Nicholas Heathscott, MD, CAQSM

08/21/2023

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Otherwise known as enlarged prostate. This is a condition in which the prostate enlarges in size and causes urinary tract symptoms in men. The prostate is a gland that surrounds the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body).

Symptoms include incomplete emptying, frequent urination, starting and stopping stream, weak stream, difficulty starting, urgency and nighttime awakening to p*e.

Can be treated with medication, lifestyle modifications, or sometimes surgery.

08/16/2023

Do you know your a1c?

Hemoglobin A1C or HB A1C is a simple blood test that is used to monitor/test for diabetes. Provides a 3 month snapshot of average blood sugar levels.

Call today to see if an A1C test is right for you!

08/10/2023

Happy first day of school! My daughter's first day of Pre-K.

08/07/2023

Having knee pain? It might be osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a common cause of knee pain in adults over the age of 50. Initially thought to be a wear and tear disease but is now thought to be much more complex.

Symptoms include stiffness, loss of motion, achiness, swelling, tenderness, deformity.

The knee is one of the most commonly involved joints.

Multiple treatment options are available. Often improved with increasing exercise/activity, weight loss and physical therapy. Tylenol and occasional use of ibuprofen or naproxen can sometimes be helpful. Can try topical gels such as diclofenac. If no improvement with these, injections including corticosteroid (cortisone), hyaluronic acid (gel) injections and PRP (platelet rich plasma) are options. Ultimately, sometimes may require knee replacement.

I would be happy to discuss your knee or other joint pain with you in the office. Give us a call today at 813-754-3344. Taking new patients!

08/01/2023

Worried about statins? Take a look at the graphic below. It might be key in preventing a heart attack or stroke.

Family Medicine and non-surgical orthopedic/Sports Medicine. Emphasis on prevention.

07/25/2023

Have high blood pressure?

High blood pressure or hypertension is common. Often it has no symptoms. It can be discovered with a simple blood pressure check.

Normal blood pressure according to the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association is a reading less than 120/80. Readings between 120-140/80-90 are considered elevated. Anything greater than 140/90 on repeat occasions requires intervention and may require medication.

High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease including heart attack and stroke. By keeping blood pressure at a normal level you can decrease this risk.

Ways to decrease blood pressure without medication include reducing salt or sodium in your diet, weight loss, exercise, and decreasing alcohol intake.

Sometimes these interventions are unsuccessful and medication is required.

Have questions or want to discuss more? Call the office today to set up an appointment. 813-754-3344. Taking new patients with quick availability!

Family Medicine and non-surgical orthopedic/Sports Medicine. Emphasis on prevention.