Primary care and family medicine physicians can help with any number of the illnesses that plague us, including aches, pains, common illness and fatigue. This month, the UAB Department of Family and Community Medicine providers discussed how to relieve and prevent common ailments for the department's Ask a Provider series.
What should I do if I consistently get headaches?
Though common, headaches are uncomfortable and can be a chronic occurrence for some. Assistant Professor and CU2RE Urban Underserved and Rural Pathways Director Jill Marsh, M.D., recommended trying different options depending on each person's symptoms and experience.
Jill Marsh, M.D.Marsh said that a doctor should help anyone suffering headaches if they also have high blood pressure (>140>90) simultaneously.
For those who aren't experiencing high blood pressure with a less severe headache, Marsh said other lifestyle factors could be the culprit.
“Are you well-hydrated? Drinking too much caffeine? How's your sleep? Do you snore? Have you been experiencing increased stress lately?” Marsh queried. “If the headaches are mild and typically resolve with Tylenol or ibuprofen, consider these factors and adjust if possible.”
Marsh recommended a doctor's visit for those whose headaches are more severely affecting their quality of life.
“If the headaches are more frequent, more severe, or are associated with symptoms like vision changes, dizziness, nausea, etc., it's really best to schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss further!” Marsh advised.
What vaccinations should I get as an adult?
Assistant Professor Sumayah Abed, M.D., was recently featured in a UAB News article discussing adult vaccinations. There, Abed told readers that adult vaccinations are important but should be discussed with a doctor first.
Sumayah Abed, M.D.“Vaccines are safe and effective,” Abed said. “However, depending on the type of vaccine and health conditions of the recipients, some vaccines may not be recommended for everyone. That is why it is important to speak with your health care provider about your specific needs to determine the best vaccines for you.”
Abed also commented on some potential vaccines for pregnant mothers or mothers with young infants. Abed said the COVID-19 vaccine in pregnant women can help their unborn children as well.
“Pregnant women are more liable for severe illness if they get COVID-19,” Abed said. “Evidence suggests that the immunity pregnant women get from the vaccine can cross to their babies through the placenta and give them protection in the first six months of life.”
Additionally, Abed recommended that a baby’s close contacts receive the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine if needed to lower the child’s risk of catching whooping cough.
“We encourage women to get a Tdap vaccine while they are pregnant or immediately after giving birth to help protect themselves and their infant. Caregivers who will be around the baby and have not already had a whooping cough booster shot should also get vaccinated,” said Abed.
Lastly, Abed says vaccination documentation, which can be found through a person’s primary care provider, is very useful.
“It is important to keep personal vaccination records saved for travel, work and school registration,” Abed said. “The best way to discover your immunization status is to ask your primary care physician.”
Why am I always tired even though I get plenty of sleep?
It is common to feel exhausted in a busy world, but it isn’t always because of a lack of sleep. Kaylee Crockett, Ph.D., assistant professor, clinical health psychologist and clinical scientist, explained that someone’s fatigue could be explained by other factors if the person is getting enough high-quality sleep.
Kaylee Crockett, Ph.D.Lifestyle choices such as diet and not getting enough exercise are just a few factors that could be producing fatigue, she said.
“Someone may feel tired if their daily diet is not balanced and they are not getting the nutrients they need, they are being overly sedentary, or they overuse alcohol or other substances,” Crockett said. “Other major causes of fatigue include medications, recent illness or infection, chronic health conditions, hormonal changes, and vitamin deficiencies.”
Crockett also identified possible remedies for what she said is another fatigue producer - stress.
“If stress seems to be a likely cause, then finding strategies to take care of yourself, reducing demands if able, seeking social support from family or friends, or seeking a referral for a behavioral health expert might help,” Crockett explained.
She urges people to see a doctor if they don’t believe any of these reasons are responsible for their fatigue.
What can I do to limit premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms?
UAB Hospital-Highlands Medical Director and Assistant Professor Erin DeLaney, M.D., talked about the impact of premenstrual disorders and how to mitigate symptoms.
Erin DeLaney, M.D.“Up to 12% of women are affected by a premenstrual disorder, which includes premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD),” DeLaney said. “Relieving symptoms and minimizing impairment are the goals of treatment.”
DeLaney suggested relieving stress and making exercise a daily habit for women who are not experiencing severe symptoms but would like some relief.
“Calcium supplementation of 1000-1200 mg a day can also help improve symptoms,” DeLaney noted. “There are also several other general measures to consider in ameliorating and preventing symptoms such as drinking at least 6-8 cups of water a day, getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night, and taking anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.) for pain if tolerated when needed.”
DeLaney recommended that women who experience harsher symptoms learn about other treatments that could help them from their professional that practices primary care health.
The Ask a Provider social media series posts every Friday with more answers to questions about common health-related issues. Never miss a post by following the department on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn!