Category: Health & Wellness
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Should You Take a Multivitamin?
Do you take a multivitamin every day? You’re not alone—about one in three Americans rely on them to meet their nutritional needs. But are they necessary? Multivitamins may not be necessary for most healthy adults who eat a balanced diet. Instead, focusing on nutrient-rich whole foods can provide all the vitamins and minerals your body…
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Strains, Sprains and Broken Bones
By: AKBER AHMAD, M.D. Imagine you’re walking the dog — you suddenly trip over a stone, fall and twist your ankle. You feel a sharp pain and your ankle starts to swell. You’re hurt, but is it a strain, sprain or broken bone? Should you apply ice, head to the emergency room, get an X-Ray?…
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Introducing Dr. Margaret Wang
People sometimes ask if I have always wanted to be a doctor. No, but it is certainly one of the top-rated dreams for an Asian immigrant. Growing up in Beijing in the ‘80s, I rarely visited the pediatrician, and my family usually depended on traditional Chinese medicine. For example, whenever a runny nose and a…
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Naloxone: A Powerful Tool to Fight Opioid Overdose
By: ANDREA C. CUNIFF, M.D. The opioid crisis continues in Maryland and has gotten worse as the powerful drug fentanyl is increasingly mixed into illegal drugs. From 2022 to 2023, the state saw 2,583 fatal overdoses, and fentanyl was involved in about 81% of those deaths. In response, there has been a growing use of…
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Colorectal Cancer Screening Awareness
The American Cancer Society recommends regular screening for colorectal cancer starting at age 45.
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COVID-19 Vaccines: To Get or Not to Get, That Is the Question
By: RAFEENA BACCHUS, M.D., MEDICAL DIRECTOR Vaccine hesitancy, whether due to vaccine fatigue, misinformation or genuine concern for side effects, is very common these days. Headlines from trusted news sources and even not-so-trusted sources come at us fast and can be misleading. So how do you know if the vaccine is right for you? First…
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What To Do? Emergency Department vs. Urgent Care vs. Your Doctor’s Office
By: RAFEENA BACCHUS, M.D., MEDICAL DIRECTOR Having an illness or injury often results in a good deal of anxiety and worry. You want medical attention and relief from your symptoms as quickly as possible. But where should you go to get the best, most appropriate and cost-effective care? The following are the most widely used…
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Hypothyroidism
By: NISHA ABRAHAM PARAMBIL The thyroid gland is a small gland, but it plays a significant, complex role in your body. When it does not work properly, it can seriously impact your health. Located in your neck under your voice box, the thyroid gland controls several things, including your metabolism, body temperature and heart rate….
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Headaches: When to Call the Doctor
By: TRANG M. PHAM, M.D. Headaches are our most common form of pain and a major reason for trips to the doctor. While most headaches are just a temporary nuisance, sometimes they can warn you about a serious health problem that needs immediate attention. Causes of headaches Headaches happen when nerve endings in your body…
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Flu, Covid-19, RSV: Which vaccines do you need?
By: RAFEENA BACCHUS, M.D. As fall arrives, it’s not just time for cozy sweaters and holiday preparations—it’s also a critical time to think about seasonal health protection. This year, the flu, COVID-19, and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccines are essential tools to keep you and your loved ones safe. At Maryland Primary Care Physicians (MPCP),…