Blog Archive
Excellent oral hygiene is essential to your overall health and well-being. Although brushing and flossing are a primary way to prevent cavities, some areas of the teeth are harder to clean and more prone to decay. Dental sealants offer an effective solution for protecting these vulnerable areas and preventing cavities....
Your body needs small amounts of sodium to regulate bodily fluids and the function of your muscles and nerves. But, most Americans get way more sodium than they need. On average, Americans take in approximately 3,400 mg of sodium daily. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans advocate for adults to restrict...
Here at South Plains Rural Health Services, we recognize the critical importance of mental health and well-being. Suicide and self-harm are often an unfortunate result of an underlying mental health struggle. If you or a loved one are having suicidal thoughts, the following five steps can help you reduce their...
Did you know that more than 27 million people in the United States have asthma? If you or a loved one is among this population, managing your condition is important to you and your long-term health. Although asthma cannot be cured, its symptoms can be effectively managed, so you lead...
A healthy mouth is key to your overall health and well-being. In the United States, thought, more than one in four people have untreated tooth decay. Decay can lead to a dental abscess — a case in which bacteria infects the center of the tooth and has the potential to...
About 4,000 women in the United States die each year from cervical cancer. Early detection through a Pap smear improves your chances of getting successful treatment for the condition. Receiving an abnormal result from your Pap smear can be unsettling, leaving you with questions and concerns about what comes next....
The changing weather and the prevalence of viruses during this fall and wintertime means you need to prioritize your family's well-being. We here at South Plains Rural Health Services want to help you understand how you can help prevent illness from striking you or your loved ones this season. Our team recommends...
Nearly half of adult Americans have high blood pressure. We here at South Plains Rural Health Services want to understand the seriousness of a hypertension diagnosis. Without management or treatment, hypertension can lead to heart problems, stroke, vision problems, sexual dysfunction, and kidney damage. Blood pressure is a measure of your blood pushing against...
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which can lead to symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. If you’re among the nearly 26 million people in the United States with asthma, staying on top of the disease is important to your...
About 96 million Americans have prediabetes. This condition means you have high blood sugar, but not levels that are high enough to qualify as type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes does not inevitably turn into diabetes and all its complications. You can take steps to prevent progression of the disease. We here...
Everyone experiences variations in their mood. Poor sleep, work or school obligations, food choices, friend or partner conflict, and impending illness can all impact whether you have a “good” or “bad” day. Teens are no different when it comes to how events and the environment affect their emotions and moods....
Hypertension affects about 116 million Americans, and many of them don’t know it. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, doesn’t usually show outward symptoms until it has reached a crisis condition. We here at South Plains Rural Health Services want you to be aware of the dire consequences of uncontrolled high...
Skipping an annual physical may not seem like a big deal, but when you put it off year after year, it can negatively affect your long-term health. Visiting a primary care provider for an annual physical exam and preventive care is essential to your ongoing health. At these visits, the...
Spring is a time when grasses, mesquite, cottonwood, and other common allergens bloom and peak. If you’re one of the 24 million people, or 8% of adults and 7% of children, triggered by these or other environmental allergies, you’re less enamored by the beautiful weather in April, May, and June and...
You’ve probably heard about insulin — especially if you have diabetes. But what exactly is this substance and how does it affect your body? Your pancreas, a gland located in the abdomen, produces the hormone insulin. One of this hormone’s primary roles is to control blood glucose (blood sugar) levels...
It’s a fact of life — some days are just better than others. You might wake up feeling great and full of pleasantries, but as the day progresses and you forget to eat or grow tired, your mood may shift toward irritability. This kind of mood swing is completely normal...
Allergies range from mildly annoying to life-threatening. They happen when your immune system reacts to a substance that’s normally just fine for most people. Allergies can affect the respiratory tract, digestion, skin, or sinuses. Allergies can cause a runny nose, cough, fatigue, watery eyes, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, or a rash....
People seeking support for their mental health rose about 2% from 2019 to 2021. There are many reasons for this increase in demand for counseling and other mental health services. Issues surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic contributed to the rise in these numbers. Also, an increased awareness and validation of mental...
High blood pressure isn’t a diagnosis that you simply ignore. It requires medical and lifestyle management for the rest of your life. Unmanaged high blood pressure, or hypertension, compromises your heart, kidney, eye, and brain health. At South Plains Rural Health Services, we offer the medical management you need to help...
A family doctor provides comprehensive health care for all members of your household, including older adults and young children. They’re there to help when you face illness or injury but also to help you manage chronic conditions and important preventive screenings. At South Plains Rural Health Services, we provide comprehensive family...
How you care for yourself during pregnancy greatly impacts your pregnancy experience, labor, delivery, and you and your baby’s long-term health. Infants born to mothers who don’t receive prenatal care are three times more likely to have a low birth weight and are five times more likely to die in infancy compared...
Even with all the dental advancements to replace missing teeth, none can quite compare to your natural teeth. This is why if you have an infection deep in the pulp of your teeth, you benefit from a root canal. This relatively simple procedure preserves the root, shape, and function of...
Your body requires some cholesterol to make hormones and form the structure of cells. However, having too much cholesterol can pose serious health risks. High cholesterol doesn’t have outward signs, but does silent internal damage that puts you at risk of angina (chest pain), peripheral artery disease, heart attack, and...
You may be on blood pressure medications, diabetes medications, pain medications, or blood thinners. You may not think twice about adding an over-the-counter allergy pill or a weight-loss supplement to the mix. If you’re taking more than one of these medications or supplements, however, you are at increased risk for...
Occasional mood swings are normal. Maybe you didn’t sleep well, haven’t eaten for a few hours, or had a stressful day at work. You may feel energetic in the morning, but get cranky later in the day because of natural biorhythms. Hormone changes can also impact your mood. Imbalances in...
Spring is a common time for seasonal allergies. Flowers, trees, and bushes are awakening from the winter and releasing pollen, spores, and other compounds into the air with the hope of pollinating and fertilizing other plants. If your immune system is sensitive to these compounds, it may react with sneezing,...
Children commonly develop ear infections because of an accumulation of fluid behind the eardrum or an infection in the ear canal. Sometimes these infections can be managed at home with rest, monitoring, and over-the-counter medications, but when they cause serious pain and other concerning symptoms, schedule a visit to your...
High blood pressure is an insidious condition that quietly does internal damage to your body. Without efforts to lower it, high blood pressure can lead to serious conditions and even death. At South Plains Rural Health Services, we measure your blood pressure at every appointment. If it’s considered high or...
It’s easy to put off scheduling an annual medical exam. After all, it takes time out of your busy schedule, requires planning and driving time, and, if you feel healthy, doesn’t even seem necessary. An annual exam, though, is an essential part of your overall health care. It gives your...
When you’re feeling just fine, heading to the doctor — especially the gynecologist — seems unnecessary. But, regular gynecological visits help ensure that you keep feeling well through all stages of your reproductive health. Whether you’re a teen who just started her menstrual cycle, a woman thinking about getting pregnant,...
You’ve been brushing your teeth for as long as you can remember. It’s a task you feel pretty confident in performing. What if you were to find out that you’ve been doing it all wrong? Proper tooth brushing helps get rid of bacteria in your mouth that contributes to decay...
If you have a persistent runny nose, watery eyes, coughing, itchy eyes, and sneezing long past the spring and summer, don’t just assume it’s the early signs of a fall cold. Fall allergies may be the culprit. Texas is a hotspot for fall allergy triggers. If you’re suffering, contact the...
If you live in a rural area of the United States, you’re more likely to die of chronic diseases, like heart disease or cancer. You’re also more vulnerable to unintentional injuries from car accidents or opioid use. Children who grow up in rural areas are also at a greater risk...
Hypertension doesn’t show symptoms but silently does damage to your body, putting you at great risk of complications like stroke and heart attack. Anyone can develop high blood pressure, but certain risk factors make it more likely. Fortunately, high blood pressure, or hypertension, is easily detected and managed. The team...
Anxiety and depression are real mental conditions that can severely damage your quality of life. Of course it’s normal to feel nervous about an event, like a job interview or major work presentation, or to feel blue when you experience a break-up or major life change, but if these feelings...
Birth control is a personal choice, and the type you choose must meet your family goals, health concerns, and personal preferences. At South Plains Rural Health Services, Inc., we can help you by asking the right questions so you get a form that is comfortable, effective, and in line with...
Allergies and asthma can both make you miserable. They often occur together and sometimes have similar symptoms, so it makes sense that you might confuse them, but they’re two different conditions. At South Plains Rural Health with offices in Levelland, Lamesa, and Big Spring, Texas, the team can help you...
Behavioral health is a broad term that refers to how your behaviors affect your physical and mental wellness. Your eating habits, alcohol consumption, exercise routines, and patterns of thinking all fall under behavioral health. The behavioral health specialists at South Plains Rural Health provide support in the form of individual...
You have the power to help prevent a child from becoming one of the growing number of kids who are obese. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or guardian, simple steps help kids learn and develop healthy eating habits, so they enjoy a lifelong healthy weight that supports an active, confident...
The cold and the flu have many similar symptoms and share in their ability to make you miserable. Though both are treated in much the same way, with lots of rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications, the flu is more likely to cause serious health complications. Here are a few tips...
As many as 16 million Americans have undiagnosed vision impairments. This may be because they’ve just never made eye health a priority. Eye exams shouldn’t be a negotiable part of your health care. Both adults and kids benefit from regular check-ups of their vision. Plus, the eyes are subject to...
Anytime you come to South Plains Rural Health for a general check-up or with symptoms of an illness, we check your blood pressure. If your measurements are elevated at three consecutive visits, you may be diagnosed with high blood pressure. You may feel just fine, so it seems like high...
Allergies affect as many as 50 million people in the United States. Allergies are often to blame for that persistent rash on your skin, for digestive distress, for sneezing and stuffy noses, or for red, watery eyes. Allergies can also cause you to feel fatigued and achy. In some cases,...
Have a fever and cough? Call a family medicine doctor. Did your child wake up with an unusual rash? Call a family medicine doctor. Does your aging mother need a blood pressure check? Call a family medicine doctor. Does your diabetic brother need help managing his blood sugar levels? Call...
It may seem like an unnecessary hassle, but getting your child a physical prior to the start of the school year is an important step in their ongoing health maintenance. Unlike quick visits that address an injury or illness, preventive physicals give the family medicine team at South Plains Rural...
Addiction is devastating. It destroys the life, work, health, and relationships of the person suffering and those who love them. Almost 23 million Americans suffer addiction to alcohol or drugs. Other millions are addicted to behaviors, such as gambling or sex. Overcoming addiction isn’t easy, and you can’t expect to...
Maybe you’re staying home to adhere to social distancing norms or perhaps leaving your house isn’t a choice because of family duties or a pre-existing condition. Being at home doesn’t mean mental health issues go away, however. In some ways, you may be suffering more at this time as you...
COVID-19 is incredibly contagious and can be quite serious. It’s shut down countries and caused tens of thousands of deaths in just a few months. Slowing the spread and containing the virus is essential. If you show symptoms of COVID-19, it’s important for you to contact the health offices at...
COVID-19 is incredibly contagious and can be quite serious. It’s shut down countries and caused tens of thousands of deaths in just a few months. Slowing the spread and containing the virus is essential. If you show symptoms of COVID-19, it’s important for you to contact the health offices at...
An annual women’s wellness exam may seem like something to skip. After all, you aren’t having symptoms or concerns – so why bother? Having a pelvic exam may not be the highlight of your year, but it is essential to the preservation of your long-term health. A woman’s wellness exam...
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 70% of Americans are overweight or obese. If you’re in this group, you may have considered dropping a few pounds. We at South Plains Rural Health are here to tell you that you should commit to this thought. Dropping...
Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that damages your eye’s optic nerve. It tends to have a hereditary link, but may develop with other risk factors. If you develop glaucoma, you may lose some vision and can’t get it back. But, early detection means your glaucoma can be managed and...
Allergies are hypersensitive responses of the immune system to normally benign substances. Your body views the substance as a foreign invader and responds to protect you. In the case of seasonal allergies, this response often brings on symptoms that are similar to those of the common cold. A cold is...
Tooth decay and injuries can happen even if you’re diligent about brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits. If you have an infection or disease that affects even just one tooth, don’t just resolve yourself to having it pulled. In many cases, endodontic treatment – or a root canal – can...
Stress management is necessary to help you deal with work, family, and social demands of a busy life. When you keep stress at bay, or at least learn to co-exist with it, it has less power over your health. Management doesn’t mean eating stress away or drinking alcohol to numb...
Teeth discolor because of eating and drinking habits – too much coffee and red wine, perhaps? Tobacco use, trauma, and the aging process also contribute to a less-than-bright smile. Some cases of discoloration, such as those that result from accidents, medication, or excessive fluoride use, can’t be lightened with traditional...
Behavioral health focuses on the link between your behavior and the wellbeing of your mind, body, and spirit. It isn’t just about mental health, but how your behaviors affect your quality of life and can change it for the better. At South Plains Rural Health, the behavioral health specialists can...
Glasses and contacts both help you achieve better vision. Some people prefer the fashion and convenience of glasses, while others would rather avoid keeping track of another accessory. When you’re deciding how to correct your vision, consider the following. Your lifestyle If you desire ease of wear, eyeglasses may edge...
Unlike doctors who specialize in only one body system or on one age of patient, the family medicine practitioners at South Plains Rural Health Services offer general medical services to the very old and very young, as well as everyone in between. Family medicine is different. People of all ages...
Life events can bring you down once in a while – whether it’s the end of a relationship, loss of a job, or a sudden move. But if your feelings of sadness persist and become overwhelming, causing physical symptoms that last for a long time, you may be suffering from...
Signs of abuse, in children and adults, aren’t always clear. Of course, you may suspect abuse if you see obvious bruises and witness disparaging behavior from a parent or spouse. In many cases, however, abuse isn’t clear to outside observers. The abused is often scared of their abuser or has...
If a loved one is expressing symptoms that indicate a possible mental health disorder, such as depression or paranoia, you may feel confused, scared, and uncertain about what to do. Anyone can suffer from a mental health disorder; recognizing the signs is an important step in getting them help for...
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the U.S., but can be prevented and treated with screenings. Colonoscopies, sigmoidoscopies, and proctoscopies are examples of these essential screenings that you can get right here at South Plains Rural Health to protect you from cancer or identify it early,...
Type 2 diabetes is a serious health condition that can cause serious complications, including heart disease, eye and foot problems, kidney disease, and peripheral neuropathy. You aren’t destined to acquire type 2 diabetes, even if you have a family history of the condition. Simple lifestyle steps can help protect you...
The flu brings on miserable symptoms such as fever, body aches, coughing, and weakness. In some cases, the flu can lead to serious complications and even death. The side effects of the flu can largely be avoided by getting a flu shot. Unlike many vaccinations that last for years or...
Think about this: At least one of those women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, according to statistics published in 2018 by the Susan G. Komen Foundation. About 12 percent of women, or one in eight, will battle some form of breast cancer over the course of her...
When your child has asthma and allergies, back-to-school time can feel like an absolute nightmare. On top of the general stress of getting the textbooks and school clothes together, you have a whole range of additional considerations to make, like spare inhalers, Epi-Pens®, and teacher awareness.In this blog, Ofundem Akoh-Arrey...
Tooth problems hurt. It is one those truths in life with which no one can disagree. The deep discomfort in the mouth, the difficulty eating, and the sharp pain when you touch that sore tooth with your tongue or food. We all know the feeling and it is why we...
It’s easy to avoid going to the doctor when you’re healthy, but if that means skipping yearly physicals, it can work against you. The family medicine physicians at South Plains Rural Health Services offer annual preventive exams for men, women, and children of all ages. This personalized approach to your...