Lifetime Internal Medicine, PLLC

08/01/2025

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with over 220,000 new cases in the United States each year. Taking preventative measures– such as abstaining from to***co products and undergoing lung cancer screenings–is the best way to avoid lung cancer. 

Smoking ci******es is the leading cause of lung cancer, causing approximately 85% of cases worldwide. If you are not a smoker or don’t use other to***co products, there are still significant risk factors for lung cancer including:

* Living with people who smoke ci******es or use other to***co products
* Family history of lung cancer
* Living in areas with significant air pollution
* Radon exposure
* History of radiation therapy to your chest

Did you know that your insurance may cover annual lung cancer screenings if….
* You are between the ages of 50-77 and
* You have no symptoms of lung cancer and
* You are a current smoker or you quit smoking within the past 15 years and
* You have a smoking history of at least one pack a day for 20 years

Ask your doctor if you are at risk for lung cancer and eligible for screenings covered by insurance. 

For more information on lung cancer and whether you are eligible for screening, visit https://www.cdc.gov/lung-cancer/index.html 
Or 
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/lung-cancer/saved-by-the-scan

07/30/2025

Wishing our very own, Dr. Julia Lim a very happy birthday! The team celebrated with cake and ginger shots!

07/30/2025

🗓️ July 28 is World Hepatitis Day – a time to raise awareness about viral hepatitis and how to prevent it. ⁠

Hepatitis affects over 1 in 3 people globally and can lead to serious liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Risk factors for Hepatitis are more common than we may think. People who are of Asian, Pacific Islander, and African descent, as well as those born between 1945-1965 or engage in international travel are at higher risk of contracting viral hepatitis.

Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food and drink, while Hepatitis B and C are spread through contact with contaminated blood/bodily fluids.

Hepatitis A causes acute illness but can in rare cases lead to liver failure, but hepatitis B and C can lead to chronic liver disease and increased risk for cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Receiving vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B is highly recommended, and is the best way to protect yourself from the condition. There are currently no vaccines for Hepatitis C, but screenings are available. Ask your doctor if you have been screened or need to be vaccinated!

Did you know that Medicare can help you prevent hepatitis? For more information, visit https://www.aarp.org/medicare/faq/does-medicare-cover-hepatitis-shots/ ⁠

07/21/2025

If you've been in recently, you may have noticed a new face in our office!

Kari, our new Registered Nurse, is thrilled to join Lifetime Internal Medicine and to be part of the team. She was born and raised in New York City and went to college in Buffalo - Go Bills! Since 2023 she has called Northern Virginia home. Her nursing background includes experience in medical/surgical care, crisis response, pre-op and post-op recovery, IV therapy, and occupational health. Being a nurse has given her the privilege to connect with people through compassion and support them in living healthier, fuller lives. She is passionate about providing personalized care and helping others achieve an optimal lifestyle and quality of life. Outside of work, she enjoys practicing Baptiste yoga, traveling, and trying local foods, especially sweets! One of her goals is to visit every U.S. National Park. The next time you swing by the office, please make sure to say “hello” to Kari!

07/14/2025

With measles cases on the rise, our team at Lifetime Internal Medicine wants to help you figure out if you are at risk.

But first, what is measles? Measles is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted by respiratory droplets and airborne spread from an infected person’s cough, sneeze, and breathing. Potential complications can occur in high-risk groups and include conditions like diarrhea, otitis, pneumonia, severe dehydration, and encephalitis. In some cases, measles can even be fatal. 

There is no specific treatment or antiviral medication for measles- supportive care is recommended.  Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection. The measles vaccine, known as MMR, is a live vaccine so there are additional precautions and considerations. It is considered highly effective in preventing measles. Two doses of measles vaccine are considered 97% effective, and one dose is considered 93% effective in preventing measles. Generally, it is given around 12-15 months of age and again at age 4-6.

If you were born prior to 1957, you were most likely exposed to measles as a child, and are considered to have natural immunity. In most cases, it is NOT necessary to get revaccinated or test for antibodies.

If you are an adult who received the MMR vaccine between 1963 and 1967, you may NOT have sufficient protection, because the measles vaccine you might have received is now considered less effective. You would benefit from either getting one or 2 doses of the MMR vaccine.

If you were vaccinated between 1968 and 1989, you may have received only 1 dose of the measles vaccine instead of the 2 doses that are standard today.  One dose is considered highly effective and should provide protection, but there are instances where you may benefit from a booster.

Check out our blog article for more information on measles and the MMR vaccine!
https://lifetimeinternalmedicine.com/do-i-need-a-measles-booster-lets-break-it-down/

07/11/2025

In light of July being UV Awareness month, the team at Lifetime Internal Medicine wanted to share some tips on protecting your skin and eyes from the summer sun!

Overexposure to the sun can cause damage like premature aging, pigmentation changes, wrinkles, and even skin cancer.  Most skin cancer is caused by too much exposure to UV light.  

Did you know that UV rays can cause skin damage in as little as 15 min? 

Here are some tips from our doctors about how you can protect yourself from harmful UV light, while still having your summer fun:
⛱️ Find shade when possible
🧴 Wear sunscreen, regardless of skintone
😎Wear sunglasses
☀️Avoid direct sunlight during the peak hours of intensity (10am-4pm)
💦Stay hydrated
🍃If you do get burned, use aloe vera gel or cooling moisturizers
🚫Avoid tanning beds
✅Regularly check for skin changes

Need help finding sunscreen? Visit https://www.aad.org/media/stats-sunscreen for more information about choosing the right sunscreen for your skin type.

07/03/2025

06/02/2025

🌈 Happy Pride Month! 🌈

At Lifetime Internal Medicine, we’re proud to stand with our LGBTQIA+ patients, families, and community. We believe that everyone deserves compassionate, affirming, and respectful healthcare. You are seen, valued, and welcomed here—always.

This month and every month, we celebrate the courage and resilience of our LGBTQIA+ patients and commit to being a safe, inclusive space for everyone. If you ever have questions or concerns about your health, please know that we’re here to support you with kindness and understanding.

Wishing you a joyful and affirming Pride Month!

With love and care,
The Lifetime Internal Medicine Team

05/26/2025

Today, we pause with heavy hearts and deep gratitude to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Memorial Day is not just a long weekend—it is a time to remember the courage, dedication, and selflessness of those who gave everything for our freedom.

To our patients who have served or are currently serving in the military: thank you. We see your strength, your sacrifices, and the impact your service has made on our community and nation. Your commitment inspires us every day.

As we reflect today, let us hold space for the families who carry the memory of their loved ones, and let us honor their legacy by living with purpose and compassion.

From all of us at Lifetime Internal Medicine, we wish you peace, comfort, and gratitude this Memorial Day. ❤️🤍💙

05/21/2025

🌿 May is Lyme Disease Prevention Month! 🦠

As the weather warms up, so does tick activity. Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in the U.S., with over 470,000 people diagnosed each year. Awareness and prevention are key to staying healthy while enjoying the outdoors!

🔍 Did You Know?
✔️ Up to 30% of deer ticks carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease
✔️ 70-80% of infected people develop a distinctive "bullseye" rash
✔️ Early treatment with antibiotics is highly effective if caught in time

🛡️ Protect Yourself:
✅ Use EPA-registered insect repellent
✅ Wear long sleeves and tuck pants into socks when in wooded or grassy areas
✅ Perform thorough tick checks after being outdoors
✅ Shower within 2 hours of being outside to reduce risk of attachment
✅ Remove ticks promptly with tweezers

If you find a tick or experience symptoms such as fever, fatigue, or rash—contact our office right away. Early detection matters.

05/11/2025

🌸 Happy Mother’s Day from All of Us at Lifetime Internal Medicine 🌸

Today, we honor and celebrate all who mother—in every form that takes. To the moms, stepmoms, grandmothers, foster moms, adoptive moms, and chosen moms—you give so much of yourselves with love, strength, and grace.

We also hold close those on the journey to motherhood, those who have experienced loss, those yearning, waiting, or hoping. Your courage and resilience do not go unseen.

Mother's Day can be filled with joy, and for some, it may bring heartache or longing. Wherever you are in your story, we see you. We support you. We celebrate you.

💗 With love and compassion,
The Lifetime Internal Medicine Team

05/05/2025

🌸 Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month at Lifetime Internal Medicine

This May, we proudly celebrate **Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month** — a time to honor the diverse cultures, rich traditions, and impactful contributions of the AAPI community.

As an all Asian American female-led medical practice, we are deeply connected to this celebration. We are honored to serve our community while representing strength, compassion, and excellence in medicine.

From our families to yours — thank you for trusting us with your care. This month, and every month, we stand proud of our heritage and committed to uplifting the health and wellness of all.

💖 With gratitude,
— Dr. Shalini Kaneriya, Dr. Ira Marathe & Dr. Julia Lim