Exciting Updates: New & Relocated Locations & Expert Rheumatologist Addition!

Learn More

MENU

Physicians Alliance of Connecticut Blog

Tis the Season: What to do About Dry Skin in Winter Months

Tis the Season: What to do About Dry Skin in Winter Months

Our intense winters bring frigid temperatures and often times undesirable dry skin. Next to other common winter ailments, like the cold and flu, dry skin may seem like a minor annoyance or simply an aesthetic problem. However, there are potentially significant consequences from chronic or severe dry skin.

Read More

Joint Pain When Cold Weather Arrives in Connecticut

Joint Pain When Cold Weather Arrives in Connecticut

There is no question that New England winters, and Connecticut’s holiday season in particular, can be brutally cold. The average low temperature during our winters is well below the freezing point, hovering around 2 degrees Fahrenheit. While all this cold can make for some picturesque snowscapes, it also brings many hassles, including achy and painful joints.

Read More

The Importance of Knowing the Early Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s

The Importance of Knowing the Early Warning Signs of Alzheimer's

Alzheimer’s disease is a widespread health issue, and it’s likely that you know or have known someone, or a family, who has lived with this diagnosis. Unfortunately, several misconceptions about Alzheimer’s abound. One of the largest misconceptions is that Alzheimer’s is untreatable. In fact, the disease is often treatable with a combination of strategies, but good treatment outcomes are largely dependent on early and accurate diagnosis.

We’ll examine the facts about Alzheimer’s disease below, including what Alzheimer’s is and is not. We will also lay out the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s so that you can be aware of possible symptoms in yourself or a loved one.

Read More

How You Can Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes

How You Can Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes

The numbers show just how widespread the diabetes problem is becoming in the United States. Figures from the American Diabetes Association illustrate that about 10% of all Americans are diabetic. This percentage is even higher among seniors, with one-quarter of all Americans age 65 and older qualifying as diabetic. There is good news, though. In many cases, diabetes is a preventable condition. We’ll take a look at two different types of diabetes mellitus in this article, the risk of diabetes developing, and what you can do to help prevent yourself from becoming diabetic.

Read More

Talking to Your Teen about Vaping: Vaping vs. Smoking Facts

Talking to Your Teen about Vaping: Vaping vs. Smoking Facts

Since electronic cigarettes, also called e-cigarettes or vaping, were first introduced in the United States several years ago, doctors have suspected that using these devices could lead to chronic health problems. In recent months, those suspicions have been tragically confirmed beyond anyone’s worst predictions with the deaths of over 30 people directly related to vaping. Stopping vaping, especially among teens, has taken on a new urgency, and it is crucial that you talk to your teen about the dangers of vaping.

Read More

Breast Cancer Early Detection Facts and How Your Primary Care Physician Can Help

Breast Cancer Early Detection Facts and How Your Primary Care Physician Can Help

While October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this serious disease requires attention all year round as breast cancer is a very common type of cancer among adult women. The statistics reflect just how ubiquitous this disease is in the United States. Over one-quarter of a million American women receive a breast cancer diagnosis each year. Additionally, more than 40,000 women succumb to breast cancer in the US annually. And while you cannot completely eliminate your risk of breast cancer, there are effective steps you can take with the support of your primary care physician (PCP) to increase the likelihood of early detection.

Read More

Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Connecticut and EEE Symptoms to Watch For

Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Connecticut and EEE Symptoms to Watch For

If you tuned into the news as of late, you may already know that health officials have confirmed the presence of the mosquito-borne disease, eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in Connecticut. In fact, EEE has not only been detected in mosquitos in our state, but we just recently had our first verified human case in Connecticut this year.

Read More

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: Early Symptoms and Risk Factors

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: Early Symptoms and Risk Factors

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, making it an ideal time for you to understand this serious form of cancer that according to the CDC, accounts for 3% of all cancers in women and causes more deaths each year than any other cancer of the female reproductive system.

Unlike many other cancer types, ovarian cancer has no preventative screening. While you can have Pap smears to check for cervical cancer and mammograms to help detect breast cancer, there is currently no method to regularly screen for ovarian cancer. Unfortunately, the majority of ovarian cancer cases are discovered in the later stages when the disease is least treatable. These facts mean that being aware of your ovarian cancer risk factors and following with your OB-GYN or primary care physician are crucial measures.

Read More

The Importance of Annual Physical Exams for Women

at-the-doctors-office-picture-id908625742-1

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for women to go for an extended amount of time without seeing a doctor. In fact, government health statistics reveal that for women under the age of 44, 23.2% of haven’t seen a physician in more than a year. This figure is concerning because it illustrates the fact that a significant number of women are overdue for their physical examinations.

Read More

Vaccinations Aren’t Just for Kids: Recommended Vaccines for Adults

Vaccinations Aren't Just for Kids: Recommended Vaccines for Adults

Childhood vaccinations receive a lot of attention due to their importance in preventing potentially serious illnesses, but immunizations for adults are equally crucial. Depending on your age, lifestyle factors, and history of childhood immunizations, you may need to receive certain vaccinations during your adult years. By following the vaccination recommendation for adults set out by health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you can help to keep yourself healthy and prevent several life-threatening diseases.

Read More