Blog Archive

At first glance, smile lines might sound pleasant. They’re a sign you’ve been smiling, after all. But as these nasolabial folds deepen, they can make you look older. Lines that once only looked pronounced after a good laugh might start to add stark contrast to your face. If your smile...

Menopause has long been called “the change of life” for a reason. Female hormones that regulate your libido, keep your skin smooth and youthful, and aid in metabolism and many other bodily functions suddenly shift dramatically.  The change gives rise to physical, emotional, and sexual symptoms that vary in nature,...

Heart disease is the leading cause of adult deaths in the United States. Though anyone can develop it, numerous factors put you at a higher risk. High cholesterol is one of them. Learning more about this link may prompt you to take steps to protect your health long term. February...

Strep throat is a common illness, especially in children. It’s a painful ailment, making it very difficult to drink or eat anything. If not treated promptly, it can cause other complications including ear and sinus infections.  Our board-certified family medicine physicians and nurse practitioners with Bethel Family Medicine treat many...

The Pap smear is a screening tool that detects abnormal changes to cervical cells. This plays a key role in preventing cervical cancer and detecting it at the earliest stages if it does develop.  As with most types of cancers, early detection can mean the difference between successful treatment and...

Most everyone catches a respiratory illness at some point, but that doesn’t mean you should be nonchalant about protection. Vaccines for COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) help keep you, your loved ones, and acquaintances as healthy as possible.  These vaccines also guard against severe symptoms and complications, should...

Botox® treatments have become synonymous with reduced wrinkles and a more youthful appearance. While the procedure itself is relatively quick and straightforward, some patients may experience bruising at the injection sites. This is normal, and fortunately, there are several steps you can take to minimize the risk of bruising and...

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is nicknamed the "silent killer." That’s because this common condition often has no symptoms and can go undetected for years before causing severe, even life-threatening complications.  At Bethel Family Medicine in Brockton, Massachusetts, our top-tier medical providers advocate preventive care, including routine blood pressure...

Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes is largely preventable, and research supports the assertion that diet and lifestyle changes may even reverse it. Your chances of reversing type 2 diabetes are greater if you're newly diagnosed. However, regardless of how long you've lived with type 2 diabetes, adopting some...

Botox® is among the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States. That means many providers want to get on the bandwagon and offer the injectable wrinkle reducer; however, who you choose to administer your Botox to matters. Before you sign up for what seems like a Botox bargain, read...

When it comes to general health, chronic disease prevalence, and life expectancy, men and women have many things in common. For example, many common conditions — including type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease are “equal opportunity” health problems because they affect both genders at similar rates. ...

Only about 5% of people in the United States meet their daily recommended fiber needs. Adding more fiber to your diet offers many health benefits, from improving digestion to reducing the risk of certain types of cancer. Eating high-fiber foods also reduces your risk of heart disease.  One of our...

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition in American adults. It’s important to know if your blood pressure is elevated, because it’s often asymptomatic. It’s a silent killer, contributing to hundreds of thousands of deaths every year.   Here, our board-certified physicians at Bethel Family Medicine in Brockton, Massachusetts,...

February is American Heart Month, a perfect time to remind you of cholesterol's role in your cardiovascular health. While our bodies need cholesterol for various functions, an excess of certain types can pose significant health risks, including but not limited to the heart. Our team at Bethel Family Medicine in...

Thanks to Pap tests and vaccinations against the human papillomavirus (HPV), cervical cancer deaths in the United States have dropped substantially — over 50% in the past 40 years. These two tools can prevent almost 93% of cervical cancers. However, nearly 12,000 women in the country still face a cervical...

It may be tempting to soldier through if you have limited sick days. But doing so risks your recovery and the health of your co-workers. In a recent survey, 90% of individuals confess to going to work while combating a cold or the flu.  Unsure whether to stay home? Are...

Chances are, you or a family member has had respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) without realizing it. The symptoms of RSV are typically mild and resemble those of the common cold, the flu, and COVID-19, including coughing, sneezing, fever, headache, and a runny nose.  However, sometimes, RSV’s punch is much more...

The flu and the common cold share many traits, but they’re caused by different viruses. Generally speaking, the flu is more serious, but almost all symptoms overlap.  Because they share so many symptoms, getting tested is the best way to determine what you’re suffering from. Colds usually go away on...

Children often catch strep throat because the bacteria is contagious. Streptococcus (group A strep) can be transmitted via saliva and nasal secretion from an infected person. And since kids often touch their noses and mouths, it’s no wonder how an entire classroom can catch the infection.  Immunity also plays a...

If you suffer from a condition or suspect that you’re suffering from something that may interfere with your ability to pass your DOT physical examination, you’re not alone. A health issue is not a disqualifier in itself, as long as the issue is well-managed.  Our experts at Bethel Family Medicine understand...

Whether it’s a medical condition, treatments, or age (women enter menopause most commonly between the ages of 45 and 55), menopause comes with unique challenges.  You may feel off both physically and emotionally, as your hormones impact your cognition, your energy, and even the way you look. Many women entering...

When placed skillfully, Botox® is a godsend. It completely erases wrinkles, and it even gives the skin a beautiful glow.  However, too much or too little Botox can leave you with your lines intact or with a frozen face.  Our experts at Bethel Family Medicine have three decades of experience serving patients...

Rashes are common, and everyone gets one at some point in their life. Contact with certain plants (e.g., poison ivy, oak, sumac), viral infections, bacterial infections, and insect bites can all cause rashes.  However, potentially-life threatening conditions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Pemphigus vulgaris, Kawasaki disease meningitis, and sepsis cause rashes,...

Heart disease is the number one killer in the United States. Fortunately, there’s an easy test that can assess your risk and enable you to take action early on.  An LDL cholesterol test result above 100 mg/dL is an indication that you may need to make a few lifestyle changes. ...

About 75% of menopausal women experience periodic hot flashes and night sweats. And while they can be uncomfortable, they’re a normal response to the drop in estrogen.  Night sweats are hot flashes that occur as you sleep and can reduce the quality of your sleep. Hot flashes may manifest themselves as a...

When there is colder weather, your natural defenses against viruses are weakened because white blood cells, which are needed to fight invaders, travel in smaller numbers. Anything that impairs blood flow, including conditions such as atherosclerosis or diabetes, reduces your ability to fight off viruses. In Massachusetts, the flu season...

Diet and nutrition are often viewed through the lens of calories, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. But the food on your plate does more than add or subtract inches from your waist, or make it easier to build muscle at the gym. It can even change the way your cells communicate...

More than half of men between the ages of 40 and 70 suffer from some form of erectile dysfunction. And while this may be a sensitive topic, you aren’t alone. Erectile dysfunction is largely treatable, so it’s worth paying your medical provider a visit.  Below, we asked our experts at...

The flu is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. In most people, it causes mild symptoms, such as fever, sneezing, headache, and a stuffy nose.  However, in young children, the elderly, and people who are immunocompromised, the flu can lead to serious complications. Patients suffering from obesity, asthma, heart...

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with diabetes, you may have come across anecdotal stories about people putting their diabetes into remission, reducing their need for medication, or eliminating their need for medication altogether.  Of course, there are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2....

Botox® treatments are made from a purified toxin that weakens or freezes the contraction of muscles.  Repetitive facial movements paired with the loss of collagen and elastin cause certain types of wrinkles. Fortunately, limiting these facial movements allows the skin to remain soft and prevents facial lines from developing, even...

Your body uses two types of fuel: carbohydrates and fat. Type 2 diabetes is a condition that impacts the way your body processes carbohydrates, preventing you from being able to extract energy from them.  Modern diets are usually carbohydrate-heavy. Due to farming and refrigeration, we now have access to fruits,...

Do you feel pain or itchiness in your throat? Sore throats are common both in children and in adults.  Dry air, dehydration, allergies, perfumes, and even cigarette smoke can cause discomfort. Most sore throats go away on their own, but if your symptoms persist, it could be a sign of an...

Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that the human body can’t digest, yet it has many uses, namely preventing blood sugar spikes and adding bulk to stools. High-fiber foods can also be very filling, all while having fewer calories. And because high-fiber foods take longer to digest, your body burns...

Pap smears aren’t done to detect STDs or STIs. Instead, they’re used to detect abnormal cells on the cervix — specifically, cells that could become cancerous.  When found early, cervical cancer is highly treatable, so pap smears are an excellent tool for increasing cancer survival rates. In addition to catching cancer early,...

Hypertension occurs due to a variety of factors, but dietary choices and overall lifestyle play a role. When left untreated, elevated blood pressure can raise your risk for blood clots and heart attacks.  Blood pressure increases when arteries are narrowed. Blood needs more force to move through a narrower space,...

Botox®️ is a brand name for Botulinum toxin. Botulinum toxin blocks the nerve signals between the area where the substance is injected and the brain, causing muscles to relax. When used in small quantities, this toxin can prove to be useful and safe for many conditions and cosmetic concerns.  Botox was...

Each year, up to 20% of Americans get the flu. In fact, the respiratory virus is the reason for more than 30 million doctor visits annually. It’s a highly infectious disease that’s easy to spread from person to person via sneezing and coughing, especially in the first few days of...

Have you ever wondered if you can lose weight by making changes to your diet alone or simply taking a long walk every day?  You can if you’re causing a caloric deficit either through exercise or a healthy diet. However, it’s far healthier and more effective to incorporate both strategies...

Diabetes is a chronic, incurable condition that affects glucose metabolism. When you have diabetes, your body doesn’t properly use the sugar extracted from food.  This can occur either due to damage to the beta cells in the pancreas (type 1 diabetes) or as a consequence of developing insulin resistance over...

Although aging is inevitable, we all know at least one person who looks a lot better than their same-aged peers. As a result, we may ask ourselves, “Is it due to their lifestyle or sheer luck?” Genetics play a role in the way we age, but this role is often...

Playing sports comes with a number of benefits, including improved social skills, a reduced risk for obesity, and increased self-esteem.  However, some sports are more demanding than others. As a consequence, you may be asked to bring papers to demonstrate that your child is capable of participating in a certain...

There’s no clear link between lower levels of estrogen and progesterone in menopausal women and serious mood swings and depression. However, if you have experienced depression in the past, hormone fluctuations may make you more susceptible to a depressive episode. In addition, certain symptoms associated with menopause may make your...

Nearly half of American adults suffer from hypertension. However, are that many Americans suffering from chronic stress?  Stress can cause elevated blood pressure, but only in the short term. There are two types of hypertension: primary and secondary. Primary hypertension doesn’t have a known cause, while secondary hypertension can be...

Did you just find out you have diabetes? Don’t feel alone. It’s estimated that 1.5 million people are diagnosed with diabetes every year in the United States.  Being diagnosed with diabetes is overwhelming and may trigger a roller coaster of emotions and concerns. Diabetes management requires lifestyle changes that many...

Are you confused by the contradicting advice given by misinformed journalists in the media? Not all studies are well-conducted or well-designed, which allows misinformation to seep in via magazines, blogs, and your favorite TV shows. If you want to take the guessing out of the equation when creating a diet...

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly half of American adults suffer from hypertension. In the United States, almost half a million deaths in 2018 were directly linked to elevated blood pressure.  Although high blood pressure is common, that doesn't mean it’s not dangerous. Below, our...

Ounce per ounce, anti-aging creams are the most expensive products on the beauty counter. Although creams can trap moisture in the skin and cause wrinkles to look less pronounced, they can’t eliminate wrinkles altogether.  The FDA considers anything that changes the appearance of the skin to be a drug. Legally,...

Menopause is a natural part of aging. Most women stop having periods between 44 and 55. Some may experience menopause earlier due to medical treatments (e.g., chemotherapy and radiotherapy), autoimmune diseases, and chromosome abnormalities.  Aside from certain conditions and treatments, smoking can also increase your likelihood of experiencing menopause earlier,...

Nutrients are compounds found in foods that are essential to maintaining good health. They regulate chemical processes, provide energy, and enable the body to repair damaged cells.  Nutritional deficiencies are common and can cause a lot of unpleasant symptoms. Left untreated, deficiencies can evolve into life-threatening conditions.  Nutrient-depleted soils, heavy...

Along with clean water, improved sanitation, and fresh food, vaccines have played a significant role in reducing child mortality.  Children have weaker immune systems and are more likely to develop complications if they’re unvaccinated. If a child has a dysfunctional immune system, even something as common as the flu can...

If you have unusual symptoms that interfere with your daily activities, yet they aren’t severe enough to elicit a visit to the emergency room, you may benefit from a sick visit.  During a sick visit, our team at Bethel Family Medicine can diagnose a wide range of illnesses and come...

Depression is a persistent feeling of sadness, emptiness, and low self-esteem. There isn’t one marker or one blood test that can detect depression, but the condition can quickly cause your life quality to dip and prevent you from enjoying yourself.  Estimates show that depression is more common in women, though...

Each time you look in the mirror, you can’t stop noticing the fine lines creeping up in the corner of your eyes. Don’t fret. You have options, Botox® being among the most popular. However, the cosmetic use of Botox was discovered in 1987 by Jean and Alastair Carruthers. The pair...

High blood pressure can go undetected for years because it often develops without any symptoms. However, a lack of symptoms doesn’t indicate a lack of damage. Left untreated, high blood pressure can silently damage your heart and blood vessels. Fortunately, there are many ways you can keep your blood pressure...

The DOT physical is a medical checkup required for commercial truck drivers to ensure that they’re healthy enough to operate vehicles without putting themselves or others at risk. During a DOT physical, the examiner performs a vision test, hearing test, neurological exam, and he or she also looks for spine...

The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be over 13,000 new cases of cervical cancer in 2020. Here’s the good news: When caught early, cervical cancer has a 5-year survival rate of 92%.  The most widely used tool for detecting cervical cancer is the Pap smear, a minimally invasive...

Is your toddler experiencing coughing, sneezing, or a runny nose? Are you struggling to find ways for how to help them find relief?  Some of the symptoms of the common cold overlap with the symptoms of allergic reactions. Spotting the differences between the two becomes increasingly difficult during the spring,...

As news reports change hourly here in the United States and uncertainty runs rampant, there are many things we do know about COVID-19, especially when it comes to protecting yourself against this novel coronavirus. One of the first questions our patients ask us as health care providers is whether they’re...

Losing weight often feels like an uphill battle, especially if you’re often inundated with conflicting pieces of advice.  The statistics don’t look good either: One-third of Americans go on a diet each year, yet obesity rates continue to rise.  So what should you do to find a long-term solution to...

Have you ever wondered why it’s harder to cope with emotional hardships as you approach menopause? Although menopause is a period in life when most women have to deal with aging parents and losing family members, hormones can also be to blame for some of the stress and anxiety you...

Diabetes impacts at least nine percent of the US population, and is the seventh leading cause of death in the country. Obesity impacts 36% of the US adult population and can lead to some serious health problems, including diabetes. So, what’s the link between the two and what can you...

The issue of high blood pressure is well-understood. You may be perfectly aware of the condition, and you may even know it runs in your family. However, you may also be blissfully unaware of whether it actually affects you.  This could be due to the fact that, in 2017, guidelines...

The prevalence of flu varies from year to year, accounting for about 10 million to almost 50 million illnesses each season, representing from 5-20% of the American population. In most cases, influenza is medically considered a mild illness, lasting about two weeks and resolving on its own. You may argue...