According to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC), nearly 13,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually. However, cervical cancer is highly treatable and preventable through regular medical screenings and vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV).

What is HPV?

HPV is a virus. Multiple strains of HPV exist, with high-risk types that are closely associated with most cervical cancers and low-risk types that cause genital warts. Vaccination against HPV can prevent most cases of cervical cancer if administered before one is exposed to the virus.

Who Should Receive an HPV Vaccination?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that boys and girls be vaccinated for HPV at ages 11-12. While the vaccine is available for anyone through age 45, anyone age 15 or older must receive three doses as opposed to the two-dose series that is available for those younger than 15 years of age.

Should I Get Screened?

While advanced cervical cancer may cause bleeding or discharge from the vagina that is not normal for you, such as bleeding after sex, it is vital to note that early-stage cervical cancer may not cause symptoms. As such, regular screening is crucial for prevention of cervical cancer.

According to the NCCC, a Pap test can identify HPV-linked changes to the cervical cells while HPV tests locate the virus itself. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that anyone age 25-65 receive a primary HPV test once every 5 years; if a primary HPV test is unavailable, a Pap test performed every 3 years is sufficient.

Our Primary Care providers can answer your medical questions and guide you to the right specialist.

Our Radiation Oncology Specialists use the latest technology to treat cervical cancers including the High Dose Rate Brachytherapy System (HDR). This technology uses a computer-controlled radioactive source for rapid delivery of pinpoint doses of radiation, limiting radiation exposure to normal tissues. We use this to treat many gynecologic cancers including cervical and endometrial cancers. For the appropriate patient this can shorten treatment times from the traditional six or seven weeks to just five days.

Shared Content are here to make your healthcare journey simple. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

What is the Thyroid?

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck, and while it may be small, it produces a hormone that supports the function of your body’s most important organs.

What Do I Need to Know About Thyroid Disease?

According to the American Thyroid Association, diseases of the thyroid affect approximately 20 million Americans, and nearly 60 percent of them are unaware they have a thyroid condition.

The symptoms of thyroid disease include weight fluctuations, pronounced mood changes or difficulty sleeping. While each of these symptoms may be frustrating and potentially mild on their own, taken together, these symptoms can drastically affect a person’s quality of life.

Further, because the thyroid produces a hormone that affects the function of every organ in the body, untreated thyroid disease can lead to more serious conditions, including cardiovascular disease, infertility problems and osteoporosis.

Thyroid Disease Symptoms

Symptoms of thyroid disease can vary from person to person. They also vary depending on whether your thyroid is overactive or underactive. Some common symptoms of thyroid disease include:

• Increased anxiety, irritability or nervousness
• Fatigue
• Weight fluctuations
• Muscle weakness
• Vision problems or eye irritation
• Forgetfulness
• Fluctuations in menstrual cycle frequency and heaviness

What Should I Do?

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, you may be suffering from an irregular thyroid. Proper diagnosis is the first step to living a happier, healthier life, so discussing your symptoms with your primary care provider is vital.

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) provides a list of ten questions that can help you navigate this important conversation with your doctor: http://www.thyroidawareness.com/ten_questions_to_ask_about_your_thyroid_health.

Thyroid Disease Fast Facts*

• The causes of thyroid problems are largely unknown.
• Pregnant women with undertreated hypothyroidism have an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery and severe developmental problems in their children.
• While most thyroid diseases are life-long conditions, most are also manageable with medical attention.

* According to AACE: https//www.thyroid.org/media-main/press-room

If you are experiencing the symptoms of this disease, Shared Content can help diagnose and treat your thyroid condition. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Not only is it the holiday season, but it is also flu season. The best way to reduce your risk from the seasonal flu and any potential complications is to get vaccinated every year. This year National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) takes place from December 5-11. The designated week was created by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to create awareness in communities across the country and highlight the importance of vaccination. They chose the last month of the year to remind people that it’s never too late to get a flu vaccine.

Who is at Risk?

Certain individuals are at a higher risk than others for contracting the virus and developing flu-related complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia that can lead to hospitalization or even death. Anyone in this high-risk category should get vaccinated as well as those taking care of them. Those at high risk include:

• People 65 years of age and older
• People of any age with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and asthma
• Pregnant women
• Babies and children younger than 5 years old
• People living in facilities such as nursing and assisted-living homes
• Health care workers
• Caregivers to those under 5 years old and older than 65 years old

It’s Easy as ABC – Simple Tips and Tricks to Protect Yourself and Others

• Avoid close contact, touching, and any exposure to those who are sick and keep your distance from others if you are not feeling well or are sick. Surfaces can be contaminated with germs so do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth without washing your hands.

• Be Absent – Stay home if you are not feeling well, please stay home to help prevent the spread of germs to others.

• Cover Your Mouth and Nose & Clean Your Hands – Flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets created when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. Washing hands often will help protect you from germs. Soap and water are preferred, but an alcohol-based hand sanitizer will also do the trick.

• Disinfect – Wipe frequently touched surfaces and areas with products specifically designed to prevent germ contamination especially when someone is ill.

Managing stress, exercising, sleeping, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating a nutrient-rich diet along with being proactive and mindful is the perfect prescription for a healthy and happy life. A routine of these good health habits will help protect you and your loved ones.

Shared Content are here to make your healthcare journey simple and bring further awareness to the community. Contact us today to get your flu shot!

December is the biggest gift-giving month of the year. Everyone wants to find and give a great gift. But besides searching for the perfect present for your little ones, it is just as important to keep safety in mind while you’re shopping.

According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in 2020 there were 9 deaths and nearly 150,000 toy-related emergency room visits for children ages 14 and younger. Most of the injuries and deaths were associated with choking hazards, mostly because of small toy parts. Although toy safety has improved throughout the years, shoppers should still take precautions to keep children safe.

In recent years, the CPSC has implemented a stringent standards system that requires a third party to independently test toy safety in laboratories across the globe. This includes enforcing the percentage of lead and phthalates used in toys and stopping dangerous and violent toys at the ports and in the marketplace before they end up in little hands.

Safety Tips to Keep in Mind

• Inspect toys before purchasing them. Avoid toys with sharp edges, a multitude of little parts, and/or parts such as buttons that can be easily pulled off which become choking hazards.
• Look at the age and skill level marked on the packaging. Only buy age-appropriate even if you think a child is more mature. The guidelines are placed for good reason.
• Check the label. All toys should have an American Society for Testing and Materials (ATSM) to show it meets proper standards.
• Avoid all toys that with ropes and cords as well as crayons and markers unless they are labeled nontoxic. Other toys to avoid with children younger than eight years old are balloons which can choke or suffocate. This also includes deflated balloons which should be immediately discarded. High-powered magnet sets should always be kept away from small children too.
• Be wary of electric toys. These require close supervision.
• Give safety gear like helmets and knee pads if you are giving a bicycle, skateboard, or scooter.

It’s a Wrap

Upon opening gifts, immediately discard all plastic wrapping and any other toy packaging which can become dangerous playthings if not thrown away. Any toys requiring battery charging should be supervised and done by a trusted adult as chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards.

It’s easy to get swept up in the magic of the holidays, but the gift of safety ensures a happy and healthy holiday season. Shared Content wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday and a happy new year.

Shared Content are here to make your healthcare journey simple and bring further awareness to the community. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Although healthcare is essential year-round, the first week in October is dedicated to celebrating our primary care providers and highlighting the importance of their services. Not only is it a time for patients to express their gratitude, but for healthcare professionals to also celebrate each other and their accomplishments.

During “National Primary Care Physician’s Week”, physicians from around the corner and across the country are encouraged to come together to focus on improving care for their patients while learning new techniques and approaches from their like-minded colleagues.

Primary Care Physicians (PCP) are the first resource for good health. These are the first responders to a common cold, a milestone moment, and oftentimes a critical illness. These PCPs are typically found in a family or general practice but may also be a pediatrician, gynecologist, or internist. These physicians can perform routine health exams and screenings, treat and monitor illnesses and chronic conditions while prescribing and managing medications. They also can coordinate and consult with specialists if needed.

Many patients visit and rely on the same primary care physician for years. Those that have the advantage to spend decades with the same practice benefit from a trusted relationship on both sides. These PCP’s learn and become familiar with their patient’s family history, lifestyle, and personal needs. This makes them a crucial component and advocate of helping their patients obtain and maintain a healthy and happy life.

In the United States, more family physicians are practicing primary care than any other specialty. Many underserved communities depend on their family doctors as a lifeline. Family medicine is at the center of each community; It is at the heart of it all since everyone needs a family doctor.

Take time to show your gratitude to your PCP and give a shout-out to a physician who provided outstanding care. It’s also important not to forget the office staff who also work diligently to assist patients by scheduling appointments, handling insurance issues, calling in prescriptions, and so much more.

If you need a primary care physician, Shared Content are here to give you the medical attention you deserve. When you choose us to be your family physician, we become family.

Shared Content are here to make your healthcare journey simple and bring further awareness to the community. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

According to the American Liver Foundation, each year almost 33,000 Americans die from liver cancer. Due to the rising statistics, October has been designated as National Liver Awareness Month. The annual recognition month highlights the importance of the organ, celebrates the medical discoveries made by science, and reminds us of the progression of liver disease.

Did You Know That…

• The liver is the body’s heaviest, hardest working, and second-largest internal organ. An average adult liver can weigh up to 3 pounds. It cleanses toxins, produces energy, and aids in digestion. It protects the body by not allowing harmful impurities into the blood.
• The liver can grow back. It is the only organ that can completely regenerate, needing only a quarter of its original tissue to do so.
• The liver holds a lot of blood. Ten percent of the body’s blood may be inside it.
• The liver has multiple functions. From filtering blood to producing bile, the liver performs approximately 200 paramount jobs for the body.
• The liver metabolizes alcohol. It can process one ounce of liquor in one hour which is the average amount in one mixed drink.

Common Causes of Liver Disease

• Genetics
• Autoimmune disease
• Poor diet and/or obesity
• Excessive alcohol use
• Viruses/Infection
• Side Effects from medications, chemicals, and/or narcotics

There are over 100 different liver diseases and all result in similar damage to the liver regardless of the progression. Although the liver is an incredible organ that can repair or regenerate itself, the buildup of scar tissue over time can lead to cirrhosis. Cirrhosis can prohibit the liver from functioning properly and lead to serious complications.

Many individuals do not even look or feel sick, but the damage is still happening. In the past decade, the occurrence of cirrhosis has doubled in the United States. If the progression of liver disease can be treated, well-managed, and/or cured in its early stages, the liver will likely be able to recover from any damage.

Love Thy Liver

Eating a balanced diet, exercising, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help prevent Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Not just those abusing drugs or alcohol can develop liver disease, anyone (including young children) can have liver disease. Early detection can double one’s survival rate and allow a person to lead a normal and healthy life.

Shared Content are here to make your healthcare journey simple and bring further awareness to the community. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Not including skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. The National Breast Cancer Foundation reports that a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every two minutes. With staggering statistics such as these, a message needed to be broadcasted to bring widespread attention. So, just about four decades ago “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” was created and has since captured national attention and support from individuals, corporations, businesses, and even the NFL.

The Risks

According to the National Breast Cancer Organization, “women with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop breast cancer.” Of course, being a woman is the biggest risk factor, but a small percentage of men can get it too. Age is another risk that increases as one gets older. But family history is a major factor that increases risk which cannot be avoided. However, making lifestyle choices within one’s control (maintaining a well-balanced diet /exercise/avoiding cigarettes and alcohol) can significantly decrease the risks of the life-threatening disease.

The Symptoms & Signs

Breast Cancer Awareness Month promotes self-care by reminding and stressing the importance of monthly breast exams. These exams should include looking for changes within and surrounding the breast. Common breast cancer signs and/or symptoms include:

• A lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest or armpit (sometimes lumps can be felt but not visible)
• A change in the color of the breast (redness or inflammation)
• A change in the skin around the breast (scaliness, puckering, or dimpling)
• A change to the nipple (this can be the color or it may be inverted)
• A rough crust or rash around the nipple
• A discharge from the nipple.

If anything seems different even in the slightest, it is recommended to immediately schedule an appointment with your trusted physician. Treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and radiation vary based on the type of breast cancer one is diagnosed with.

The Cure

Currently, the only cure to prevent breast cancer is awareness. Shared Content will be happy to educate and guide you through the process including how to do a self-exam. It is highly encouraged that every female makes an appointment for an annual mammogram. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women. One out of every eight women will get breast cancer and early detection is prevention. The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better chance for successful treatment.

Shared Content are here to make your healthcare journey simple and bring further awareness to the community. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the number one leading cause of death in the U.S. More than one million Americans have a heart attack each year and about 500,000 die of heart disease. High blood cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart disease, which causes heart attacks and strokes.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance in the blood and when there is too much in the bloodstream it builds up in the artery walls. There are two types of cholesterol: High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) also known as the good cholesterol, and then there is the “bad” cholesterol Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL). The body produces cholesterol primarily through the liver, but the rest come from the foods we eat. Over time, the build-up can create a narrow blood flow to the heart and a potential blockage which can be fatal.

A diet filled with highly saturated and trans-fat foods will cause the liver to produce more cholesterol than it normally would. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of the foods we put into the body. Foods such as meat, poultry, dairy products, and tropical oils should be eaten in moderation. Other factors which can affect cholesterol levels are inactivity, smoking, obesity, age, and family history.

How Do We Test Cholesterol?

Cholesterol levels are checked through a “fasting lipoprotein profile” blood test. The test is broken down into four measurements: Total Cholesterol (Desirable to be less than 200 *mg/dL), Triglycerides (Desirable to be less than 150 *mg/Dl), LDL (Desirable to have a level lower than 100 *mg/ dL), and HDL (Desirable to have a level greater than 60 *mg/dL).

*Milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood.

The goal is to have lower LDL levels and higher HDL to have reduced chances of heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends all adults start regular cholesterol screenings at the age of 20. According to the CDC, 71 million Americans have high LDL cholesterol and do not even know about it because they have no symptoms.

How Do We Treat High Cholesterol?

Treatment will be recommended by your trusted physician based on an individual’s risk category. Minor changes such as diet and physical activity may be enough for some while others need a weight management program or a regiment of prescribed medications that can disrupt the production of cholesterol and stop plaque formation inside the artery.

Shared Content are here to make your healthcare journey simple and bring further awareness to the community. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

A serious health condition often overlooked is chronic pain. Those with such pain experience difficulties with everyday activities at the workplace and in their personal life. Many living with chronic pain have been facing it daily for quite some time and oftentimes struggle to get through each day. Besides the significant pain, this type of condition ultimately affects their emotional well-being and overall quality of life.

The Campaign

Two decades ago, the American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA) established a Pain Awareness Campaign with several organizations that have the same purpose and goal. As a result, a dedicated month was created to raise public awareness of issues in the area of pain and pain management.

The Chronic Pain Survey

The ACPA had a survey conducted years ago with adults experiencing chronic pain in the United States. Nearly half of those surveyed said their pain is not under control with the majority being middle-aged men. It also stated that nearly half spoke to their doctor within a month of the pain onset with nearly as many waiting even longer. It was also found that those affected have a casual attitude about their pain in the beginning until it develops into something more significant. Back pain seemed to be the most common amongst almost 1000 surveyed and most reach for over-the-counter medications with the hope of it relieving and/or alleviating the issue. Ultimately, many turn to alternative treatments regardless of the nature of their pain.

The Key to Create Awareness

Getting involved is the key to raising awareness. There is now a multitude of resources available online, on social media, and of course at your health care provider’s office. Talk with family and friends about Pain Awareness Month and encourage them to do the same. Call your local media, local government and community leaders, and healthcare provider to remind them about the issues of pain and how important pain management is.

Most importantly, take care of yourself. Living with a chronic condition requires attention, a new mindset, and coping skills to help manage the pain. Shared Content can help identify patterns in ones’ daily life and provide tools and a treatment program to live a full and active life while reducing the pain.

Shared Content are here to make your healthcare journey simple and bring further awareness to the community. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Each year over 150,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer and about 27,000 die from the disease. Right behind lung and colon cancer, prostate cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States. In the past two decades, the incidence of prostate cancer has nearly doubled.

The Prostate

The prostate is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum with the urethra going through the center of it. Almost all prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas which means they develop in glandular structures. In most cases, prostate cancer is a slow-growing disease which means there is time to consider all of the options for treatment and time to create a plan of action.

No one knows the exact cause of prostate cancer, but it is caused by the changes in the DNA of a normal prostate cell. These changes are when the cells in the prostate gland start to grow out of control. However, the size of the prostate can change as a man ages. In younger men, it is about the size of a walnut, but it can certainly be much larger in older men.

Prostate Cancer Warning Signs

It is important to see a trusted health care provider immediately if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms.

• A painful or burning sensation during urination or ejaculation
• Frequent urination (particularly at night)
• Difficulty starting or stopping urination
• Unexpected erectile dysfunction
• Blood in urine and/or semen

Prostate Screenings

All men are at risk for prostate cancer, so it is important to speak with your health care provider about the time to test. A full prostate cancer exam includes a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test and a digital rectal exam (DRE). The blood test will determine the PSA levels. As PSA levels will be higher in men who have prostate cancer. A DRE will estimate the size of the prostate and detect lumps or any other abnormalities. Many free screenings are available especially, during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

Fight to End Prostate Cancer

Awareness, self-checkups, well exams by a physician, and fundraising are the keys to ending prostate cancer. Remember, early detection saves lives. More than 99% of men survive prostate cancer when it is caught in its early stage. Shared Content are here to help you navigate through the process with early detection, screenings, treatments, guidance, and support.

Shared Content are here to make your healthcare journey simple and bring further awareness to the community. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.