems with Speaking and Eating – if you notice your child is having trouble biting or chewing food, speaking, or is experiencing cheek-biting
  • Bad Bite – Malocclusion, or bad bite, can begin to develop as the adult teeth grow in and replace the primary teeth. You can usually see the signs of bad bite between middle childhood and the pre-teen years, and an orthodontist should be consulted in order to evaluate and diagnose bad bite.
  • Tooth Crowding – If your child's adult teeth have started to grow in and are already showing signs of crowding, see an orthodontist and discuss braces.
  • Tooth Grinding – Many children grinding their teeth either at night or unconsciously, which can lead to tooth damage, TMJ, and headaches.

American Association of Orthodontics suggests parents should bring their children in for an examination either way before the age of seven. This is done because an orthodontist can detect problems that may be more subtle, and come up with an effective orthodontic treatment plan. If you suspect your child is suffering from any of these symptoms, schedule a visit with Dr Randal or Scott Morita.

 

 What types of problems do Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeons treat?

Byron H. Izuka, MD 

Children with complex pediatric problems are best managed by a medical-surgical team approach. Pediatric orthopedic surgeons diagnose, treat, and manage children's musculoskeletal problems, such as:

  • Limb and spine deformities noted at birth or later in life (clubfoot, scoliosis, limb length differences)
  • Gait abnormalities (limping)
  • Broken bones
  • Bone or joint infections and tumors

 

When to Call the Pediatrician

Julie-Ann Lee-Horita, MD 

Ranjini Kandasamy, MD

When to Call a Pediatrician: The Ironclad Rule

If you're worried, call your baby's doctor, period. "Trust your instincts," If your child is weak, lethargic, or if you have any questions, always call.

Fever: When to Call a Pediatrician

To get a handle on fevers, it helps to know your numbers. Generally, a low fever is under 102 degrees, a moderate fever is 102-104 degrees, and a high fever is 104 and over.

  • For any fever in an infant under 3 months, even a temperature as low as 100.4 degrees.
  • For babies older than 3 months, call your pediatrician for a low fever if your child is acting weak, sick, or if the fever lasts for more than three days.
  • For fevers 105 degrees and up, your child should see the pediatrician the same day or go to urgent care.
  • If the fever is also accompanied by an inability to drink, confusion, rashtrouble breathingseizures, constant crying, difficulty walking, persistent vomiting, or diarrhea, call your doctor right away.

Stomach Flu and Other Intestinal Issues

Intestinal issues are a common cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and even cough and cold symptoms in kids. Usually caused by a virus, intestinal problems can happen no matter what age your baby is.

When should you call a pediatrician? when there is:

  • Blood in your child's stool or vomit
  • Abdominal pain located in one spot
  • A fever for more than three days
  • If your child has diarrhea and pees fewer than three times in 24 hours
  • Dehydration, Diarrhea, and Vomiting

Dehydration can easily be caused by vomiting and diarrhea, especially in babies, so always call your pediatrician if you think your child is dehydrated. Signs of dehydration include:

  •  Dry lips
  • Lack of tears when baby cries
  • Wetting fewer diapers than normal
  •  Going six hours or more with a dry diaper
  •  Lethargy or weakness

Mild diarrhea warrants a call if it lasts more than ten days. Diarrhea is considered severe and worthy of a call to the doctor when:

  • There are more than eight stools a day
  • Stool has blood or mucus
  • Vomiting is a pretty common part of  childhood, but call your doctor if:
  • Vomiting lasts more than 24 hours
  • An infant throws up more than 8 or 10 times
  • An older child throws up 10 or 20 times
  • The vomiting seems unusually severe

Constipation

  • While newborns should poop daily, older babies can have a wide range of normal poop behavior. Call your doctor about constipation if your baby:
  • Is newborn (up to 4 weeks old) and hasn't pooped every day
  • Is more than 4 weeks old and has not pooped in a week
  • Has a distended or swollen belly
  • Starts vomiting
  • Has a fever
  • Is lethargic
  • Uninterested in feeding

Coughs, Colds and Other Respiratory Problems

Coughs are an expected part of having a cold and serve a purpose, Call to the pediatrician when they're severe, meaning:

  • When they're constant
  • Are associated with labored or noisy breathing
  • Are painful
  • Cause vomiting
  • Make a child uncomfortable
  • Keep a child up at night
  • Last more than two weeks

For colds, call your doctor if there is:

  • Problems with breathing
  • Fever for longer than three days

Remember, no cough and cold medicines are recommended for infants and young children. It's OK to treat fever and pain with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, but not with aspirin, which isn't recommended for children because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.

Rashes

Call your doctor if your child:

  • Is bothered by the rash
  • Starts acting sick
  • If the rash doesn't improve within 2 or 3 days
  • The rash looks like bruises and does not lighten in color when you press on it
  • The rash is associated with fever

Colic or Fussiness

"With colic (or anything else), if you don't know what to do, just call your doctor.  It could be a sensitivity, an allergy to formula, or GERD instead. But find out what to do.

Whether it's colic, vomiting, tummy upsets, or just something that's worrying you, "just call your doctor and get some guidance and a plan of action," Your pediatrician is there to help, so give them a call -- and let them help!

What common conditions do Podiatrists treat?

 Gregory Morris, MD

Podiatrists treat many conditions related to the foot, ankle and related structures of the leg, including:

   These bumps usually show up on the joint at the base of the big toe, causing pain, swelling, roughened skin and redness. According to the APMA, they can be caused by faulty foot development, the way you walk, your foot type, your shoes, or by foot injuries, congenital deformities and neuromuscular disorders.

  • Corns and callusesWhile everyone develops a callus at one time or another, serious calluses and corns can cause foot pain when the thick and hardened dead skin forms pressure and causes friction.
  • Heel painHeel pain can be caused by many things, including heel spurs (protrusions of bone from the heel bone), plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis.
  • Plantar fasciitisThis painful condition occurs when the soft tissue fibers of the fascia on the bottom of the foot are inflamed.
  • Morton’s neuroma: A neuroma is a benign tumor or growth of nerve tissue that can cause a tingling or burning sensation in the foot, as well as numbness.
  • Athlete’s foot: Fungus on the feet causes athlete’s foot. According to the APMA, the fungus tends to grow in humid, dark and warm environments, and can cause dry skin, itching, inflammation and blisters.
  • Flat feet: Feet are meant to absorb the shock of walking and running. Flat feet are less capable of absorbing shock, which leads to foot pain.
  • Diabetic ulcers: These open sores or wounds affect an estimated 15% of people with diabetes. They usually occur on the sole of the foot and if left untreated can become infected, possibly leading to eventual amputation of the foot.
  • Fungus nails: Sometimes fungus can grow underneath nail surfaces. This fungus is called onychomycosis and causes the nail to grow darker and smell bad. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other toes, and cause pain that can interfere with daily routines.
  • Hammer toesHammer toes usually affect the first joint of a toe and cause toes to be permanently bent. According to the APMA, they can cause foot pain, redness and swelling in the affected joint, pain in the ball of the foot, formation of corns on the top of the joint and restricted movement.
  • Warts: Warts are caused by viruses, and when they appear on the foot they are called plantar warts.
  • Ingrown toenails: When toenails dig into the toes, they can cause considerable pain. Sometimes the nails can grow into the toes and cause infection.
  • Sports injuries: Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat common sports injuries, including ankle and foot sprains, tendinitis and Achilles tendon ruptures.

 

What is a Physiatrist?

Bruce Katsura, MD

Physiatrists, or rehabilitation physicians, are nerve, muscle, and bone experts who treat injuries or illnesses that affect how you move

Rehabilitation physicians are medical doctors who have completed training in the medical specialty of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). Specifically, rehabilitation physicians:

  • Diagnose and treat pain
  • Restore maximum function lost through injury, illness or disabling conditions
  • Treat the whole person, not just the problem area
  • Lead a team of medical professionals
  • Provide non-surgical treatments
  • Explain your medical problems and treatment/prevention plan

A list of some of the most common reasons to seek a Physical Therapist  includes:

  • Neck pain and low back pain
  • Arthritis in one or multiple joints
  • Fractures and other orthopedic conditions
  • Bowel or bladder incontinence
  • Problems with balance or mobility
  • Chronic fatigue and weakness
  • Pre- and post-surgical conditioning and strengthening
  • Cancer recovery
  • Fitness and wellness education including weight loss and prevention of osteoporosis
  • Respiratory problems / poor cardiovascular endurance
  • Knee, ankle and foot problems
  • Shoulder, arm, hand and wrist problems, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and shoulder tendonitis
  • Pre- and post-partum programs
  • Neuro-rehabilitation, such as post-stroke and spinal cord or head injury
  • Wound care such as diabetic wounds and non-healing traumatic or post-surgical wounds
  • Common sprains and muscle strains
  • Work-related injuries such as repetitive motion injuries, slip and fall accidents and other trauma

  

When to see a Psychologists

Ola Hou Clinic

George F. Rhoades, PH.D

What can you do if your life is making you miserable? You've talked to your friends and family… and still you feel there is something wrong. Maybe you are dealing with one of life’s derailing events – a relationship ending, redundancy, the loss of someone close to you. Or perhaps you have always felt at odds with the world and its happy-seeming people.

Perhaps you’ve tried talking with a life coach, or had some Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), through the NHS after seeing your GP. You may even have tried medication for depression or anxiety, but still you feel the need for professional help.

If you’re still uncertain, ask yourself these questions

  • Do you feel that you are running into the same problems again and again?
  • Do you think about past traumas for unreasonable amounts of time?
  • Do you feel that your work or home life is suffering?
  • Do you no longer enjoy things that once gave you pleasure?
  • Do you find yourself drinking/overeating/taking drugs to feel better?

Answering ‘yes’ to a number of those questions above would indicate that counseling or therapy could help you.

Sleep specialists (Gabriele M. Barthlen, MD ) are trained in the diagnosis, management, treatment, and prevention of sleep disorders and sleep problems. They often work in sleep centers, also called sleep clinics and sleep labs.

Sleep medicine specialists diagnose and treat a number of sleep-related conditions, including excessive snoring, sleep apnea (obstructive sleep apnea; OSA), insomnia (inability to sleep or sleep well), narcolepsy (chronic, uncontrollable daytime sleepiness), and circadian rhythm disorders. Circadian rhythm sleep disorders, such as delayed sleep phase syndrome, jet lag, and shift work change, cause chronic (long term) or occasional disruptions in sleep patterns and may result in excessive sleepiness and/or difficulty sleeping.

Sleep specialists also diagnose and treat parasomnias, which are abnormal conditions or events that occur during sleep. These conditions include the following:

  • Bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis)
  • Nightmares (bad dreams) and night terrors (episodes of extreme fear)
  • Periodic limb movement disorder/Restless legs syndrome (PLMD/RLS)
  • REM behavior disorder (RBD)
  • Sleep paralysis (inability to move when falling asleep or awaking)
  • Sleepwalking (motor activity, such as walking, while asleep)
  • Teeth grinding (bruxism)

What Does The Ultrasound (Sonography) Look For?

First Look Sonogram 

Ultrasounds are diagnostic procedures that detect or aid in the detection of abnormalities and conditions related to pregnancy. Ultrasounds are usually combined with other tests, such as triple testsamniocentesis, or chorionic villus sampling, to validate a diagnosis.

An ultrasound exam is medically indicated throughout pregnancy for the following reasons:

First Trimester:

  • Confirm viable pregnancy
  • Confirm heartbeat
  • Measure the crown-rump length or gestational age
  • Confirm molar or ectopic pregnancies
  • Assess abnormal gestation

Second Trimester:

  • Diagnose fetal malformation
  • Weeks 13-14 for characteristics of potential Down syndrome
  • Weeks 18-20 for congenital malformations
  • Structural abnormalities
  • Confirm multiples pregnancy
  • Verify dates and growth
  • Confirm intrauterine death
  • Identify hydramnios or oligohydramnios – excessive or reduced levels of amniotic fluid
  • Evaluation of fetal well-being

Third Trimester:

  • Identify placental location
  • Confirm intrauterine death
  • Observe fetal presentation
  • Observe fetal movements
  • Identify uterine and pelvic abnormalities of

 

What is Considered an Urgent Medical Condition?

Urgent medical conditions are ones that are not considered emergencies but still require care within 24 hours. Some examples of such conditions include:

  • Accidents and falls
  • Sprains and strains
  • Moderate back problems
  • Breathing difficulties (i.e. mild to moderate asthma)
  • Bleeding/cuts -- not bleeding a lot but requiring stitches
  • Diagnostic services, including X-rays and laboratory tests< > Eye irritation and redness
  • Fever or flu
  • Vomiting, diarrhea or dehydration
  • Severe sore throat or cough
  • Minor broken bones and fractures (i.e. fingers, toes)
  • Skin rashes and infections
  • Urinary tract infections