warning signs child health

Warning Signs to Look for In Your Child’s Health

We all want the best for our kids, right? But between soccer practice, homework, extracurriculars, and everything else that fills up the calendar, it can be difficult to monitor our children’s health. With busy family schedules and a variety of commitments, many kids are eating out on-the-go and fending for themselves in many areas of health.

This fall, St. Thomas Medical Group’s Children & Adult providers are encouraging parents to take notice of warning signs in their children’s health. From eating right to getting a good night’s sleep, let’s look at some common health warning signs among children…

Warning Signs of Poor Sleep Quality

Sleep is critically important for young, developing bodies and minds. Eight to 10 hours of sleep per night is a standard recommendation for healthy children and adolescents. Getting a good night’s sleep is just as important as eating right and exercising. Warning signs that your child may not be getting enough quality sleep:

  • Use of phones, tablets, TV or other screen devices during the hour leading up to bedtime.
  • Engaging in risky behavior may be correlated with sleep deprivation. For example, one study found, “Teens with sleep problems were 55 percent more likely to have used alcohol in the past month in comparison to teens who didn’t report any sleep problems.”
  • Mood swings, irritability, and difficulty in concentrating can be signs of poor sleep quality.

Social Warning Signs

It can be impossibly frustrating to figure out, at times, what’s really going on at school. Is your child being bullied? Depressed? Struggling with a learning disorder that hasn’t been recognized by her teachers or doctors? Some common behavioral health warning sings include:

  • Changes in mood or behavior
  • Anxiety
  • Loss of interest in activities

Nutrition Warning Signs

In the U.S., nearly one in five children between the ages of six and 19 are obese. “Empty calories” like added sugars and fats account for nearly 40% of the calories consumed by two- to 18-year-olds, reports the National Institutes of Health. Warning signs your child may not be getting a balanced, healthy diet include:

  • Lack of family meal time.
  • Reliance on fast food and highly processed foods.
  • Irregular meal times (or lack of regular meals altogether).

See a Doctor in Nashville at St. Thomas Medical Group

If you’re concerned about your child’s health, you can always schedule an appointment with a provider at St. Thomas Medical Group by calling +1 (615) 301-7040. You can also make your child’s appointment online (new and returning patients) at your convenience. We look forward to partnering with you and your child in better health!

6 Ways to Get Rid of Acid Reflux

Heartburn can be extremely uncomfortable. Worse, chronic heartburn could even put you at risk of Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer. If you suffer from heartburn, the gastroenterologists at St. Thomas Medical Group are here for you. Learn more about acid reflux management techniques below…

What Is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is a condition that occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to close properly after you swallow food or liquid. When the LES relaxes abnormally or becomes weak, stomach acid can move up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest. Chronic acid reflux is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Symptoms of acid reflux and GERD include:

  • Burning sensation in the chest (sometimes accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth)
  • Chest pain
  • Lumpy feeling in the throat
  • Regurgitation
  • Dry cough
  • Sore throat or hoarseness
  • Difficulty swallowing

Learn more about acid reflux and GERD.

Techniques for Managing Acid Reflux

There are several things you can do to reduce acid reflux symptoms. Following these guidelines may even help eliminate symptoms entirely. Talk to your Nashville gastrointestinal specialist at St. Thomas Medical Group to learn more about the lifestyle changes that may be most appropriate for managing your acid reflux.

  1. Maintain a healthy weight. One study found that women who gained 10-20 pounds had a 3x increase in heartburn symptoms. Losing even just a few pounds (if overweight) may help reduce your symptoms.
  2. Avoid food/drink triggers. Fatty and fried foods, garlic, onion, mint, tomato sauce, alcohol and caffeine can trigger acid reflux.
  3. Eat smaller portions. Large meals fill the stomach, causing more pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter.
  4. Don’t lie down after eating. Eat dinner earlier or purchase a wedge-shaped pillow to prop yourself up if you must lie down after eating.
  5. Don’t smoke. Smoking can contribute to acid reflux symptoms. If you do smoke, talk to your doctor at St. Thomas Medical Group about quitting.
  6. Monitor symptoms with a journal. Keep a journal that records what you eat and drink, as well as when you experience heartburn symptoms. By keeping records, you and your physician may be able to identify avoidable triggers.

Upper Endoscopy for GERD Treatment

In some cases, your gastroenterologist may recommend an upper endoscopy for diagnosing and treating GERD. During this procedure, frequently performed at our Gastroenterology Endoscopy Center, a small flexible endoscope is inserted through the mouth to explore and gather images of the upper digestive tract. Patients are sedated during this procedure, which can take five to twenty minutes to complete.

Learn more about upper endoscopy, pricing, and outcomes.

See a Gastrointestinal Specialist In Nashville

Meet our gastroenterologists at St. Thomas Medical Group. For scheduling information, please call +1 (615) 297-2700. You can also request an appointment online.

Get Moving, Nashville! 4 Hikes You Need to Take this Fall

Fall weather is on its way! As the leaves begin to change and the summer heat rolls off the Cumberland Plateau, now is the best time of the year to strike out in search of local trailheads! Whether you’re a native or a newcomer, make sure you check off these four parks before the leaves drop…

Did you know? The American Heart Association recommends “at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise.” That’s 30 minutes a day, five days a week.

#1 Radnor Lake State Park (SOUTH)

Serene, quiet, an oasis in the city. You’re guaranteed to find Radnor Lake’s East and West parking lots at max capacity on a nice weekend day, any time of the year! The best time to visit this 1,368-acre park and its 6+ miles of trails is just before sunrise. Take your dog and enjoy a brisk run around the lake. Or, get your muscles burning with an ascent of Ganier Ridge Trail (where pets and running/jogging is strictly forbidden). Just a 20-minute drive from downtown Nashville, you’ll feel like you’ve driven hours away as soon as you take the first step onto one of Radnor’s rugged ridge trails. Get info.

#2 Percy & Edwin Warner Parks (WEST)

Just a 16-minute drive southwest of St. Thomas Medical Group, you’ll find Edwin and Percy Warner Parks, which offer a diverse network of hiking trails, green spaces, mountain bike trails, horse trails, and cross country running courses. From marathon trainees to evening amblers, the Warner Parks attract all types. Grab a map and allow yourself to wander freely, discovering the many creeks and overlooks these parks have to offer. Get info.

#3 Shelby Bottoms Greenway (EAST)

With five miles of paved trails, beautiful wetlands, sweeping river views, and some less-trafficked primitive trails, there’s a lot to love about Shelby Bottoms. If hiking isn’t up your alley, take to Shelby Bottoms Greenway with a bike. Much of the greenway is level, paralleling the Cumberland river, which makes for an easy and pleasant ride in the fall weather. Get info.

#4 Beaman Park (NORTH)

While Shelby Bottoms Greenway is busy, developed, and largely flat, Beaman Park offers a rugged alternative on the northwest side of town. Take the Ridge Top Trail for incredible views and some steep climbs. Marvel at the changing leaves and take in the views as you hike this Nashville gem! Get info.

Find a Partner In Your Health: Nashville Doctors Near You

At St. Thomas Medical Group, primary care physicians partner with patients from all areas of Nashville with a common goal: better health. Hiking and other forms of moderate and vigorous cardiovascular exercise can become a part of your routine health habits. To learn more about how you can better care for your heart – and yourself! – schedule an appointment with a primary care doctor at St. Thomas Medical Group. You can schedule online or by calling +1 (615) 297-2700.

World Alzheimer’s Month: 10 Signs Every Adult Should Know

According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, every three seconds someone in the world develops dementia, “a collective name for progressive degenerative brain syndromes which affect memory, thinking, behavior and emotion.”

Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia account for nine out of ten cases of dementia. Symptoms may include:

  • Memory loss
  • Personality and mood changes
  • Difficulty in performing daily, routine tasks
  • Difficulty in using words or comprehending others

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, we may be able to improve outcomes by making earlier diagnosis and providing patients and their families with better support and information.

Recognize Alzheimer’s Warning Signs

This September, in recognition of World Alzheimer’s Month, internal medicine doctors at St. Thomas Medical Group are encouraging Nashvillians to learn the ten warning signs of Alzheimer’s (via Alzheimer’s Association).

  1. Memory loss disrupting daily life. It’s not uncommon to forget names or appointments as you age, but routinely forgetting information or asking for the same information on a repeat basis could be a sign of Alzheimer’s.
  2. Difficulty in planning or problem-solving. Occasional errors are normal at any age, of course. But individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s may exhibit greater difficulty concentrating on problems. Working through challenges could take longer than in the past.
  3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks. Driving, budgeting, or remember rules to a game could be challenging for individuals with Alzheimer’s.
  4. Time/place confusion. Not understanding where you are or how you got there could be a sign of dementia.
  5. Difficulty judging distance or color/contrast. Difficulty judging spatial relationships can make tasks like driving risky and difficult.
  6. Losing words (speaking or writing). Stopping mid-sentence or using odd word choice can be a sign of Alzheimer’s.
  7. Misplacing items. It’s not uncommon for individuals with Alzheimer’s to place items in unusual spots. In some cases, this can lead to the individual accusing others of stealing.
  8. Poor judgement. Affected individuals may lose their ability to exercise good judgement or make sound decisions.
  9. Withdrawal from work or social life. From time to time, we all need a break from the demands of work, family, and friends. But for individuals with Alzheimer’s, the step back may be more pronounced and longer lasting.
  10. Mood and personality changes. Many patients with Alzheimer’s may exhibit confusion, suspicion, depression or other new behaviors.

Find an Internal Medicine Doctor in Nashville

For more information about Alzheimer’s diagnosis and care, contact St. Thomas Medical Group. Call +1 (615) 297-2700.

Should I Get My Thyroid Checked Out?

What is the thyroid?

The thyroid is a tiny gland at the base of the neck that has an incredible amount of control over many of the body’s functions. The thyroid is critical in regulating hormones that affect everything from metabolism to body temperature to heart rate. When the thyroid is functioning as normal, we give it very little thought. In people with under- or overactive thyroids, however, symptoms can be quite uncomfortable.

What are the symptoms produced by hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid produces too much thyroxine (the “thyroid hormone”). This can cause a number of symptoms, including:

  • Rapid weight loss
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Sweating
  • Tremor in the hands and fingers
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle weakness
  • Increased heat sensitivity
  • Sweating
  • Increased appetite
  • Anxiety, irritability, nervousness
  • Swelling at the base of the neck
  • …and others

If you experience any of these symptoms – especially rapid heartbeat and/or unexplained weight loss – be sure to see your primary care provider in Nashville for an evaluation. While these signs and symptoms are certainly not exclusive to hyperthyroidism, they can be indicators of a serious thyroid condition.

What are the symptoms produced by hypothyroidism?

While some people struggle with an overactive thyroid, others are troubled by a thyroid gland that doesn’t produce enough thyroxine. Women over the age of 60 are most likely to experience hypothyroidism, though anyone can develop this condition. The good news is, once diagnosed, hypothyroidism can oftentimes be managed easily through the prescription of a synthetic thyroid hormone.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism may include:

  • Pain, stiffness or swelling in the joints
  • Achy, tender or stiff muscles
  • Depression
  • Weight gain
  • Fatigue
  • Constipation
  • Dry skin
  • Increased cold sensitivity
  • Hoarseness

How can I get care for thyroid issues?

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described here, see your primary care doctor for an evaluation. If you don’t have a primary care doctor in Nashville, contact St. Thomas Medical Group to schedule an appointment. Your physician may be able to provide a diagnosis and treatment through oral medication.

When is thyroid surgery recommended?

Thyroid surgery may be recommended for patients with nodules on the thyroid. (Note that there is not necessarily a correlation between the presence of nodules and hormone levels or thyroid function.) At St. Thomas Medical Group, surgical treatment is performed by surgeons at Nashville ENT and Allergy Clinic; all physicians are certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery.

During the procedure, which is typically done using a minimally invasive approach, a small incision is made for removing the nodules. Patients typically go home that day. Downtime from the surgery is as little as a few days.

For more information about thyroid care, contact Nashville ENT and Allergy Clinic at St. Thomas Medical Group. Call +1 (615) 386-9089.

3 Ways to Get Care for Chronic Fatigue

We all experience seasons of our lives that are marked by fatigue and exhaustion. But for people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), sleep deprivation and difficulty with thinking and concentrating isn’t just a phase that lasts a couple weeks or months. Chronic fatigue syndrome is an illness that can have serious effects on many of the body’s systems for six months or more.

In patients with CFS, there is no primary illness or condition causing the fatigue. The fatigue is a force of its own, requiring, in some cases, a battery of medical tests as providers rule out other potential illnesses.

What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Many patients describe their experience as being akin to the flu. Symptoms of CFS may include:

  • Joint/muscle pain
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Memory loss
  • Headaches
  • Digestive problems
  • Chills
  • Night sweats

CFS can affect patients mentally, as well. Mood swings, anxiety, depression, and panic attacks are not uncommon among individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome.

If faced with CFS, what can you do? While there is no “cure” for CFS, there are some strategies you can discuss with your doctor about implementing into your daily routine.

#1 Improve Quality of Sleep

Avoiding caffeine and alcohol altogether can be a good first step toward improving your chances of getting quality sleep. Try to establish a regular nighttime routine that lets your body know it’s time to go to bed. Avoid screens for at least 90 minutes prior to bedtime.

#2 Get Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency is widespread, affecting patients with CFS, as well as the general population. This deficiency makes it difficult for your body to absorb calcium. The deficiency can be responsible for bone pain, muscle pain, fatigue, and difficulty thinking. While you can get vitamin D through sun exposure, talk to your doctor about taking a vitamin D supplement, which allows you to know the actual amount of Vitamin D that’s getting into your system.

#3 Graded Exercise Therapy

Graded exercise therapy has patients start exercising with slow stretching and gentle movements. Intensity and duration of exercise is increased gradually over time as the body becomes accustomed to the movements. Graded exercise therapy has been shown to reduce fatigue in patients with CFS.

See an Internal Medicine Doctor In Nashville

Meet our internal medicine providers at St. Thomas Medical Group. For scheduling information, please call +1 (615) 297-2700. You can also request an appointment online.

healthy meals in nashville

5 Great Places to Grab a Healthy Meal In Nashville

Summer is winding down and our attention is being pulled back in the direction of work and school. Shopping, errands, and busyness begin to take over our routines… leaving little time for meal prep and healthy eating. It’s easy to just order that pizza or pop a frozen meal into the microwave, right?!

When we get busy our bodies need healthy food more than ever. Extra stresses on the schedule can weaken the immune system and increase our risk for illness… just when illness is the last thing we have time for!

Eating Healthy Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

If you know you’re going out for a meal, consider one of these Nashville favorites, which serve up delicious healthy food that doesn’t taste like “health food.” These restaurants rely on whole foods, seasonal ingredients, and creative cooking techniques as they pioneer some of Nashville’s healthiest meals…

#1 Vui’s Kitchen

With locations in Germantown and Berry Hill, Vui’s Kitchen serve up delicious Vietnamese food that exclusively features whole food ingredients. Plenty of fresh herbs and no MSG makes Vui’s an easy choice. Try their signature bánh mì sandwich or a bowl of pho!

#2 Sunflower Cafe

Just a four-minute walk from Vui’s in Berry Hill, Sunflower Cafe is a Nashville classic known for its all-vegetarian menu, which includes gourmet veggie burgers and vegan barbecue. Gluten-free diners will find plenty of options at Sunflower Cafe, which focuses on fresh, local and organic ingredients. Dine in or grab a to-go order for the family. (Don’t miss their Thai Ginger Tofu, a daily chef special!)

#3 Epice

If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, pop into Epice in 12 South. Classic Lebanese dishes in a contemporary environment make Epice a treat for the body and senses.

#4 AVO

Less than three miles from our St. Thomas Medical Group offices, AVO prides itself in sourcing “the finest plant-based ingredients” around town. The restaurant specializes in both raw and cooked vegan meals that feature seasonal ingredients. The seasonal drink menu is built around local, gluten-free, and reduced gluten beers, and organic, biodynamic, and kosher wine.”

#5 The Wild Cow

From AVO, cut across town and over the river to East Nashville for some diverse vegan and vegetarian fare at The Wild Cow. Don’t miss their famous Buffalo Beans & Greens, featuring a sautéed garlicky kale with pinto beans!

Let’s Partner Together In Your Health. Find a Nashville Doctor Near You.

Primary care physicians at St. Thomas Medical Group partner with patients throughout Nashville in working toward better health. To learn more about how you can develop personal health goals and take charge of your health with a primary care doctor, schedule an appointment at St. Thomas Medical Group. You can schedule online or by calling +1 (615) 301-7040.

Nashville Sports Physical

What Happens In a Metro Nashville Sports Physical Exam?

Can you believe summer vacation is already over? It’s back to school for kids throughout metro Nashville. As you check off back-to-school supplies and clothes, have you remembered those sports physicals?

Completion of Metro’s “Preparticipation Physical Evaluation” form is required for any students wishing to participate in school sports. The examination and form, which Metro Nashville Public Schools makes available here, is a fairly straightforward process. But, if you have any questions or concerns, we’ve put together this post to walk you through the exam step-by-step. Here’s how it works at St. Thomas Medical Group

Step 1: History Form

Prior to seeing your physician, you and your child will fill out the History Form. This is a basic pre-appointment form that asks questions about medicines and allergies, heart health, family history, bones and joints, and any potential medical issues. Questions, for example, range from “Have you ever had a stress fracture?” to “Do you have headaches with exercise?” etc.

The purpose of this form is to give the healthcare provider some basic background information about your student prior to the exam. This is an important time to list any events in one’s health history that could require further review or discussion with a healthcare provider.

If your student has special needs, there is a supplemental history form that will provide you with an opportunity to list these conditions.

Step 2: Physical Examination Form

Next up: the physical examination form. The physical examination will include a review of several health indicators, such as pulse, lung function, vision function, etc. Evaluations of the musculoskeletal system (from the neck down to the toes) will give the provider a chance to potentially detect any abnormalities in function.

In concluding the exam, the health care provider will (1) clear the student for all sports without restriction, (2) clear for sports without restriction but with recommendations for further evaluation or treatment, or (3) not provide immediate clearance.

Step 3: Clearance Form

Upon discharge, the student and parent will be provided with a clearance form that summarizes the exam findings. This form can be used in lieu of the physical exam form and health history form; it may be an appropriate alternative for any circumstances in which HIPAA concerns are an issue.

Step 4: Consent for Athletic Participation & Medical Care

Finally, the parent or legal guardian of the student athlete will fill out a form detailing allergies, medications, insurance information, and emergency contact information. This form acknowledges legal responsibilities and protocols in the event of injury.

Schedule a Student Athlete Sports Physical In Nashville

Don’t delay in scheduling your student’s sports physical. You can schedule an appointment in Nashville with a St. Thomas Medical Group provider by calling +1 (615) 301-7040. You can also make your appointment online (both new and returning patients).

Training Tips to Help You Get In Shape for One of Nashville’s 5K Races

Whether you hit the pavement first thing every morning or you’ve never put on a pair of running shoes in your life… participating in one of Nashville’s summer 5K races is a fun way to challenge yourself and get some exercise.

A great activity for all levels, 5K races (5 kilometers, 3.1 miles) are happening all over town this summer. If you’re thinking about signing up for a 5K, check out these tips from providers at St. Thomas Medical Group!

Get In Shape for a Nashville 5K

  • Join a community of runners! “But I’m not a runner,” you say. Great! You don’t have to be. East Nasty, an East Nashville running community, offers a “Potato to Tomato” training program for the East Nashville Tomato 5K. Fleet Feet Sports offers 12-week training programs to help new and experienced runners train for 5Ks and other races. These programs cater to all levels of experience, offering different pace groups. The community aspect can help motivate you to stay on-track and committed to completing your goal.
  • Take time to warm up. Always take a few minutes to warm up before your run. A good stretch and warm-up routine can get your blood flowing, reducing risk of injury and setting you up for a more enjoyable and efficient run.
  • Mix up the running and walking. If you’re new to running, cut yourself from slack and mix things up. Consider walking on some of your training days. On other training days mix up your activity with both running and walking. For example, you might run for 15 seconds and then walk for 45 seconds. This approach may reduce the risk of injury and stress on your body.
  • Re-evaluate your diet. Once you start exercising, you might find that your diet affects you differently. You might feel fatigued or low on energy after a run. Talk to your doctor about your diet. Consider adding in protein and healthy energy-rich snacks that will replenish those depleted resources.
  • Drink lots of water. It’s hot out there! Don’t forget to hydrate before setting out for your run. Drink 8 to 16 ounces of water about an hour or two before. Have a few more sips 15 or 30 minutes before setting out.
  • Consult a Nashville doctor. Finally, if physical activity is a new priority in your life, you may want to talk to a primary care physician about new exercise habits. If you have any concerns about developing healthy new exercise habits, you may find an exam and conversation with a doctor to be immensely helpful in setting you off in the right direction.

Trusted Physician Care That Helps You Prepare!

For many people, committing to participate in a 5K is no small undertaking! If you’re looking to make some new exercise habits, talk to a trusted primary care physician in Nashville at St. Thomas Medical Group. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling +1 (615) 301-7040.

What’s Covered In a Well-Woman Visit?

Did you know that your health insurance plan covers you for one completely free wellness exam per year? According to healthcare.gov, a well-woman visit can include 16 specific preventive services for women and another 12 preventive services for pregnant women or women who may become pregnant… things like shots, disease screening, education and counseling.

It’s Really Free?

Yes! If you have Medicare or a health insurance plan obtained through the Health Insurance Marketplace, you are entitled to one free wellness exam per year from a doctor or provider in your plan’s network.

You Don’t Have to Be Sick to See a Doctor.

Our internal medicine providers at St. Thomas Medical Group are here for you when you get sick. But we also love seeing you when you’re healthy! Why? By getting the chance to visit with you when you’re healthy, we can build a relationship and establish a knowledge of your “baseline wellness.” That way, if you do get sick in the future, we have better context and knowledge about you. We may know something about your family history or personal medical history that could allow us to provide better, more accurate care. A well-woman visit is a great opportunity for establishing that “baseline wellness” with your doctor.

So, What Happens In the Well-Woman Visit?

We’ll use this appointment to look at your overall health and wellness. During this time we’ll document your health habits and history, perform a physical exam, and talk with you about your health goals.

#1 Health Habits & History

First we’ll open up with a discussion about your health and history. Things like…

  • Medical history and family health history
  • Sexual health and sexual partners
  • Eating habits and physical activity
  • Use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs
  • Mental health history, including depression
  • Relationships and safety

#2 Physical Exam

Then, we’ll move to the physical exam portion of the well-woman visit, which may include:

  • Measuring your height and weight
  • Calculating your body mass index (BMI) to see if you are at a healthy weight
  • Checking your blood pressure
  • Taking your temperature
  • Doing a clinical breast exam (feeling your breasts and under your arms for lumps or other changes)
  • Doing a pelvic exam
  • Pap smear (if it is due for your regular interval)
  • Birth control and contraception management

(source: healthfinder.gov)

#3 Health Goals

Finally, we’ll talk about your health goals. If you want to lose weight or quit smoking, we can work together to develop a plan that will help you achieve that goal. We can also talk about what screenings or follow-up services might be appropriate for you. This is your chance to take action with your health!

How Can I Prepare for My Well-Woman Exam?

You can make the most of this appointment by coming prepared with a list of questions. Go ahead and write them down as you may not remember all of your questions during the appointment! Ready to schedule? Make your appointment online, or call +1 (615) 297-2700.