Flu refers to illnesses caused by a number of different influenza viruses. Flu can cause a range of symptoms and effects, from mild to lethal. Currently there are two strains of flu - seasonal flu and the H1N1 (Swine) flu in the U.S. - increasing people’s chance of getting the flu this year.

Here are a few easy ways you can prevent the spread of seasonal flu and H1N1 (swine flu):

--Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
--When you are ill with flu-like symptoms, stay at home.
--Shield others from your coughs and sneezes by using a tissue. Throw used tissues away.
--Wash your hands often with soap and water, or alcohol based hand-sanitizer especially after you cough or sneeze.
--Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose or mouth at all times.
--Maintain healthful habits — get ample sleep and exercise, drink fluids and eat well.

If you or a member of your family is affected by seasonal flu or H1N1 and have symptoms that do not improve within 24-hours, please call Collingsworth Family Medicine Clinic (806) 447-5311 to make an appointment or call your provider. If you fall within the high risk category, seek medical attention immediately if flu symptoms occur. Treatment is available with a Tamiflu (an anti-viral) prescription, but it must begin within 48 hours of illness.

If you have questions, concerns or think you may have the flu, call or make an appointment with Collingsworth Family Medicine Clinic (806) 447-5311. To learn more about how to keep your family safe from seasonal flu and H1N1, visit these resources:

Texas Department of State Health Services
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Flu Information
Everyday Health

Diabetes is a serious illness in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that is needed to regulate sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. In addition to lowering a person’s energy levels, if untreated, diabetes can lead to kidney damage, blindness, serious circulation problems and even result in death.

Almost 24 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes. Although it affects many people, the disease may be undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem so harmless.

Some diabetes symptoms include:

There are certain risk factors associated with diabetes: obesity, lack of exercise and a family history.

If you have any questions, concerns or want to learn how to treat diabetes, make an appointment with the providers of Collingsworth Family Medicine Clinic call (806) 447-5311.

To learn more about diabetes visit these resources/links:

Texas Department of State Health Services
American Diabetes Association
Everyday Health

Those regular blood pressure checks from your health provider could save your life. Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure. If your blood pressure is unusually high (more than 140/90) over several weeks, you more than likely have a serious illness called hypertension.

Dr. Day believes that, “high blood pressure is one of the most treatable conditions with the medications now available.”

Often called the “silent killer’’ hypertension is the result of elevated blood pressure. This disease can be dangerous because it makes the heart work harder to pump blood to the body and it contributes to hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis, heart failure and even stroke.

Collingsworth Family Medicine Clinic offers free blood pressure checks to help monitor your blood pressure.

There are many factors that contribute to hypertension (or high blood pressure):

The good news is hypertension can often be treated with a change in diet, exercise and, if needed, medication.

If you have any questions, concerns or want to make an appointment with a provider in the Collingsworth Family Medicine Clinic call (806) 447-5311.

Other source link of information:

Texas Heart Association
American Heart Association
Everyday Health