Summer in Tennessee means lots of outdoor activities such as swimming, sports, camping, hiking, food trucks, and festivals! With all of this outdoor time, we are unfortunately at risk for tick bites and possible tick-borne illnesses. This is a very common reason people visit our walk in clinic during...
How do I lose weight? This is one of the most common concerns we hear from our patients. It is a very simple question with a not so simple answer. Years ago, I thought the correct answer was to eat less calories and to exercise and burn more calories. I...
Sun Safety The Sun is a beautiful thing. Not only does it provide our bodies with much needed Vitamin D, but it also helps our fruits and vegetables grow to nourish our bodies. The sun can also be very dangerous. The sun’s UV (ultraviolet rays) can damage our skin...
SINUSITIS...IT’S SNOT FUNNY! I’m sure many of you can relate to the photo above, especially during this season change. We’ve always been told, “April showers bring May flowers.” Well, what they forgot to mention is April showers bring snot, snot, and more snot! The time has come where...
Testicular Cancer is the most common cancer in young men between the ages of 15 and 35, but is still fairly rare. Testicular cancer is also one of the most treatable cancers. Testicular self-exams are important. If you find a lump, swelling or any other change in your testicles or...
Your well-woman visit is a time to see your health care provider to discuss your health habits and family history, and to get or schedule necessary screenings. It's also a time to develop a plan for keeping healthy. For more information about yearly health screenings, go to https://www.coolspringsinternalmedicine.com/services/well-adult-visits. If you...
It seems like we're always connected, so when we're driving, it can be all too easy to convince ourselves that it's just one text, just one call or just one update. But just one second is all it takes to change a life forever. Distracted driving kills thousands of people...
Immunizations play a critical role in protecting our children, communities, and public health. Giving babies the recommended immunizations by age two is the best way to protect them from 14 serious childhood diseases, like whooping cough and measles. If you are the parent of an infant, we encourage you to...
The looming IRS tax deadline may be stressful for many Americans. Stress related to money can increase reliance on the unhealthy behaviors that many people already use to cope with everyday stressors, such as making poor diet choices, smoking, drinking or being inactive. Strategies to manage financial stress include: identifying...
We live in a world where more and more adults are ready to address their health. For those parents working to change their own diet for the better, they often find themselves struggling to change, or even feeling guilty about changing, their child’s diet. We can set aside the...
You know your dentist is looking for cavities during regular checkups, but you may not know you're also being screened for cancer at the same time. Oral Cancer and cancers of the throat, tonsils, and back of the tongue, affect approximately 40 thousand people a year. Regular visits to your...
Alzheimer's disease destroys brain cells responsible for memory, thinking, and behavior. As a result, people living with Alzheimer's or a related disorder may become disoriented and lost, even in their own neighborhood or places that are familiar to them, known as wandering. In fact, More than 60 percent of those...
Dr. Allen is a native of Louisville, KY. He graduated from Centre College of Danville, KY in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Dr. Allen then attended medical school at the University of Kentucky and graduated in 2002. While in medical school, Dr. Allen...
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, yet it can be prevented or detected at an early stage. Preventing colon cancer, or finding it early, doesn’t have to be expensive. There are several screening options available, including simple take home options. Talk to...
Strep throat is a sore throat that is caused by bacteria known as group A Streptococcus. Strep throat is a common diagnosis and most frequently used in children ages 5-15 years old. The bacteria is spread through infected people coughing and sneezing, which projects small droplets into the air and...
Water, especially fluoridated water, is one of the best things you can drink to maintain your dental health. Dairy is also a dental health win. Milk, and other dairy products such as cheese and yogurt, are low in sugar, contain protein and are full of calcium, which can help to...
How does the COVID-19 vaccine work? There are multiple COVID-19 vaccines being developed. They work in slightly different ways. In the United States, there are a few COVID-19 vaccines available. All of these have been found to work very well in preventing serious illness and death from COVID-19. They include:...
Nearly 19,000 people a year die from prescription opioid painkillers—sometimes known by more familiar names like Oxycontin and Vicodin. That amounts to 52 people every day, and the numbers show no signs of slowing. The National Safety Council wants you to know that safer alternatives are available. Many people don’t...
Did you know if you’ve had an ischemic stroke or heart attack, you’re at a higher risk of having a second one? You may not see the risk of another heart attack or ischemic stroke, but you can reduce the chances of having another one. Talk to your doctor about...
The most common question about masks right now is, "Should I wear a mask if I have received my COVID vaccine." The overwhelming answer to this question is, yes. Wearing a mask not only protects you, it also protects your loved ones and others around you. It takes two weeks...
Home fires result in thousands of deaths each year and they’re more common during the winter months. In the U.S., a home fire is reported every 90 seconds. The National Safety Council recommends you install a working smoke alarm on every level of your home and in all sleeping areas....
Migraines are three times more prevalent in women compared to men and 60 percent of these women are affected by menstrual migraines. Because of this, women with migraines are also more likely than men to suffer severe functional disability and impairment in quality of life. If you or someone you...
Last month we sent a couple emails to our patients about the COVID vaccine. While our office is not currently carrying the COVID vaccine, we are hopeful that in the coming weeks/months we will have doses to distribute to our patients. Currently, only the health department can determine who will...
Did you know dental sealants are one of the best ways to help keep your child’s teeth cavity-free? (In addition to brushing and flossing, of course!) Sealants are thin, protective coatings that can keep cavities from forming and may even stop early stages of decay from becoming a full-blown cavity. Children...
Pillow Talk “But [Pooh] couldn’t sleep. The more he tried to sleep the more he couldn’t. He tried counting sheep, which is sometimes a good way of getting to sleep, and that was no good, he tried counting Heffalumps and that was worse. Because every Heffalump that he counted was...
If your child's well check is up to date and they have no new issues, we can use the data from this visit to complete any sports physical paperwork. If you aren't sure if your child has completed a well check in the last year, please call our scheduling department...
More than half of all cancer deaths could be prevented by making healthy choices like not smoking, staying at a healthy weight, eating right, keeping active, and getting recommended screening tests. The American Cancer Society sets the standard for screening guidelines for a variety of cancers and provides tools and...
February can be one of the coldest months of the year. When the temperature bottoms out, make sure you’re prepared. Limit your exposure to the elements, especially in wet or windy conditions. The National Safety Council recommends that you bundle up with layers of loose clothing and cover your extremities....
Some people experience depression with the change of seasons, often called Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. It's more than just the winter blues. SAD is depression that lasts for a season and goes away the rest of the year. Symptoms of SAD are like those of depression; fatigue, sad mood,...
Under Pressure I wanted to find a way to include the 1981 hit “Under Pressure” by Queen and David Bowie to help peak your interest in this topic, but unfortunately they didn’t teach social media techniques during grad school. Humor me and just imagine the “Mmm num ba de,...
About 92.1 million American adults are living with some form of cardiovascular disease or after-effects of stroke and research has shown that the emotional recovery from heart disease and stroke can often aid in physical recovery. The American Heart Association's free online Support Network provides easily accessible support for heart...
Did you know the festive food and drinks you enjoy over the holidays can affect your teeth, gums and overall health? You can still enjoy all the tastes of the holiday season, but keep in mind that moderation is key to maintaining your healthy smile. For example, try to avoid...
Blues at the Crossroads: Depression in the Modern World Singing the blues is an American artform that arose from suffering and hardship. Unfortunately, Americans living with the blues are climbing the charts, with over 16 million U.S. adults affected with major depression every year. And for them, the world at...
For many parents, the holiday season can bring about an increased sense of family responsibility and additional feelings of stress. Advertisements about the joys of the season can seem lost on us as we try to do even more than usual. It's easy to feel overwhelmed. Instead of turning to...
The holidays are finally here, and the National Safety Council wants yours to be safe and joyful. Prevent trips and falls by keeping electrical cords clear of walkways. Keep trees away from heaters and open flame, and make sure they have plenty of water. Watch for toys with small button...
While we all look forward to the holidays and getting to spend time with family we wouldn't normally see, it's important to keep in mind the ever changing situation with COVID-19. The CDC has recommendations for small gatherings and how to practice social distancing, as well as other tips. Here...
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. During the month, many people throughout the country come together for the lung cancer community. Events are held. Articles are written. Facebook statuses are updated. If you are a current smoker, the most important thing you can do is to quit. If you're a...
Each November, National Diabetes Month brings attention to diabetes and its impact on millions of Americans. Living with diabetes means making time for regular physical activity, eating right, and keeping up with routine medical care. Staying up to date on all recommended vaccines is also an important step in staying...
Between spending more time at home during this Covid-19 pandemic, to the upcoming holidays ahead, many people are finding it more difficult to balance healthy nutrition habits and maintain a healthy weight. Given the change in most individuals day-to-day routines during this pandemic, many people are working from home and...
Many people with high blood pressure know their numbers, but may not follow their treatment plan because they feel fine or don't notice any symptoms. The results from uncontrolled high blood pressure are far from invisible or silent though. Heart attack, stroke, and other serious health problems can be caused...
According to the Alzheimer's Association Facts and Figures Report, more than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer's and an estimated 15 million people provide care to those living with the disease. To ensure people living with Alzheimer's and all those that provide care and support have the information and...
This holiday season don't let stress get you down. More than 4 out of 10 Americans say they are not doing enough to manage their stress and for many, the holidays bring on even more stress. Here are some tips to help: 1. Take care of yourself.2. Engage in activities...
While Halloween this year will look different for everyone, it is important to know which Halloween treats are best for your teeth. Whether you're going trick-or-treating or decide to stay in and celebrate together, there are sure to be some Halloween goodies—and the sugar in those treats can play some...
Teen drivers face many risks on the road, but one you might not think about is drowsiness. With busy school, work and social schedules, teens, like the rest of us, don’t get enough sleep. This can be deadly behind the wheel. The National Safety Council recommends teens get 8 to...
How many times did you hit the snooze button this morning? We all crave sleep, but too many nights we fall short of the seven or eight hours we need to thrive. An estimated 50 to 70 million Americans suffer from a chronic sleep disorder, according to the Institute of...
Strokes do not discriminate. They can happen to anyone, at any age - and about one in four people worldwide will have one in their lifetime. While many adults don’t think they are at risk for stroke or reduced brain function, the reality is that nearly half of all adults...
Do you have a cough? Fever? Shortness of breath? How do you know if you have COVID-19 or the flu? While these viruses have many similarities, there are a few distinguishing characteristics which may be helpful in differentiating between the two. According to the CDC, both COVID-19 and the flu...
The relationship between caffeine and headache is complex. Caffeine can help you feel more alert and give you a much needed pick me up. It also narrows blood vessels, which is part of the reason it has been used in headache medications. But it is possible to have too much...
The American Cancer Society’s mission is to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer, including breast cancer. Together, we can save more lives by encouraging our loved ones to take control of their breast health. If you’re a woman 40 or older, talk to your...
Atrial fibrillation is a quivering or irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. According to the American Heart Association, at least 2.7 million Americans are living with atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib. It is important to recognize potential risk factors, such...
Did you know that according to the Center for Disease Control: More than 34 million people in the United States (that's roughly 10%) have diabetes 1 in 5 don’t know that they have it Prevalence increases with age: approximately 26.8% of those 65years + have diabetes More than 88 million...
As you get older, changes in your body can increase your chances of having medication side effects. Older people may have more health problems and take more medications than younger people. Do your doctors and pharmacists know about all the medications and supplements you take? Keep a list of everything...
The National Safety Council wants you to be ready when a hurricane, flood, earthquake or other emergency strikes. To stay safe, create emergency kits for your home and your car that include: communication devices such as radios and walkie-talkies with spare batteries, at least three days worth of non-perishable food,...
Alzheimer's can be a devastating diagnosis, but you don't need to face it alone. There are more than 5 million Americans currently living with Alzheimer's and more than 15 million family and friends caring for them. To find a support group near you, call 800-272-3900 or visit ALZ.org.
Many cancer deaths could be prevented by making healthy choices like not smoking, staying at a healthy weight, eating right, keeping active, and getting recommended screening tests. The American Cancer Society sets the standard for screening guidelines for a variety of cancers and provides tools and resources to be healthier....
Our North Franklin location has been under construction for the last couple months and is finally complete. With this expansion our clinic is doubling in size, which means we're adding providers! The grand opening of the newly expanded clinic is tomorrow, September 8. With this new space several of our...
The kids are back in school and fall will be here soon. At CSIMP and NFIMP that means it is time for flu vaccines! Every year we recommend all patients aged 6 months and older get a flu vaccine with rare exception. The flu vaccine greatly reduces the risk of...
Headache is a very frequent complaint in children and adolescents; however, it is often ignored by parents and teachers. As your children prepare to go back to school know how to help them manage their headache or migraine as best as possible with the help of the National Headache Foundation....
Regular dental visits are important year-round and are key in fighting the most common chronic disease found in school-age children: cavities. Did you know that dental disease causes children to miss more than 51 million school hours each year? Prevention and early detection can help avoid pain, trouble eating, difficulty...
Summer is almost over and school will soon be back in session. School buses are still the safest way for for kids to travel, but National Safety Council data shows that most children killed in bus incidents are pedestrians hit by the bus, or drivers illegally passing it. All drivers...
In an attempt to limit the number of patients we have in the lobby at any one time, we will be having flu shot clinics on Saturdays and Sundays. The first flu shot clinic will be held on Saturday, September 5 and will continue on every weekend day through the...
Whether you're a teacher, coach, or parent, the National Eye Institute has resources to help you teach children about eye health and safety. Give your children the tools they need to succeed. Visit nei.nih.gov/kids for eye health videos, optical illusions, and more.
As the new school year approaches, parents face additional stressors due to the looming dangers of COVID-19. Most schools are starting with virtual learning or online classes, which creates additional stress for children and parents alike. If your children are required to go in person, there is the stress of...
Are you practicing good heart health? Getting tested and knowing your cholesterol number, is an important step toward a healthy heart. A cholesterol screening measures your level of HDL and LDL. HDL is the good cholesterol which helps keep the LDL, or bad cholesterol, from getting lodged into your artery...