As a child with spina bifida grows, complications associated with the disease may surface and potentially deteriorate some of their physical and mental functional abilities. The goal of treatment is to monitor for these issues and try to prevent them.
Spina bifida is a birth defect in which an area of the spinal column does not form properly, leaving a section of the spinal cord and spinal nerves exposed through an opening in the back.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, 37 million adults in the United States are living with CKD – and approximately 90% do not even know they have it. When kidneys become damaged and are unable to do their jobs optimally over a period of time, it is called chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Did you know that October 6-12, 2023 is National Physician Assistant Week? To all physician assistants within District Medical Group and across the nation, “Happy Physician Assistant Week! We appreciate you.”
Gracias por acompañarnos estamos aquí en DMG estamos en el Departamento de Salud Mental y comportamiento y quiero saber qué es lo que tienes ahí platícame Qué significa eso Este es un corazón se es una actividad que hago con mis pacientes
Muy buenas tardes gente la Tricolor aquí me encuentro con arlín en dmg Sears y nos va a estar platicando de su rol aquí tan importante para los niños nombre serlín yo trabajo aquí desde el 2019 mi error es que integrar el cuidado…
Hola qué tal Muy buenos días Nos encontramos otra vez en dmg aquí me encuentro con Gabriela Gabriela Muchísimas gracias por tomarte un tiempo de tu vida tan ocupada aquí y vamos a empezar Qué es una trabajadora social una trabajadora es más una persona para poder ayudar a esas familias agarrar los recursos…
(DMG CRS) Los trabajadores sociales médicos se aseguran de que los pacientes y sus familias tengan acceso a la atención y el apoyo adecuados. Nuestros trabajadores sociales facilitan el tratamiento médico centrado en la familia durante las citas en persona y de telesalud.
Andree Jones, DO, primary care sports medicine physician, shares risk factors for a heart attack and how to reduce your risk of heart disease.
DMG Children’s Rehabilitative Services (DMG CRS) registered dietitian, Dominica Dieffenbach, RDN, shares why starting your child off with healthy nutritional habits is critical to their future health.
The early stages of cervical cancer don’t have any symptoms, and that’s why it’s so important to get your well-woman exam annually. If you are aged 21-30, pap smears are recommended every three years
By Troy Nelson, MD, pediatrician and medical director at DMG Children’s Rehabilitative Services
Whether it’s childhood immunizations or vaccinations for the flu or COVID-19, getting a vaccine is an anxiety-causing process for many children. If your child has special needs or a complex medical condition, getting vaccinations can be more stressful for both you and your child.
Here’s some tips for supporting children with special needs getting vaccinated.
As pediatricians, our goal at DMG CRS’ primary care clinic is to make every child’s appointment positive and comforting. Partnering with parents or guardians is key to this goal and making your child feel confident and safe with their medical providers. We’re here to listen and support you in managing your child’s health and wellness.
By Pamela Murphy, MD, pediatrician in the Spina Bifida Clinic at DMG Children’s Rehabilitative Services
As a pediatrician, I am asked frequently about childhood vaccinations. Are they safe? Do they cause one disease while trying to prevent another? As a parent or guardian, it’s our responsibility to provide safe care for our children and asking questions and getting the facts from credible sources are part of that responsibility.
U.S. public health officials and physicians have been combating misconceptions about vaccine safety for more than twenty years. Despite these efforts, childhood immunization rates have fallen in the past two decades resulting in resurgences of vaccine-preventable diseases such as whooping cough (pertussis) and measles. For example, in 2010, California saw more cases of whooping cough than any year since 1947, according to research published by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
August is Immunization Awareness Month. Let’s look at what childhood vaccinations are recommended when and address the most common misinformation about childhood vaccinations.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has easy to review children’s vaccines schedules by age group on their website. All the vaccinations listed below are available at DMG CRS’ primary care clinic.
In addition to any vaccines missed that were recommended during early childhood, the CDC recommends the following vaccines for kids ages 7-18:
If your child has certain health conditions that put them at increased risk for serious diseases, your pediatrician may also recommend the following vaccinations be administered:
The CDC also recommends children ages six months and older receive the COVID-19 vaccination, and children ages five and older also get the booster. The COVID-19 vaccination is not available at DMG CRS. For more information on COVID-19 vaccinations for children, including locations providing these vaccinations, visit the Maricopa County Public Health website.
According to PublicHealth.org, the following are the top three myths about childhood vaccinations.
Myth #1: Vaccines increase the risk of autism.
This hypothesis originated in 1997 from study by a British surgeon who concluded that the MMR vaccine was increasing autism in children in the United Kingdom. The article “has since been completely discredited due to serious procedural errors, undisclosed financial conflicts of interest, and ethical violations.” The physician author lost his medical license, and the paper was retracted.
Myth #2: Infant immune systems can’t handle so many vaccines.
The cells in the immune system are constantly being replenished, making it near impossible for a baby’s immune system to be overwhelmed by immunizations. In fact, babies are exposed to numerous bacteria and viruses every day; vaccines are minor in comparison.
Myth #3: Natural immunity is better than vaccine-acquired immunity.
While in some cases, catching a disease and getting sick (i.e., “natural immunity”) results in a stronger immunity to the disease than a vaccination, the risks outweigh the benefits. For example, if a child were to catch the measles, they would face a one in 500 chance of death from symptoms; in contrast, having a severe allergic reaction to the MMR vaccine is less than one-in-a-million according to the CDC.
As families travel more, especially internationally, the risk of contracting vaccine-preventable diseases increases. Even if the disease is not prevalent in the United States, it may be in other countries. COVID-19 gave us a strong example of how quickly a virus can spread from one continent to the next.
DMG Children’s Rehabilitative Services’ (DMG CRS) primary care clinic specializes in medical care of all children. We know that, especially if your child has a complex condition, getting vaccinations can be challenging and concerning. Your child may have increased anxiety resulting from their medical conditions making getting immunizations even more scary for them. You may have questions about how vaccinations fit into your child’s therapy plan. Our pediatric primary care providers are here to answer your questions and provide compassionate, experienced, and individualized care to support the health of your child and your family.
More than 25 medical specialties in one location. DMG Children’s was specifically designed to make it easy for pediatric patients- regardless of mobility or condition- to receive care.
By Troy Nelson, MD, pediatrician and medical director, DMG Children’s Rehabilitative Services
The baby formula shortage in the United States has prompted the need to find solutions to decrease the risk of a shortage impacting the country again. According to a recent article by NPR, often overlooked in the race to fill the gap is the most natural alternative: mother’s milk.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends “exclusive breastfeeding for about six months, followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced, with continuation of breastfeeding for one year or longer as mutually desired by mother and infant.” Despite this recommendation, 2018 data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that only one in four babies born in the United States met this target; in Arizona, 50 to 60 percent of babies met this target.
So, why do mothers stop breastfeeding? According to the CDC, how long a mother breastfeeds is impacted by:
The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding as well as medical experts in women’s health and pediatrics continue to push education about the benefits of breastfeeding. Let’s look at the benefits to you and your baby.
According to HealthyChildren.org, an AAP website, breastfeeding provides emotional, mental and physical health benefits to a mother, including:
Release of good hormones: During breastfeeding, hormones such as prolactin and oxytocin are released which produce peaceful, nurturing, and relaxing sensations that promote bonding with your infant.
Quicker uterus recovery: Oxytocin, released during breastfeeding, helps return the uterus to its regular size more quickly and can reduce postpartum bleeding.
Potential reduced risk of disease: Some studies have found that breastfeeding may reduce the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and type 2 diabetes.
Natural contraception: Exclusive breastfeeding delays the return of the mother’s menstrual period, which can help extend the time between pregnancies.
Less expense: Formula can cost four to ten dollars a day or $1460-$3650 annually.
Ease of preparation: Human milk directly from the mother is the right temperature, so no taking time to warm bottles of formula.
Ease of travel: Whether you are going out to run an errand or for the day, no need to bring a bag of temperature-controlled formula.
Environmentally friendly: You get the satisfaction of knowing you are not contributing baby formula cans and packaging to landfills.
Breast milk provides a baby with ideal nutrition and supports growth and development. According to the CDC, the benefits of breast milk for your baby include:
The best source of nutrition for most babies, because as the baby grows, the mother’s milk will change to meet the baby’s needs.
Shared antibodies from the mother with her baby
Supports proper brain development through docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid found in breast milk
Helps protect babies against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases and decreases the risk of:
If you have questions about breastfeeding or want more information, please contact your women’s health provider or pediatrician. We’re here to help you make the right decision for you and your baby and provide the support and resources needed for you to care for your newborn.
Did you know that in 1920, women outlived men by one year, and today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that women survive men by five or more years.
By Megan Aros-O’Malley, PhD, pediatric psychologist at DMG Children’s Rehabilitative Services
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Unfortunately, children in the United States are currently facing a mental health crisis. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that one in five children has a mental or behavioral health condition such as anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, or disruptive behavior disorder. However, only about 20 percent of these children received care from a mental health provider.
Parents are often the first to recognize that their child is struggling emotionally and/or behaviorally. A few signs that a mental health difficulty could be arising include (but are not limited to):
Untreated mental health conditions can have many short- and long-term impacts on children’s development, social and behavioral functioning, and home and school life.
Fortunately, help exists. DMG Children’s Rehabilitative Services (DMG CRS) Behavioral Health clinic has pediatric psychologists and counselors available to meet the mental health needs of children of all ages. DMG CRS behavioral health providers collaborate with families to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that can include services such as consultation, psychotherapy, and/or psychological testing. Furthermore, with more than 25 pediatric medical specialties on-site, DMG CRS behavioral health providers are skilled at partnering with other pediatric specialists to provide whole-child care that incorporates physical and mental health domains.
By Misty Cox, FNP-C, WHNP, family nurse practitioner
November is National Diabetes Month, and the timing is perfect as the holiday season means a lot of food and celebrations. The holidays are busy and many of us get out of healthy routines such as exercise, eating a balanced diet, and more.
Type 2 diabetes, unfortunately, does not take the holiday season off, so here’s four types of foods to avoid or moderate your intake of this holiday season and throughout the year. These four food types increase your risk of type 2 diabetes:
Foods made with white flour, white sugar, and white rice are low in bran, fiber, vitamins, and minerals; examples include breads, muffins, cakes, crackers, and pasta. According to a 2007 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), a diet high in heavily processed carbohydrates increased the risk of type 2 diabetes by 21 percent compared to those who ate a whole foods-rich diet.
Sodas, sweet tea, fruit drinks, and lemonade can lead to weight gain and increase your risk of getting type 2 diabetes. Having just two sugar-sweetened drinks per day can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes by as much as 26 percent, according to a 2010 study by the American Diabetes Association. Water is the best substitute and has many health benefits for your body.
Saturated fats are found in dairy products such as butter, whole milk, cream, and cheese as well as fatty meats. Trans fats are tied to fried foods (fast food restaurants, “bar” food) and packaged baked goods. Some healthy alternatives include:
Processed meats such as hot dogs, bacon, and deli meats have higher levels of sodium and nitrites, which put you at not only higher risk of type 2 diabetes but heart disease. A study shared in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a three ounce serving of red meat daily increased the risk of type 2 diabetes by 19 percent, and a serving of less than three ounces of processed meats increased the risk by more than 50 percent. Protein is essential to your health so switch to wild caught fish, like salmon, or organic poultry like chicken or eggs combined with vegetables to optimize your meal plan.
Prediabetes is alarmingly prevalent. Did you know one of three Americans is prediabetic? Your best defense is getting information on your risk factors and how to optimize your lifestyle to decrease your risks. We primary care providers (PCP) are here to help. If you have not had your annual wellness exam, schedule it, and talk with your PCP about your health goals.
More from Misty Cox, FNP-C
https://www.dmgaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/arizona-family.jpg
628
1200
District Medical Group
https://www.dmgaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/phoenix-medical-group2.png
District Medical Group2021-08-10 11:36:342024-09-01 09:23:30What Immunizations Does Your Family Need?
https://www.dmgaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/couple-with-dog.jpg
628
1200
District Medical Group
https://www.dmgaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/phoenix-medical-group2.png
District Medical Group2021-07-05 02:55:202024-07-30 10:24:09UV Safety for You and Your Dog
https://www.dmgaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/3Men.jpeg
788
1492
District Medical Group
https://www.dmgaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/phoenix-medical-group2.png
District Medical Group2021-06-01 01:00:082024-06-28 08:14:59Why Men Need to Get Annual Wellness Exams and Why They Don’t
https://www.dmgaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/women-featured.jpg
788
1500
District Medical Group
https://www.dmgaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/phoenix-medical-group2.png
District Medical Group2021-01-04 12:23:172023-03-07 06:31:53What You Need to Know about Cervical Cancer
https://www.dmgaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/partners-lose-weight.jpg
788
1500
District Medical Group
https://www.dmgaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/phoenix-medical-group2.png
District Medical Group2021-02-05 12:25:342023-03-07 06:33:01Share the Love, and Partner Up to Lose Weight
https://www.dmgaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/overweight-family.jpg
628
1200
District Medical Group
https://www.dmgaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/phoenix-medical-group2.png
District Medical Group2020-11-13 09:12:562024-01-25 12:07:12What’s the Connection between Healthy Weight and Diabetes?
By Dana Putman, FNP-C, family nurse practitioner
September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 20,000 women will receive an ovarian cancer diagnosis in 2021, and nearly 14,000 women will die from this form of female reproductive system cancer.
Fortunately, the rate at which women have been diagnosed with ovarian cancers has been decreasing slowly in the past 20 years. Driving awareness and empowering women with the knowledge of how to decrease their risks and identify ovarian cancer symptoms early has helped significantly.
According to the American Cancer Society, 85 to 90 percent of ovarian cancers originate from epithelial cells, which cover the outer surface of the ovary. About 52 percent of all epithelial ovarian cancers are serous carcinomas.
Because epithelial ovarian cancers are the most common, let’s take a closer look at risk factors for these types of ovarian cancers.
Getting older – The risk of getting ovarian cancer increases with age, unless a woman has had her ovaries removed. Most women diagnosed with ovarian cancer have completed menopause and are age 63 or older.
Being overweight or obese – Women with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher have a higher risk of developing many cancers, not just ovarian cancer. In addition, obesity can negatively impact a woman’s chance of surviving ovarian cancer.
Having children later or not having a full-term pregnancy – Women who have their first full-term pregnancy after age 35 or who never carried a pregnancy to term have a higher risk of ovarian cancer.
Having a family history of breast, colorectal or ovarian cancer – If one’s mother, sister or daughter has had ovarian cancer, the risk is higher. Increased of risk of ovarian cancer can also come from the father’s side of the family. In addition, breast and colorectal cancers can be caused by an inherited mutation (change) in certain genes that cause a family cancer syndrome that increases the risk of ovarian cancer. To learn more about family cancer syndromes and gene mutations, visit the American Cancer Society website.
Using fertility treatment – In vitro fertilization (IVF) has been linked to increased risk of ovarian cancer, while some types of fertility drugs have not. If you are considering or have had fertility treatments, speak with your women’s health physician about your risk factors.
Having had breast cancer – A family history of breast cancer may be linked to inherited mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, which are also linked to ovarian cancer.
Smoking – While smoking is not directly linked to ovarian cancer, it has been linked to an increased overall risk of developing some form of cancer.
While some of the risk factors are not within our control, decreasing the risk of ovarian cancer is to some extent. However, a woman must make the right personal and life choices for her and her family, so some or all these options may or may not be chosen.
Pregnancy – Women who have carried a baby to full-term by the age of 26 have a lower risk of ovarian cancer. The risk goes down with each full-term pregnancy.
Breast feeding – Breast feeding may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer even further.
Birth control – Using oral contraceptives (birth control pills) decreases the risk of ovarian cancer; the longer oral contraceptives are used, the more the risk decreases. According to the American Cancer Society, tubal ligation (having fallopian tubes tied) and short use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) have also been associated with a lower risk of ovarian cancer.
Hysterectomy – Removing the uterus without removing the ovaries reduces the risk of ovarian cancer by more than 30 percent.
Your first step in reducing your risk of ovarian cancer is getting an annual well-woman exam. During this exam, you will share your medical history as well as that of your family, discuss your methods of birth control, receive a physical examination, and discuss your health goals. We are here to help you understand your risks and create a care and lifestyle plan to support you in living the life you choose.
by Misty Cox, FNP-C, WHNP-BC, Family Nurse Practitioner
Do you know anyone who has recently had Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)? Do you know what Hib is? Probably not in both cases. Affecting mostly children under five years-old, Hib is a disease that can seriously damage a child’s immune system and cause brain damage, hearing loss, or even death. According for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), before the four dose vaccine was available, approximately 20,000 children were affected by Hibs annually.
Hib is just one of many diseases we rarely encounter any longer thanks to vaccines. More than 16 diseases can be prevented or decreased in severity if vaccines are proactively administered. The most current example is COVID-19 and associated variants, including delta.
August is Immunization Awareness Month, so let’s review vaccines recommended throughout our lifetimes.
Please consult your primary care provider (PCP) for more information on recommended vaccines, timing, number of doses and when to receive based on medical history, risks, and other factors.
The CDC has easy to review children’s vaccines schedules by age group on their website.
In addition to any vaccines missed that were recommended during early childhood, the CDC recommends the following vaccines for kids ages 7-18:
If your child has certain health conditions that put them at an increased risk for serious diseases, your PCP may also recommend the following vaccinations be administered:
The CDC also provides information to adults to help adults understand what vaccinations are recommended based on age, lifestyle, medical conditions, and more.
If you have one of the following medical conditions, talk with your PCP about additional vaccinations that may be recommended to decrease your risk of serious illness and complications.
If you fall into one of the following categories, additional vaccinations may be recommended. Consult the CDC website for more information or speak with your PCP.
The COVID-19 vaccine is highly recommended to fight against the coronavirus and variants, like delta. This vaccine is now available for everyone age 12 and older. For the most current information on the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit the CDC website.
If you have questions about what vaccinations you and your family need, DMG primary care providers (PCP) are here for you. To find a DMG PCP at a location near you, click here. We’re here to support the health of you, your family, and the entire community.
