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How to Improve Sleep Quality

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 03:24:32 GMT

How to Improve Sleep Quality

When most people talk about sleep, they often talk about how many hours of sleep they’re getting each night – also known as sleep quantity. For example, you’ve likely heard your parents or doctor suggest getting anywhere between 7-9 hours of sleep each night. This would be considered your sleep quantity.

While that measurement is extremely important to how restful and restorative your sleep patterns are, it’s not the only thing that matters – there are other factors at play. Just because you get 7-9 hours of sleep doesn’t mean you’re getting the most out of your sleep – you could be leaving a lot on the table (or bed).

In addition to sleep quantity, we also need to be focusing on sleep quality – which refers to how well you’re sleeping during those 7-9 hours each night. Don’t worry, we’ll teach you everything you need to know – including how sleep quality is measured and how to improve sleep quality on a nightly basis.

What is Sleep Quality?

Sleep quality is a measurement of how well you’re sleeping on a daily basis – opposed to how long or often you’re sleeping. While you want to get your 7-9 hours of sleep, you also want to make sure those 7-9 hours are restful, restorative, and undistracted. Without a good night’s rest, you won’t feel refreshed.

Measuring sleep quality is much more complex than measuring sleep quantity, but it can largely be broken down into four primary categories:

Sleep Latency - how long it takes you to fall asleep
Sleep Waking - how often you wake up after falling asleep
Wakefulness - how long you’re awake after falling asleep
Sleep Efficiency - how long you spend asleep through the night

The easiest way to calculate your sleep quality is to subtract the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and the amount of time you spend awake during the night from the total amount of time you spend in bed – then divide that number by the total amount of time spent in bed and multiply the number by 100.

For example: 420 minutes (total time in bed) – 20 minutes (time it took to fall asleep) – 15 minutes (time you spent awake after falling asleep) = 385 minutes (actual sleep time). Divide 385 (actual sleep time) / 420 (total time in bed) = 0.9167. Multiply that by 100 and you get a sleep quality of 91.67% – not bad!

How to Get Better Quality Sleep

Taking your calculation from above into consideration, you should be aiming for a sleep quality above 85%. It also shouldn’t be taking you longer than 30 minutes to fall asleep, you shouldn’t be waking up more than once after falling asleep, and it shouldn’t take you longer than 20 minutes to fall back asleep.

How many times do you get a full night’s rest (7-9 hours), but feel like you slept 3-4 hours? If this happens often, then you might not be getting the best quality sleep possible – don’t worry, a strong majority of us struggle with this on a nightly basis. The good news is sleep quality can be fixed and we’re here to help!

1. Stay in Touch With Your Circadian Rhythm

Circadian rhythm is your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. You can better optimize this by going to bed and waking up at the same times every night (maintain a good sleep schedule), avoid sleeping in (yes, even on the weekend), take shorter naps (when needed), eat a healthy meal when you wake up, and keep yourself active after dinner to help you stay asleep.

2. Strike a Balance With Light Exposure

The body produces more melatonin – also known as the sleep chemical – when it’s dark and less when exposed to light. That’s why you should maximize light exposure during the day to help keep you awake, but limit light exposure at night before falling asleep – yes, that means limiting screen time, as well.

3. Engage in Regular Physical Activity

Staying physically active on a regular basis can help you stay awake during the day and help you fall asleep faster at night. Just make sure you’re not working out or exercising too close to your bedtime – this can actually harm your quality of sleep. Instead, try opting for a morning or daytime exercise routine.

4. Eat a Healthy and Well-Balanced Diet

Eating plays a part in virtually every known body function – including sleep. To put your body in a position to succeed, make sure you eat enough fruits and vegetables – but avoid foods high in sugar or refined carbs, caffeine, nicotine, large meals at night, alcohol before bed, and too many liquids during the day.

5. Learn Effective Stress Management Techniques

Believe it or not, all that stress, worry, and anger that you carry around all day will find its way into your night as well – despite many people acting like sleep is the answer. If you want a good night’s sleep, relieve yourself of that stress prior to going to bed – otherwise, it’ll wake you up in the middle of the night.

6. Create a Quality Sleep Environment for Yourself

Another factor that plays a role in sleep quality is your sleep environment. To ensure you fall asleep in a proper environment, make sure you keep your room cool, dark, and quiet. The best temperature to fall asleep in is between 62 and 67 degrees fahrenheit – and the darker you can get the room, the better.

7. Learn How to Fall Back Asleep After Waking Up

Waking up in the middle of the night is normal and, while you want to limit how often that happens, you also want to limit the amount of time it takes you to fall back asleep . To help counter this, make sure you focus on staying relaxed and staying out of your head. The more you think about it, the harder it’ll be.

8. Make Sure You Enter REM Sleep

REM sleep, also known as rapid eye movement sleep, is the sleep stage characterized by dreaming. It usually occurs roughly 90 minutes after you fall asleep and happens in multiple stages. Following the tips above will help ensure you enter REM sleep, which is vital to getting the most out of your sleep routine.

Benefits of Getting Good Sleep

Getting 7-9 hours of good, solid sleep is essential for your short-term and long-term health. Not only will you wake up refreshed and rejuvenated -- ready for the day and what lies ahead -- but getting quality sleep can help you maintain body weight, prevent sickness, lower risk of health problems, reduce stress, improve mood, think more clearly, avoid injuries, make good decisions, and improve your social behavior.

Contact Good Samaritan for More Help!

Are you unimpressed by your sleep quality? Are you finding it hard to get 7-9 hours of better sleep every night? Are you interested in learning how to take better care of your body so you can avoid trouble falling asleep or staying asleep? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it might be time to schedule an appointment with your doctor!

For those that live in the Las Vegas area, Good Samaritan is your go-to source for all your medical needs . You can talk to Dr. Shaun Jang about anything that’s lacking in your life – such as poor sleep and/or sleep problems – and he’ll help point you in the right direction. Give our office a call at (702) 202-3663 to schedule your next appointment!

Weight Loss Tips Anyone Can Benefit From

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 02:11:53 GMT

Weight Loss Tips Anyone Can Benefit From

In a world full of weight loss programs , diets, fads, supplements, and surgeries that claim to lose weight fast, it’s easy to lose sight of what weight loss really means and how most individuals can safely achieve it. While most people often look at rapid weight loss as a temporary goal, we need to start viewing it as a long-term, lifelong journey.

First off, we need to understand that not everyone will share the same experience on their weight loss journey. Some will find it harder than others and adjustments will have to be made regardless, but it’s something anyone can obtain when they learn to understand what their body needs and when it needs it.

We also need to have a deeper understanding of when weight loss is necessary. While some people find themselves in the ‘normal weight’ category (BMI 19-24), most people will either be categorized in the overweight (BMI 25-29.9) or obese (BMI over 30) column. Weight loss will look different for each category.

Health Tips for Weight Loss

The truth is weight loss isn’t as complex as most of us make it. While there are most definitely exceptions to that, a majority of people can lose body weight by adopting three primary lifestyle changes – eating a healthy diet (limit calorie intake), staying physically active, and managing your stress levels. These three things are often the “secret.”

While there are certainly a number of treatments, medications, and surgeries that can help a patient lose weight, those are often reserved for serious and life-threatening cases of obesity and weight gain. For those that can do without it, sticking to the three keys listed above will almost always be the best solution.

With that said, there are a number of things you can start doing today to help you succeed in your weight loss journey . Don’t worry, we’re going to share some very useful weight loss tips with you below!

1. Make Clear and Reasonable Goals

According to the CDC, most individuals can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week or 4-8 pounds per month. While most people are going to want to speed up the process as much as possible, it’s important to stay reasonable about your goals and expectations. Getting too far ahead of yourself can become dangerous.

2. Find a Way to Stay Motivated

Getting started on a weight loss journey is often the easiest part, but maintaining that weight loss journey long enough to reach your goals and then continuing it to avoid future weight issues is where things get challenging. Everyone is motivated for different reasons, but make sure you stay motivated long-term.

3. Maintain a Regular Exercise Routine

Physical activity promotes weight loss. Most weight loss begins when the body is burning more calories than it consumes – which requires a dedication to exercise and physical activity, in general. Make sure you’re staying active and exercising regularly so you can properly burn those calories you eat daily.

4. Maintain a Regular Eating Routine

It’s easy for us to snack throughout the day and even easier to lose track of how much we eat on a daily basis. That’s why maintaining a regular eating routine can help you limit – or at least keep track of – how much you’re eating each day. It keeps you honest and ensures your exercise does what it’s supposed to. You can also try to eat slowly.

5. Focus on Eating Weight Loss Friendly Foods

Eating regularly is only one half of the equation – you also have to eat a well-balanced diet. That means getting a healthy amount of fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, protein, and healthy carbs, while limiting the amount of processed and sugary foods. If you need help incorporating healthy foods and fixing your eating habits, hire a nutritionist.

6. Know Your Way Around a Food Label

What’s scary about most people’s diets is that they have no idea what they’re eating and what they’re putting into their bodies. Understanding what to look for and what to avoid or limit on a food label will help you keep track of what’s good for you and what’s bad. It can also help prevent overeating certain foods.

7. Don’t Fully Ban Foods You Enjoy

We all have our own unique cravings and guilty pleasures when it comes to food. It’s important to understand that most of these foods aren’t going to hurt us in moderation – it’s only when we eat them excessively that they turn on us. You don’t have to say goodbye to them, but you do need to limit them.

8. Utilize the Powers of Meal-Planning

Meal planning goes a long way in helping you stay on track with your diet and portion out your meals to avoid overeating. Not only that, but it saves you a lot of time since most of your meals are already made. This is a very useful and sustainable weight loss tip for anyone who works most of the day or has children to attend to.

9. Avoid Excessive Use of Alcohol

Many people don’t understand just how many calories are hidden in each alcoholic beverage. While you don’t have to stop drinking alcohol completely – there’s nothing wrong with the occasional drink – you do have to avoid excessive alcohol use. Those calories will add up and you won’t realize it until it’s too late.

10. Learn How to Manage Your Stress Levels

Believe it or not, your stress levels play a major role in your weight loss journey . Since an increase in cortisol levels often increases appetite and causes us to give in to our cravings – which leads to overeating and sudden weight gain. Instead, learn how to better manage your stress levels daily.

FAQ About Weight Loss Tips

Like we mentioned above, no two people are going to have the same weight loss journey and it will take a customized and personalized plan to find long-term success with it. While there are an infinite number of questions we get asked by those who want to lose weight, here are some of the most common and most prominent:

What are some specific weight loss tips for women? Aside from everything listed above, women should try to chase progression (not perfection) and find friends who support them in their journey.

What are some specific weight loss tips for men? In addition to everything we talked about previously, men can focus on building muscle mass and try strength training.

What are some tips for maintaining weight loss once my goal is reached? Maintaining your weight requires an understanding of what your body needs and what it doesn’t – as well as a dedication to the same ideals that helped you lose weight.

How much weight can I expect to lose? The CDC says most people can safely expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week.

What are the two keys to a successful weight loss journey? The two keys to weight loss are physical activity and a healthy diet.

What can a primary doctor do for your weight loss journey? Most primary doctors can help you make realistic goals, connect with professionals who can help in certain areas, and ensure you stay dedicated to your journey.

If you have any more questions about losing weight or would like to speak to a proven primary doctor about how to achieve a healthy weight, then you came to the right place. Contact Good Samaritan at (702) 202-3663 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shaun Jang – we can't wait to help you reach your weight loss goals!

IV Therapy Regulations

Sun, 15 Jan 2023 16:38:20 GMT

Intravenous therapy, also known as IV therapy, is the process of injecting vitamins, minerals, medication, and/or nutrients into the bloodstream through a tiny needle. The concept has been around for a very long time, but it has grown increasingly popular in recent years to treat a variety of different health conditions.

IV therapy is a much more effective way of delivering these fluids into the body. Unlike oral supplements and/or medications, the fluids enter the bloodstream immediately and are ready to be used by the body instantly. This is why IV therapy is often used during a medical emergency, such as in a hospital room.

Outside of a medical emergency, some of the most common reasons why people undergo IV therapy is to help treat a hangover, fatigue, dehydration, nutrient deficiencies, and/or injuries. It can also help you recover or heal after a difficult workout and can help reduce the signs of aging – there are a lot of them.

What Are IV Therapy Regulations?

Today, IV therapy is practiced by a wide range of health clinics , doctor’s offices, and other medical buildings across the country. As it continues to grow in popularity, state and federal governments are doing what they can to ensure those that practice it are doing it properly and under the right supervision.

We have to keep in mind the level of danger and risk that comes with injecting fluids into a person’s body – if not done right, the patient can experience a number of complications. For example, the needle can accidentally penetrate a nerve or even miss the bloodstream and leak fluid into the surrounding tissue.

Either way, the patient can be left with temporary or permanent damage, depending on how serious the accident. For some, they might be left with a small bruise that goes away in a few days. For others, they could be left with an infection, nerve damage, stroke, brain damage, or even death – worst case scenario.

To ensure those incidents are kept to a minimum, states usually have some regulations and laws that must be followed. These regulations are often broken down into one of three categories – complying with the CPOM doctrine, ensuring proper diagnoses, and ensuring proper administration. Let’s take a look!

Complying With Your State’s CPOM Doctrine

Since most states consider piercing the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis) to deliver fluids inside the body as the practice of medicine, it’s important that anyone administering IV therapy is complying with their state’s CPOM – which stands for Corporate Practice of Medicine – doctrine, which varies by state.

For example, medical spas and/or health clinics in California must operate through a medical corporation and at least 51% of the practice has to be owned by a licensed physician – with the remaining 49% being owned by at least one other physician. If those requirements aren’t met, they can’t offer IV therapy.

Before you allow anyone to administer intravenous therapy , make sure the IV therapy businesses they work for is in compliance with your state’s CPOM.

Ensuring Proper Diagnoses

Before administering IV therapy, doctors should first determine whether or not there’s a specific need for it. In order to satisfy this, doctors are expected to perform a good-faith exam to ensure the patient’s current condition is one that calls for IV therapy – otherwise, the patient could be put in harm’s way.

Once they determine a need, it’s important the doctor confirms the patient is a good candidate for IV therapy and won’t face any adverse side effects as a result. They must then put together a treatment plan and monitor the patient’s results to ensure it goes as planned. This is all in the patient’s best interest.

In most states, the good-faith exam must be performed by a physician, physician assistant (PA), or nurse practitioner (NP) -- someone who offers professional medical services.

Ensuring Proper Administration

Now that a proper need has been found and the patient has been confirmed as a good candidate, doctors need to make sure they administer the IV therapy properly. As you can imagine, this comes down to making sure those injecting the needle and rendering the fluids are licensed, trained, and experienced.

For this reason, most states only allow physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and – in some cases – a licensed practical nurse to perform intravenous therapy procedures. Some states might even allow emergency medical technicians to do it.

These regulations may vary from state to state, with some states being more strict than others. Again, it’s all in the best interest of the patient’s health. Before allowing anyone to deliver fluids into your bloodstream via IV therapy, make sure they have the proper licenses, certifications, and training.

Why Trust Good Samaritan With IV Therapy?

At Good Samaritan, we provide top-of-the-line IV therapy to those interested in improving certain areas of their health. Not only that, but our registered nurses are trained, licensed, and experienced with the process from start to finish, ensuring a worry-free environment for each and every patient that enters.

As of right now, we offer six different cocktails:

Get Up and Go - Burn fat, feel energized and boost your metabolism.
Recovery & Performance - Decrease recovery time & enhance your performance.
Alleviate - Minimize bloating, irritability, abdominal discomfort and lower back. Migraine relief.
Myers’ Cocktail - Gold Standard for overall wellness.
Vitamin B-12 Injection - Boost immunity, increases energy, enhances mood, improves memory, prevents anemia, and maintains healthy skin, hair, and nails.
Vitamin C IV Infusion - Powerful antioxidant, immune booster, improves eye health, facilitates mineral absorption, promotes wound healing, enhances collagen for glowing skin.

We prefer our patients to be comfortable and relaxed upon starting IV therapy, which is why we maintain a friendly and calming atmosphere – our nurses monitor you throughout the process to ensure you have everything you need. We also ensure all necessary laws and regulations are being followed at all times.

To learn more about IV therapy or schedule a consultation with Dr. Shaun Jang of Good Samaritan, feel free to contact our office today – you can call us at (702) 202-3663 or email us at contact@goodsamaritanlv.com . We are always open to new patients in the Las Vegas area!

What is Chronic Medical Conditions?

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 13:25:23 GMT

There’s nothing more important in life than maintaining one’s health and wellness – not just physically, but mentally, spiritually, emotionally, behaviorally, and habitually. Without health we have absolutely nothing, but with it, we have the foundation of what makes us, us – the foundation of living, thriving, and being.

While many of us will go to great lengths to avoid illness, injury, and infection, none of us are fully immune to the uncertainties that life presents us with. And the unfortunate reality – or harsh truth – that we must accept is that life can present us with a wide range of health concerns, complications, and other issues.

Understanding how to navigate these health conditions and being able to receive the necessary treatment is vital to the recovery process, allowing the patient an opportunity to cope with the impact it has on their day-to-day life. And since not all conditions are created equal, that need for understanding is multiplied.

Chronic Conditions vs. Acute Conditions

Medical conditions can often be grouped into one of two categories – chronic medical conditions and acute medical conditions. The difference between the two will not only change the way the condition is treated moving forward, but also impact the effect the condition has on the individual’s quality of life.

Let’s take a brief look at the difference between the two types of conditions:

Chronic Conditions - any medical condition that persists for at least three months and is generally caused by unhealthy behaviors, habits, and lifestyle decisions.
Acute Conditions - any medical condition that lasts less than one month and is generally caused by an infection or virus of some kind (or injury).

While chronic health problems are known to develop slowly and stick around longer, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re more severe or dangerous than acute medical conditions. In fact, some acute conditions pose a much greater risk and/or threat than some chronic conditions – and vice versa.

Examples of Chronic Medical Conditions?

Chronic medical conditions come in a wide range of forms and can affect any area of the body – including, but not limited to, the organs, bones, skin, and much more. And while there are hundreds upon thousands of medical conditions that can be categorized as chronic, some are more common than others.

Don’t worry, we’re going to list some of the most notable chronic conditions below:

Heart (cardiovascular) disease, heart failure, and/or stroke
Asthma and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Chronic respiratory diseases
Osteoporosis
Arthritis
Diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure
Kidney disease
Depression and other mental health disorders
Oral disease
Cancer (breast, colorectal, lung, prostate, etc.)
Alzheimer’s disease and/or dementia
Substance abuse and/or addiction

For the most part, having a chronic medical condition isn’t the end of the world. With the technology we have today and the advancements we’ve seen in medicine over the past few decades, many chronic diseases have safe and effective treatments available to help patients live as close to a normal life as possible.

How Many People Experience Chronic Medical Conditions?

Many people don’t understand or have simply never thought about how common chronic diseases are in the world today. In the United States alone, more than 60% of adults have been diagnosed with at least one chronic illness, while roughly 40% of adults have been diagnosed with multiple chronic conditions.

Let’s take a look at some other eye-opening health statistics that show the overwhelming effect chronic illnesses have on the world today:

Roughly 85% of older adults have at least one chronic disease
Chronic illnesses result in nearly $3.8 trillion of health care costs annually
Roughly $1 billion in health care costs are contributed to chronic pain and/or diabetes
Nearly 95% of all health care costs by older patients are contributed to chronic disease
More than 75% of all health care costs are contributed to chronic conditions
Roughly three-quarters of all deaths are due to chronic disease

It’s no secret that a majority of the United States – and world, for that matter – are suffering from or living with a chronic medical condition. While some are more severe than others, all chronic diseases will have a negative impact on the individual’s life – making it difficult to live a happy, healthy, and rewarding life.

The Many Demands & Stresses of Chronic Conditions

Being diagnosed with a chronic medical condition can be life-changing – and not necessarily in a good way, either. They present a number of challenges and obstacles that the patient must now learn to navigate in their life, which often takes time, energy, and effort (a significant burden) out of the things they care most about.

Let’s take a look at some of the most notable demands and stresses that come with chronic conditions:

Physical symptoms
Emotional and mental impact
Having to deal with continued treatment
Being in constant communication with doctors
Loss of confidence and self-esteem
Social isolation and/or loneliness
Financial impact of treatment and doctor visits
Family members live in constant fear of the condition worsening

Since chronic medical conditions are often the result of dangerous lifestyle decisions, poor behaviors, and unhealthy habits, they can often be avoided and/or prevented in most individuals. Of course, damage to your body and overall health can’t always be reversed, so it’s best to seek medical treatment immediately.

What Types of Doctors Help Treat Chronic Medical Conditions?

Living with a chronic medical condition isn’t always easy – as explained above – but that doesn’t mean patients are left behind in the dust as they learn to cope with their symptoms. In fact, there are a number of different types of doctors available to help diagnose, treat, and prevent chronic medical conditions.

At the forefront of every patient is their primary care physician – who acts as the middleman between the patient and the care they receive. They’re the ones who are going to monitor your health at large and will ensure you’re being sent to the right people, for the right tests, and to receive the right treatment.

Outside of your primary care doctor , patients will have one (or several) specialist doctors that monitor your health in a more specific manner – for example, some doctors specialize in internal medicine, while others might specialize in pediatric medicine. Either way, it’ll always come back to your primary care doctor.

Are you experiencing symptoms that have persisted for several months? Are you worried that your chronic condition is taking away from the beauty we call life? Are you ready to finally gain some sense of control over your disease and take part in chronic disease prevention? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, please contact us right away!

You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Shaun Jang by calling us at (702) 202-3663, e-mailing us at contact@goodsamaritanlv.com , or filling out our online form – we can’t wait to meet you and your family!

What is Diabetes?

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 03:56:02 GMT

Diabetes is a problem that isn’t going away anytime soon – it’s actually getting worse. According to the CDC, nearly 40 million Americans are living with diabetes and roughly 20% of those people don’t even know it. Not only that, but nearly 100 million more American adults are currently living with prediabetes.

If not detected, diagnosed, and treated by a healthcare professional, diabetes can have a lasting impact on an individual’s life and even prove to be fatal – diabetes is the 7th-leading cause of death in the United States. Even those that survive diabetes and learn to live with it will see their lives change dramatically.

And since so many people are living with diabetes without knowing it, diabetes awareness has never been more important. Not only can you educate yourself to better understand what diabetes is, but you can schedule regular appointments with your primary care physician to ensure you remain in good health.

The Science Behind Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease that’s characterized by a lack of insulin production or poor use of insulin in the bloodstream. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that plays a role in how the body converts blood glucose (blood sugar) into energy. This results in a lack of energy and excess blood sugar.

Normally, your body converts the food you eat into sugar (glucose). When sugar enters the bloodstream, the pancreas releases insulin. When the pancreas secretes insulin, it acts like the ‘master key’ for letting insulin into the cells, where it can do its primary job.

The energy produced from this process is what our entire body relies and depends on.

With diabetes, the pancreas either doesn’t produce enough insulin or the body isn’t utilizing the insulin properly. Either way, excess sugar in the blood (too much blood sugar or too much glucose) builds up and creates havoc in the bloodstream. Without continued treatment, diabetic patients wouldn’t know what to do.

What Are the Different Types of Diabetes?

There are four primary types of diabetes that an individual can be diagnosed with – type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and prediabetes. Since treatment often varies depending on the type, an accurate diagnosis. Let’s take a closer look at each type and the differences between them:

Type 1 Diabetes - these patients either produce little or no insulin at all and is most prevalent in young adults, teens, and children. Roughly 5-10% of diabetes patients have type 1.
Type 2 Diabetes - with these patients, the body doesn’t use insulin properly and is most prevalent in adults, but children can be diagnosed too. About 90-95% of diabetes patients have Type 2.
Gestational Diabetes - this type of diabetes develops during pregnancy and in women who have never been diagnosed with diabetes before.
Prediabetes - these patients have high blood sugar levels, but not high enough to be considered diabetes (though they’re at an increased risk of developing it in the future).

Another question we get asked often is ‘How do you get diabetes?’ – so let’s take a look at what causes diabetes in most patients:

Type 1 Diabetes - researchers believe type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system starts attacking the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas.
Type 2 Diabetes - some of the most common causes of type 2 diabetes include obesity, physical inactivity, insulin resistance, genes, and family history.
Gestational Diabetes - researchers believe gestational diabetes is primarily caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy.
Prediabetes - researchers believe prediabetes is caused by family history, genes, obesity, and unhealthy eating habits.

The exact cause of diabetes varies with each patient. To learn more about your specific cause, please speak with your doctor – they’ll be able to narrow down the causes and better explain your unique situation.

What Are Symptoms of Diabetes?

There are millions of Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes without knowing it. This is dangerous because they won’t be able to take the necessary precautions to avoid making the disease worse. Don’t worry, we’re going to list the most common symptoms of diabetes you should be on the lookout for:

Increase in hunger and/or thirst
Unexplained weight loss
Extreme fatigue or exhaustion
Numbing or tingling of the extremities
Blurred vision or other vision changes
Frequently needing to use the bathroom
Sores that don’t heal properly or timely

Some of the most common risk factors of diabetes include being overweight, obesity, being above the age of 35, having a history of diabetes in the family, not being physically active on a regular basis, and being diagnosed with prediabetes. Don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor if you’re worried about diabetes.

How is Diabetes Diagnosed?

Diagnosing diabetes requires a series of blood tests, which are quick and painless. Some of the tests your doctor might order are a fasting plasma glucose test, A1C test, random plasma glucose test, glucose challenge test, and oral glucose tolerance test. Here’s a quick breakdown of what they’re looking for:

Normal Levels - A1C levels below 5.7%, fasting plasma blood glucose levels under 99mg/dL, and oral glucose tolerance below 139mg/dL.
Prediabetes - A1C levels between 5.7-6.4%, fasting plasma glucose levels under between 100-125mg/dL, and oral glucose tolerance between 140-199mg/dL.
Diabetes - A1C levels above 6.5%, fasting plasma glucose levels above 126mg/dL, and oral glucose tolerance above 200mg/dL.

Blood tests – including genetic tests and testing for autoantibodies – can help determine the type of diabetes each patient has. While the actual blood test only takes minutes to administer, it often takes one or two weeks for results to come back – at which point you’ll have a follow-up with your doctor.

How to Control Diabetes

Once diagnosed, diabetic patients will have to learn how to live with their new condition – which often involves making healthy lifestyle and habitual changes. Doctors will also put patients on certain medication to improve insulin production and function. Here are some effective tips on how to manage diabetes:

Take insulin injections and undergo insulin therapy when necessary
Monitor your blood sugar regularly and avoid high blood pressure
Use a continuous glucose monitor or continuous glucose monitoring device
Take oral drugs to increase the amount of insulin released by the pancreas
Take oral drugs to prevent glucose release from the liver
Take oral drugs to increase insulin sensitivity
Take oral drugs to stop the kidneys from reabsorbing filtered sugar into the blood
Undergo a pancreas transplant, if necessary
Eating a healthy diet and well-balanced eating schedule
Staying dedicated to regular physical activity

Let’s also take a look at some tips on how to prevent diabetes:

Stay physically active on a regular basis
Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet daily
Keep an eye on your blood sugar level
Losing weight and maintain a healthy weight
Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and other unhealthy behaviors
Visit your primary care doctor for regular check-ups

Are you experiencing symptoms of diabetes or prediabetes? Are you interested in getting tested for diabetes? Are you looking to live a healthier life that either minimizes the impact diabetes has on your life or limits your risk of developing diabetes in the future? If so, then contact Good Samaritan today!

Wellbutrin Weight Loss

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 23:55:52 GMT

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the world. It affects more than 280 million people globally – accounting for 4% of the population, 5% of the adult population, and 6% of those above the age of 60. It’s also a leading cause of suicide, which results in 700,000 deaths globally every year.

Depressed individuals that seek treatment generally undergo a combination of medication, counseling, therapy, and changes to their lifestyle – including their habits and behaviors. Patients often respond differently to each treatment, but a mental health professional can determine the best course of action.

Despite treatments being readily available in the modern world today, recent studies suggest that roughly 75% of depressed individuals that require treatment either don’t seek it or don’t know it’s needed. Without treatment, the disorder continues to worsen and the individual’s quality of life continues to diminish.

What is Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin , the brand name for bupropion, is one of the most common medications used to treat depression. It targets two primary neurotransmitters associated with depressive symptoms – dopamine (stimulates the body’s reward center) and norepinephrine (increases alertness, ‘fight or flight’ response).

There are two primary types of Wellbutrin – Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL. Let’s take a closer look:

Wellbutrin SR - made of bupropion, but is absorbed more quickly by the body and is generally taken twice per day. SR is used to treat major depressive disorder and quitting smoking (smoking cessation).
Wellbutrin XL - made of bupropion, but is absorbed more slowly by the body and is only taken once per day. XL is used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

While most antidepressants fall in the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), wellbutrin is in the class of norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs) due to its heavy impact on norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain.

Does Wellbutrin Cause Body Weight Loss?

One of the more common side effects of taking Wellbutrin is weight loss . This is surprising, considering most antidepressants are known for causing weight gain, not weight loss. Of course, this is a side effect and shouldn’t be used as a reason behind taking Wellbutrin – which is only FDA-approved for depression.

With that said, one study found nearly 25% (1 in 4) of the test subjects lost 5 or more pounds when taking 150-300mg of Wellbutrin XL per day. Not only that, but 14% of people who took 300mg of Wellbutrin SR lost 5 or more pounds, and 19% of people taking 400mg of Wellbutrin SR lost 5 or more pounds.

Why Does Wellbutrin Cause Weight Loss?

At the moment, researchers are unsure why Wellbutrin causes weight loss, but research is ongoing. Early theories indicate a possible link between weight gain and low levels of dopamine in the brain. This could explain why Wellbutrin – which increases levels of dopamine in the brain – often results in weight loss.

Both dopamine and norepinephrine play a role in appetite, satiety, and eating behaviors. Another belief is that taking Wellbutrin results in a healthier, happier, and more energetic individual – which results in better eating patterns and more physical activity. It might be indirect, but the connection is definitely there.

How Fast is Weight Loss on Wellbutrin?

In most cases where a patient lost weight while taking Wellbutrin, the weight loss generally occurred after eight weeks. Of course, this is going to be different for each individual and can range anywhere from several weeks to several months. Then again, some patients might not experience any weight loss at all.

Does Wellbutrin Cause Weight Gain?

Unlike other antidepressants, weight gain is rarely reported among patients taking Wellbutrin. In the same study from above, only 11% of patients gained 5 pounds or more when taking 150-300mg of Wellbutrin XL per day, and only 2-3% of patients gained 5 pounds or more when taking 300-400mg of Wellbutrin SR.

While weight gain is possible when taking Wellbutrin, it’s not as common as weight loss . Even when weight gain is reported, there are a number of factors that play a role in it. Either way, you should never take Wellbutrin SR or XL with the hopes of gaining or losing weight – that’s not what it’s intended for.

Other Common Side Effects When Taking Bupropion

Weight loss is a common side effect, but it’s not the only side effect patients may experience when taking Wellbutrin. Other common side effects include headaches, dry mouth, difficulty sleeping (also known as insomnia), nausea, upset stomach, feeling dizzy, constipation, rapid heartbeat, sore throat, and more.

There are also a number of less-common side effects that don’t happen often, but there were reports in the past. Those include skin rash, sweating, ringing in the ears, shakiness, stomach pain, muscle pain, thought disturbances, anxiety, eye pain, vision impairment, red eyes, and swelling in or around the eyes.

Things You Can Start Doing Today to Achieve Weight Loss

Losing weight is much easier said than done, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible and it shouldn’t discourage you from attempting your own weight loss journey. And while Wellbutrin might not be a weight loss medication, there are a variety of things you can start doing today to lose weight properly.

Here are a few of our most prominent tips:

Eat a healthier, well-balanced diet
Increase your daily or weekly physical activity
Start burning more calories than you eat
Drink more water and eat more fiber
Eat smaller meals and stick to a regular eating schedule
Replace unhealthy snacks with healthy snacks

If you’re having a hard time losing weight or are unhappy with your body appearance, speaking with a doctor can help you figure out what changes need to be made – habitually, behaviorally, mentally, etc. – to reach your goals. Don’t worry, these meetings with your doctor are meant to be uplifting and comforting.

Schedule an Appointment With Dr. Shaun Jang Today!

Are you unimpressed with your current weight? Are you worried your weight is going to increase this winter season? Do you have an upcoming event that you need to slim down for? No matter what your reason is, Dr. Shaun Jang is ready to help you achieve your weight loss – or weight gain – goals. Make sure to check out our Weight Loss Management Service!

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Shaun Jang, contact his office at (702) 202-3663 or email us at contact@goodsamaritanlv.com . At Good Samaritan Las Vegas , we take care of our patients and ensure their needs are met with each and every visit. We can’t wait to help you become the best version of yourself!

Men's Mental Health Month

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 12:22:57 GMT

The brain is one of the most complex and important organs in the entire body. Along with the spinal cord, it makes up the central nervous system (CNS) and plays a role in virtually every process and function in the body – without it, life wouldn’t exist and none of us would be here.

For example, the brain helps regulate our thoughts, memory, breathing, motor skills, movement, touch, vision, emotion, hunger, temperature, speech, and much more. It’s true when they say the mind and body are connected – any damage to the brain will affect other areas of the body.

That’s why mental health awareness is so important today. While many people overlook and even avoid talking about mental health – especially among the male population – it could easily be the difference between life and death in some individuals. The good news is help is available.

When is Men’s Mental Health Month?

Men’s Mental Health Month is a national observance celebrated throughout the month of June. The observance is officially recognized by Mental Health America (MHA), one of the leading community-based nonprofits that addresses and promotes mental health awareness in the US.

Coincidentally, Men’s Mental Health Month and Men’s Health Month are both celebrated in June – they go hand-in-hand with one another. Together, the purpose of these observances is to raise awareness to the many health issues men face and prevent men's health issues from occurring.

Although Men’s Mental Health Month takes place in June, it’s important we continue to promote mental health awareness year-round. There’s no telling when mental health issues might arise and if we fail to treat them in a timely manner, those issues will only continue to grow worse.

Why is Men’s Mental Health Important?

Since men are culturally taught to ‘bottle up’ their emotions and ‘man up’ in situations that might make them appear weak, it’s no surprise that they’re more likely to avoid or decline mental health treatment. This is why men’s mental health awareness is so important in the world today.

“A lot of the responses that I’ve personally heard from men have been, ‘I’ve just kind of learned to deal with it,’ and unfortunately often dealing with it is a pretty negative coping mechanism,” said Katie Dolieslager, one of the talented residents in counseling with the ARROW Project.

5 Tips for Men’s Mental Health

Untreated mental health conditions can result in depression, unemployment, disability, substance abuse, homelessness, legal or criminal trouble, or even worse – suicide. With treatment, men can learn to understand their illness, cope with their symptoms, and avoid unwanted triggers.

At Good Samaritan, we want to see every man live a happy, healthy, rewarding, peaceful, and meaningful life. Although the road to happiness can be troubling for some, we’re going to share with you five of our most prominent tips for men that want to prevent mental illness!

1. Eat a Healthy, Well-Balanced Diet

Much like every other organ in the body, the brain requires specific nutrients in order to function properly. Consider adding a lot of fruits, salmon, nuts, seeds, legumes, chicken, dark green leafy vegetables, whole grains, avocados, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids to your daily diet.

2. Stay Physically Active & Exercise

Exercising helps release endorphins, which improve mood and well-being. Being physically active helps reduce anxiety, depression, self-esteem, confidence, and overall brain health and function. It doesn’t even need to be anything crazy, just 30 minutes of jogging every day will help prevent mental illnesses.

3. Meditate & Be More Mindful

It’s easy to get caught up in your day-to-day routine, but give yourself some time everyday to sit back and relax. Whether you choose to meditate, do yoga, listen to music, or sit and watch TV, don’t forget to give yourself a break once in a while – you deserve it, so take advantage of it.

4. Get Enough Quality Sleep Each Night

Speaking of taking a break, make sure you’re getting enough quality sleep each night – with a strong emphasis on the quality. This is your brain’s opportunity to recharge and prepare itself for the day ahead. You should be getting between 7-9 hours each night in favorable conditions.

5. Build a Strong Support System

There comes a time when everyone needs someone to talk to – and that’s when your support system comes into play. Whether it’s a friend, family member, primary doctor , therapist, mentor, or coach, you should have someone – if not several people – you trust with your emotions.

Facts & Statistics About Men’s Mental Health

Despite having an entire month dedicated to it, many people don’t understand just how bad male health is getting. Of course, that usually changes when they see the statistics:

Nearly six million American males are affected by depression every year
More than three million American males have a panic disorder or phobia
More than one million American men are affected by bipolar disorder
90% of those diagnosed with schizophrenia by age 30 are male
Men account for nearly 35% of all binge-eating disorders
Suicide is the seventh leading cause of death among men
Suicide among men has increased over the past two decades
The suicide rate among men is four-times higher than that of women
Nearly 20% of all men develop an alcohol use disorder

If you or someone you know is seeking treatment or needs help, contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – it’s a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service. They can direct you to a nearby mental health professional.

Contact Good Samaritan Today!

Are you struggling to maintain a happy, healthy, and rewarding life ? Do you feel out of place in the world today or feel like you’re falling behind in life? Do you feel like you should be getting more out of life? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, then we want to help you.

At Good Samaritan Las Vegas , we take the time to understand the unique challenges men face on a daily basis. Through regular checkups, analysis of symptoms, a custom treatment plan, and monitoring progress, we can help you thrive – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

What is Weight Loss Management?

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 08:32:31 GMT

Of all the things we try to avoid on a daily basis, sudden or unexpected weight gain is one of the most prominent. We all want to look and feel our best, but doing so can be a challenge most people aren’t prepared for – especially if we have poor eating habits and excess body fat.

According to the CDC, nearly 42% of all American adults are considered overweight or obese – an increase of over 10% since 1999. Not only that, but the prevalence of severe obesity has increased from 4.7% to 9.2% in that time. Historically speaking, men have a higher risk of obesity than women.

And while nearly half of all American adults (130 million people) try to lose weight every year, most of them either won’t receive the results they wanted or give up before results appear. Either way, it’s clear that some people need help when achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

What is Weight Loss Management?

Weight loss management, as the name suggests, refers to the professional management – guidance, advice, direction, opinion, etc. – given to someone throughout their weight loss journey. If done by a medical doctor, it’s often referred to as physician-assisted weight loss .

The primary goal behind weight loss management is to help an individual identify their weight loss goals, while also providing practical advice on how to achieve those goals and how to stay motivated throughout the process. With the right help, maintaining weight loss is right around the corner.

Some of the methods and techniques used in weight loss management include counseling, therapy, supplementation, fasting, custom diets, counting calories, exercise routines, and much more. Physicians might also recommend the use of Lipotropic injections to improve metabolism.

7 Elements of a Significant Weight Loss Management Plan

A weight loss management plan is going to look a little different for everyone. Not only are our minds and bodies all unique in their own way, but we each have individual preferences, needs, wants, limitations, restrictions, desires, and more that will factor into your weight loss journey.

With that said, there are several elements – we’ve encountered seven – that are essential to any weight loss management plan , no matter what your goals are or where you’re currently at with your weight loss journey. Don’t worry, we’re going to detail these elements for you below!

1. Reasonable Goals

The first component of a successful and rapid weight loss program is the ability to set reasonable and practical goals and expectations. If you expect to lose 150 pounds in a couple of weeks, you’re going to be disappointed 100% of the time. Know what’s within reach – and then reach for it.

2. Finding the Right Diet

With so many different types of diets available today, finding the right one can be a chore – in some cases, a custom diet is needed. The good news is most diets have a similar success rate when given to the right person. Your doctor or nutritionist can help narrow down your options.

3. Favorite Foods

While there are a number of compromises and difficult decisions to make when finding the right diet, you should still find a way to work in some of your favorite foods from time to time. Even if your favorite food isn’t the healthiest option, you can always limit your intake with small portions.

4. Commitment to Exercise

In order to achieve a healthy body weight – as well as keep that weight off – there needs to be a heavy commitment to both nutrition and physical activity. They go hand in hand with one another, not only helping you lose weight, but also improving your mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

5. Tracking Weight

The fifth component of a successful weight loss plan is accurately and frequently tracking your weight. It might seem like the process is taking a long time, especially when you track your progress little by little every day, but that progress adds up and it will eventually produce results.

6. Tracking Diet

In addition to tracking your weight, you should also be tracking your food intake – including what you eat and drink, how much you eat and drink, and when you eat and drink. This makes it easy to go back and update or fix your diet in the future, especially if progress comes to a sudden halt.

7. Accountability & Support

The final component to successful body weight management programs is accountability and support. Everyone needs a good support system around them – people that celebrate you when things are going well, but motivate you when things are going poorly. They’ll help you stay on the right track.

In-Person vs. Online Weight Loss Management

Whether you’re interested in consulting with a trained physician or a certified nutritionist, most people are going to have two different options when seeking weight loss management – online care or in-person treatment. They each have pros and cons, so it’ll come down to preference.

While online weight loss management allows for convenient care from the comfort of one’s own home, it doesn’t quite provide the quality experience one receives from a face-to-face, in-person visit. If you’d like to increase your chances of success, we recommend an in-person visit.

Physician-Assisted Weight Loss at Good Samaritan

Are you disappointed or unimpressed with your weight loss journey? Have you struggled to maintain weight loss or struggled to even start? Are you ready to take control of your body and start losing weight? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, contact us right away.

At Good Samaritan , we customize every weight management program to each individual patient. In addition to an initial consultation and physical exam, treatment might include:

Lipotropic injections to burn fat and calories, as well as improve energy and metabolism
Intermittent fasting, keto diets, calorie-counting, and/or diet changes
Counseling and/or therapy

If you live in the Las Vegas area and are looking for a ‘weight loss management clinic near me,’ then look no further. Dr. Shaun Jang, MD and his supportive staff are honored to assist the community with their excess weight loss goals. You can contact us at (702) 202-3663 or email us at admin@goodsamaritanlv.com !

What is NAD IV Therapy?

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 06:09:21 GMT

Maintaining a healthy and well-functioning body isn’t easy. It takes a healthy diet, regular exercise, quality sleep pattern, avid social life, stress management, and – perhaps most importantly – purpose. Those six things help lay the foundation for a happy and healthy life.

Still, many people are looking for new, unique, effective, and cutting-edge ways of improving their health and wellness. Anything that will help us look younger, feel younger, and act younger is on the table – and luckily, there are a ton of different treatments you can take advantage of.

One of those treatments is IV therapy – also known as intravenous therapy. Using an IV drip bag, doctors can administer fluids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients directly to the patient’s bloodstream. Opposed to oral administration, IV therapy is more effective and works faster.

Today, we’re going to be talking about NAD IV therapy In Las Vegas , a unique form of IV therapy that has grown in popularity in recent years. Don’t worry, we’re going to break down all you need to know!

What is NAD?

Before we discuss what NAD IV therapy is, we must first understand what NAD is. Also known as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, NAD is a coenzyme of Vitamin B3 that every type of cell in the human body – all 37+ trillion of them – relies on to carry out day-to-day functions.

Put simply, NAD acts like a mailman that delivers energy from one part of the cell to another part of the cell. This energy is used to complete a number of chemical reactions inside the cell, which is necessary for optimal function. Without NAD working 24/7, life wouldn’t be possible.

There are two forms of NAD found in the body – NADH and NAD+. Think of NADH as a mailman with packages in his truck and think of those packages as energy. On the other hand, NAD+ is a mailman who has delivered all of their packages, meaning it’s ready for more.

What is NAD IV Therapy?

Now that we have a better understanding of what NAD is, as well as what IV therapy is, let’s put the two together. NAD IV therapy delivers a dose of NAD directly to the bloodstream, where it can be utilized by the body. It’s administered through an IV bag connected to the patient’s vein.

While there are oral supplements that promote the stimulation of NAD in the body, it is not a as effective as IV therapy because the supplement must pass through the digestive system. With NAD IV infusion therapy the vitamins will directly flow into your bloodstream causing the absorption of minerals to be immediate and most beneficial. If you’re interested in receiving immediate results, IV therapy is the most effective and prominent way.

Of course, you should never administer NAD IV therapy yourself and should always have a doctor or healthcare professional monitor the process. A lot can go wrong if administered incorrectly and it can end up doing much more harm than good – which we want to avoid.

Benefits of NAD Therapy

NAD plays a major role in hundreds of functions and processes in the human body. For example, it’s responsible for repairing DNA, gene expression, providing cellular energy, enhancing mitochondrial function, calcium signaling, and chromosomal integrity preservation.

Let’s take a look at some of the major benefits of undergoing NAD therapy:

Improve energy levels and reduce chronic fatigue
Better mental clarity and focus
Enhanced memory function and healthy brain function (also known as cognitive function)
Slows down cognitive decline and the aging process
DNA repair and repair brain cells
More productive metabolism
Enhances addiction recovery for substance abuse
Improves mood disorders and promotes happiness
Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress
Improved appearance and performance
Helps maintain healthy organs

Once the NAD enters the bloodstream, it starts to bind itself to other enzymes – hence why it’s called a coenzyme or ‘helper molecule.’ Once binded, NAD helps activate the enzyme, resulting in chemical and molecular reactions inside the cells. This is how NAD IV therapy works.

How Often Should I Do NAD IV Therapy?

Since everyone’s body is different and we all have our own reasons for undergoing NAD IV treatment, it’s important to understand that not everyone will have the same treatment plan. Some people will benefit from frequent sessions, while others aren’t going to need it that often.

To ensure you’re practicing safety and efficacy, you should follow the direct advice from your doctor. In general, most people can expect a monthly IV session – though you might undergo several sessions in the first week or so to get things going. Sessions take 2-4 hours each.

What is NAD IV Therapy Cost?

One of the first things we get asked when discussing NAD IV therapy is how much the session will cost. As you can likely imagine, the cost widely depends on who’s administering the IV and how large the dose. Smaller doses cost as much as $100, while larger doses can be $750+.

When you consider the benefits of undergoing NAD IV therapy and the crucial role NAD plays in our health and wellness journey, the cost of treatment doesn’t seem too bad. After all, it’ll make you feel more alive and help you get the most out of life – isn’t that a fair and even trade?

Are You Interested in IV Therapy?

Has IV therapy caught your attention? Are you interested in learning more about this unique form of therapy? Do you want to see if there’s an IV cocktail that provides your body with the nutrients it needs? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then contact us today.

At Good Samaritan Las Vegas , we take pride in offering patients a wide range of IV therapy cocktails designed to provide a number of benefits – energy levels, hydration, performance, beauty, pain relief, immune system, and overall health and wellness. We have an IV cocktail for everyone!

To learn more about our IV services or to schedule your first IV therapy appointment , contact our office today. Our staff, led byDr. Shaun Jang, MD, is dedicated to ensuring our patients receive the best possible care from the moment they arrive until the moment they leave.

We can’t wait to help you and your family lead a happier, healthier, and more rewarding life.

How to Get a Primary Care Doctor

Sat, 01 Oct 2022 19:36:39 GMT

Let’s be honest – if it weren’t for the many primary care doctors in the world today, most of us wouldn’t know what to do with ourselves in the event of an injury, illness, or any other health concern. We wouldn’t know where to go, who to see, when to worry, and how to get better.

Just look at the numbers – more than 83% of all adults in the United States visited a doctor or healthcare provider in 2020. Not only that, but 94% of all children did the same. With over 860 million physician office visits every year, almost half of them are with a primary care doctor.

We firmly believe that everyone should have a good relationship with their primary care doctor , but finding a primary care physician that you feel comfortable with is easier said than done – especially considering there are nearly 210,000 primary care physicians in the United States.

With so many primary care doctors in your local area – trust us, they’re on every corner – many people have no idea how to choose a primary care physician that meets their expectations and needs. Don’t worry, there’s a primary care doctor out there for you and we’ll help you find them!

First thing’s first, let’s make a list of your needs and expectations. This is good practice for the patient, but also comes in handy when you meet your doctor – allowing you to be upfront about what you’re looking for. It also gives you an idea of whether or not you should be looking at family practice physicians or internal medicine doctors.

Next, let’s make a list of all the nearby primary care physicians in your area -- or internal medicine physician, if needed. Think about how far away you’re willing to travel and write down the names of all the doctors that meet the criteria. It’s okay if you have a long list because we’ll be narrowing it down rather quickly.

1. Check With Your Health Insurance Plan

For those that have health plan, you’ll be able to cross a lot of doctors off your list if they don’t accept your insurance plan or aren’t in your network. When you choose an ‘in-network’ doctor, you’ll save a considerable amount of money and will finally put your health insurance to use.

For those that don’t have health insurance, you’ll want to confirm that they accept cash-pay patients. Furthermore, you’ll want to see if they have any payment plans, programs, or benefits for those without insurance. In many cases, they have ways of helping you save lots of money.

2. Ask Around for Referrals

By now, your list should be considerably smaller, but there’s still a lot to go over. The next step would be to start asking around for referrals. Ask a friend, family member, co-worker, and anyone else you have a relationship with to see if they have a primary doctor they like.

Likewise, you can always ask your old or current physician for a referral – though this is usually reserved for those that are moving and still have a good relationship with their doctor. You can also call nearby hospitals to see if they have any referrals to consider – they’re usually willing to help.

3. Read Testimonials & Reviews

Aside from the referrals you receive from those you know, you can learn a lot about a doctor and their practice by reading patient reviews and testimonials. You can find these on Google, Yelp, and other sites like RateMDs, OpenMD, Vitals.com, Healthgrades, and much more.

One thing you’ll have to keep in mind is that not all negative reviews are being honest and/or telling the whole story. Many doctors -- if not all -- are going to have at least one negative review – if not many. What you’re looking for is patterns and trends in the reviews given.

4. Place a Cold Call or Visit the Office

When you call a doctor’s office, you won’t get to speak with the doctor, but you will get to speak with the receptionist and this can tell you a lot about how the office is run. Ideally, the staff would be extremely helpful, friendly, welcoming, knowledgeable, and ready to answer any questions.

While those traits are all required in a receptionist, you’d be surprised how many receptionists slip on a regular basis – which is what we want to avoid. Of course, you can also visit the office and meet the staff in person to get a better idea of how they treat patients on a daily basis.

5. Check Their Availability

There’s nothing worse than finding the right doctor for you and your family, just to learn they aren’t currently accepting new patients. If they don’t have a notice (either at the office or on their website), don’t hesitate to ask the receptionist – they should be happy to help!

With that said, you’ll also want to steer free of doctors that say they’re accepting new patients, but don’t really have the time to honor those patients. These doctors usually book extremely far in advance because they take on so many patients, making it difficult to treat each one properly.

6. Trust Your Gut Feeling

Our final piece of advice for you when finding a primary care physician is to simply trust your gut feeling. Do you feel as if you can be honest with the doctor? Do they make you feel comfortable and relaxed? Are they listening to your concerns and explaining things in layman’s terms?

If you answered ‘yes’ to those questions, then you might’ve just found yourself a primary care physician – a quality one, at that. This is an exciting day for you and your family, knowing that you’re on your way to a healthier, happier, more rewarding, and more meaningful lifestyle.

Now It’s Time to Schedule That Appointment!

Are you looking for a new primary care physician in the Las Vegas valley? If so, then you came to the right place! At Good Samaritan, we’re currently accepting new patients and are even accepting same-day appointments for those that need us in a jiffy – don’t worry, we’ll be there!

You can learn more about the many services we offer and our wonderful staff – which is led by Dr. Shaun Jang, MD – on our website. When you’re ready to schedule that first appointment with us, you can do so online by filling out a quick form, or by contacting our office today!

Sprained Ankle: When to See a Doctor

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 12:21:22 GMT

We’ve all sprained our ankle before and we all know the feeling – it’s not one we enjoy, nor is it something we look forward to. An ankle injury will ruin your day – as well as your week – in a heartbeat, often resulting in changed plans, boredom, missed work or school, and of course, unwanted pain.

A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments are stretched beyond their typical range of motion – usually by rolling, twisting, or turning the ankle. Some of the most common causes are falls, awkward landings, walking on uneven surfaces, and cutting or jumping during a sports activity.

Aside from the excruciating pain felt when putting weight on the affected ankle, the most common symptoms of a sprained ankle are swelling, bruising, tenderness, instability, and restricted mobility. Another good indicator is hearing a ‘popping’ sound at the time of injury.

How Severe is the Ankle Sprain?

Before you panic, it’s important to determine the severity of the ankle sprain. Depending on how severe it is, you may or may not need to visit a doctor . Doctors generally categorize ankle sprains into one of three grades, which is determined by the amount of force and damage.

Let’s take a closer look at the three grades for ankle sprains:

Grade 1 - also known as a mild ankle sprain, a Grade 1 sprain is characterized by slight stretching and small tearing of the ligaments, resulting in minor swelling and tenderness.
Grade 2 - also known as a moderate ankle sprain, a Grade 2 sprain is characterized by a partial tear of the ligaments, resulting in pain when trying to move the ankle.
Grade 3 - also known as a severe ankle sprain, a Grade 3 sprain is characterized by a complete tear of the ligaments, resulting in high levels of pain and swelling.

Some of the most common risk factors of an ankle sprain are poor athletic conditioning, muscle and/or ligament fatigue, failure to warm up before or cool down after exercise, carrying excess weight, inappropriate footwear, and having a prior history with ankle sprains or foot injuries.

Treating a Minor Ankle Sprain at Home

For those that suffer a minor or low-level ankle sprain, medical treatment can usually be accomplished at home. Even with a high-level ankle sprain, it’s best to begin treatment right away, at least until a doctor can look at it. Don’t worry, treating ankle sprains at home is easy and non-invasive.

The best method for treating an ankle sprain at home is with the R.I.C.E. method – let’s take a closer look:

Rest - time is one of your best friends when dealing with an ankle sprain. Try to limit movement and focus on resting for the first two days of the injury.
Ice - your other best friend when dealing with an ankle sprain is ice. For the first two days after the injury, ice the affected area for 15-20 minutes every three or four hours.
Compression - in order to prevent swelling of the ankle, wrap the affected area with an ACE bandage or any other elastic medical bandage. Make it snug, but not too tight.
Elevation - when resting, raise the injured ankle above the heart (for example, use pillows when laying down on the sofa or bed). This limits swelling, pain, and throbbing.

Not treating an ankle sprain properly or returning to strenuous activity too soon after injury can result in unwanted consequences – including chronic ankle pain, chronic instability of the joints in the ankle, and arthritis of the ankle joint. To prevent the worst case scenario, see a doctor.

Sprained Ankle: When to See a Doctor

In general, any ‘Grade 3’ or severe sprain will require immediate medical attention from a doctor to ensure there’s no further damage to the ankle. A ‘Grade 2’ or moderate sprains can likely be treated at home, but you should see a doctor if it doesn’t start to heal after a few days.

As for a ‘Grade 1’ or minor ankle sprain, most ankle sprains heal with the R.I.C.E. method. For those that wish to see a doctor, it’s best to start with your family physician – though they might refer you to an orthopedic physician or a podiatrist, if they need further evaluation.

When diagnosing sprained ankles, your doctor will examine the affected area – mainly checking for tenderness and measuring range of motion. If they need to take a deeper look at the ankle, they might order an X-ray, an MRI, a CT scan, or an ultrasound – all of which are non-invasive.

How to Prevent Spraining Your Ankle

Ankle sprains are some of the most common sports injuries in the United States, with more than two million acute ankle sprains being reported annually in the country. It affects nearly 2.15 per 1,000 persons in the US and nearly 40% of all ankle sprains lead to chronic pain.

Let’s take a look at some of the most prominent tips for preventing an ankle sprain :

Always warm up and cool down before exercising
Make sure you’re wearing proper shoes when exercising
If your shoes are torn or worn down, get a new pair
Avoid uneven surfaces whenever possible
Do exercises that strengthen the ankle and foot
Utilize ankle tape to improve structure

In the event you sprain your ankle and need to seek medical treatment, consider writing down a detailed description of your symptoms, any information regarding past ankle injuries, and the various supplements or medications you take – that way, you don’t forget to tell your doctor.

Are You Worried About Your Sprained Ankle?

Have you recently sprained your ankle? Are you finding it difficult to bear weight on the ankle? Have you tried the R.I.C.E. method for several days without progress? Do you want a second opinion from a proven professional? If so, then Good Samaritan LV is here to help.

Dr. Shaun Jang, MD and his wonderful team are pleased to offer quality healthcare services to the Las Vegas community. Whether you’re dealing with a minor, moderate, or severe ankle sprain, we make sure our patients get the treatment and care they so desperately need.

If you’d like to schedule an appointment with your Dr. Shaun Jang, MD, feel free to contact our office today. Of course, we also accept same-day appointments – we understand that ankle sprains can happen at any moment and we want to make sure we’re there for you when it does!

How to Talk to Your Doctor About ADHD Symptoms

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 13:00:00 GMT

ADHD is one of the most common mental disorders in children, impacting over six million people between the ages of 2 and 17 – roughly 9% of that population. That number includes 2.4 million kids between the ages of 6 and 11, and 3.3 million kids between the ages of 12 and 17.

While most patients living with ADHD are diagnosed in their childhood, the symptoms can follow that patient into their young adulthood and even adulthood. In fact, some people aren’t diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood – the point is ADHD can be diagnosed in anyone at any moment.

With that said, research suggests males are far more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than females. At the same time, ADHD goes undetected or is misdiagnosed more often in females than in males. Either way, treatment can help anyone cope with the symptoms of ADHD.

What is ADHD?

ADHD, also known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that’s often characterized by an inability to focus, pay attention, sit still, and/or follow directions. Treatment for ADHD generally consists of medication, therapy, and lifestyle/habitual changes.

There are three main types of ADHD patients – the inattentive type, the hyperactive/impulsive type, and the combined type. Your psychiatrist or healthcare provider will determine which type you are based on your symptoms, lifestyle, habits, behaviors, thoughts, and more.

While we all get a little restless, anxious, or excited from time to time, it’s usually during a time that makes sense. People with ADHD experience those feelings often and their hyperactive, impulsive, and/or inattentive ways are known to have a negative impact on the patient’s life.

How to Talk to Your Doctor About ADHD

When you start to notice symptoms of ADHD in yourself or someone you know, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Talking to your doctor goes a long way in ensuring you receive the care and treatment you deserve -- the professional medical advice they provide is priceless.

For those that don’t know where to go, first speak with your primary care physician – they can help you make sense of your symptoms and refer you to a specialist. For those that already have a mental health professional (psychologist, psychiatrist, etc.) contact them right away.

If you feel nervous about talking to your doctor, don’t panic – you’re not alone and it’s 100% normal to hesitate. Just know your doctor will offer a judge-free and supportive environment for you to share your symptoms, thoughts, and feelings. Let’s break it down for you step-by-step.

Step One: Recognize the Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of ADHD include inattentiveness, being forgetful, not paying attention often, unorganization, constantly late, poor time management, not getting enough sleep, trouble concentrating, frequently fidgeting, excessive talking, hyperactivity, impulsiveness, difficulty waiting their turn, easily distracted, and/or inability to be quiet.

Step Two: Schedule an Appointment

If you start to notice any of those symptoms in you or your child, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician – or mental health professional, if you’ve already been introduced to one. The longer you wait, the less time you have to find proper treatment.

Step Three: Explain Your Symptoms

When you meet with your doctor, make sure you explain all the symptoms you’re feeling and give real-world examples of those symptoms. If needed, write down your symptoms on a piece of paper or in your phone, that way you don’t forget to tell your doctor any of the symptoms.

Step Four: Be Honest When Questioned

As you continue to discuss your symptoms, your doctor will have a series of questions to ask in order to get a better idea of what you’re going through. Always be honest when questioned – if you know the answer, say something and if you don’t know the answer, don’t pretend you do.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About ADHD

When you arrive at your doctor’s office, they’re likely going to have a number of questions to get a better idea of what you’re experiencing. With that said, it’s also your opportunity to ask your doctor questions about ADHD , how it might impact your life, and what you should expect.

Here are some questions you should ask your doctor about ADHD:

What type of medication is prescribed for ADHD?
Does ADHD medication come with any unwanted side effects?
How does a doctor diagnose ADHD?
How do we go about treating ADHD?
Are there different types of ADHD and if so, which one do I have?
Are there any lifestyle, habitual, or behavioral changes I can make right away?
How might ADHD impact my ability to live a happy, healthy, and rewarding life?
Is there a proven way to monitor my progress with ADHD treatment?
Will my ADHD grow worse as I age or will it eventually go away?
Is ADHD common in children with autism spectrum disorder?
Is ADHD often accompanied by other related mental health conditions?
How do I explain my ADHD diagnosis to friends and family?
Will my friends and family have to treat me any differently since I have ADHD?
Are there any support groups or other resources I should know about?

The more open you are with your doctor, the more useful they can be to you and your journey towards a happier, healthier, and more rewarding life. With the right support group and care team, you can regain that sense of control in your life that you’ve been missing for too long.

Are You Worried You Might Have ADHD?

Are you showing signs of adult ADHD? Do you have a hard time focusing and paying attention? Do you struggle to sit still and often hyper? Do you find yourself acting without thinking – almost out of impulse? Are you worried your mental health issues will impact your loved ones?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, contact my office immediately. Untreated ADHD can have significant consequences -- even ADHD in adults.

At Good Samaritan LV, we provide a supportive, welcoming, and friendly environment for all our patients. Dr. Shaun Jang, MD and his wonderful team are ready and willing to help you cope with your symptoms while we create an effective, proven, and non-invasive plan to treat ADHD.

What Can a Physician Use to Measure a Person’s Body Fat Percentage?

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 13:00:01 GMT

How often do you stand on a scale to monitor your body weight ? For some people, stepping on a scale is a regular activity – even daily, in some cases. For others, they’ll do whatever it takes to avoid stepping on a scale – either out of fear of what it might read or a complete lack of interest.

No matter what side of the spectrum you find yourself on, monitoring a healthy weight is an essential and traditional practice for those that want to live a healthy life. What many people fail to realize is your weight actually doesn’t tell you much about your health – in fact, it tells you very little.

The same goes for body mass index (BMI), which measures weight in proportion to height. While it can tell you whether you’re underweight, overweight, or of normal weight, it doesn’t take into account how much body fat you’re carrying – that’s where body fat percentage comes into play.

What is Body Fat Percentage?

As much as we hate to admit it, fat is essential to the normal functioning of the human body – we need it just as much as we need any other nutrient. The problem is some of us eat too much fat and since the body stores it for later use, that fat only gets burned through regular exercise.

Body fat percentage, also known as BFP, is nothing more than the percentage of fat in the body – it tells you how much of your weight is contributed to fat, opposed to lean muscle. In many ways, it gives doctors a much clearer picture of their patient’s risk of weight-related diseases.

While weight can tell you a lot about a person’s health, body fat percentage gives a greater insight into that individual’s body composition. By breaking down where that weight is coming from, doctors can better analyze the individual’s health and provide guidance moving forward.

What is a Healthy Body Fat Percentage?

In general, a higher body fat percentage is linked to an increased risk of weight-related diseases – including type 2 diabetes, gallstones, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, heart disease, breathing issues, sleep apnea, and more. At the same time, you don’t want it to be too low.

Let’s take a look at what a healthy body fat percentage looks like for women:

21-32% for women between the ages of 20 and 39
23-33% for women between the ages of 40 and 59
24-35% for women between the ages of 60 and 79

Now, let’s take a look at what a healthy body fat percentage looks like for men:

8-19% for men between the ages of 20 and 39
11-21% for men between the ages of 40 and 59
13-24% for men between the ages of 60 and 79

Having too much body fat can be troublesome, but so can having a low body fat percentage – especially since the body needs fat to absorb certain vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K. Not only that, but body fat plays an essential role in protecting your organs.

What Can a Physician Use to Measure a Person’s Body Fat Percentage?

There are two types of body fat – subcutaneous fat and visceral fat. Subcutaneous fat is located underneath the skin and makes up most of the fat in the body – it’s the fat you can see. On the other hand, visceral fat is mostly found in the abdomen around the body’s major internal organs.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common ways to estimate body fat percentage:

DEXA Scans - also known as a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan, a DEXA scan takes images of the whole body and measures the absorption of X-ray photons.
Hydrostatic Weighing - also known as underwater weighing, this method requires the individual to be submerged into water (about the size of a dunk tank), measuring the amount of displaced water.
Bod Pods - also known as air displacement plethysmography, this method measures body composition through whole-body densitometry.
Calipers - also known as the pinch test, calipers are the most traditional way of measuring body fat percentage by taking skinfold measurements in certain areas.
CT or MRI Scans - a computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan are extremely accurate, but aren’t readily available to most.
Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis - this method sends electrical currents through the body to measure the percentage of body fat compared to lean muscle mass.

If you’re looking to get an accurate body fat measurement to determine body fat percentage, you’re going to want to see a doctor . Most of the methods you can do at home will give you a good idea of what your BFP is, but the technology used at a doctor’s office produces much more accurate results.

How to Lower or Reduce Body Fat Percentage

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases estimates that nearly 30% of all adults are overweight, 42% of adults are obese, and 9% of adults are severely obese. A majority of these individuals would greatly benefit from lowering their body fat percentage.

Don’t worry, we have some tips to help you reduce your body fat percentage:

Consider HIIT (high-intensity interval training) to lose fat
Instead of avoiding fatty foods completely, focus on eating healthy fats
Avoid refined sugars and processed foods in your diet
Avoid soda, alcohol, and highly-sweetened beverages
Make sure you’re getting enough protein and fiber in your diet
Ensure you’re getting enough quality sleep each night
Add some cardio exercise to your weekly routine

Let’s also take a look at some tips for raising your body fat composition (when needed):

Make sure you’re eating a nutrient-dense, healthy, and well-balanced diet
Try to eat your meals on a regular schedule
Always start the day with a healthy and nutritious breakfast
Never skip a meal – if you’re not hungry, at least eat a healthy snack
Focus on strength training when exercising
Maintain healthy and regular sleeping patterns

Maintaining a healthy body fat percentage goes a long way in securing your health long-term. Make sure you follow your doctor’s advice when lowering or raising your body fat distribution – they can help you find the right balance and can help you achieve ultimate health and wellness.

Are You Worried About Your Body Composition?

Are you trying to measure body fat percentage? Are you concerned that your body fat percentage is an indication of worse things to come? Do you want proven and effective ways of lowering or raising your body fat percentage? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, contact us!

At Good Samaritan LV , we take pride in helping our patients live a happy, healthy, and meaningful life. We can help accurately measure body fat percentages and analyze the results to determine what needs to be done in the future to better achieve a healthy mind, body, and spirit.

To learn more about our practice or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shaun Jang, MD, don’t hesitate to contact us today – we can’t wait to hear from you!

Which Doctor to Consult for Leg Swelling

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 10:48:40 GMT

Which Doctor to Consult for Leg Swelling

Swelling of the leg, also known as lower limb edema, isn’t always a cause for concern and can often be treated at home – by wearing compression stockings, laying down with your leg on a pillow, taking frequent breaks when standing, avoiding tight clothes, and doing leg exercises.

In fact, many of us might experience swollen legs at least once. A 2016 study found that the prevalence of lower limb edema among older Americans was around 20%. It also found that lower limb edema was often associated with obesity, diabetes, mobility limitations, and more.

Other common, less-serious causes of leg swelling that can be treated at home include minor injuries, temporary fluid buildup, wearing tight clothing, standing for long periods of time, not moving frequently, and more. In these cases, you likely won’t need to consult with your doctor.

The More Serious Causes of Leg Swelling

Although leg swelling isn’t always a cause for concern, it can sometimes be a sign of a larger problem and might require immediate medical assistance – especially if accompanied by other unwanted symptoms. Understanding the causes and symptoms is essential to your health.

Let’s take a look at some of the more serious causes of leg swelling:

Blood clot and reduced blood flow
Kidney failure or kidney disease
Heart failure or heart disease
Deep-vein thrombosis
Lymphedema
Infections and/or allergic reactions
Liver disease or liver failure
Medication side effects
Bursitis or arthritis

If you’re ever unsure about the cause of your leg swelling, it’s better not to guess and to schedule an appointment with a doctor . It could be something serious or it could be something minor. Either way, your doctor will have the tools, knowledge, and experience to detect it.

Which Doctor to Consult for Leg Swelling

When most people experience leg swelling for the first time, they often have no idea where to turn or who to reach out to for help. In most cases, you’ll want to contact your primary care physician so they can refer you to a specialist that has more experience with swollen legs.

If your primary care physician wants to investigate any further, they might send you to one of the following:

A vascular surgeon with an emphasis on blood vessels
A cardiovascular doctor with an emphasis on heart health
A hematologist with an emphasis on the liver
A nephrologist with an emphasis on the kidney
An orthopedic surgeon with an emphasis on musculoskeletal disorders
A lymphologist with an emphasis on the lymphatic system

Matching you with the right doctor is essential to ensuring you receive the right diagnosis and treatment. That’s why it’s best to see your primary care doctor first and foremost – that way they can point you in the right direction. Plus, your primary care physician will want to know.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Care

In some cases, leg swelling is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical assistance to ensure the problem doesn’t worsen. Like most medical conditions, early detection is often the best form of prevention and waiting generally only leads to more disappointment.

For example, you should seek emergency medical care if:

Your swollen legs are accompanied by chest pain and/or are coughing up blood.
Your swollen legs are accompanied by shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.
Your leg swelling is accompanied by fainting or dizziness.
The swelling occurs suddenly and without a reasonable explanation.
The swelling is a result of an injury – sports injury, car accident, a fall.
The swelling is only happening in one of your legs.
Your swollen legs are accompanied by cool, pale skin.

When you arrive at the emergency room or urgent care facility, they’ll immediately want to ask you some questions and get a better look at the swelling. They’ll likely want to take some tests and might give you some medication to relieve any pain while they determine the cause of it.

When to Schedule a Doctor’s Appointment

While some cases of leg swelling can be treated at home and some require immediate medical care, others might require a doctor’s visit – albeit not right away. These cases aren’t as serious as the ones described above, but they still require a closer look from a trained professional.

For example, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor if:

At-home treatments for leg swelling aren’t working
You have periods of extreme inactivity or lack of movement
You believe the leg swelling is a result of obesity or being overweight
You sit or stand for long periods of time
You sprain your ankle or injure your leg and want a second opinion
The leg pain is getting worse or doesn’t seem to be going away
Your leg swelling started when you began taking a new medication
You failed to reduce swelling and can't find the right treatment

The main difference between a doctor visit and the emergency room visit is a majority of the tests will be done at a later date – whereas emergency rooms run a lot of the tests right away. It might take some time before you find a solution, but it won’t come with the hefty bill from the ER.

Are You Worried About Your Swollen Legs?

Have you experienced sudden, prolonged, or chronic leg swelling? Have at-home treatments for leg swelling failed thus far? Are you worried that your swollen legs are a sign of something much worse? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, contact Dr. Shaun Jang, MD today.

At Good Samaritan LV , you’ll be blown away by the expertise our welcoming staff provide. We take a human-based approach to treating each patient, ensuring their unique needs are met long-term. Together, we can help you live a happier, healthier, and more meaningful lifestyle.

If you’d like to learn more about our practice, philosophy, and/or services that can help you find real, practical, and effective solutions to your leg swelling. Once we determine the cause of the leg swelling, we can help you recover and heal from it so you can regain control in your life.

How Can You Optimize Your Physical Health?

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 17:00:00 GMT

The CDC estimates that roughly 23% of the adult population in the United States receives enough exercise and physical activity necessary for maintaining a healthy body. Not only that, but they estimate that only 10% of American adults eat enough fruits and veggies every day.

What’s even more concerning is the 2.7% of American adults that live a healthy lifestyle – meaning they eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, avoid smoking, and control body fat – according to the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Survey. That means 97% of us don’t.

These statistics raise a lot of red flags about the way we live our life and the things we spend a majority of our time and energy on. It’s clear we could all use a bit of optimization when it comes to our physical health and there are real, practical things we can start doing today to help.

How Can You Optimize Your Physical Health?

We all want to live a happy, meaningful, rewarding, and purposeful life. While a lot of that is dependent on your mental health, it often starts with your physical health. Together, they pave the way for your emotional health, spiritual health, social health, and overall health and wellness.

By focusing your efforts on making positive change and taking up positive habits on a daily basis, your physical health will begin to thrive and everything else will fall into place with it. With optimal health and wellness, you not only look your best, but you feel your best always.

As a primary care physician, I take great pride in helping my patients get the most out of their life – not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and socially. That’s why I’m going to share with you some of my most prominent tips on how to optimize your physical health below!

1. Eat a Healthy, Well-Balanced Diet

One of the keys to a healthy mind and body is healthy eating with a well-balanced diet each and every day. That means getting the necessary amount of fruits, vegetables, protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and all the other essential nutrients the body needs daily.

In addition to eating healthy foods, you should also make sure to stay hydrated by drinking enough water – preferably between one-half and one ounce of water per pound of body weight. That means if someone weighs 150 pounds, they should drink 75-150 ounces of water daily.

2. Commit to a Regular Exercise Routine

A healthy diet is essential, but it’s only half the battle. It must be met with a regular exercise routine that includes roughly 150 minutes of moderate physical activity and two days of muscle-strengthening activity per week – according to the CDC. When combined with your new diet, you’ll start to see results.

A regular fitness routine comes with a wide range of benefits. For example, you can expect an improvement in cognitive function, confidence, self-esteem, stress management, and quality sleep. Of course, you’ll also learn to lose weight and eventually manage your healthy weight.

3. Get Enough Quality Sleep Each Night

Many people don’t quite understand the importance behind a regular sleeping pattern that promotes at least seven hours of sleep each night. Getting into a regular pattern helps your body get into a flow and helps improve your circadian rhythm. You’ll notice the difference.

Not only do we need to make sure we get enough sleep each night, but we need to make sure it’s quality sleep. That means limiting the amount of light in the room, ensuring the temperature of the room is comfortable, avoiding electronics before bed, and wearing comfortable clothes.

4. Avoid Smoking or Excessive Drinking

Aside from your diet, fitness, and sleeping patterns, you should always make sure you’re making the right lifestyle choices and sustaining healthy habits on a daily basis – for example, avoiding smoking cigarettes or vapes, limiting the amount of alcohol you consume, and staying away from illegal drugs.

Not only can these things damage your physical health – both short-term and long-term – but they can result in mental, emotional, spiritual, and social distress if it gets out of hand. Of course, that’s not to mention the distress your friends and family members will experience.

5. Improve Stress Management Techniques

A lot of people aren’t aware of the deep connection between mental and physical health. An issue physically can result in an issue mentally, and vice-versa. This is especially true if the issue isn’t dealt with in a timely manner. With that said, don’t ignore signs of poor mental and physical wellbeing.

Learn practical and effective stress management techniques to calm your nerves down when stress or anxiety levels rise – whether you choose to meditate, listen to music, journal, go for a walk, or talk to someone. We all deal with stress, but it shouldn’t get in our way of a quality life.

If you’re struggling with mental health and need immediate assistance, contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – the line is open 24/7, 365 days per year. And if you notice someone else struggling with mental health, don’t hesitate to reach out to them.

When Was Your Last Doctor’s Appointment?

Perhaps one of the most valuable and essential things you can do for your physical health is schedule a regular, annual appointment with your primary care physician. This gives them the ability to closely monitor your health over a long period of time to promote long-term health.

Your primary care physician will have the necessary knowledge, experience, and equipment to detect any problem areas in your health in their earliest stages. This gives your doctor enough time to find a proven and effective treatment plan, which might require a trip to a specialist.

If you’re looking for a new primary care doctor , have a health concern that you’d like to get checked out, or simply haven’t scheduled an appointment with your doctor in a while, contact Good Samaritan LV today! Dr. Shaun Jang can’t wait to help you achieve optimal physical health!

What to Wear to Las Vegas

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 16:45:00 GMT

Las Vegas is one of the most visited cities in the entire world and the Las Vegas Strip is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the entire world. In April 2022 alone, Vegas saw over 3.3 million visitors – a 31.4% increase from a year ago, but 4.5% decrease from the 2019 total (pre-Covid).

In 2019, a total of 42.5 million people visited Sin City, which is just 400,000 people below the all-time record. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, Vegas saw just over 19 million visitors and while that’s the lowest since 1989, it has recovered to 32.3 million in 2021.

And through the first four months of 2022, Vegas has already seen over 11.8 million visitors. The city is widely known for its luxurious and high-class Las Vegas casinos, resorts, clubs, Vegas restaurants, bars, and shopping– all of which aren’t going anywhere, so expect those numbers to continue to rise.

What to Wear to Las Vegas

One of the biggest reasons why so many people visit Las Vegas every year – aside from the attractions – is the weather. Albeit not perfect, Vegas weather is exactly what most people want on a vacation. It’s always sunny, there’s always a blue sky, it rarely rains, and it’s usually hot.

With that said, it can sometimes be very windy, there’s a lot of dust storms, it can sometimes be too hot, and it does happen to get rather cold during the winter months – after all, it is a desert. Overall, Vegas weather provides a comfortable environment year-round for those traveling.

If you’re wondering what to wear to Las Vegas , you should definitely expect it to be hot outdoors – you can usually catch a break in the shade, but it’s a slight break. Most indoor places will have the air conditioning on and some places will have it blasting, so make sure to keep that in mind.

Sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes are usually a must, but let’s take a closer look at what to wear in Las Vegas during each season – summer, fall, winter, and spring -- to ensure you're dressed appropriately.

What to Wear During the Summer Months

The weather in Las Vegas during June, July, and August is mostly sunny, hot, and windy. The temperature is between 70 and 100 degrees, but it gets as high as 110+ degrees. The humidity is around 30-45% and you can expect a couple of days of rain – if the city is lucky enough.

When traveling to Las Vegas in the summer, you should consider wearing comfortable clothing and breathable attire. Shorts, short-sleeve shirts, tank tops, walking shoes, bathing suits, hats or visors, sunscreen, sunglasses, sundresses, crop tops, flip flops, and comfortable sandals. You should still dress up for the nightlife.

What to Wear During the Fall Months

The weather in Las Vegas during September, October, and November is mostly sunny, mild temperature, and windy. The temperature is generally between 40 degrees and 90 degrees, you can (again) hope for a couple of days of rain, and the humidity in the fall drops to 25-35%.

When traveling to Las Vegas in the fall, you should consider wearing summer attire during the day (shorts, tank tops, sundresses, etc.), but a long sleeve t-shirt and pants during the evening and at night. You won’t always need it, but there will be some colder days that come randomly.The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

What to Wear During the Winter Months

The weather in Las Vegas during December, January, and February is mostly sunny, cold/chilly, and windy. You can expect the temperature to be anywhere between 30 and 50 degrees – though it can get even colder – several days of rain (hopefully), and the humidity around 20%.

When traveling to Las Vegas in the winter, you should consider wearing warm clothing like pants, long-sleeve t-shirts, hoodies, and a light jacket. There will be times when you can get away with shorts and a short-sleeve shirt, so pack them just in case, but expect it to mostly be cold and/or chilly.

What to Wear During the Spring Months

The weather in Las Vegas during March, April, and May is mostly sunny, warm/chilly, and windy. The temperatures usually hover between 45 and 80 degrees, you’ll get under one inch of rain, and the humidity is between 25% and 30%. This is often considered the best time to visit.

When traveling to Las Vegas in the spring, you should consider wearing shorts and other summer attire during the day, but pants and other winter attire during the evening or night. It’ll get warm when the sun is out, but once it passes behind the mountains, it’ll start to get a little cold.

What to Wear to the Night Clubs or Casino

Whether you plan on visiting Las Vegas in the summer, fall, winter, or spring, there’s two places you’re bound to end up during your stay – the club and the casino. Nightlife is a large reason why many people visit and so being prepared for the moment is a must when making the trip.

When going to the night club or casino in Las Vegas, you should consider wearing your best outfit – something you’ve always wanted to show off. Don't be afraid to dress up, so dress casually and wear dress shoes, slacks, collared shirts, polos, dresses, skirts, etc.

Many Vegas casinos and clubs have dress codes, but they don't all have the same dress code, so be mindful of this. Of course, you'll also want a bathing suit if it's a pool party.

Staying Safe, Comfortable, & Healthy in Las Vegas

Of all the things you should wear on your Las Vegas trip, the thing we want you to wear the most is that beautiful smile of yours because this city is better when you’re happy. And while we sincerely hope everyone has a splendid stay in this beautiful city, we understand that incidents happen.

If you visit the Strip and explore Vegas, you ,might find yourself needing quality healthcare. Don't worry, your friends at Good Samaritan have same-day appointments available . We also offer IV therapy for energy, hydration, skin health, immunity, and overall wellness, and even offer COVID-19 testing.

To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shaun Jang, MD – contact our office at 702-202-3663. We can’t wait to help you stay healthy during your visit!

Which Trait is Not a Desirable Quality in Your Primary Care Physician?

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 01:00:00 GMT

A primary care physician is often the first line of defense when treating a patient. They usually make the initial contact with the patient and help direct them to the necessary specialist for further evaluation. Their primary responsibility is with disease prevention and risk detection.

There are over 37,000 primary care physicians currently working in the United States and they’re found in every town, neighborhood, city, and state. Most of them see an average of 11-30 patients per day and there’s an estimated 400 million primary care visits every single year.

Like any other field of study or industry, some primary care doctors are better than others. Some of them are more competent, more knowledgeable, more experienced, or simply have a better attitude than their counterparts. If you want the best care, you need to find the right doctor.

Which Trait is Not a Desirable Quality in Your Primary Care Physician?

In your search for the right primary doctor , you’re going to come across a wide range of different traits, qualities, characters, and attitudes. Every physician is different and every doctor has a unique set of beliefs, techniques, and methods. Not every doctor is the best doctor for you.

While it’s important that you know what to look for (which we’ll discuss later on), it’s also crucial you know what not to look for. You can think of these traits as ‘red flags’ that give you a sense of what’s to come. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest ‘red flag’ traits and qualities to watch for.

Presumptuous

When your primary doctor is presumptuous, they often jump to conclusions and often overstep their boundaries when treating patients. It’s very common for a presumptuous doctor to not give personalized, tailored care to each individual patient, which usually won’t produce lasting results.

Inattentive

It’s essential that your primary doctor is attentive. They need to be able to listen to your concerns and any symptoms their patients share with them. They also need to pay attention to your lifestyle, that way they can give valuable advice when preventing disease and keeping you healthy.

Discriminative

This might go without saying, but your primary care doctor shouldn’t be discriminative towards any human being – no matter their race, gender, age, or sexual preference. Everyone deserves real, honest, and professional health care and that’s what your primary doctor should offer.

Inarticulate

Doctors are extremely knowledgeable and experienced when it comes to the human body, but most patients aren’t. When your doctor is explaining something to you or going over test results, it’s important that they’re able to articulate it in a clear and concise way to avoid any confusion. Plus, you'll like have a lot of questions to ask your primary care doctor .

Too Busy

One of the major problems many patients face when seeing their primary care doctor is a lack of time spent with the doctor. In some cases, patients only have a couple of minutes with the doctor, which isn’t enough time to understand their symptoms and discuss their health.

What Should You Look for In a Primary Care Doctor?

The traits listed above are those you don’t want to see in your primary care doctor, but what about the traits you want to see? After all, you don’t want to spend too much time looking at all the negatives and you’ll eventually want to shift your focus to the positives and benefits.

Now that you know which trait is not a desirable quality in your primary care physician , you might be wondering which traits and qualities you should be on the lookout for – you can think of these as your ‘green flags.’ The more ‘green flags’ a doctor has, the better they are for you.

Knowledge & Experience

All doctors are knowledgeable, but it’s more how they apply that knowledge and utilize it to help treat patients – and that’s where experience comes into play. Doctors with experience have seen a wide range of issues and have helped a variety of unique patients – which is valuable in a doctor.

Communicative & Interpersonal

It’s important that patients are able to communicate with their doctor, but that also means the doctor needs to be communicative as well – it’s a two-way street. They need to have great interpersonal skills and be able to work together with the patient to maintain health long-term.

Organization & Structure

Research suggests that most primary care doctors today see an average of 11-30 patients per day. Each patient is going through something entirely different, which means primary care doctors have a lot of information to process. If they’re not organized and structured, they won’t be able to give 110% to each patient.

Bedside Manner & Empathetic

Bedside manner is a doctor’s approach and attitude toward a patient. Being able to comfort a patient and make them feel welcome is a valuable trait for any doctor to have. Since these are patients they’ll likely see regularly , they need to be able to build a lasting relationship with each patient.

Passionate & Persistent

Passion goes a long way, no matter what industry you’re in. If you’re not passionate about your work, then you aren’t going to give everything you have to give -- and that's an important quality in a primary doctor. And persistence is key in a doctor because it means they won’t give up on your health and will be by your side through it all.

What Can Dr. Shaun Jang Do for You?

Are you looking for a primary care physician that checks off all the boxes? What about a doctor that’s dedicated to giving each patient the care and treatment they deserve? If so, then you’ll feel right at home with Dr. Shaun Jang at Good Samaritan – our service is unmatched and unrivaled.

At Good Samaritan, we take pride in serving the Las Vegas community with exceptional primary care services. With our help, you can put your mind and body in a better place moving forward. Keeping you healthy is our No. 1 priority, so contact us today to schedule your first appointment ! We can’t wait to give you the care and treatment you deserve!

Why Do You Need a Primary Care Doctor?

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 00:50:03 GMT

The human body is capable of some incredible things and works wonders on a daily basis, but it’s not perfect. It’s prone to a number of diseases, abnormalities, illnesses, injuries, and other conditions that require the immediate help of a doctor, physician, or other health professional.

In fact, most health professionals recommend visiting a doctor every year for preventive reasons – whether or not you’re experiencing unwanted symptoms. With an annual visit to your doctor’s office, you can better maintain your health and prevent disease over the long-term.

The CDC estimates that there are over 860 million visits to a physician’s office every year and roughly 50% of those visits are to a primary care physician. They also estimate that over 83% of all American adults have visited a doctor in the past year, as well as 94% of children in the US.

With that said, what is a primary care doctor and why do you need one? Are they any different from a medical specialist? What can they do for you that you can’t already do yourself? Is it actually worth an annual visit? Don’t worry, we’re going to answer all those questions below!

Primary Care Physician vs. Medical Specialist

A primary care physician – also known as a family medicine doctor, a general practitioner, or a primary doctor – are often the patient’s first point of entry into the health care system. They have a broad range of knowledge about the body and all of its systems, making them a great first resource.

Primary care physicians help prevent disease by maintaining long-term health and detecting illness in its earliest stages. Meeting with your primary care physician regularly – preferably once per year – is essential to staying healthy and goes a long way in living a long life.

On the other hand, a medical specialist is someone that specializes in a certain area or branch of medicine. They have additional training, degrees, certifications, and licenses that make them an expert in their specific field. For example, a gastroenterologist specializes in digestive health and internal medicine doctors are called internists.

Your primary care doctor and medical specialists often work together in treating you. Most people will visit their primary care doctor once per year and if they think something needs a closer look, then they’ll refer you to a medical specialist before meeting back with the primary.

Why Do You Need a Primary Care Doctor?

Primary care providers play an essential and vital role in an individual’s ability to live a happy, healthy, long, meaningful, rewarding, and quality life. A regular appointment with your primary care doctor goes a long way in maintaining your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health.

Having a primary care doctor in your corner will give anyone a sense of comfortability as they grow older and introduce them to better health outcomes in the future. The human body can experience an issue at any time, but your primary care doctor can help you navigate and overcome those issues. Let’s look at some of the other benefits!

Build a Lasting Relationship

Some people will see the same primary doctor for years, if not decades. This lasting relationship that you build with your doctor is essential to building an accurate medical history record and receiving the proper care or treatment. Plus, you’ll feel more comfortable and open about your health.

Prevention & Detection

Primary care doctors specialize in detecting problem areas and preventing health problems in people of all ages. With regular testing and screenings, your doctor will learn a lot about your current health and where it’s trajecting – allowing you to make any necessary life changes.

Referrals to Specialists

Much like we discussed above, your primary care provider will be able to refer you to the right specialist when something needs further assessment. They can help you find a specialist with the necessary experience and knowledge, ensuring you receive an accurate diagnosis.

Improve Overall Health & Wellness

Primary healthcare providers excel in giving patients general tips and advice to follow when improving overall health and wellness. These general tips can help improve your sleeping habits, eating habits, weight goals, and stress management techniques. This can prove to be vital to health.

Lower Health Care Costs Long-Term

When medical bills start arriving in your mailbox, panic starts to hit as you finally see just how expensive health care can be. If you want to limit those bills by preventing disease and catching illness in its early stages, then visiting your primary care physician regularly is what you need!

Less Hospital Visits & Trips to the ER

Piggybacking off that last benefit, most people that visit their primary care physician regularly will be rewarded with less trips to the hospital or ER – again, through disease prevention and early detection. Considering how expensive the hospital and ER can be, this is good news!

Add a Trusted Professional to Your Support Group

We all have a support group that we turn to when things go south. Whether you need medical advice, relationship advice, financial advice, or just need some motivation to get you through the day, your support group is there for you. With a primary doctor, you add a true professional to that group!

How Often Should You Visit Your Primary Care Doctor?

While there’s no concrete answer to this question and it might be different for everyone, most doctors recommend healthy patients visit a primary care provider once per year for a checkup. This allows the doctor to evaluate your health on a regular basis over a long period of time.

With that said, some people might need to visit more often than that – twice per year, or even more than that. This is especially true for older individuals and those with chronic conditions. Either way, you should follow the direct advice of your primary care provider – they’ll know best!

Are You Searching for a Primary Care Provider?

Everyone should have a long-term relationship with their primary care primary care provider, no matter where they live. If you’re searching for a Las Vegas primary care doctor that takes pride in helping Vegas residents stay happy and healthy, then you’ve come to the right place!

Contact Good Samaritan LV today to schedule your first appointment with Dr. Shaun Jang – the Las Vegas primary care doctor you’ve been looking for. We can’t wait to meet you and your family!

What Is an EKG & Why Might a Doctor Request One?

Mon, 16 May 2022 00:00:17 GMT

The human body relies on various organs to function properly, one of which being the heart. This fist-shaped organ is located behind and to the left of the breastbone and is the primary organ in the circulatory system. Without a properly-functioning heart, life as we know it wouldn’t exist.

The heart, which is technically a muscle, is made up of four chambers that work together to pump oxygen- and nutrient-filled blood throughout the rest of the body. It’s responsible for controlling your heart rate and regulating your blood pressure, which is essential for all life.

As miraculous as the heart is, it isn’t perfect by any means. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States – killing one person every 36 seconds and nearly 700,000 people every year (25% of all deaths). Over 30 million people have cardiovascular disease.

What is an EKG (Electrocardiogram)?

Maintaining and regulating your heart health is extremely important to living a quality, happy, healthy, and rewarding life. And while some people are subject to heart problems and heart disease, there are a number of ways to monitor, prevent, detect, and treat those problems.

That’s where an electrocardiogram comes into play. Also known as an EKG or ECG, an electrocardiogram measures and records the heart's electrical signals and electrical impulses in the heart. This allows your doctor to detect and diagnose certain heart diseases, allowing you to receive prompt treatment.

An electrocardiogram is a standard piece of equipment that can be found in most doctor’s offices, hospitals, and ambulances. While it’s a quick, painless, and simple procedure, the results can be life-changing and are often the difference between life and suffering – or death.

Why Might Your Doctor Request an EKG?

Your doctor might request an EKG if they want to further evaluate your heart for complications or risks, usually based on a physical exam or symptoms the patient is experiencing. Since an electrocardiogram is noninvasive, quick, and painless, it’s usually best to be safe than sorry.

Some of the symptoms that might result in your doctor wanting an EKG include chest pain, dizziness, heart palpitations, rapid pulse, fast heart beat, confusion, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, loss of ability to exercise, swollen legs, and so much more.

Some of the things your doctor is looking for is an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmias), blocked or narrowing arteries in the heart (coronary heart disease), the presence of a heart attack (could’ve happened in the past), and how well a pacemaker or other treatments are working.

Different Types of Electrocardiogram Tests

As technology continues to evolve and we continue to learn more about the heart, how it works, and more importantly how it doesn’t, doctors have a lot of different ways to measure heart activity with an EKG.

In fact, there are four primary types of EKG tests your doctor can request.

Although the goal of each test is the same – to monitor heart health and detect problems or complications – the method for doing so is different. Depending on your symptoms and other health risks, your doctor will determine which EKG test, if not multiple tests, is right for you.

Resting EKG

A standard EKG test usually performed in a doctor’s office or hospital while the patient is sitting or laying down in a comfortable position.

Stress EKG

A standard EKG test usually performed in a doctor’s office or hospital while the patient is exercising, generally on a treadmill or a bicycle.

Holter Monitor

Also known as an ambulatory EKG, this test is usually performed at home with the patient wearing a small device for 24-48 hours.

Event Monitor

Similar to a Holter Monitor in that it’s usually performed at home, but it only records data when issues are detected and is usually worn for up to 30 days.

What to Expect During an EKG or ECG Test

An EKG test can be performed inside a doctor’s office, hospital, ambulance, medical helicopter, emergency room, or urgent care clinic. When you arrive, the doctor or nurse will likely have you change into a hospital gown and may shave any body hair where the electrodes are placed.

The electrodes are attached to a sticky patch that sits on the skin. An ECG test generally involves the use of 12 electrodes that are placed on the chest and on the limbs. You’ll either be asked to sit or lie down on an examination table while the electrodes measure electrical activity in the heart.

During the test, you’ll be asked to breathe normally, but you will have to sit or lie still. Any shivering, talking, moving around, or twitching might interfere with the recording. As the EKG measures the heart's electrical activity, it’s recorded on a piece of paper or monitor, displayed as waves.

After the exam is done, your doctor will have a better idea of your heart rate, heart rhythm, blood and oxygen supply to the heart, heart structure changes, and whether or not the patient has endured a heart attack (currently or in the past). You can return to normal activities when done.

How to Prepare for an EKG Test

Preparation for an electrocardiogram is extremely easy because there’s usually nothing special a patient has to do – other than show up. It’s best to wear something comfortable since you’ll be asked to sit or lie still for a few minutes – usually between five and ten minutes, but no longer.

If you’re doing a stress or exercise EKG, expect to wear exercise clothes and prepare to be on a treadmill or bicycle. Keep in mind that the results aren’t always immediate and you might need to schedule a follow-up exam with your primary care doctor to go over the results and outcome.

Contact Good Samaritan LV Today!

Are you experiencing worrisome symptoms related to your heart health? Are your symptoms only worsening over time? Don’t worry, you’re not alone and there are hundreds of millions of people experiencing the same all around the world. Luckily, Good Samaritan LV is here to help!

Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shaun Jang, MD. Along with his team, Dr. Shaun Jang will do everything in his power to detect, diagnose, and treat your heart problems.

Travel Vaccines, CDC Recommendations, & Staying Safe Abroad

Mon, 02 May 2022 21:55:25 GMT

In late December of 2019, clusters of ill patients started to experience unwanted symptoms in Wuhan, China – these were the first known cases of COVID-19. By mid-January of 2020, the first case was reported in the United States and it was deemed a pandemic by mid-March.

As of April 2022, there have been over 505 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 around the world and it has claimed the lives of over 6.2 million people globally. In response to the growing concern and rising hospitalization rates, various vaccinations have been approved by the FDA.

In fact, there have been over 11.3 billion vaccine doses administered since the start of the pandemic and that number continues to grow. The vaccine has become a major preference for those that wish to travel, allowing them to travel with confidence and reduce the risk involved.

What Are Travel Vaccines?

For some people, getting vaccinated before traveling is nothing new. In fact, it’s required in some cases. Sure, a COVID-19 vaccine isn’t mandatory before traveling, but it certainly helps and is recommended by most health professionals – but it’s not the only vaccine you should consider.

Travel vaccines, also referred to as travel immunizations, are specialty vaccines designed to keep travelers safe from illnesses they might be exposed to while in foreign countries or areas. This is especially true with potential exposure to an illness not commonly found at home.

A travel vaccine is administered by a shot, usually in the arm. It exposes the body to dead or severely weakened virus bacteria, which allows the immune system an opportunity to prepare itself for a potential attack. That’s not to say an attack would happen, but it would be ready for it.

What is a Routine Vaccine for Travel?

A routine vaccine is what most people are already aware of. They’re the vaccines you received as a child and the ones you continue to receive periodically (sometimes annually, sometimes every 10 years) as an adult. They aren’t necessarily required, but they are recommended.

These vaccines are usually recommended based on an individual’s age, current health status, and a variety of other factors. Good examples of a routine vaccine include the flu vaccine, the COVID-19 vaccine, and the tetanus vaccine. Most of them come with booster shots, as well.

What is a Required Vaccine for Travel?

A required vaccine is one that you’re required to get before entering another country. Not all countries have requirements and some might have several requirements, but you will not be able to enter the country unless the requirements are met – in hopes of keeping everyone safe.

Some vaccines might be required in one country, but only recommended in another. It’s important to understand the distinction between the two, but it’s also best to express caution in most cases. One of the few required vaccines in some countries is the yellow fever vaccine.

What is a Recommended Vaccine for Travel?

A recommended vaccine is one that’s not necessarily required when entering a country, but is recommended by trusted health professionals. These vaccines aren’t included in the routine vaccines that we all get periodically, but can keep you safe from certain risks when traveling.

A popular vaccine that’s often recommended when entering a foreign country is a typhoid vaccine. It helps protect the traveler from typhoid fever, a disease that stems from contaminated food and water. Vaccine recommendations depend on your health, age, and other factors.

Common Travel Vaccines to Consider Before Your Trip

There are a number of vaccines that we get on a regular basis, which are known as the routine vaccines. These include COVID-19, flu, chickenpox, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, HPV, measles, mumps, Rubella, Meningococcal, Pneumococcal, Rotavirus, polio, tetanus, and shingles.

In addition to those, some of the recommended (and sometimes required) vaccines include Cholera, Hepatitis E, Japanese encephalitis, Rabies, Tick-borne encephalitis, typhoid fever, and yellow fever. You should always consult with your primary care doctor before traveling abroad.

Your doctor might also recommend several different medications when traveling, including medication for traveler’s diarrhea, Malaria, Dengue Fever, and motion sickness. If you believe you might need any of these, don’t hesitate to ask your health provider during your appointment.

How Early Should You Get Vaccinated Before Traveling?

If you plan on traveling abroad or even within the United States, it’s always best to plan ahead of time to ensure you aren’t rushed when getting the necessary or recommended vaccines. In most cases, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor one month before traveling.

Keep in mind that some trips might require the help of a travel medicine specialist – someone who specializes in preparing you for a healthy and safe trip. Even if you’re a last-minute traveler and don’t have one month to spare, contact your primary doctor to see what your options are.

Where Can You Get Travel Vaccines?

There are a wide range of options to consider when getting travel vaccines. At the end of the day, you should follow the direct advice of your primary care doctor. They’ll either refer you to a clinic that can administer the vaccine or they’ll be able to administer the vaccine themselves.

For those that are required or recommended to get the yellow fever vaccine, you’ll need to visit a yellow fever vaccine clinic – you won’t be able to get the vaccine, otherwise. Again, you should speak with your primary care doctor to see if they have a referral before searching online.

Contact Good Samaritan Today!

Are you planning on traveling soon? Are you traveling to an area prone to certain diseases we aren’t normally exposed to in the United States? Do you want to ensure you and your family are safe and healthy before, during, and after your trip? Don’t worry, Good Samaritan is here to help.

Don’t hesitate to contact our office and schedule an appointment with Dr. Shaun Jang, MD. We can’t wait to meet you and are excited to help you have a fun, enjoyable, and healthy trip abroad!

What Is Preventive Care?

Fri, 15 Apr 2022 22:15:03 GMT

The human body works in miraculous ways. The 11 main organ systems, 78 major organs, 206 bones, and everything in-between work together to give humans the gift of sight, sound, smell, touch, taste, emotion, consciousness, feelings, opportunity, and perhaps most importantly, life.

While the human body is astounding in more ways than just one, it’s far from perfect and is prone to experiencing health problems. Sometimes this is due to the natural aging process that all of us are subject to, while other times it’s due to outside factors that easily could’ve been prevented.

We all have the same goal in life and that’s to achieve optimal health and wellness for as long as humanly possible. Unfortunately, most of us don’t have the experience, knowledge, training, equipment, and guidance needed to properly monitor and manage our health long-term.

So, what is preventive care?

Preventive care, much like the term suggests, aims to prevent disease, illness, sickness, and other health conditions through various measures, tests, exams, and lifestyle changes. With quality preventive care, patients can monitor and manage their health and wellness long-term.

Also known as prophylaxis, preventive healthcare is generally achieved through regular physical exams and screenings. A routine checkup gives your doctor an opportunity to observe your health over a longer period of time, which results in better recommendations and suggestions.

The goal behind preventive healthcare is to prevent health concerns before they become a problem. They often say that early detection is the best prevention and that’s 100% achievable with quality preventive care – and Good Samaritan LV is prepared to help you get there.

Preventive Care Services for All Adults

There are a number of preventive services that are more specific to the adult population. They’re designed to help detect and prevent certain diseases and conditions that are common among adults, especially those with certain lifestyle choices, habits, and other risk factors.

Some of those services include screenings for alcohol misuse, blood pressure screening, cholesterol test, depression, diabetes, aspirin use, Hepatitis B and C, HIV, lung cancer, STDs, obesity, syphilis, tuberculosis, and tobacco use screening. Your doctor might request blood tests, imaging, and other exams if needed.

In addition to screenings, preventive care usually includes immunizations for chickenpox, flu shot, Hepatitis, measles, mumps, rubella, shingles, tetanus, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Other forms of preventive care might include medication, counseling, guidance, and much more.

Preventive Care Services for Women

In addition to the preventive services listed above, there are a number of services that are more specific to the female population – especially those that are pregnant. They’re designed to closely monitor the female body and ensure optimal health for both the female and the baby.

Some of the preventive services for women include screenings for bone density, breast cancer screenings, cervical cancer, chlamydia, diabetes, gonorrhea, HIV, urinary incontinence, and tobacco use. They might also include domestic and interpersonal violence screening and counseling.

Some of the preventive services for pregnant women include birth control, breastfeeding support, folic acid supplements, and screenings for gestational diabetes, Hepatitis B, maternal depression, syphilis, gonorrhea, Rh incompatibility, preeclampsia, and urinary tract infections.

Preventive Care Services for Children

We’ve talked about preventive services for women and adults in general, but we can’t forget about the children – after all, they are the future and they rely on us to keep them healthy throughout their childhood. With preventive care, your child is set up for a healthy future.

Some of the most common preventive services for children include screenings for autism, behavioral assessments, bilirubin concentration, blood pressure, dyslipidemia, hearing, developmental screening, hypothyroidism, vision, HIV, Hepatitis B, and oral health.

Preventive services for children might also include immunizations chickenpox, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP), Hepatitis, HPV, Inactivated Poliovirus, influenza, measles, meningococcal, mumps, pneumococcal, rubella, rotavirus, and much more.

Services That Aren’t Usually Covered Preventive Services

Preventive services cover a lot of ground and are instrumental to achieving optimal health in your life. With that said, there are a number of services that aren’t included in the ‘preventive care’ sector and it’s important you understand that – especially if you have health insurance.

For example, alternative therapies (acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, etc.) generally aren’t considered preventive care – at least in the eyes of most health insurance companies. Not only that, but specialist visits, diagnostic tests, and additional primary care visits aren’t included.

A good way to think about it is that preventive care is designed to prevent and detect health concerns, while diagnostic services are designed to diagnose those concerns. Once a diagnosis occurs, a tailored and personalized treatment plan is created to initiate recovery.

How Often Should You Seek Preventive Care?

As a general rule of thumb, we recommend scheduling an annual, routine visit with your primary care physician – unless they note otherwise. They’ll likely ask you a number of questions to get an idea of your current lifestyle and will order a number of routine tests to analyze your health.

We also recommend you do the same with your dentist and ophthalmologist to further evaluate your eye health and oral health. An annual visit gives your doctor an opportunity to monitor and manage your health long-term. They not only help detect problems but diagnose and treat them.

There are some instances where your doctor might want to see you more frequently than once per year. This is especially true if you’re at an increased risk of certain health concerns and becomes more common as you age. We all want to stay healthy and these annual visits help.

Schedule Your Next Visit With Good Samaritan!

Achieving optimal health and wellness is something we all hope for. Unfortunately, most of us don’t have the necessary experience, knowledge, and guidance to get there. The good news is you don’t have to do this alone and there are a number of people out there willing to help.

If you’re interested in better monitoring and achieving your long-term health goals, Good Samaritan is prepared to assist you. With preventive health services, Dr. Shaun Jang, MD and his team are excited to extend their knowledge to you and your family. Contact us today!

Urgent Care Telemedicine: What Can It Do for You?

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 22:03:20 GMT

There are over 9,000 urgent care clinics in the United States and they’ll care for nearly 90 million patients every single year. Those numbers have skyrocketed with the continued pandemic as millions of Americans seek help and relief from COVID-19 symptoms, among other conditions.

The continued rise in demand has caused many urgent care clinics to adapt and evolve to better treat their patients. Not only do they want to treat as many patients as humanly possible, but they want to do so in a safe, effective, and comfortable manner that everyone benefits from.

This comes at a time when technology is revolutionizing the healthcare industry in more ways than one. We live in a digital world and it presents an endless supply of opportunities for those that invest in it – which is why we’re witnessing the emergence of urgent care telemedicine.

So, what is urgent care telemedicine?

Urgent care telemedicine is a healthcare service that allows patients to virtually consult with a doctor via video chat. Most clinics that offer urgent care telehealth services are committed to providing same-day appointments, living up to the technicality in the term ‘urgent care.’

While you should still visit the hospital or emergency room in the event of an emergency, virtual urgent care visits are a great alternative to in-person urgent care for non-threatening injuries, illnesses, conditions, infections, and symptoms. This virtual urgent care visit is quick, safe, and helpful.

Benefits of Urgent Care Telemedicine

Urgent care telehealth services are all the rage today and for good reason. They come with a wide range of benefits – both for the patient and the clinic. It not only shows how important technology is to the future of healthcare, but it shows what’s possible when we innovate.

Some of the most common ailments treated through urgent care telemedicine include allergies, injuries, sprains, colds, flu, body aches, respiratory infections, skin infections, sore throat, urinary tract infections, insect bites, rashes, conjunctivitis, arthritic pain, nausea, and so much more.

Not only do urgent telemedicine services help treat a number of health concerns, but they make it easier on the patient – physically, mentally, and emotionally – throughout the treatment of the condition. Let’s take a closer look at some of the other benefits of urgent care telemedicine.

Healthcare From the Comfort of Your Own Home

One of the most prominent benefits of urgent care telemedicine is how convenient it is. It allows patients to receive quick and affordable care from the comfort of their own homes. All they need is access to the internet and a webcam, which can come from a laptop, desktop, or phone.

This relieves a lot of the stress that patients experience when visiting in-person clinics, but it also gives the virtual urgent care provider a first-hand look at the patient in their home environment. This helps your primary care physician better treat their patients and gives them access to a wider range of potential patients.

Same-Day Access to Real, Certified Doctors

Many people might be hesitant to talk about their health concerns via video chat, which is 100% understandable in the world we live in today. With that said, patients have nothing to worry about. Not only are they given access to real doctors, but their information is kept safe and secure.

Urgent care telemedicine video visits aren’t much different than in-person visits. In fact, the only difference is that your doctor isn’t physically present. Of course, they can still see you and therefore analyze your current health condition – and doctors are only getting better at that.

Avoid a Trip to the Urgent Care Clinic

Going back to the convenience of urgent care telemedicine, patients can avoid a trip to an urgent care clinic. This means they can save a lot of money, time, energy, and effort when getting the healthcare they need. No gas, no driving, no waiting lines, and no traffic.

Not only that, but it means patients with children don’t need to find (and pay for) a babysitter or house sitter. They also don’t need to take time off of work and what might usually take several hours will only take 30 minutes out of your day. In many cases, telemedicine just makes sense.

Receive Prescriptions When Needed

Patients that need a prescription also stand to benefit from urgent care telemedicine services – especially when you suddenly run out of medication or can’t find your medication. Since these situations are extremely time-sensitive, receiving urgent care as soon as possible is essential.

Since patients already need to take a trip to their pharmacy when picking up the prescription, telemedicine can save them an extra trip to the doctor. Much like we mentioned previously, this helps the patient save time, money, energy, and effort – things we often don’t get back in life.

Less Exposure, Less Anxiety

In the age of the COVID-19 pandemic, patients are doing everything possible to remain safe from sickness and illness. While this means taking precautions in public, it also means avoiding unnecessary or excessive trips – such as visiting your doctor in-person when you can video visit.

In addition to avoiding exposure to other illnesses and avoiding spreading sickness to others, urgent care telehealth services also relieve the patient of the overall anxiety that comes with doctor visits. With less stress and anxiety, patients have the peace of mind to heal and recover.

Urgent Telehealth Services at Good Samaritan LV

At Good Samaritan LV, we understand how useful technology can be when utilized properly. That’s why we not only provide in-house care to patients in the Las Vegas area, but we also provide same-day telemedicine appointments so you can skip those urgent care wait lines.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Shaun Jang, MD, fill out our online booking form or contact us at 702-202-3663 . We can’t wait to get you the help that you so desperately need and deserve!

When & How Often Is STD Testing Necessary?

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 23:00:03 GMT

A sexually transmitted disease (STD), also known as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), is an infection that’s usually transmitted through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. According to the WHO, over one million people acquire a sexually transmitted disease every single day worldwide.

Some of the most common STDs and STD-related diseases or infections include bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis, herpes, HIV, AIDS, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), syphilis, trichomoniasis, and much more.

A majority of people that have an STD won’t know it because they don’t always come with symptoms. That’s what makes confidential STD testing so important in the world today. With regular testing, you can help keep yourself and your sexual partners safe with early detection and prevention.

So, when is STD testing necessary?

STD testing is necessary for anyone who’s sexually active – no matter how often or who it was with. In fact, the CDC suggests getting tested for STDs annually, so long as you’re sexually active during that year. This gives you an opportunity to detect STDs in their earliest stages.

With that said, how often you should get tested for an STD is largely dependent on how sexually active you are, how many people you’re sexually active with, your age, your sex, your sexual orientation, and whether or not you’re pregnant. The time between tests may vary for everyone.

Most people will either choose to do annual testing (once per year) or interval testing (every 3-6 months), but there are also a number of special circumstances that might cause you to get tested outside your normal routine – such as pregnancy, dating a new partner, and much more.

More STD Testing Recommendations From the CDC

Due to the importance of STD testing for sexually active people, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has made clear recommendations in regards to how often and when you should consider getting tested regularly for STDs. Let’s take a quick look at some of those recommendations made by the CDC:

Everyone should be tested for HIV at least once between the ages of 13 and 64 years old
If you’re a sexually active female, you should be getting tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia at least once per year
All pregnant women should be tested for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C in the early stages of pregnancy
If you’re at risk of infection and are pregnant, you should also get tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia in early pregnancy
If you’re a gay or bisexual male that’s sexually active, you should be tested for syphilis, chlamydia, HIV, and gonorrhea at least once per year
If you share injection drug equipment or engage in sexual behaviors that put you at risk of an STD, then you should be tested once per year
You can speak with your doctor about throat and rectal testing for those that have engaged in oral or anal sex

For the best advice, you should meet with your primary care physician and be honest about your sexual history, as well as any concerns you might have. They can not only help you test for an STD but also help you treat it and prevent it in the future – you just have to be willing.

What to Expect During an STD Test

Getting tested for an STD can be a stressful, embarrassing, and nerve-wracking thing for anyone, especially if it’s your first time. Don’t worry, most testing locations are adamant about providing a comfortable, welcoming, and friendly environment for each patient.

The test itself is usually quick, painless, and non-invasive, but there are several different ways to do it and it depends on what kind of test you’re taking. For example, some tests might require a urine sample, while other tests might require a blood sample or blood test, cheek swab, or a physical exam alongside blood tests.

In some cases, your doctor might want to take a fluid sample from one of your sores or blisters. Your doctor will brief you on the procedure ahead of time, that way you can properly prepare yourself. They’ll also be there to answer any questions you might have about the STD test.

Coping With Positive Test Results

STD screening is more than necessary, but that doesn’t make the results any easier to process – especially if you test positive for an STD. It’s not an easy emotion to get over and will likely leave you feeling guilty, embarrassed, disgusted, ashamed, and a world of other emotions.

Before you get too down on yourself, it’s important to remember that this is something that can happen to anyone that’s sexually active with anyone. Not only that but there are millions of people going through the same thing you’re going through right now – so you’re not alone.

If you’ve recently found out that you have an STD, there are several things you should do right away. First off, you should take some time to understand and follow your doctor’s treatment plan to begin your recovery. Next, you should contact anyone you’re currently sexually active with.

It’s not going to be an easy conversation to have, but it’s what needs to be done to ensure everyone is safe and healthy. To help cope with it all, you can join a support group, start seeing a therapist or counselor, or find a new source of joy in your life. Don’t let the STD define you.

Do You Think You Might Have an STD?

There’s nothing funny about a sexually transmitted infection. They require immediate medical attention and an effective treatment plan. If not treated properly in a timely manner, STDs can lead to a number of serious health problems that will only continue to worsen over time.

If you feel you might’ve acquired an STD recently or want to schedule your annual STD tests, contact Dr. Shaun Jang, MD at Good Samaritan LV today . We’ve helped people just like you maintain, monitor, manage, and improve their sexual health – and we would be honored to do the same for you!

Questions to Ask Your Doctor During a Checkup

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 22:49:30 GMT

There’s nothing more important than your health. Whether that’s your mental health, physical health, emotional health, or spiritual health, you should always be putting your mind, body, and soul in a position to succeed on a day-to-day basis. It’s not always easy, but it’s possible.

That’s where regular checkups with your primary care doctor can go a long way in protecting your body from disease, illness, infection, and so much more. They’re not just concerned with your present health, but they’re dedicated to helping you maintain that health in the future.

At Good Samaritan LV, we’re here to help you in your journey to a healthier mind, body, and soul. With regular check-ups, we can safely and effectively monitor your health both short-term and long-term to ensure you live a healthier, happier, longer, and more rewarding lifestyle.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor During a Checkup

When you schedule a regular checkup with your healthcare provider, it’s your opportunity to ask them any questions you might have regarding your health -- including any and all your medical concerns. Don’t be afraid to open up and discuss anything that’s bothering you – this is your moment to tackle those questions head-on with a professional.

With that said, many people have absolutely no idea what questions they should be asking and it’s completely okay to not have any questions that need to be answered – so long as you’re happy with your current health status. Keep in mind, it’s not going to be the same for everyone.

No matter where you land on that spectrum, we’re going to discuss some of the most prominent and popular questions you should consider asking your doctor during your next checkup. They won’t apply to everyone, but there’s no denying their importance during a physical health exam.

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Are my vital signs normal?

One of the first things your doctor will do during a yearly checkup is take note of your vitals. This includes your heart rate, high blood pressure, temperature, breathing rate, and weight. If you want to know what your vitals are or what it means for your health, don’t hesitate to ask!

Have you noticed any changes in my health since the last visit?

In order for a visit to be a regular checkup, they have to occur regularly. With that said, you’ll likely build a close relationship with your doctor as they observe your health every single year -- so long as you're communicating openly. Don’t be afraid to ask them how your health today compares to your health during the last visit.

Am I up-to-date on my vaccines?

Vaccines aren’t just for children – adults need them, too! Unfortunately, most adults either avoid them or forget about them. Luckily, your doctor has all the records they need and can help you monitor when and what vaccines you need (if any) – including a flu shot and Tdap vaccine.

What does my family medical history say about me?

Your family history says a lot about the various health risks you could encounter in your lifetime, which is why your family medicine physician always asks about it. If you’d like to know more about what your family medical history says about your health, just ask your doctor and they’ll go over it all.

Are there any symptoms I should be looking out for?

Speaking of health risks, most of us are at an increased risk of developing at least one illness, disease, condition, or infection as we grow older. You should not only know what those risks are but also how you can prevent them and some of the symptoms you should be looking out for -- whether they be physical symptoms or new mental health symptoms.

How often should I schedule an appointment with you?

You’ll always hear your doctor recommend scheduling an annual exam to properly monitor your health on a year-to-year basis, but some people might benefit from visiting more frequently than that. To ensure you’re receiving the right amount of medical attention, don’t be afraid to ask.

Do you recommend I take any supplements?

Supplements can go a long way in helping you stay healthy, especially when you’re unable to eat certain foods for whatever reason. At the same time, many supplements on the market today do more harm than good. Ask your doctor for any recommendations they might have. You can also ask about any lifestyle changes you should make.

Am I at a healthy weight for my age and size?

One of the beautiful things about the human race is that we all come in different shapes and sizes. With that said, there’s a point where your weight can become a problem – both for those that are overweight and underweight. If you’re concerned about your weight, reach out for help.

Should I be screened for anything?

When your doctor examines your health, they’re looking for problem areas that might need to be looked at further by a specialist. If they find something that might be of concern, they’ll send you to get screened for whatever that problem is (blood tests, etc.), that way they can move forward with treatment.

What are you examining during this check-up?

Many people might feel nervous or anxious before they head in for their regular checkups. If this sounds like you, don’t be afraid to open up the visit by asking the doctor what they’ll be examining for today. They’ll be happy to walk you through it to make you feel more comfortable.

Come See Us at Good Samaritan LV Today!

At Good Samaritan LV, we understand that your regular checkups are only as good as the primary care physician that’s administering them. That’s why we strive to provide best-in-class services to each and every patient that walks through our doors. You and your family’s health is our top priority.

Whether you’re worried about some symptoms you’ve been experiencing recently or want to schedule your annual physical exam with a professional, Good Samaritan LV is ready to serve you. Our welcoming and friendly staff will surpass your expectations of what good health care is.

Contact us today to discuss how we can best serve you and your family. We have both in-person and telemedicine visits available, so we can’t wait to meet you and your loved ones!

What Is Telemedicine?

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 16:45:05 GMT

The medical community is always searching for new and improved ways of ensuring each individual has access to the necessary care and resources needed to live a happy, healthy, quality, and rewarding life. No matter how good healthcare gets, it can always be better.

Technology has had an enormous influence on many of the advancements in the medical community. It allows doctors, patients, and everyone in-between the rare ability to stay connected and on the same page as the individual receives the care they desperately need.

With the emergence of the telephone and eventually the internet, the medical community has long been trying to make the most of this incredible technology. While they have done so in a variety of ways, perhaps none is more useful in the world today than telemedicine services.

So, what is telemedicine?

Telemedicine is a term used in the medical community that refers to the ability to provide clinical services remotely with the use of telephones, smartphones, computers, or any other form of telecommunications technology. Instead of meeting face-to-face, doctors and patients meet virtually.

The need and demand for implementing telemedicine and remote healthcare is nothing new to the health care industry and has played a major role in keeping seniors healthy in the comfort of their own homes. With that said, the need and demand have certainly increased in recent years – largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some people don’t feel comfortable seeing a doctor for an in-person appointment due to the risk of infection, while other people can’t see a doctor face-to-face because they’re already infected. With telemedicine, both sides win and the doctor is able to treat everyone in a timely manner.

Of course, the use of telemedicine goes far beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. There are a number of reasons why people might not feel comfortable or be unable to go to the doctor’s office, but telemedicine gives them virtual options when receiving the care they need.

Telemedicine vs. Telehealth

At a quick glance, telemedicine and telehealth services might sound similar. In fact, they’re often used interchangeably in the healthcare industry and they have similar meanings. With that said, there is a distinct difference between the two and it can cause confusion in some individuals.

While telemedicine largely refers to the way a doctor and patient communicate with each other, as well as doctors with other doctors, telehealth embodies a much more broad sense of healthcare delivery. It includes non-clinical services, like training, continuing medical education, and meetings. It also refers to the transfer of patient data and electronic medical records from one doctor to the next.

At the end of the day, telemedicine and telehealth each have the same goal within the healthcare industry – making healthcare more accessible and convenient for those that need it the most. Together, they have revolutionized the way doctors and other professionals treat their patients.

Telemedicine Benefits

Telemedicine has a wide range of uses in the healthcare industry and comes with a number of benefits – both to doctors and patients. And with the increased demand for telemedicine services, the industry is constantly finding new ways to incorporate and improve care for all.

Unless you’re still unsure about how telemedicine can benefit the doctor-patient relationship, we’re going to detail some of the most prominent and useful benefits telemedicine has to offer – including comfort, convenience, less traveling, reduced costs, less stress, and much more.

Better Control of Infectious Illness

Telemedicine has long helped doctors treat their patients while avoiding the spread of infectious diseases. This benefit was seen in a big way during the COVID-19 pandemic as telemedicine services continue to be a go-to source of remote patient monitoring for millions of people around the world.

See: COVID-19 Testing Las Vegas

Comfort, Convenience, and Ease

Another major benefit of telemedicine services is the comfort, convenience, and ease it provides patients when meeting with a medical professional. They’re able to do so in the convenience and comfort of their own home, which is much easier than dealing with traffic, waiting rooms, etc.

Avoiding Long-Distance Traveling

Speaking of traffic, telemedicine allows patients to bypass the long drives to their doctor’s office. This is especially true when visiting specialists and for those that live in rural areas. Of course, telemedicine also allows patients to include family members from other states in the visit.

Reduced Cost, Time, & Energy

Telemedicine saves both the patient and doctor a lot of time, energy, effort, and money. Not only do doctors need less overhead to maintain telemedicine appointments, but patients don’t need to take time out of their day traveling to the doctor’s office – which saves a lot of money on gas.

No Need for Childcare Services

One of the biggest stressors for parents when scheduling a doctor’s appointment is making sure their children are taken care of. Since babysitters can be expensive and bringing your child with you can add to the stress, patients can bypass all of that by doing the visit in their home.

Reduced Stress & Anxiety

Speaking of stress, many patients experience a reduction in the general stress and anxiety that overcomes them ahead of a doctor’s visit. Not only are patients in an environment they’re used to, but they aren’t faced with the hassle of trying to get to their doctor’s appointments on time.

When Is Telemedicine Most Useful?

We’ve talked about the benefits of telemedicine technology, but let’s talk about the many different uses and situations where it’s most beneficial to both the healthcare provider and patient. When utilized at the right time, it can secure the health and safety of everyone involved – both short- and long-term.

For example, telemedicine makes it extremely easy for health professionals and patients to complete follow-up visits and treat chronic illnesses that require frequent visits. It’s also useful with medication management, specialist consultations, and other remote clinical health services.

Does Good Samaritan LV Offer Telemedicine?

At Good Samaritan LV, we believe in helping as many people as possible and telemedicine plays a large role in our ability to follow through with that. With virtual care from the comfort of your own home, we can help a wide range of patients get access to the medical services they need at home.

In addition to our telemedicine service, we also offer same-day appointments and in-house COVID-19 testing. We’re in the business of helping you feel your best on a daily basis, so if anything is worrying you or you need a check-up, don’t hesitate to contact our office today!

Previous article: How Long Do the Benefits of Vitamin Therapy IV Treatment Last?

How Long Do the Benefits of Vitamin Therapy IV Treatment Last?

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 16:21:33 GMT

IV vitamin therapy, also known as intravenous therapy or IV infusion therapy, is a unique way for healthcare professionals to deliver a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients directly into the bloodstream. This comes with a variety of benefits and uses in the world today.

Normally, these nutrients would have to pass through the digestive system , whether it’s through your whole-food diet or through a supplement. Not only does the digestive system take a while to process the nutrients, but a percentage of the nutrients may never make it to fruition.

With vitamin IV therapy Las Vegas , you can bypass the digestive system entirely and inject the nutrients into the bloodstream, where it’s immediately available for absorption by the body’s cells. This is especially vital for those with nutrient deficiencies that struggle to maintain the daily amount.

So, how long does vitamin therapy IV treatment last?

Although the actual procedure only takes about 30 to 60 minutes, patients will normally feel the benefits for around three to four days after the treatment. As your vitamin levels normalize, the benefits will generally last longer and you could get away with one visit every two weeks.

The truth is there are a number of factors that play a role in just how long the benefits of IV infusion therapy last and it’s not going to be the same for everyone. Some of these factors include age, metabolism, biology, how you eat, your day-to-day lifestyle, and your overall health.

With that said, your doctor will work one-on-one with you to monitor your progress, that way they can administer the right nutrients, at the right doses, and at the right times. Since you don’t want to take too many vitamins and minerals, your doctor will ensure you get just enough.

What to Expect From Vitamin IV Therapy

The IV infusion procedure is fairly straightforward and won’t take a lot out of the patient. The nutrients are added to an IV bag that’s connected to a small tube. At the end of the tube is a small needle, which is injected directly into the patient’s vein – don’t worry, this doesn’t hurt.

The nutrients in the IV bag slowly drip down the tube and into the patient’s bloodstream. While this is happening, the patient is comfortably relaxing on a recliner chair and they’re free to read a book, listen to music, watch television, or do anything else that doesn’t require them to get up.

After half an hour to an hour, the needle is removed and the patient is free to go. Your doctor will let you know how often you should visit and the nurses will be available throughout the duration of the procedure to answer any questions or concerns that you might have.

What Are the Benefits of Vitamin IV Treatment?

We’ve talked a lot about how long patients will feel the benefits of IV therapy treatments, but that might lead many to wonder what those benefits are. It can help a lot of people that struggle with certain nutrient deficiencies and need a quick boost to elevate those levels as needed.

As we all know, the human body uses vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to function in a wide range of ways. Each nutrient generally has a number of responsibilities inside the body and when joined together, they can improve how the body and mind function on a day-to-day basis.

With that said, certain IV ‘cocktails’ contain unique combinations of nutrients that stand to benefit the body in specific ways. Some of those benefits include improved athletic performance, hydration, hangover relief, enhanced beauty, anti-aging properties, immunity, and much more.

Some of the most prominent and commonly used ingredients in IV vitamin infusions include Vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, Magnesium, Zinc, Biotin, amino acids, and other nutrients. Some health clinics even offer customized cocktails for the patient.

Vitamin IV Infusion Cocktails at Good Samaritan LV

At Good Samaritan LV, we are one of the few IV clinics in Las Vegas and we take great pride in offering a friendly, welcoming, and comforting environment for patients to enjoy throughout their IV drip procedure. From the moment you walk through the door until the moment you leave, we want you to know you’re in good hands.

We have a number of different IV treatments available for patients to choose from and they each come with their own unique benefits designed for certain individuals. If you don’t know which one suits you the best, you should speak with Dr. Shaun Jang, M.D. to answer any questions.

Here’s a brief look at the different cocktails we currently offer at Good Samaritan LV:

Get Up & Go - boost your metabolism and burn some fat as you experience a much-needed energy boost.
Quench - maintain proper hydration levels and fight the fatigue caused by dehydration.
Performance - enhance your athletic performance and improve your recovery time in the gym.
Glow - enjoy the anti-aging benefits that help you fight acne, reduce wrinkles, and tighten skin.
Alleviate - helps you reduce bloating, irritability, abdominal discomfort, and lower back pain.
Immunity - boost your immune health and immune system with Vitamin C and other nutrients that help you fight infection and illness on a daily basis.
Myer’s Cocktail - if you’re looking for a cocktail designed for overall wellness you’ve found it.

Our nurses are extremely skilled and experienced at IV vitamin treatment therapy. They’ll be there for you the entire length of the way and will ensure you have a pleasurable experience throughout. Feel free to bring something with you to help you pass the time, but it’ll be over before you know it!

If you have any questions about the above cocktails or would like to learn more about our office in general, you can contact us by filling out our online contact form or by calling us at (702) 202-3663 . We also offer telemedicine services if you’d like to learn more that way.

We can’t wait to hear from you and help your body receive the nutrients it needs to function at its best.

Read previous: Physician-Assisted Weight Loss FAQ

Physician-Assisted Weight Loss FAQ

Sat, 15 Jan 2022 15:45:02 GMT

If losing weight were easy, then none of us would need help achieving our weight loss goals and we would all be healthy. Unfortunately, losing weight is far from easy and there are millions of people struggling to lose weight on every given day. It’s a problem that’s only getting worse.

In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are nearly two billion adults around the world that are considered overweight (body mass index of at least 25). Of those two billion adults, over 33% of them are considered obese (body mass index of at least 30).

Since excess weight gain can wreak havoc on your overall health and wellness (physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually) it’s extremely important that you receive the proper guidance and direction with your weight loss plan – enter medically-supervised weight loss.

What Is Medically-Supervised Weight Loss?

Doctor-assisted weight loss is exactly as it sounds – weight loss under the supervision of a medical professional. Patients work one-on-one with a physician to help make positive changes in their life and introduce them to the right methods to promote safe and effective results.

Your doctor will often use a combination of changes to your diet, regular exercise, supplements approved by the FDA, and other techniques proven to help you achieve your weight loss goals. So long as you stay committed to the process, you’ll eventually see the results you wanted.

If you’re new to the idea of medical weight loss or would like to learn more about it, then you likely have plenty of questions about the program. Don’t worry, you’re not alone and we’re going to help by clearing up some of the most frequently asked questions up below!

What are the benefits of a medically-supervised weight loss program?

The benefits of a medically-assisted weight loss program are clear – you get access to proven methods designed to help you lose weight. You don’t have to sit around and wonder if a fad diet or trendy workout plan will work or not. If you give it your best effort, you will see results.

Of course, there are also all the benefits that come with leading a more healthy lifestyle. You’ll look better, you’ll feel better, you’ll think better, you’ll act better, and you’ll live a rewarding life!

How does one determine if someone is obese vs overweight?

Obesity and overweight are often measured by a person’s body mass index (BMI). Adults that have a body mass index of at least 25 are considered overweight, while those with a BMI of at least 30 are considered obese. The higher the body mass index, the more severe the obesity.

For children, physicians generally focus on weight-for-height if under the age of five years old or BMI-for-age if between the ages of 5-19 years old. These provide the most accurate diagnosis.

Can medically-assisted weight loss help anyone?

The short answer is yes, medically-assisted weight loss can help anyone. It doesn’t matter what your age is, what your BMI is, how much you weigh, or how much you’re trying to lose. Weight loss under the supervision of a physician can help anyone lose 150 pounds or 15 pounds.

With that said, medically-assisted weight loss is not recommended for anyone pregnant or nursing, as well as anyone who has certain health conditions or takes certain medications.

How can excess body weight damage the body?

Excess body weight and a high BMI can lead to a number of unwanted health consequences that negatively impact your quality of life. This includes cardiovascular diseases, some cancers, musculoskeletal disorders, mental health issues, diabetes, digestive issues, and so much more.

The sooner you can get a grip on your weight loss goals and begin the process of losing weight, the sooner you can work towards a healthier tomorrow, brighter future, and more rewarding life.

Will I need to take supplements to help me lose weight?

There are a number of supplements that could help speed up the weight loss process by providing the body with the right nutrients for optimal function. While there are several formulas available on the consumer market, your physician will also use FDA-approved supplements.

Two of the most common FDA-approved, prescription-only supplements for weight loss include Phentermine and Contrave. Your physician may also use vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients through fat-burning injections.

What lifestyle changes will I need to make?

Nothing’s more important to your weight loss journey than eating the right diet and exercising regularly. With proper nutrition and physical activity, you can limit the amount of calories you consume each day and maximize the amount of calories and fat you burn at the same time.

In addition to that, you’ll likely be asked to improve your sleeping patterns, stress management, social life, and mental health. These will all help contribute to a more effective weight loss program.

How does this program compare to all the fad diets available today?

Anyone who spends a little bit of time on the internet or social media each day is exposed to a number of popular weight loss programs and diets. They come with some heavy claims, but they’re usually more hype than anything else because they’re not personalized to each client.

Since everyone’s body is unique, they each require a different treatment program when losing weight. Under the supervision of a doctor, your program is custom-tailored to meet your needs.

How many times do I have to visit the doctor’s office?

It’s important to build a healthy and strong relationship with your weight loss physician. Don’t worry, that doesn’t mean you’ll be in their office every single day. It does, however, mean that you can expect regular follow-ups while your doctor monitors your progress and results.

These follow-ups are important because it gives your doctor an opportunity to assess your current health and make any necessary changes to the customized weight loss program.

Have More Questions? Contact Good Samaritan LV!

Medically-supervised weight loss in vegas can help you gain your confidence and self-esteem back, especially if you’ve been struggling to lose weight for quite some time. Under the supervision of a medical professional, you can rest assured that achieving a healthy weight is around the corner!

If you’d like to learn more about weight loss management at Good Samaritan LV, feel free to contact our office right away. We’d be happy to answer your questions to the best of our ability!

Read more on our article on What Is Therapy for Weight Loss?

What Is Therapy for Weight Loss?

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 15:31:11 GMT

The weight loss journey is a long and trying one for many people struggling to maintain a healthy weight. It might seem like the entire world is working against you, but it’s important not to panic. By taking things one step at a time and not giving up, you can achieve your desired results.

With that said, losing weight doesn’t come with a one-size-fits-all solution. Everyone’s body is different, everyone has different goals, and everyone reacts to certain techniques, programs, and weight loss treatments differently. What works for one person might not work for the next person.

That’s why it’s important to take everything into consideration, so long as there’s proof that it works – especially if you’re not seeing results from other, more traditional techniques. If this sounds like you, then you might benefit from something called weight loss therapy.

So, what is weight loss therapy?

Weight loss therapy is a unique form of cognitive behavioral therapy. Also known as CBT, cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on changing an individual’s thinking and behavioral patterns. It has a variety of uses in the mental health community.

With weight loss therapy, your thoughts and behaviors about the world and yourself are challenged. You’re tasked with making positive lifestyle changes and adopting healthy habits by securing the mental aspect of weight loss. Over time, these changes help you lose weight.

In addition to giving you the resources, skills, and desire to lose weight, weight loss therapy is designed to help you maintain your weight once you reach that coveted target weight. As a result, you receive long-term results that continue to reward you for many years to come.

What Are the Main Causes of Weight Gain?

Weight gain, much like weight loss, is a rather complex process that varies for each individual. With that said, we understand that weight gain occurs when we consume more calories than we burn. While there are exceptions to that statement, it’s the most common root of the problem.

Of course, there are plenty of factors that play a role in our bodies getting to that point. Let’s take a look at some of the most prominent:

Always being around fatty, high-calorie foods
Eating habits we developed as a child
Eating food as a form of stress management
Genetics and family history
Not keeping track of daily calorie intake
Not getting enough daily physical activity

Excessive weight gain is dangerous, no matter who you are or what the cause is. It can lead to a number of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and much more. If you want to live a healthy life, then you must commit yourself to losing weight.

Primary Goals of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Weight Loss

Utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy for losing weight can help an individual gain the confidence, self-awareness, and desire to better themselves – physically and mentally. It’ll help them detect the root of the problem, fix the root of the problem, and better maintain their health in the future.

Here’s a look at some of the primary goals when using CBT for weight loss:

Determine why the patient gained weight in the first place
Detect problem areas that are making it hard to lose weight
Change your entire belief and perception of food and exercise
Finding other forms of stress management, opposed to using food
Identify habits and lifestyle changes that need to be made
Change the way you view yourself and your body image
Help you better understand why you do the things you do
Help you better understand why some changes are necessary

Although cognitive behavioral therapy won’t directly help someone lose weight, it’ll give patients the tools they need to achieve their desired results. The mental improvements made will translate to your sleeping habits, eating habits, exercise habits, and overall wellness.

Methods Used During Weight Loss Therapy

Now that you understand some of the most important goals behind cognitive behavioral therapy for losing weight, it’s time to go over some of the most prominent methods used during weight loss therapy. These are the different techniques your therapist utilizes to achieve progress.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common and effective weight loss therapy methods:

Goal-Setting & Time Management
Self-Monitoring
Socratic Questioning
Homework
Feedback & Reinforcement
Motivation-Building Exercises
Incentives & Rewards
Stress Management
Facing Your Fears

When done correctly, therapy for losing weight can be life-changing to the individual and their loved ones. It gives them that feeling of a new start and gives them something to be proud of. Better yet, these positive changes will continue to reward them for many years to come.

How to Find the Right Weight Loss Therapist

If you’re interested in weight loss therapy in Las Vegas and believe you would benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy for losing weight, it’s important that you find yourself a quality, experienced, and passionate weight loss therapist. After all, you want them to be qualified and licensed.

Before you begin your search, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Don’t be afraid to meet with several different therapists to see which one is a better fit
Don’t be afraid to ask questions when meeting with your weight loss therapist
Ensure they have valuable experience helping others lose weight with the help of CBT
Always read past patient reviews, testimonials, and feedback before scheduling an appointment
Find a weight loss therapist that works with your insurance company
Make sure your therapist is well-educated and uses up-to-date techniques and methods

When you find the right weight loss therapist, you’ll know it. You’ll find it easy to communicate with them, you’ll respect their opinion and appreciate their advice, you’ll listen to them, and you’ll feel comfortable in their office. This all translates to a better patient experience and even better results.

Achieve Your Weight Loss Goals With Good Samaritan!

If you’re struggling to meet your weight loss goals or are interested in exploring a weight loss program for the first time, you’ve come to the right place. At Good Samaritan, we offer physician-assisted weight management designed to help you maintain overall health.

Read our article on What is Included in Primary Care?

What is Included in Primary Care?

ronelp@goodsamaritanlv.com (Ronel Peruel) — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 16:30:05 GMT

Taking good care of your body is much easier said than done. You’re going to run into a number of different obstacles and will need to overcome a variety of hurdles when maintaining your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. It takes a lot of effort, but it’s 100% necessary.

Luckily, you don’t have to do it alone. With the help of a primary care doctor, you don’t have to navigate the health care system all by yourself and will have access to the right guidance, advice, resources, referrals, lifestyle changes, and more. It’s a relationship you’ll benefit from.

With that said, many people are a little confused over the exact purpose of a primary care practice and what’s included in a primary care setting. Don’t worry, we’re going to clear a lot of that up for you below and will touch base on all the different types of primary care practitioners.

So, what is included in primary care services?

Primary care practices are designed to assist patients with their personal health care needs. They act as the main line of communication between a patient and the health care system as a whole. A primary care practitioner specializes in first contact and long-term care for patients.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), some of the major services and goals with primary care include health promotion, disease prevention, health maintenance, counseling, patient education, and diagnosis or treatment of both acute and chronic illnesses.

Primary care physicians work out of a variety of health care settings, including outpatient, inpatient, schools, in-home, telehealth, critical care, and more. They work one-on-one with the patient to provide support and guidance as they navigate the complex healthcare system. The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Primary Care Physician vs. Specialized Care

Primary care physicians and medical specialists play an important role in maintaining a patient’s health. They often work in conjunction with one another and work together to support and guide the patient with quality health care services. With their help, your health is in good hands.

The difference between the two is pretty straightforward. As we learned above, a primary care practitioner is the main line of communication and often the patient’s first call. They’re who the patient goes to when they have questions or are worried about a particular health concern.

Where primary care doctors provide general care, medical specialists provide targeted care geared towards a specific area of the body. For example, a gastroenterologist specializes in digestive organs. They’re usually the patient’s second trip after the primary care physician.

The primary care doctor usually refers the patient to a medical specialist when they feel something needs to be looked at more closely. Since medical specialists have more knowledge and experience with that particular area of the body, they can help detect, diagnose, and treat.

The 4 Major Types of Primary Care Providers

Primary care and preventive care especially in Las Vegas are necessary to living a healthy, happy, long, and rewarding life. Everyone should have a primary care physician that they’ve built a relationship and trust with their healthcare needs. If you don’t, there’s never been a better time than right now!

While some primary care doctors accept all patients, they usually specialize in one of four areas of primary care -- family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, or obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN). Don’t worry, we’ll break down the differences between each area of primary care.

Family Medicine

Family medicine doctors are comfortable with detecting, diagnosing, and treating patients of any age -- whether it be an infant, child, teenager, young adult, adult, or elder. They’re the perfect choice for anyone that’s looking to have one primary care doctor for the entire family.

Internal Medicine

Internal medicine doctors are comfortable with detecting, diagnosing, and treating adult patients. Also known as internists, these primary care physicians have extensive knowledge of common illnesses, diseases, ailments, and health concerns that arise in early- to late adulthood.

Pediatricians

On the other hand, pediatricians are comfortable with detecting, diagnosing, and treating younger patients -- from newborns to young adults. If you’re looking for someone who specializes in children’s health care, a pediatrician should be at the top of your list.

Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN)

OB-GYN doctors -- short for obstetricians and gynecologists-- are experts in women’s health and more specifically the female reproductive system. Whether you need help with family planning, birth control, pregnancy, or menopause, an OB-GYN doctor is your best option.

When Should You Visit a Primary Care Clinic?

Now that you understand a little more about what is included in primary care, how it differs from specialized care, and the different types of primary care physicians, let’s briefly touch base on the importance of scheduling a regular visit with your primary care practitioner -- starting today!

Establishing a strong relationship with your primary care doctor is very important to the long-term maintenance of your health. It not only helps you build an up-to-date medical record, but it gives them time to learn more about your lifestyle, habits, choices, and way of living.

With that said, you should be visiting your primary care physician at least once per year for an annual checkup. You might need to visit more often if you have a chronic condition, are above the age of 60, or were directed to by your primary care doctor -- so book your visit today!

Good Samaritan LV Is Here for You!

Good Samaritan is a Las Vegas-based primary care health clinic located on the corner of S Maryland Parkway and E Desert Inn Road -- right across from Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center. We take great pride in serving the Vegas community with quality healthcare services.

Whether you’re searching for a new primary care physician, just moved here from out of town, or haven’t scheduled a visit with a primary care doctor in a while, Good Samaritan is ready to serve you. Contact us today to learn more about our office or schedule an appointment today!

We can’t wait to meet you and help you achieve a healthier, happier, and more rewarding life!

Along with primary care, we offer a vast range of other health services. As an IV therapy clinic in Las Vegas , we offer many "cocktails" that serve different health functions. Whatever your health needs, we'll be there to help find what's best.

Read our article on 10 Reasons to Schedule an Appointment With Your Primary Care Physician

10 Reasons to Schedule an Appointment With Your Primary Care Physician

ronelp@goodsamaritanlv.com (Ronel Peruel) — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 16:39:24 GMT

Think of your primary care physician as your bridge that connects you to the healthcare community, ensuring you have the proper resources, care, attention, and advice to live a happy, healthy, and rewarding lifestyle. With preventive care, you can live a long and prosperous life.

As important as your primary care physician is to your long-term health, many people don’t schedule an appointment often enough. Instead of waiting for something to go wrong, a regular visit to your primary care doctor can help detect problem areas before they become a problem.

Of course, that’s just one of the many reasons why you should schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. A regular appointment goes a long way in detecting, monitoring, and treating your body in a timely manner. Here are some more reasons to schedule that visit:

You’ll Build a Good Relationship With Your Primary Care Physician

Having a strong support group is essential to living a quality life. With regular visits to your primary care physician, they become an extended member of that support group. They’re dedicated to keeping you healthy, which is why a strong relationship with them is necessary.

Routine Checkups Are Generally Covered By Health Insurance

For those that have health insurance, you’re usually covered for at least one routine checkup with a primary care doctor each year. There’s really no reason not to take advantage of it, especially considering how much you can learn about your health in just one primary care visit.

You’ll Build Accurate & Up-To-Date Medical Records & Medical History

As you get older, having an accurate and up-to-date medical history is extremely important -- even if you don’t have any major health concerns or issues. If something were to go wrong or you were to change doctors for whatever reason, you’ll have a strong paper trail of your health.

Preventive Care Is Essential to Living a Long Life

Your primary care physician is tasked with keeping you healthy and that means putting the patient in a position to succeed from a health standpoint. With preventive care, patients are making the lifestyle choices and habitual changes necessary to lead a quality and healthy life.

You Receive Regular Screenings & Tests

When you visit a primary care practice or clinic, they run a number of different screenings and tests to measure your current health state. These screenings and tests play a major role in preventive care and are essential to receiving quality and professional help in a timely manner.

Early Detection Is Key to Successful Treatment

Primary care physicians often play a major role in detecting certain illnesses, diseases, or problem areas in their early stages. Not only does this result in a more effective treatment plan, but it gives you and your doctor time to determine the best possible solution to the health issue.

Primary Care Physicians Can Direct You to Experienced Specialists

While primary care physicians know a lot about the body, their major focus is on preventive care. In the event they detect an issue or believe you need to be looked at further, they refer you to a specialist that specializes in the area of the body your primary doctor is concerned about.

Primary Care Doctors Help You Make Positive Change In Your Life

Primary care physicians offer an unbiased, outside perspective of how you live your life -- from the decisions you make to the foods you eat, physical activity, social life, and more. If you give them a chance, they can help you make positive and empowering changes in your life.

Reduce Hospital Visits & Lower Medical Costs

One of the major benefits of preventive care with a primary care physician is the reduction in hospital visits and reduced medical bills. When you detect issues early, you get a head start on the recovery process and prevent the health concern from getting any worse than it already is.

Your Body Will Thank You

Our bodies go through a lot on a daily basis. From the everyday stressors that life throws our way to the physical and mental exhaustion we experience far too often, your body can use all the help it can get. A regular visit with your primary care doctor is just what your body needs.

When Should You Schedule an Appointment With a Primary Care Doctor?

As a general rule of thumb, you should schedule a visit with your primary care doctor once per year -- making it an annual checkup. If you’re over the age of 60 years old or you have a chronic condition that needs monitoring, you should schedule a visit twice per year -- or as directed.

Outside of your routine checkup, here are some reasons why you might schedule an appointment with a primary care physician:

Chronic disease management (diabetes, heart disease, skin issues, etc.)
Referrals for a medical specialist, nutritionist, or other professional
Sudden illness or injury that needs to be looked at
Respiratory or circulatory concerns (asthma, high blood pressure)
Ear or eye infections
Depression or anxiety symptoms, changes in mood or mental health
Issues with bladder or bowel movements
Weight loss or weight management

In the event of an emergency, bypass a visit with your primary care doctor and head straight to the emergency room or hospital. If you need an ambulance, call 9-1-1 immediately and request help at your location. Other than that, don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help if needed.

Schedule an Appointment at Good Samaritan LV

At Good Samaritan LV, we believe in preventing disease and ensuring our patients don’t step through the complex healthcare system by their lonesome. Whether you’re ready for your annual wellness exam or need a specialist referral, you’re in good hands at Good Samaritan.

We provide a warm and welcoming environment from the moment you walk into our office. You’re greeted by a friendly staff and assisted by experienced nurses to ensure a positive experience for every patient. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shaun Jang!

Read our previous article on Undergo IV Therapy to Boost Immune System This Holiday Season

Undergo IV Therapy to Boost Immune System This Holiday Season

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 17:30:05 GMT

The holiday season is upon us, which is exciting for a lot of us. We’re going to be spending a lot of time with loved ones, we’re going to enjoy a lot of warm, home-cooked meals, we’re going to give thanks to those we care about, and exchange gifts with those that mean the most to us.

Of all the things we have to look forward to this holiday season, it’s important that we stay prepared for what the cooler temperatures bring us. Most of us aren’t as physically active, we spend more time indoors with other people, and we spend a lot of our day trying to stay warm.

All of these things can contribute to a weakened immune system and sluggish immune response. Since the immune system is responsible for protecting the body from bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins, it’s extremely important that we properly care for our immune system.

How Can IV Infusion Therapy Promote a Healthy Immune System?

IV therapy Las Vegas is a more effective alternative than oral supplements , whether it be a capsule formula or a powdered formula. It allows for essential vitamins and minerals -- among other nutrients -- to be injected directly into the bloodstream, opposed to traveling through the GI tract.

By taking advantage of nutrients with immune-boosting properties and adding them to an IV bag, you can not only boost immune function and strengthen the immune system but promote overall health and wellness -- which is important, especially during the cold and flu season.

Below, we’re going to detail some of the most prominent vitamins and minerals when keeping your immune system strong and healthy during the holiday season:

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Perhaps no vitamin is more important to immune health than Vitamin C. Also known as ascorbic acid, Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that’s commonly found in cantaloupe, citrus fruits, broccoli, red cabbage, kiwi, bell peppers, rose hips, guavas, thyme, black currants, and parsley.

Vitamin C is a master antioxidant that helps protect the body from cell damage caused by free radicals. It also helps promote wound healing, supports immune function, and encourages white blood cell formation. A deficiency in Vitamin C is often linked to a wide range of symptoms.

B Complex Vitamins

There are eight B vitamins referred to as B complex vitamins -- B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin). They’re water-soluble vitamins commonly found in leafy greens, meat, dairy, and eggs.

While they’re most known for helping the body break down food for energy, they are also involved in a wide range of other processes inside the body. For example, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 both play a major role in immune system health and function.

Vitamin E

Also known as tocopherol, Vitamin E is another vitamin that supports the immune system. It’s a fat-soluble vitamin that’s commonly found in sunflower seeds, peanut butter, almonds, spinach, red bell peppers, asparagus, pumpkin, mango, olive oil, squash, and avocado -- to name a few.

Like Vitamin C, Vitamin E is largely known for its antioxidant properties. It plays a major role in T-cell formation, cell signaling, and gene expression. Although a Vitamin E deficiency is rare, those that aren’t getting enough each day through their regular diet will experience symptoms.

Vitamin D

Low levels of Vitamin D are often linked to a weaker immune system, although the role it plays in the immune system is complex. For example, every white blood cell is equipped with Vitamin D receptors and enzyme activators that help maintain a healthy and balanced immune system.

Our main source of Vitamin D is sunlight exposure to skin, but it’s also found fortified in some foods -- such as milk, fatty fish, orange juice, oatmeal, and yogurt. Since most people spend a lot of time indoors during the holiday season, they might not be getting enough Vitamin D daily.

Zinc

Zinc is an essential trace mineral that plays a role in hundreds of different body functions and processes -- including the immune system. It’s commonly found in meat, shellfish, legumes, seeds, nuts, dairy, eggs, whole grains, chocolate, and some vegetables (potatoes, kale, etc.).

Low levels of zinc can make it difficult for the immune system to fight infection and heal wounds. Although a deficiency is rare in the United States, those that don’t eat a lot of meat might not get enough daily. As we enter the holiday season, it’s a mineral you’ll want to keep an eye on.

Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System This Winter

Eating a well-balanced diet that takes into account the vitamins and minerals listed above is one way to naturally boost your immune system this winter. Of course, it’s not the only thing you should focus your efforts on, as there are plenty of factors that play a role in immune health.

For example, getting enough quality sleep each night, eating more healthy fats (Omega 3 fatty acids), regular exercise or physical activity, staying hydrated with water and electrolytes, and managing your stress levels are all essential to a healthy and strong immune system.

And while oral supplements can give your body that immunity boost you need, they won’t be nearly as effective as IV (intravenous) infusion therapy. If you’re someone that doesn’t enjoy capsule supplements or powdered formulas, then IV drip therapy is designed for you.

Good Samaritan Offers IV Therapy to Boost Immune System

At Good Samaritan Health Care Clinic, we take pride in serving the Las Vegas community with best-in-class health care services -- including IV therapy. In fact, we have a unique IV ‘cocktail’ designed to boost the immune system and provide a better immune response to life’s stressors.

With our welcoming staff, comfortable atmosphere, friendly customer service, and experienced nurses, our patients feel right at home when entering our office. We’re prepared to give you a VIP-like experience when undergoing IV infusion therapy and are excited to welcome you in.

Contact Good Samaritan today to schedule your next IV therapy appointment -- we can’t wait to meet you!

Good Personal Health Habits to Adopt This Winter Season

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 17:26:14 GMT

Read Our Previous Article on Understanding the Importance of Regular Health Check-Up Appointments

Understanding the Importance of Regular Health Check-Up Appointments

ronelp@goodsamaritanlv.com (Ronel Peruel) — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 21:50:29 GMT

Read our previous article on What To Expect During an IV Infusion Therapy Appointment

What to Expect During an IV Infusion Therapy Appointment

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What to Look For In A Primary Care Clinic

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