Primary Care Plus

This year, over 22,000 women in America will be diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. An estimated 1 in 78 women will develop Ovarian Cancer in their lifetimes, and, unfortunately, because Pap tests do not screen for Ovarian Cancer, this disease often goes undetected until it is too late. This month is an opportunity to spread awareness of this disease and its symptoms because when diagnosed and treated early, 5-year survival rates are ov...er 90%! Some common early symptoms are: - Bloating - Pelvic or abdominal pain - Trouble eating or feeling full quickly - Urgent or frequent urination - Fatigue - Back Pain - Pain during sex - Constipation - Menstrual Changes If these symptoms sound similar to other non-life threatening conditions, you aren't wrong, and this is why Ovarian Cancer is considered a silent killer, because many women do not realize that they are experiencing this disease until it is too late to treat it. While there are no specific causes of Ovarian Cancer, some factors that increase risk are: older age, family history of ovarian or breast cancer, previous reproductive system issues, past use of fertility treatments or estrogen replacement therapy, and lack of pregnancy. If you are concerned that you may be at risk or experiencing symptoms of Ovarian Cancer, the best methods of protecting yourself are regular check-ups by your primary care physician and gynecologist, and by always speaking up to your health providers about any symptoms or issues that are affecting you. If you would like to schedule an appointment or receive a referral to a gynecologic provider, please call your Primary Care Plus Team at 678-574-3000!

September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. According to the World Health Organization, 1 person commits suicide every 40 seconds. It is the 2nd leading cause of death amongst young people aged 15-29. There are no exact warning signs that someone might take their life, but some signs to look out for are: - expressing feelings of hopelessness - talking about themselves as being a burden to others - increased alcohol or drug use... - reckless behavior - sleeping too little or too much - extreme mood swings - withdrawing or isolating themselves Often, our loved ones who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts may not feel comfortable bringing up this topic of conversation, for a variety of reasons. But, if we can all learn to identify these warning signs in our friends and family members who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, and take steps to open the lines of conversation, listen to them about their current experiences, and aid them in seeking treatment, more and more lives might be saved. If you or someone you know is suicidal, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-800-273-8255. https://www.newsweek.com/world-suicide-prevention-day-2019-

September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month! Sickle Cell Disease is a genetic illness, affecting about 100,000 Americans, which causes your normally round and flexible blood cells to become stiff and sickle-shaped, stopping the blood cells, and the oxygen they carry, from being able to move freely around the body and causing pain. People with SCD are also at risk of complications like strokes, acute chest syndrome, blindness, bone damage, and, over time, damage to organs such as the liver, kidney, lungs, heart, and spleen. Treatments mostly focus on preventing and treating complications, but together, we can support finding a cure. As we celebrate Sickle Cell Awareness Month, let's continue to raise awareness for this disease!

Happy Labor Day from the Primary Care Plus Family! We hope you all have a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable day off with family and friends!

Happy first day of school to all of our patients in Cobb, Paulding and Cherokee Counties and Marietta City Schools. We hope you've had a fun, relaxing and family-filled summer, and that you have a positive, engaging, and organized start to the new school year! Remember, it's not too late to schedule Back-to-School check-ups. Primary Care Plus offers Back-to-School Sports Physicals at the affordable price of $40! Call 678-574-3000 to schedule an appointment with your Primary Care Plus Team. ~ The Primary Care Plus Family