Category: Health Tips & Health Literacy

Allergies or a Cold?

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Dr. BCW, Dr. Curry-Winchell’s, health series Beyond Clinical Walls, tells you how to tell the difference between allergies and a cold.

Have you ever wondered, how to tell the difference between allergies or a cold?  Well in this episode of Beyond Clinical Walls,  Dr. BCW talks about that very subject.  With flu season coming to a close and allergy season starting up it is often asked, “do I have allergies or a cold?”  Well there are a few things to keep in mind when you are contemplating that question.  Both can have very similar symptoms but there are a couple of key differences to keep in mind.  Make sure and check out this episode to learn more.

Remember, to subscribe to Beyond Clinical Walls.  It really helps the channel and it helps Dr. BCW continue to provide helpful informations on health topics, health literacy and health inequity .  Thank you so much for your support – Dr. Curry-Winchell

The Importance of Sharing Information with Your Doctor

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Hi, It’s Dr. Curry-Winchell, Dr. BCW. Today I want to discuss the importance of sharing information with your doctor for the best health outcome. Effective communication between patients and healthcare providers is crucial for receiving optimal care. During doctor visits, you must openly share your concerns, family history, medication details, and the status of your health issues.

Unfortunately, barriers, such as fear, mistrust, and lack of knowledge, can hinder some patients from sharing. So let us explore the significance of sharing critical information with your doctor and provide tips for better communication. I did a related article on this with Eat This, Not That a while back. You can find that article here (https://www.eatthis.com/news-things-you-should-never-hide-from-your-doctor/). But this topic was so important I thought I should do a blog on it as well.

Sharing Your Concerns:

One of the primary challenges patients face is hesitating to share their concerns. Fear of being judged, feeling that their complaints will be trivialized, or worrying about wasting the doctor’s time can prevent patients from fully expressing their health issues. It is crucial to remember that every concern matters, and no question is too small. Doctors are there to support and guide you on your health journey, so it’s important to voice your worries.

Family History:

Sharing your family history with your doctor is vital. Many diseases and conditions have genetic links. Understanding your family’s medical background helps healthcare providers order appropriate screenings, monitor risks, and develop a comprehensive health plan.

Conditions such as heart disease, high cholesterol, and certain cancers can have a hereditary component. By sharing your family history, you empower your doctor to make informed decisions with you about your care plan.

Medications, Vitamins, and Supplements:

When visiting your doctor, please do not forget to disclose all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. Even seemingly harmless over-the-counter medicines can interact with prescribed drugs or have unexpected side effects. A comprehensive list of your medications helps your doctor assess potential interactions and ensure your treatment plan is safe and effective.

Status of Your Health Issue:

Communicating the details of your health issue is essential for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Tell your doctor about the duration of the symptoms, how they started, and whether they have worsened, improved, or remained the same. This information provides valuable insights into the progression of your condition. Additionally, following up with your doctor after the visit is crucial, especially if your symptoms persist or worsen. This feedback allows your healthcare provider to adjust your treatment plan or recommend other care if needed.

Addressing Communication Challenges:

In cases where you feel your provider does not understand your concerns, advocate for yourself. Invest in a conversation, express your thoughts, and ensure your doctor hears and understands you.
If, for some reason, you are not able to communicate effectively or feel uncomfortable, consider seeking a new provider. Your health should be your top priority, and finding the right provider to be your health advocate is crucial.

Conclusion:

Effective communication between patients and healthcare providers is the cornerstone of quality care. By openly sharing your concerns, family history, medication details, and the status of your health issues, you empower your doctor to provide you with the best possible care. Patients should be active participants in their healthcare journeys. Work with your healthcare provider, forge stronger relationships, and help providers build the best healthcare plan possible.

Stay informed and make well-informed decisions about your health and well-being.
– Dr. BCW (Dr. Curry-Winchell)

Maternal Mortality in Black Women

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Hi, It’s Dr. Curry-Winchell, Dr. BCW. In honor of Mother’s Day, I wanted to discuss maternal mortality in black women. Within this troubling reality of maternal mortality, a striking disparity exists. Black women, particularly in the United States, face a disproportionately higher risk of maternal death than their white counterparts. This fact demands attention and immediate action to address the systemic factors contributing to this tragic inequity.

The Stark Reality:

The statistics surrounding maternal mortality in black women are alarming. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), black women in the U.S. are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. Even in high-income brackets, well-educated black women face higher risks than their white counterparts with lower incomes and education levels. This glaring disparity persists across all age groups and income levels, underlining the deeply rooted structural issues.

Underlying Causes:

Access is often cited as the cause of many health-related disparities. However, given the findings that even economically fortunate and highly educated black women face a higher risk of death, this issue is not simply a matter of access. Several factors contribute to the elevated rates of maternal mortality among black women. First and foremost, racial bias within healthcare cannot be overlooked, and unconscious bias and racial stereotypes are undoubtedly a factor. These biases influence medical professionals’ decision-making resulting in poor health outcomes for black mothers. Studies show that black women often face inadequate medical care, misdiagnoses, and delays in treatment, leading to preventable deaths.

Do not fall into mental trap that this isn’t an issue any more. These biases are alive and well today.  Look at the 2016 study that showed that almost half of medical students surveyed believed that black patients had thicker skin and felt less pain than white patients.  Find the study here: https://www.aamc.org/news/how-we-fail-black-patients-pain

Social determinants of health can play a role. Economic disparities, limited access to quality healthcare, and higher rates of chronic diseases all contribute.

A Call for Action:

Addressing maternal mortality in black women requires everyone’s help, and we need to target both healthcare systems and social structures. Here are some steps that can help:

  1. Raising Awareness: Awareness of the disparities in maternal health outcomes among black women is crucial. Education and dialogue can foster empathy, drive change, and encourage action.
  2. Eliminating Racial Bias in Healthcare: Implementing training programs for healthcare professionals to recognize and combat racial bias is critical, as is dismantling structural racism within healthcare systems. 
  3. Investing in Community-Based Support: Establishing community-based programs that provide culturally competent care, support networks, and education can empower black women during pregnancy and childbirth. These initiatives can help bridge the gaps in healthcare access and provide vital resources.

Conclusion:

Maternal mortality in black women is a devastating and persistent crisis that needs our attention. The systemic factors contributing to this disparity must be acknowledged and addressed at all levels. By addressing racial bias within healthcare systems, improving access to quality care, and investing in community-based support, we can move towards a society where every woman, regardless of race, receives the care and support she deserves during the miraculous journey of motherhood.

Stay informed and make well-informed decisions about your health and well-being.

– Dr. BCW (Dr. Curry-Winchell)

Mental Health Month & Asian American Suicide Rates

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Hi, it’s Dr. Curry-Winchell, aka Dr. BCW, I want to take a moment and honor May as Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s important to take a moment to recognize the significant role that mental health plays in our overall well-being. According to the CDC, 26% of American adults suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. It was also recently disclosed that young Asian American adults have the highest suicide rates of any ethnic group in the United States. It’s crucial that we prioritize our mental health to lead a fulfilling life.

We need to acknowledge the stressors in our lives.  We need to find resources to help address them in a healthy and sustainable way. This includes taking a break from social media, reading a book, or participating in an activity that brings us joy. It’s essential to recognize how we feel and invest in the overall health of our body and mind.

If you are not experiencing depression, remember it’s also important to think about others. Check in on our loved ones and neighbors. Someone might be shining radiantly on the outside, but battling something on the inside. Taking the time to connect with others can make a huge difference in their lives.

Investing in yourself is vital to reducing overall stress and keeping a healthy mindset. Try scheduling time on your calendar to focus on yourself, whether it’s a few minutes, an hour, or even an entire day.

Finally, remember we’ve experienced significant changes in our world. From the pandemic to inflation from layoffs to widespread violence around the globe. These changes can take a toll on our physical and emotional well-being. If you experience a serious mental health crisis, know that you’re not alone. Support is available, such as the national suicide and crisis lifeline.  Number 988, you can call or text to connect with a mental health professional.

Mental health is essential to our overall well-being, and we need to prioritize it. Taking small steps to invest in yourself and others, acknowledging stressors, prioritizing sleep, and seeking mental health support when needed can make a significant difference.

In honor of Mental Health Month, let’s prioritize our mental health and support one another.

Stay informed and make well-informed decisions about your health and well-being.

– Dr. BCW (Dr. Curry-Winchell)

Too Much Ibuprofen?

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Dr. BCW, Dr. Curry-Winchell’s, health series Beyond Clinical Walls, talks about concerns with talking Too Much Ibuprofen.

Have you ever wondered, How much is too much Ibuprofen?  Well in this episode of Beyond Clinical Walls,  Dr. BCW talks about that very subject.  There can be serious health implication not only from taking too much Ibuprofen all at once but also with taking Ibuprofen for too long a period of time.  It is always important to talk with your healthcare provider when taking medications, as even over the counter medications can have serious impacts on some people.  For more information on the proper dosing for Ibuprofen check out this Beyond Clinical Walls episode for more information.

Remember, to subscribe to Beyond Clinical Walls.  It really helps the channel and it helps Dr. BCW continue to provide helpful informations on health topics, health literacy and health inequity .  Thank you so much for your support – Dr. Curry-Winchell

What the Heck is Endometriosis?!?

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Dr. BCW, Dr. Curry-Winchell’s, health series Beyond Clinical Walls, answers the questions, What the Heck is Endometriosis?!?

Dr. BCW reviews Endometriosis.  A disease that can be very hard to diagnose.  Endometriosis often takes years if not decades to identify.  It is often dismissed as normal period pain.  But if left untreated Endometriosis can be a serious medical condition.  For more information check on the most recent Beyond Clinical Walls video.  So if you have ever wondered, What the Heck is Endometriosis?!?, check out this episode of Beyond Clinical Walls.  Make sure to share it with women in your life that might be impacted as well.  Learning more and early treatment can make a big difference.

Remember, to subscribe to Beyond Clinical Walls.  It really helps the channel and it helps Dr. BCW continue to provide helpful informations on health topics, health literacy and health inequity .  Thank you so much for your support – Dr. Curry-Winchell

Risks of Vitamins and Supplements

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Hi, it’s Dr. Curry-Winchell, aka Dr. BCW, I want to discuss the risks of Vitamins and Supplements.  An important topic that has gained recent attention due to a study on Melatonin gummies: vitamins and supplements.  With more people buying these products, it’s crucial to be aware of the risks associated with their use.

Overuse of Vitamins and Supplements:

According to the CDC, more than half of American adults use dietary supplements.  Of course we see similar trends with kids as well, with a third of children using supplements.  However, recent findings from a study have raised concerns. The study examined Melatonin gummies, which are a type of product containing a hormone called Melatonin. The body naturally produces Melatonin to regulate sleep.  The study had a shocking discovery: Some gummies contained melatonin levels as high as 347% the label’s indication.  Moreover, some gummies contained no melatonin at all, while others even contained CBD oil.

Considerations and Tips:

If you choose to take over-the-counter vitamins or supplements, it’s important to consider the following tips:

  1. Natural Sources of Vitamins: Your body naturally produces vitamins D and K.  You receive vitamins A, C, D, E, and K from the food you consume every day.
  2. Risks of Vitamin Overdose: Excessive Vitamin-A intake has been associated with ailments such as nausea, changes in vision, headaches, and coordination difficulties. Pregnant women should be particularly cautious, as high Vitamin-A intake has been linked to birth defects.  Vitamin-A can also interact negatively with certain medications.  Similarly, a large dose of Vitamin-C can result in adverse effects like headaches, vomiting, and stomach cramps.  And related to the above referenced study, the overconsumption of Melatonin can lead to symptoms such as headaches, fluctuating blood pressure, vomiting, or excessive drowsiness.

The Importance of Regulation:

It’s vital you understand, vitamins and supplements are not regulated by the FDA for their safety, effectiveness, or marketing practices.  This means that manufacturers can misrepresent the contents and effectiveness of the vitamins they sell.  So always approach these products with caution and some skepticism.

Staying Informed:

To learn more about this topic, I encourage you to read my article with Yahoo and Eat This, Not That.  I included a link to the Melatonin study below, so you can access the research directly.

Conclusion:

While vitamins and supplements can play a role in supporting our health, it’s important to approach them with caution.  Understanding the risks of vitamins and supplements, and consequences of overusing or misusing these products can have adverse effects on our well-being.  Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.  Remember that often a balanced diet provides all the essential nutrients your body needs naturally.  Stay informed and make well-informed decisions about your health and well-being.

 

-Dr. BCW

HOME RUN FOR LIFE

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Dr. BCW, Dr. Curry-Winchell, throws out the first pitch for a Reno Ace’s game. To bring awareness to pediatric heart health with Home Run for Life.  Dr. BCW’s youngest daughter was born with a heart defect that required additional attention from doctors and specialists.  While heart defects in children are rare it is an important topic to be aware of.  In some cases, like Dr. BCWs daughter the defects can resolve themselves.  In other cases medical intervention is required.  Get your new borns checked to ensure they get the care necessary.

read the full Reno Aces article here

Article Snippet:

The Reno Aces hosted a Saint Mary’s “Home Run for Life” ceremony, featuring Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, director of Saint Mary’s Urgent Care, and her newborn baby daughter Jaylin, who was born with a rare heart defect.
Anxious for the arrival of a new baby girl to her family, Dr. Curry-Winchell assumed she would be born without any health-related issues, just like her first child. However, shortly after delivery, newborn baby Jaylin received the diagnosis of a rare heart defect that is essentially a “door” between her right to left atrium.
Hearing ‘your daughter has a heart defect’ isn’t something that Dr. Curry-Winchell expected to hear after delivering her second child. Jaylin’s cardiac defect was initially found due to a standard recommendation to evaluate for cardiac disease based on Dr. Curry-Winchell’s history of lupus and a clotting disorder…

Ozempic and PCOS

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Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, M.D. or Dr. BCW, talks Ozempic and PCOS on her latest episode of Beyond Clinical Walls PODCAST.

Bayo Curry-Winchell, MD (Dr. BCW) sits down with her dear friend Jessica to talk about Ozempic.  Jessica, who has suffered from PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, for years, was recently prescribed Ozempic in an effort to get symptoms under control.  Tune in to hear Jessica’s journey to her diagnosis, the Ozempic prescription and the positive and negative impacts it has had on her over the first few months. With all the coverage that Ozempic has been receiving in the news now is a great time to listen in and hear important details.  Check out the episode with the links below.

BCW Podcast is a platform to discuss health-related topics in an open forum to help improve health literacy.  Some make sure and check out the podcast and subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode.  Subscribing really helps Dr. BCW’s efforts and she is very grateful for all of the support.  Thank you all so much for your continued support.

Beyond Clinical Walls PODCAST is available on all major podcast platforms.  This includes Apple Podcasts, Spotify,  iHeartRadio, and many more.

 

Matters of the heart

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Dr. BCW, Dr. Curry-Winchell, discusses heart health in her most recent article for The Nevada Independent.  In her Matters of the Heart article she reviews risk factors, mitigation steps and health practices to help keep your heart as healthy as possible.  Dont miss this insightful article Matters of the Heart.

read the full Nevada Independent article here

Article Snippet:

With American Heart Month coming up soon, it’s important to shine a light on cardiovascular health and heart disease, which according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is the leading cause of death for men, women and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the U.S.

One person dies every 34 seconds in the U.S. from cardiovascular disease. Additionally, heart disease can affect anyone at any age and can lead to a heart attack or stroke. But what are some of the causes and symptoms of heart disease?

Causes, risk factors

The heart is a powerful, complex organ. There are several factors that enable it to beat and function every day. When heart disease develops, there is something hindering the proper flow of blood to the heart thus preventing the heart from pumping normally.

Continued @ Nevada Independent.