Dr. Susan Ladd-Snively - Chestnut Family Practice

12/23/2019

To all our patients, friends and family: HAPPY HOLIDAYS! 🎄🎁 ✨

Our office will be closed on Wed. Dec. 25th, Thurs. Dec. 26th and Wed. Jan 1st.

We wish you a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year!

- Dr. Susan Ladd-Snively and the Chestnut Family Practice team

07/24/2019

2 years ago today, we opened our doors with one goal: To help you and your family get and stay healthy, so you can enjoy a longer, happier life doing all the things that make life worth living!

From all of us to all of you -- THANK YOU for choosing us for your healthcare, and for recommending us to your family, friends and co-workers.

We're still here and still growing, and we're so grateful for your support.

05/10/2019

We’ve had a lot of questions recently about the measles outbreak and the MMR vaccine 🤔 – hope this will help clear things up for you...

DO YOU NEED TO BE RE-VACCINATED FOR MEASLES?

IF YOU:

- had the measles

- had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine after 1967, or

- have tested positive for measles antibodies…

GOOD NEWS: You’re immune – you don’t need another vaccination.

IF YOU WERE BORN BEFORE 1957:

- You’re probably *already* immune from exposure to one of two outbreaks.

- If you’re at high risk (if you travel during an outbreak, are near a travel hub or destination, or are a healthcare provider) -- you can confirm whether you’re immune with a simple blood test, and if you’re not immune, you should re-vaccinate.

- If you’re not at high risk but want to be on the safe side, you can re-vaccinate – it’s low-risk.

NOT SURE WHETHER YOU HAD 2 SHOTS, OR WHAT KIND OF VACCINE YOU RECEIVED?

Get tested to see if you’re immune -- and if not, re-vaccinate. Or just re-vaccinate - it's low-risk.

People born before 1957, when measles was widespread, are assumed to be immune since they probably suffered through an infection. Those born in the years 1957 to 1989 may not be fully immunized, since they likely got an older and weaker version of the vaccine, and it was common then to give kids only one shot.

If you aren’t sure of your vaccine status, you can request a blood test to check on your immunity – or you can just re-vaccinate to be safe.

SOURCES: https://www.vox.com/2019/4/29/18522521/measles-outbreak-2019-washington-rockland

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/some-adults-need-to-be-revaccinated-against-measles-021115 #3

Learn more:
http://www.immunize.org/askexperts/experts_mmr.asp

03/11/2019

There's a new shingles vaccine -- Shingrix -- and it's so much more effective than the old vaccine (Zostavax) that the CDC actually changed its recommendations in 2018 to make Shingrix the preferred vaccine, just months after it was approved by the FDA.

Why? Because it's at least 90% effective (!) in preventing shingles and the associated nerve pain, even in those over the age of 70. (Zostavax only lowers the odds of getting shingles by 51%, and of nerve pain by 67%, and it's even less effective in people ages 70 and older.)

It also costs less for 2 doses of Shingrix than one dose of Zostavax (most insurance plans cover it as preventive care, but you may want to check with your carrier to confirm).

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/shingles/news/20180212/new-shingles-vaccine_what-you-need-to-know

Shingles is one of the most painful conditions you can get - for some patients, it's as painful as labor and delivery or kidney stones. It's also really common, affecting one in every 1,000 people in the US a year, and 1 in every 3,000 people over their lifetimes.

Anyone who has ever had chickenpox can develop shingles. Factors that may increase your risk of developing shingles include:

- Being older than 50. Shingles is most common in people older than 50. The risk increases with age. Some experts estimate that half the people age 80 and older will have shingles.

- Having certain diseases. Diseases that weaken your immune system, such as HIV/AIDS and cancer, can increase your risk of shingles.

- Undergoing cancer treatments. Radiation or chemotherapy can lower your resistance to diseases and may trigger shingles.

- Taking certain medications. Drugs designed to prevent rejection of transplanted organs can increase your risk of shingles — as can prolonged use of steroids, such as prednisone.

Learn more about Shingles: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/symptoms-causes/syc-20353054

Shingrix is a different kind of vaccine - here's a simple, clear video explanation of how it's different and why it's now preferred: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/892264

Shingrix is administered in 2 doses, 2-6 months apart. And it appears to last for 5 years. It's recommended for anyone 50 years of age or older, even those who have already had the Zostavax vaccine.

The vaccine is made right here in North Carolina, and demand is so great that you may have to wait to get it. Check with your local pharmacy before you go to see if they have it - they'll let you know if there's a waitlist.

Shingles is now avoidable for most people -- and it's worth taking the time to get vaccinated so you can hopefully dodge it. 🙂

Learn more about the CDC shingles vaccine recommendation: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/shingles/hcp/shingrix/recommendations.html

The new vaccine is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and a painful complication called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in all age groups.

12/30/2018

To all of our patients, old and new - THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for making 2018 such a wonderful year! 🎉🎈🌟

It means the world to us that you're happy with the care you receive from us -- happy enough to bring your family members, to recommend us to your friends and colleagues, and to leave such glowing reviews.

We're honored you trust us with your care, and we look forward to helping you and your family make 2019 your healthiest year yet... 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏃‍♀️🤸‍♀️🤸‍♂️🚴‍♀️🚴‍♂️

We wish you all a Happy, Healthy New Year! 🎆

-- Dr. Susan Ladd-Snively👩‍⚕️and the Chestnut Family Practice care team

09/13/2018

NEW INSURANCE ACCEPTED: Starting Sept. 14th, if you're insured through EmblemHealth PPO/GHI, we're IN Network for you!

If you need a checkup or medication and want to see the doctor, give us a call to make an appointment.

Welcome to the family! 🎈🎉🌞👩‍⚕️

08/10/2018

BIG NEWS: Starting today, if you're insured through Aetna, we're IN NETWORK for you!👌If you need a checkup or medication and want to see the doctor, give us a call to make an appointment. Welcome to the family!🎈🎉🌷😊

07/24/2018

For our First Anniversary we thought a little extra cheer at the front desk was in order, so we've got balloons and flowers to greet you! 🎈🌷🌺🌹🎉

07/24/2018

One year ago today, we opened our doors to the Matthews community with a promise: Quality patient-centered healthcare for the whole family from an independent physician and a team with heart -- because you're not a number, you're a *person*, and you deserve to be treated like one.

That first day, we saw one patient. By the end of the first week, we'd seen 15. Now, one year later, we've had over 1300 visits and counting... (!) 🎉🙌

To our patients, friends and family (old and new): THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for making our first year in practice so rewarding -- getting to know and help all of you makes everything we do worthwhile. ❤️💗💕

We look forward to another year of helping you and your family feel good and get (and stay) healthy! 👩👨👧👦👶⛹️‍♀️🤸‍♂️⛹️‍♀️🚴‍♀️

-- Dr. Susan Ladd-Snively, Susan and Debbie -- your family care team at Chestnut Family Practice

06/27/2018

If you or someone you love is struggling with depression and having suicidal thoughts, know this: depression is a treatable medical condition, and help is available. 🌥️

Don't do nothing and hope it will get better on its own, and don't dismiss thoughts or talk of su***de as no big deal -- talk to someone and get the help you or your loved one need to feel better.

Su***de is a serious problem that affects everyone, regardless of age, socioeconomic status, education level and life status. Even people who seem to "have it all" can be at risk for su***de -- Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain being the most recent examples.

These recent high-profile su***des may actually increase the risk of su***de, because of a phenomenon known as "su***de contagion":

"Su***de contagion is a process in which the su***de of one person or multiple people can contribute to a rise in suicidal behaviors among others, especially those who already have suicidal thoughts or a known risk factor for su***de.

"If they're already struggling with thoughts of depression or risk of su***de, they're already trying to get information about how other people are experiencing it," said John Ackerman, su***de prevention coordinator in the Center for Su***de Prevention and Research at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

"Especially when you've got high-profile people who are successful and who the world views as having a lot going for them and they die by su***de, it can generate feelings of hopelessness."...

"Su***de rarely occurs "out of the blue," and there are risk factors, such as family history of su***de, family history of child maltreatment, previous su***de attempts, history of mental disorders, history of alcohol or substance abuse, feelings of hopelessness, among others.

"When you have heart disease or when you have certain forms of cancer, there's a profile or a calculator of risk factors that's done. So with heart disease it's obesity, smoking, exercise, cholesterol, family history, and age. Same thing for su***de," Lieberman said.

"There's four disorders that have greatest increased risks of su***de: bipolar, depression, psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, and PTSD. Drug abuse or addiction is a potential complicating factor in all of them -- and in all of these conditions, death by su***de should never be an outcome," he said. "But when they don't get treated, some small proportion of them have the potential to harm themselves or will end their lives by su***de."

If you need help for yourself or a loved one, come see the doctor -- there are medications available that may help, and if therapy or other support is needed, we can refer you to other professionals and let you know about other resources to help you.

If you're in crisis right now, please call National Su***de Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. You're not alone, and su***de is not the answer.

Several high-profile celebrity su***des could lead to an increased risk of what's called "su***de contagion," according to mental health experts.

05/26/2018

A Timely Note to Parents: Teething babies don't need medicine on their gums -- there's little evidence gels and creams containing benzocaine actually work, and the drug can cause rare but deadly side effects, especially in children under 2 years of age: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-warning-benzocaine-gel-orajel-teething-products/

Dr. Ladd's advice👩‍⚕️: Don't give your children any over-the-counter remedies unless recommended by your doctor. (If you're a patient of ours, give us a call if you or your child are having an issue and you're not sure what to do -- we'll let you know if you need to come see us.)

"Over-the-counter" doesn't mean "safe for everyone" - it's always best to check before you self-medicate.

Despite years of warnings about benzocaine gel, the FDA says reports of illnesses and deaths have continued

05/06/2018

Chocolate can be good for you? 🤔 New research says yes, there might be health benefits to eating certain types of dark chocolate. 🍫 2 recent studies found that consuming dark chocolate that has a high concentration of cacao (at least 70% cacao) has positive effects on stress levels, inflammation, mood, memory and immunity.

Does this mean you should go on a chocolate bender? No - you still need to watch your sugar intake, and if you crave sweets, you're better off staying away from them altogether. But if you're having a sweet treat, choosing dark chocolate might give you some additional benefits beyond the "yummm." 😋

Findings from two new studies show dark chocolate consumption reduces stress and inflammation, while improving memory, immunity and mood.