Charles H Bozeman, II, M.D.

10/27/2025

We’re having a little fun and celebrating Halloween all week long!

Today’s theme: hippy and hippster ☮️ ☕️

07/04/2025

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸 Our office will be closed on Friday, July 4th, so our team can enjoy the holiday with their families. We’ll resume normal hours on Monday. Stay safe and enjoy the celebration!

07/03/2025

DEHYDRATION
Dehydration is when your body doesn’t have enough fluids to work properly. It happens when you lose more fluids than you take in. This could happen on a hot day if you sweat a lot, or if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea.

You can usually treat mild dehydration at home by drinking more fluids. Moderate cases may need to go to the hospital to receive intravenous (IV) fluids. Severe dehydration is a medical emergency. It could be fatal if not treated.

Dehydration can happen to anyone at any age. Infants, young children, and older adults are more at risk of becoming dehydrated.

PATH TO IMPROVED HEALTH

Your body is made up of 55%-60% water. You need to drink a lot so it can carry out its normal functions. The average adult needs about 3 quarts of water every day. When you don’t get enough water because of illness or for other reasons, you may start to experience dehydration.

CAUSES
Common causes of dehydration in healthy adults include:
• sweating too much (especially in hot weather)
• fever
• vomiting
• diarrhea

SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of dehydration depend on your age and how badly dehydrated you are.
Signs of dehydration in babies or young children include:
• dry mouth and tongue
• crying without tears
• no wet diapers for 3 hours or more
• high fever
• sunken eyes
• being unusually drowsy or sleepy
Signs of mild to moderate dehydration in adults include:
• feeling thirsty
• dry or sticky mouth
• dry skin
• not urinating much
• darker yellow urine
• headache
• muscle cramps
Signs of moderate to severe dehydration include:
• dizziness or light-headedness
• irritability or confusion
• rapid heartbeat
• rapid breathing
• listlessness
• delirium
• fainting or unconsciousness

TREATMENT
Mild to moderate dehydration can usually be treated at home. Here are things you can do to feel better.
• Sip water.
• Suck on ice cubes or ice pops.
• Slowly drink a sports drink that contains electrolytes.
• Don’t drink anything with caffeine, including coffee, tea, or colas. Caffeine may cause you to urinate more.

Moderate to severe dehydration needs medical attention. Go to an emergency room or call 911. Untreated severe dehydration can cause seizures, permanent brain damage, and even death.

Call your family doctor if you’re not sure if your symptoms are serious enough to go to the hospital.

PREVENTION
In general, adults can prevent dehydration just by drinking when they are thirsty. Eating foods high in water content, such as fruits and vegetables, also help.
Drink more fluids when you need to, including when:
• The weather is hot, especially if you’ll be outside.
• You are exercising or sweating a lot.
• You have a fever, diarrhea, or are vomiting.
Don’t wait for signs of dehydration to start drinking more. Plan ahead and always make sure you have access to plenty of water.

THINGS TO CONSIDER
Some people are at greater risk of becoming dehydrated. They include:
• Infants and young children
• Older adults
• People with chronic illnesses such as diabetes
• People taking certain medicines, such as diuretics.

If you are at greater risk or care for others who are, always plan ahead. Keep plenty of water with you at all times to prevent dehydration.
Left untreated, dehydration can lead to serious complications. These include:
• Heat-related illness such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke.
• Kidney problems such as kidney stones or kidney failure.
• Electrolyte imbalances that can lead to heart rhythm disturbances and seizures.
• Shock, coma, or death.

Source: https://familydoctor.org/dehydration/

06/30/2025

HEAT RASH
This article was created by familydoctor.org editorial staff and reviewed by Beth Oller, MD

WHAT IS A HEAT RASH?
Heat rash is a skin irritation that stings and makes your skin red. It is also called miliaria or prickly heat. If you have this condition, your skin may feel itchy. Small bumps may form, and you may feel some “prickly,” tingling pain.
The rash occurs most often in hot, humid weather. Anyone can get it, and it is most common in infants and young children.

SYMPTOMS
Heat rash usually looks like a cluster of pimples or small blisters. It is most likely to appear in places where skin touches skin, including:
• Neck
• Groin
• Underneath the breasts
• In the creases of the elbows
• Armpits

WHAT CAUSES HEAT RASH?
Heat rash happens when you sweat too much. The sweat gets trapped under your skin and blocks your sweat glands. If your pores cannot clear out the sweat, you may get a rash.

Heat rash often happens when it is hot and humid outside. Having a high body temperature, being overdressed, or being in a hot environment can also cause it. Babies who are bundled in too much clothing are most likely to get heat rash. People who are not used to hot weather may also get it more easily.

DIAGNOSIS
There are no tests for heat rash. Your doctor can diagnose it just by looking at it. But most cases don’t need to be seen by a doctor. They go away by themselves. If your rash doesn’t go away after 3 or 4 days, or if it seems to be getting worse, call your doctor. In some cases, the rash may be caused by an infection.

See your doctor if your itchiness is severe or if the rash area swells or oozes pus. If you feel dizzy, nauseated, confused, or you have trouble breathing, go to the emergency room right away. These symptoms can be signs of serious heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

CAN IT BE PREVENTED OR AVOIDED?
In many cases, heat rash can be avoided. In hot weather, dress yourself or your child in lightweight cotton clothing. Cotton helps absorb moisture to keep it off of your skin. If the weather is hot, turn on the air conditioner, or use a fan to help you stay cool and dry.

TREATMENT
The most effective treatment for heat rash is to keep your skin cool and dry.
• Cool down. Avoid hot and humid places. If possible, stay in air-conditioned areas, or use fans to circulate the air. Use cool compresses to bring down the temperature of the affected skin.
• Dry off. Keep the irritated skin dry. Use a fan to dry the skin off faster and to reduce sweating.
• Reduce friction. Wear loose clothes to prevent irritation caused by clothing that rubs against the skin.

If your rash is severe, your doctor may prescribe a lotion to help relieve your pain or discomfort. Avoid using baby powders, ointments and creams at home. They can block pores even more.

LIVING WITH HEAT RASH
Whether you are trying to treat heat rash or prevent it, the best way to live with it is to keep the skin cool and dry. Avoid overdressing and tight-fitting clothes. Try to stay out of hot, humid conditions. Keep your sleeping area cool and allow air to circulate.

Source: https://familydoctor.org/condition/heat-rash/

06/26/2025

FIREWORKS SAFETY

This article was created by familydoctor.org editorial staff and reviewed by Robert "Chuck" Rich, Jr., MD, FAAFP

Fireworks are one of many Americans’ favorite parts of summer. While it’s safer to leave the show to the pros and attend a public display, many people also love to shoot off their own. But shooting them off is a risky activity. Fireworks can cause serious burns and injuries, even death. It’s extremely important that you do everything you can to deal with fireworks safely.

PATH TO IMPROVED SAFETY

Many people like to buy and set off their own fireworks. These are called “consumer” fireworks. There are many types of these. Some are more dangerous than others, but all have the ability to cause harm.

FOLLOW LOCAL LAWS
The first step you can take to keep yourself safe is to obey all local fireworks laws. States determine what is legal for you to use. In 4 states, consumer fireworks are completely illegal. It can even vary by county or municipality. So start off by knowing your local regulations.

DO YOUR RESEARCH
Next, know your fireworks. Only buy fireworks from a licensed fireworks dealer. When buying fireworks, read the instructions carefully so you know what each firework will do. Some, like fountains, sit on the ground and shoot sparks into the air. Others are held in the hand and shoot flaming balls into the air. These are less predictable and are more likely to malfunction.

Once it’s time to set off the fireworks, follow these steps to keep you and your loved ones safe.

SAFETY TIPS
• Never give fireworks to children. This includes sparklers. Sparklers burn at a temperature around 1,200 degrees. That’s hot enough to melt metal. They can easily burn and injure a child.
• Always have a responsible adult supervising activities involving fireworks.
• Light fireworks in a clear outdoor area, away from trees, buildings, or vehicles.
• Wear safety glasses or protective eyewear when shooting off fireworks.
• Don’t carry fireworks in your pocket. The friction could set them off.
• Don’t light fireworks in containers, especially metal or glass ones.
• Stand far away from other people when lighting fireworks. They can backfire or go in the wrong direction.
• Don’t lean over a firework while lighting it. Reach out away from your body to light it.
• Light one firework at a time. Move back quickly to a safe distance right away.
• Never point or throw fireworks at other people.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case there is a fire or other mishap.
• Never relight a “dud” firework that doesn’t go off. Douse it in water and throw it in the trash.
• After fireworks are done burning, douse them in water. Dispose of them in a metal trashcan to prevent a trash fire.

THINGS TO CONSIDER
Remember your pets. They’re often afraid of the noises fireworks make. Take steps to keep them safe when lighting fireworks.
• Don’t take your pets to a fireworks display. This includes small displays or neighborhood gatherings.
• Put your pet in an interior room away from windows. This will dampen the sound of the fireworks.
• Make sure your pet is wearing a collar and identification tags. If it gets scared and runs off during a fireworks display, it will be easier to find with identification tags.
• Never shoot any kind of firework, including sparklers, near pets.

Source: https://familydoctor.org/fireworks-safety/

06/24/2025

EXTREME HEAT: TIPS TO KEEP KIDS SAFE WHEN TEMPERATURES SOAR

Usually, playing and exercising outside boosts a child's physical and mental health in many ways. However, a heat index at or above 90°F, as identified by the National Weather Service, poses a significant health risk.

HOW EXTREME HEAT AFFECTS CHILDREN & FAMILIES
• High temperatures and extreme heat can cause children to become sick very quickly. It can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.
• High heat can also make everyone feel more more irritable. Add to that the fact that extreme heat is becoming more common in parts of the U.S. because of climate change. News about ways this is impacting communities and the health of the planet can also be upsetting and stressful.

TIPS TO PLAY IT COOL IN EXTREME HEAT
When it's very hot, going to the swimming pool or beach for a short time or staying inside to work on crafts, reading or playing board games may be a good idea.
• Plan ahead if you know there will be several days of high heat in a row.
• Try to think of creative ways to have kids switch up their activities and avoid "cabin fever" or restless, irritable feelings when they are home. To help them stay active, suggest some easy yoga stretches, playing indoor hide-and-seek or making up fun physical challenges that aren't too strenuous.
• What to do if you don't have air conditioning at home
• If your home does not have air conditioning, find a nearby building that does. Libraries and shopping malls can be great places for a cool retreat from the heat.
• If you live in a place where there are frequent power outages or your air conditioning does not always work, identify a safe place for your family to go during times when temperatures are extremely high and you would otherwise be home. Many towns and cities offer cooling centers in gyms or other large buildings for those who need relief from the heat.
• While you're home, close your window blinds and curtains. Also keep in mind that lower floors tend to be cooler.
• Do fans help in hot weather?
• Fans may be helpful in cooling down if you have no access to any air conditioning. But, keep these safety tips in mind:
• If you do use a fan, keep it at a safe distance from you and your children to avoid safety hazards (such as pinched fingers or fans connecting with water).
• Don't point the fan directly at you in extreme heat. Fans can help hot air flow out or draw cooler air into a room. But avoid directing the flow of fans toward yourself when the room temperature is hotter than 90°F. The dry blowing air can raise dehydration risk.

WAYS TO BEAT THE HEAT WHEN YOU GO OUT
If you are going to be outside, there are several steps you can take to beat the heat and protect your child from heat-related illness and hazards:
• Stay hydrated: Encourage your children to drink water frequently and have it readily available—even before they ask for it. Take water bottles with you if you go out. On hot days, infants being fed breast milk in a bottle can be given additional breast milk in a bottle; however, they should not be given water, especially in the first 6 months of life. Infants receiving formula can be given additional formula in a bottle.
• Dress lightly: Light-colored clothing can help kids stay cool and prevent heat stress from excessive heat absorption; darker colored clothes typically provide slightly better sun protection. Also try to choose loose fitting clothing—ideally clothes that allow enough air flow as well as protection from direct sun exposure. Clothing made with just one layer of absorbent material can help sweat evaporate; this has a cooling effect (kids have lower sweat rates adults). Use plenty of sunscreen.
• Plan for extra rest time: Heat can often make children (and their parents) feel tired. High heat can not only cause people to feel tired, but it may also contribute to irritability. Come inside regularly to cool off, rest and drink water.
• Cool off with water. When your child is feeling hot, give them a cool bath or water mist to cool down. Swimming is another great way to cool off while staying active. Remember that children should always be supervised while swimming or playing in water to prevent drowning.
• Never leave your child alone in a car: The inside of a car can become dangerously hot in just a short amount of time, even with the windows open.

WATCH FOR SIGNS OF HEAT ILLNESS
Contact your pediatrician immediately if your child develops any of these symptoms after prolonged exposure to heat and symptoms don't improve quickly in a cool environment.
• Feeling faint or extremely tired (such as being unusually sleepy, drowsy or hard to arouse)
• Confusion
• Loss of coordination
• Severe or unusual headache
• Fever
• Intense thirst
• Not urinating for many hours
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Breathing faster or deeper than normal
• Skin numbness or tingling
• Muscle aches or spasms

PROTECTING KIDSIN SPORTS & OTHER OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES DURING EXTREME HEAT
• Exercise in high temperature and high humidity puts kids at serious risk for heat illness. It can harm even well-trained athletes. (See "How to Keep Young Athletes & Active Kids Safe in Hot Weather.") It can be especially dangerous when the heat index is greater than 105 degrees F).
• Try to schedule heavy activities (sports practice, exercise) during the cooler parts of the day; cancel or delay if it is extremely hot. In some cases, a plan for gradually increasing exercise intensity and duration over a couple weeks to allow time to adjust to the heat may be best. Frequent breaks, ensuring plenty of water—not sugary drinks—and snacks during activity as well as throughout the day is key. Encouraging a healthy, nutritious diet helps, too.
• Also keep in mind that extreme heat and humidity can worsen certain medical conditions, such as asthma or other underlying heart, lung, or kidney disease.

Source: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Protecting-Children-from-Extreme-Heat-Information-for-Parents.aspx

05/06/2025

We love our nurses so much and are so blessed to have the best! Make sure to thank your nurse for all the amazing things they do 💗

04/22/2025

Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines are medicines that treat allergy symptoms. OTC means you can buy them at a store, without a doctor’s prescription. They are available as pills, liquids, nasal sprays, gels, and eyedrops.

There are two types of OTC antihistamines: first-generation and second-generation. Both can help allergies. First-generation antihistamines are sometimes used in OTC cold medicines.

PATH TO IMPROVED WELLBEING

When your body is exposed to allergens (allergy triggers), it makes histamines. Your body releases these chemicals to attack the allergen. Unfortunately, histamines cause the itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes associated with allergies. Antihistamines treat these symptoms.

First-generation OTC antihistamines
- These were among the first antihistamines scientists developed. They are cheaper and widely available. They work in the part of the brain that controls nausea and vomiting. This means they can prevent motion sickness too. The most common side effect of first-generation antihistamines is feeling sleepy. For this reason, they are sometimes used to help people who have trouble sleeping (insomnia).
- Some common kinds you can buy over the counter include:
*Brompheniramine (one brand name: Children’s Dimetapp Cold)
*Dimenhydrinate (one brand name: Dramamine)
*Diphenhydramine (three brand names: Benadryl, Nytol, Sominex)
*Doxylamine (two brand names: Vicks NyQuil, Tylenol Cold and Cough Nighttime)
- Second-generation OTC antihistamines. These are newer medicines. Many treat allergy symptoms without causing sleepiness. Common kinds include:
*Loratadine (two brand names: Alavert, Claritin)
*Cetirizine (one brand name: Zyrtec)
*Fexofenadine (one brand name: Allegra)
- Note: Some antihistamines are mixed with other medicines. These could include pain relievers or decongestants. Many of the brand names above are for these combination medicines. These are meant to treat many symptoms at the same time. It is a good idea to treat just the symptoms that you have. If you have only a runny nose, don’t choose a medicine that also treats headache and fever.

How do I safely take OTC antihistamines?
- Read the directions on the label before taking any medicine. Learn how much to take and how often you should take it. If you have any questions about how much medicine to take, call your family doctor or pharmacist. Keep track of which OTC medicines you are using and when you take them. If you need to go to the doctor, take the list with you.

Follow these tips to make sure you are taking the right amount of medicine:
- Take only the amount recommended on the medicine’s label. Don’t assume that more medicine will work better or quicker. Taking more than the recommended amount can be dangerous.
Mixing medicines can be dangerous. If you take a prescription medicine, ask your doctor if it’s okay to also take an OTC antihistamine.
- Don’t use more than 1 OTC antihistamine at a time unless your doctor says it’s okay. They may have similar active ingredients that add up to be too much medicine.

How can I safely store OTC antihistamines?
- Store all medicines out of reach and sight of young children. Store in a cool, dry place so they do not lose effectiveness. Do not store them in bathrooms. These areas can get hot and humid.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

Healthy adults don’t usually experience side effects from antihistamines. However, they can be a concern for older adults or people who have health problems. First-generation antihistamines may make you feel sleepy. This can affect your ability to drive or operate machines. They can make it hard to think clearly. Alcohol can increase the drowsiness caused by antihistamines. Antihistamines may cause your mouth and eyes to feel dry. They can also cause abdominal pain and headaches. Second-generation antihistamines are less likely to cause these side effects.

Could OTC antihistamines cause problems with any other medicines I take?
- Antihistamines can interact with other medicines you take. Talk to your doctor before taking a first-generation antihistamine if you take any medicines that can make you tired. These include sleeping pills, sedatives, or muscle relaxants.
- Antihistamines are often combined with decongestants and/or pain relievers. If you take a combination medicine, it’s important to know each active ingredient. One or more could interact with other medicines you’re taking.
- Be sure not to take too much antihistamine. Many OTC cold and allergy medicines contain them already. Some prescription medicines do, too. If you take more than 1 of these medicines, you may get much more antihistamine than is good for you. Second-generation antihistamines are less likely to interact with other medicines you are taking. Always talk to your doctor if you take other medicines to make sure they are safe.

Who shouldn’t take antihistamines?
- Talk to your doctor before using a first-generation antihistamine if you have any of the following health problems:
* Glaucoma
* Trouble urinating (from an enlarged prostate gland)
* Breathing problems, such as asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis
* Thyroid disease
* Heart disease
*High blood pressure
- If you have kidney or liver disease, talk to your doctor before taking a second-generation antihistamine.

Source: https://familydoctor.org/antihistamines-understanding-your-otc-options/

04/15/2025

Growing Together: Well-Child Visits

Your child's early years are filled with incredible growth and development! Our comprehensive well-child visit schedule ensures we're there every step of the way.

Our Visit Schedule for Children Under 3:
- Hospital discharge check
- Weekly visits until birth weight is regained
- 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24, and 30 months
- 3 years old

After age 3, we transition to annual check-ups unless your child has special needs requiring more frequent care.

What to Expect at These Important Visits:
- Growth measurements and developmental milestone checks
- Age-appropriate vaccines to protect against preventable diseases
- Health and nutrition guidance
- Parent well-being check-ins
- Autism screenings at 18 and 24 months
- Anemia and lead level screenings at 12 and 24 months

These regular visits help us catch any concerns early and support your family's health journey. We're not just your child's healthcare provider—we're your partner in helping them thrive!

Call us at (865) 428-0583 to schedule your child's next well-visit.

04/14/2025

Yearly checkups. Did you know all adults and children need a yearly checkup to make sure they are healthy? A lot can happen in a year and some problems can go unnoticed until it does enough damage to cause symptoms.

Adults ages 18 and up are recommended to get checkups every year and those with health problems may need to be seen more frequently as determined by your provider. Children are seen more frequently until they are 3 years old, then still need yearly checkups. We screen for many things at all these checkups.

This week we'll focus on the different important screenings to keep you well and living a healthy life.

04/05/2025

From our friends at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital:

Measles is a highly contagious infection that causes high fevers, total-body skin rash, and flu-like symptoms. The best way to protect your child is to make sure they're immunized against measles.

04/01/2025

Tennessee currently has 2 confirmed case of Measles in Middle Tennessee.

Measles spreads through the air by an infected person and is extremely contagious. 9 out of 10 people exposed to measles who are not protected will catch it.

- 1 out of 5 people who get measles will be hospitalized.
- 1 out of every 20 people with measles will develop pneumonia.
- 1 out of every 1,000 people with measles will develop brain swelling due to infection (encephalitis), which may lead to brain damage.
- 1 to 3 out of 1,000 people with measles will die, even with the best care

MMR vaccine is given in 2 separate doses. One dose of MMR is 93% effective at preventing measles and 2 doses is 97% effective at preventing measles.

Normally we give the 1st dose of MMR at 12 months old and the 2nd dose between 4-5 years old. MMR vaccine can be given as early as 6 months old during an outbreak

Who is recommended to be vaccinated:
-children 6 months to 11 months old during an outbreak who are not fully immunized. They will need their next dose at 12 months old.
- children who have had their first dose at 12 months old or older, can get their 2nd dose 4 weeks later to complete the series.
-adults born in 1957 or later who are at low risk (e.g., not an international traveler, healthcare worker, or person attending college or other post-high school educational institution) and have no documented vaccination with live measles vaccine and no laboratory evidence of immunity or prior measles infection

Who does not need vaccination:
- adults born before 1957 except healthcare personnel
- adults born 1957 or later who are at low risk (e.g., not an international traveler or healthcare worker, or person attending college or other post-high school educational institution) and who have already received one or more documented doses of live measles vaccine
- adults with laboratory evidence of immunity or laboratory confirmation of measles

Our patients can schedule an appointment with their provider to discuss if they need vaccination and can also receive MMR vaccine at our office. (865) 428-0583.