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Wellness Blog

What are allergy shots?

Vivek Agarwal, MD | March 14, 2018 |
 
What are allergy shots?

Allergy shots are formally known as subcutaneous immunotherapy, which is a type of treatment for allergies. It is used to treat patients with allergy symptoms related to exposures from the environment such as pet dander, dust mites, pollens, grasses, and molds. It is the closest that we have to a “cure” for allergies. These shots work by building a tolerance to the allergens rather than treating the symptoms like you would with over the counter medications. 

How can they help me?

Patients who respond to allergy shots have a significant reduction in allergy... Read More

Keep your gut healthy

Sara Worden, MD | February 27, 2018 |
 

The colon is a misunderstood organ – most people have heard of the colon, but many people do not understand the important tasks it performs in the human body. A healthy adult colon is about six feet long and works to remove water from the waste material before it leaves the body, as well as helping remove toxins and absorb various vitamins and nutrients into the bloodstream.  

Good bacteria

Our colons are full of good bacteria. In fact, approximately 100 trillion organisms call our bowels home. These bacteria in the gut fulfill a variety of important functions, such as aiding... Read More

Anti-Inflammatory Diets

Setsuko Hosoda, MD, MPH | February 15, 2018 |
 

Many of the symptoms people experience are related to the food choices they make. Focusing on a diet that limits inflammation can help reduce your risk of illness. 

Eat more Omega-3 Fats. Cold water fish (e.g. salmon), flax seeds, leafy greens, and walnuts. Fresh veggies and fruits. Consume a colorful selection including red, yellow, green and blue (the rainbow of produce). Fiber. Increase your intake of green leafy greens, fruits, nuts and whole grains.  Spices and herbs. Use turmeric, ginger, rosemary, and oregano to season in place of salt. Limit your consumption Foods high in... Read More

Childhood Influenza

Ellen Passloff, MD | January 11, 2018 |
 
When should you see a doctor? Visit a healthcare provider for any of the following: Fever greater than 100.4 degrees that’s lasted more than four days (fevers may be intermittent) Fever that went away but has returned two or more days later Coughing up mucus tinged with blood Rattling chest sounds when taking a deep breath Fainting spells, dizziness and/or severe dry mouth Urinating less (or babies have less than three wet diapers per 24 hours) You are pregnant (pregnant women should seek immediate care if flu symptoms are present rather than making an appointment at an OB office) People... Read More

Avoid the Winter Blues

Joshua Antles, LH | December 21, 2017 |
 

It’s that time of year. Darker and often wetter days, especially in the Pacific Northwest, lead to seasonal mood swings. Here’s how to cope:

Stay Active. Keep moving. Exercise helps all. Get Outside. Step into the daylight, breathe in the fresh air. You can feel confined to your space during the winter. Avoid alcohol & Don’t overindulge. When you indulge it can be harder to check in with your internal self. Make time for the important things like being together and enjoying the moment. Be present. Try to notice 5 new things each day and say them aloud to yourself. Turn on the... Read More

Keeping your brain young

Sharon Stowe, LH | December 07, 2017 |
 

These four simple, regular activities can help to keep your brain active and young. It doesn’t matter your age.

Exercise Keep active. Go on a walk. Stay Social – Go out and see friends and visit with your family. Read more Play memory games such as crossword puzzles, sudoku, and puzzles. Practice things to keep your mind active as you age.

Keeping Your Brain Young - Sharon Stowe, Behavioral Health Video of Keeping Your Brain Young - Sharon Stowe, Behavioral Health... Read More

What is hoarseness?

Salvatore Taliercio, MD | November 09, 2017 |
 

Hoarseness is a very common problem and refers to abnormal voice changes. Hoarseness is a symptom, not a disease and one-third of the US population experiences this symptom at some point in their lives. Hoarseness is more common in those with significant voice strains, such as construction workers, teachers and telephone operators. All ages can be affected, from newborns to seniors. Women are typically affected more often than men. If you are experiencing hoarseness, you should see a healthcare provider for evaluation and care, whether medical or surgical. 

There are many reasons... Read More

Falling for Allergies?

Vivek Agarwal, MD | October 19, 2017 |
 

As most allergy sufferers will tell you, allergy symptoms can always be bothersome, turning any time of year into sneezing season. A runny nose, itchy eyes and scratchy throat can arise as the days get shorter and the leaves begin to change.

The fall can be especially difficult for people who are sensitive to mold and ragweed pollen (more prevalent in Eastern Washington). But these seasonal elements aren’t the only triggers that can make symptoms worse this time of year. There are also a few lesser known triggers. Here are four things you might not know about fall allergies,... Read More

How to reduce your risk of flu.

Yuan-Po Tu, MD | October 10, 2017 |
 

We are already seeing an increase in upper-respiratory and other types of illnesses this fall. With the start of flu season, it is important to remember how to best protect yourself from the illness and avoid spreading the disease.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, keep your distance from others. Use your best judgment – if you feel too sick to work, you probably are. Stay home and rest to avoid spreading the illness to others and give yourself a chance to heal. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and dispose of promptly.    Wash your hands frequently... Read More

What is Breast Awareness?

Dorcas (Dori) McLennan, MD | October 05, 2017 |
 

What is this new term “breast awareness”? As providers, we use this term as a way to communicate to women the importance of a broader awareness of breast health, that goes beyond the traditional monthly breast self-exam and a yearly mammogram.

Breast awareness begins with knowing your family history. Asking relatives including grandmothers, mothers, aunts, fathers, and others about their cancer history. Some cancers that are not breast cancer can be associated with an increased risk, so knowing your greater family history is important. Remember that history changes as we age, so... Read More

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