Understanding COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic, known to most as the Coronavirus, has been a trying time for our patient family. With conflicting information appearing on the internet, news, and even from our president and CDC, it can be difficult to sift out the fact from the fiction. The shelter-in-place order that came into effect this past week has added a new set of challenges, separating us from friends and family and disrupting our normal day-to-day life. In the midst of all this, it can be helpful to understand the disease and how to identify if you might be at risk or experiencing symptoms. To that end, we put together a short guide to help ease the minds of our patient family and see them through this unsettling time.

COVID-19: What Is It?

Many of you will remember the MERS and SARS outbreaks that happened over the past decade. In both these cases, the disease was quickly able to be contained and treated, preventing a pandemic from taking place. Both of these diseases were part of the Coronavirus family, and so is Covid-19. What sets COVID-19 apart is that there is no cure for it at present, and the treatments available for it are more supportive than curative in nature. The belief that it was “merely the flu” led to the warnings and guidelines set in place early in the pandemic not being taken seriously, aiding its spread.

What Is A Pandemic?

The phrase “pandemic” is a term that can be scary. A pandemic is a term used to describe a disease that is international or even global in nature. What it does not indicate is the severity of the illness or its lethality; Instead, it describes its range and, to some degree, the number of cases identified. While a pandemic isn’t necessarily dangerous, the COVID-19 pandemic must be taken seriously given its infectiousness, lack of a cure, and risk to those with compromised immune systems.

What Are The Symptoms of COVID-19?

Without a clear understanding of the symptoms of the COVID-19 virus, every cough, sneeze, or body ache can be worrisome. The most common signs of infection by COVID-19 include:

  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Vomiting
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Diarrhea

Take comforting knowing that the majority of healthy children who have experienced a COVID-19 infection have only had mild symptoms and did not require hospital care to recover. If any of these symptoms are present, call our offices, and we’ll help determine the best next steps. We’re always happy to help set worried patient’s minds at ease, especially during times like these.

If you have more questions about the COVID-19 virus and how to protect your family from it, you can start by calling our offices for information. A simple regimen of practicing social distancing, washing your hands and face regularly, and only going out when you need to are great first steps. Trang D Nguyen and the team at Conroe Family Doctor are here for you, your family, Montgomery county, and the Conroe, TX Community.

Conroe Family Doctor in our Coronavirus (COVID-19) protective gear to fight this virus.

Conroe Family Doctor in our Coronavirus (COVID-19) protective gear to fight this virus. As we are still here fighting for you and your families with new processes and care changing daily we are still here to take care of all our patients.
To Call (936) 441-2012 or visit our new location 1020 Riverwood CT. Suite # 100. Conroe, TX 77304 *Also ask about our New TeleHealth Services in this time of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Conroe Family Doctor giving Lowe’s in Conroe, TX a 5 Star Review

Conroe Family Doctor doesn’t normally post other people’s reviews on our website but these are not normal times with fighting the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). As we are still here fighting for you and your families with new processes and care changing daily we are still here to take care of all our patients.

To Call (936) 441-2012 or visit our new location 1020 Riverwood CT. Suite # 100. Conroe, TX 77304 *Also ask about our New TeleHealth Services in this time of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Is Laser Hair Removal Right For You?

A woman receiving laser hair removal on her legs

People have been eliminating body hair for centuries using a variety of methods. Innovations in cosmetic treatments and laser technology have led to the development of laser hair removal. It is a semi-permanent way to handle body hair removal, eliminating the need to shave every few days to eliminate bristles and experience unsightly razor burn. While depilatory creams can eliminate concerns with razor burn, they don’t smell particularly nice. Waxing and sugaring are also effective at long term management, but neither of them are particularly pleasant experiences.

Electrolysis was developed as a long term solution, but the process is time-consuming and can be painful. It involves the insertion of a super-fine needle into the hair follicles to kill them using an electric-current. Laser hair removal accomplishes this goal without the need to employ electricity or involving a lot of pain. This is accomplished by the beam focusing on the pigment-rich cells in the follicle and root of the hair, burning them in a painless procedure.

What Are The Pros of Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is a wonderful solution for those looking for a long term solution for unwanted body hair. Whether you’re looking for a way to get rid of excess hair or simply don’t want to shave your legs, armpits, or genital area anymore, it’s safe and effective. There are four reasons why patients will opt to go for laser hair removal, including:

  • You can eliminate the need to shave for very long periods of time and can reduce the growth of hair to the point where shaving becomes unnecessary.
  • Laser hair removal is easy and painless and can be done anywhere on the body you’d like to have hair removed. Back, legs, bikini line, underarms, face, and stomach can all receive hair removal treatments.
  • Large areas can be treated with ease thanks to the machine used, saving time over slower processes like electrolysis and waxing.
  • While laser hair removal is not completely free of pain, its far less uncomfortable than wax removal; ice is typically used to cool and numb the area both before treatment starts and after its completion. As your hair gets finer from repeated treatments, it becomes less uncomfortable.

These are just the most common reasons that patients tend to opt for laser hair removal over other hair removal options. The results are far and away, the biggest reason, as nothing produces smooth hairless skin like laser hair removal.

If you’ve been considering having laser hair removal performed, it’s time to reach out to your local practitioner. Dr. Nguyen has been performing laser hair removal for his patients at Conroe Family Doctor for years. Patients in the Conroe, TX area rely on them to take care of their problem areas and free them from concerns with shaving or waxing for hair removal. Just pick up the phone to make a call for an appointment and consultation, and start setting yourself free from the tyranny of the razor today!

Tips to Help You Manage Diabetes

Diabetes refers to a group of diseases affecting how your body processes sugar or glucose. These conditions, which include type one and type two diabetes, both come from different causes, and in some cases, can be reversible. However, both conditions cannot manage the excess sugar in the blood system, which can lead to serious health issues, which include cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, Alzheimer’s disease, and nerve damage. Managing diabetes is a lifelong challenge, but the key to keeping diabetes in check is to check your blood sugar levels and keep them as normal as possible. Here are a few tips you can use to keep your diabetes in check.

Practice Self-Monitoring Techniques

Diabetes has two important indicators: glycated hemoglobin and blood glucose. For glycated hemoglobin, regular visits to the doctor’s office can help manage and check in on your diabetes. For blood glucose, it can be measured at home with the use of insulin and should be checked before and after meals, at bedtime, and before exercising. Make a journal of any dietary changes, physical activities, and medications to manage your blood sugar levels.

Maintain Healthy Weight Levels

Maintaining a healthy weight involves keeping an eye on any weight loss progress made, including setting goals, making notes of any changes to diet, and the amount of exercise achieved. With weight loss, the effects of type two diabetes can be reversed and can lower the glycated hemoglobin levels from 0.3% to 2% in adults.

Follow Good Nutrition Guides

Meal plans become extremely important when dealing with diabetes because certain foods containing high amounts of sugar can raise blood sugar levels in a matter of minutes. For those with diabetes, developing a plan with a dietitian can help control blood sugar levels through portion control and eating healthier foods. Taking in fewer carbs, eating more vegetables, and incorporating more whole grains into your diet can ultimately control your blood sugar completely.

Exercise Consistently and Regularly

Exercise can control blood sugar levels, reduce glycated hemoglobin, and reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases. Many nutritionists recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise a day for most days of the week can help manage diabetes and reduce insulin resistance. Those with diabetes should avoid sitting for long periods of time, and giving breaks to sedentary periods can help control blood sugar overall.

Take Medication As Prescribed

People with diabetes who don’t take their prescribed medication will have a higher risk of mortality rate, increase the risk of complications, and an increase in overall health costs. While complex treatment plans may seem hard to follow, addressing habits and non-adherence to medication to your doctors will help resolve any issues present and improve the likelihood of type two diabetes from being reduced.

While diabetes is not curable, a person with diabetes has the tools available to manage their condition. By following nutrition and diet plans, along with regular exercise, diabetes will become easier to manage and easier to live with overall. If you wish to learn more, contact Dr. Trang D Nguyen at Conroe Family Doctor in Conroe, TX.

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