Routine physicals are recommended for children of all ages. Infants should be seen once every few months, but older children usually only need a yearly appointment. During a routine physical, the doctor will perform a complete physical examination to monitor growth and development as well as detect any changes or abnormalities. Immunizations may be administered as well. We also provide specific physical examinations required by your child's school.
While infants are protected from certain diseases at birth because of antibodies passed from the mother, this protection is temporary. Immunization from these diseases can be achieved through vaccination shots, which use small amounts of killed or weakened microorganisms that cause the diseases.
Some of the vaccines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics include:
Talk to Dr. Williams to find out more about immunizations for your child.
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Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects over 20 million people in the US - nearly 7 percent of the population. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body does not produce or absorb enough insulin, a hormone that moves glucose into the bloodstream.
Most of the food that we eat is broken down into glucose, which is the main source of fuel in the body. If there is not enough insulin, or the insulin cannot be utilized properly, the glucose cannot fuel our body. This causes a buildup of glucose that then passes out through the urine.
There are several different types of diabetes that affect the body in different ways.
Treatment of diabetes includes maintaining a healthy diet, active life and monitoring blood glucose levels. Insulin injections or oral medications are needed for many people as well. Managing diabetes requires a lifelong commitment of daily treatment in order to prevent complications. If glucose levels get too high or low, you may experience hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. If not treated properly, diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. It can also cause permanent eye, foot, skin and bone damage.
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Asthma is a disorder of the lungs that involves inflammation and constriction of the airways, blocking air from flowing through. These blockages can cause mild coughing to full blown asthma attacks. Asthma is a common disease that affects millions of people each year.
The specific cause of asthma is not known, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Certain triggers, like allergens, infections, cold air and physical activities, can cause a flare-up of symptoms. Symptoms of asthma include:
Cases of asthma can vary from occurring a few times a week up to a few times everyday. Certain diagnostic tests like a spirometry and peak flow can be used to diagnose asthma if these symptoms are present.
Although asthma is a serious condition with no cure, it can usually be controlled through long-term medications. Quick-relief medications can also be used to treat attacks. It is important to monitor your asthma symptoms and take measures to avoid triggers and prevent serious attacks.
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Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes certain nerve cells in the brain to send abnormal signals, which result in strange body behaviors known as seizures. Epileptic seizures can cause muscle spasms, convulsions and other troubling symptoms at any time.
Seizures caused by epilepsy are unprovoked by other medical conditions and have occurred at least twice in order to properly diagnose the condition. The cause of these seizures cannot be identified, but is believed to be a result of problems with the brain's wiring or high levels of neurotransmitters.
When your child experiences a seizure, he or she may experience a wide range of symptoms depending on the type and severity of the seizure. Some of these symptoms may include:
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common condition among children in preschool and early school years that involves trouble paying attention and controlling behavior. ADHD affects approximately two million children in the US.
ADHD is classified by symptoms of inattention and of hyperactivity/impulsiveness. A child with six or more symptoms from each category lasting for at least six months at home and at school may be diagnosed with ADHD. These symptoms include:
Inattention -
Hyperactivity/Impulsiveness -
ADHD occurs as a result of altered brain function and anatomy. Scientists believe that neurotransmitters in the brains of people with ADHD are not used properly. Heredity and environmental factors may also play a role.
Treatment for ADHD usually includes therapy, medication or a combination of both. The best treatment method is still under debate. However, most people benefit from a combination of therapy and medication. Symptoms of ADHD may subside as children get older, but many people also suffer during adulthood. It is important for children to see their doctor on a regular basis and continue effective treatment methods if they suffer from ADHD.
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Warts are skin growths caused by viruses. Different warts respond to different treatments. Some go away on their own. Salicylic acid products (in the form of drops, gels, pads and bandages) can help self-treatment of many warts by dissolving the keratin protein that makes up the wart and the dead skin above it. Others can be removed via liquid nitrogen freezing or electrical stimulation. Surgery may be recommended for painful or large warts that do not respond to these treatments.