How to Choose a Pregnancy Doctor

Pregnancy causes a lot of changes to occur in a woman's body. With those changes come aches, pains, nausea, heartburn, and other symptoms. Every woman will experience some symptoms during pregnancy and the doctor you choose should be there to listen, give advice, and give suggestions for treatment. Here are a few things you should consider when you are looking for a pregnancy doctor:

Doctor’s outlook - Pregnancy comes with many challenges of its own, so you don’t want to be constantly disagreeing with your doctor as well. Sometimes pregnancy doctors have a small blurb about themselves that you can read online before scheduling an appointment. If not, you can always switch doctors after your first appointment. Your desires during your pregnancy must align with the suggestions from your doctor otherwise it will be a long nine months.

Your health history - This doesn’t apply to everyone, but it’s important to find a pregnancy doctor who has experience with any health conditions you have. For instance, if you’ve had an ectopic pregnancy in the past, you should seek out a doctor who listens to your worries about any symptoms you have. Your health history needs to be taken seriously, especially if you’ve had life-threatening experiences for you or your baby in the past.

Compatibility - It’s important to have a pregnancy doctor you look forward to seeing. Make sure you feel heard and taken care of because a doctor should take you seriously when you bring up symptoms you’re experiencing during your pregnancy.

Insurance - You should figure out if the doctor you are going with accepts your insurance, before your first appointment. If your insurance isn’t accepted at the doctor's office you like, you should go elsewhere to save yourself money. Being proactive about figuring out what doctor’s offices accept your insurance is the best approach when you are looking for a pregnancy doctor.

Contact Olean Medical Group if you are looking for a pregnancy doctor. We proudly serve Olean, NY and the surrounding areas. We hope to hear from you soon!

 

Rely on Allergy Specialists for Professional Care

If you suffer severe allergies, there's simply no reason you should be forced to battle these extreme symptoms on your own. Even if your allergy symptoms are mild, why should you have to deal with puffy eyes and a runny nose? These days, allergy specialists are constantly standing by to lend a helping hand! Thanks to advances in our understanding of seasonal and year-round allergies, it's possible to eliminate your discomfort at the source.

Today's allergists and immunologists have made it easier than ever to curb your bothersome allergy symptoms. Using a series of deductive methods and effective tests, these doctors are able to pinpoint the origin of your allergies, prior to prescribing the perfect treatment options. Be sure to browse the following section if you're interested in exploring the benefits of seeing a certified allergy specialist. We urge you to schedule a professional consultation if you suffer any of the following symptoms on a regular basis.

Allergy Specialists are Equipped to Address the Following Symptoms

  • Chronic sinus infections and severe nasal congestion
  • Hay fever or distinct seasonal symptoms
  • Over-the-counter allergy medications produce unacceptable side effects and drowsiness
  • Your allergies are interfering with your professional responsibilities
  • Your allergies decrease your overall quality-of-life
  • It's hard for you to catch your breath
  • You feel tightness in your chest
  • You experience frequent asthma attacks even though you are taking asthma medication

Schedule a Consultation With Our Allergy Specialists in Olean, NY

If you suspect that you could use the assistance of a certified allergy specialist, don't waste another moment. Simply contact one of the knowledgeable representatives at Olean Medical Group to access unmatched care. For years, our staff members have continued to assist patients throughout Olean, NY and all the surrounding communities. We're here to help you feel your very best.

COVID-19: What You Need To Know

Coronavirus is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. It causes mild to moderate respiratory illnesses and can be spread through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. The virus affects everyone differently, but some common symptoms appear between 2-14 days of exposure. These symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion
  • Runny nose
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

How Is It Transmitted & How To Social Distance

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 can be spread from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. That is why it is important to take the proper precautions to protect yourself and others in your home from getting and spreading it. By washing your hands and social distancing, you can help stop the spread. It is recommended to stay away from mass gatherings and stay at least 6 feet from one another as you could breathe in the respiratory droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs. By covering your nose and mouth with a mask when you are in public, you can also help stop the spread.

COVID-19 Vaccines

Multiple vaccines have been rolling out across the country including those from Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. While there is much skepticism over the vaccine, it is proven to be effective and safe. Social media has given those who are skeptical a platform to spread fear. However, many of these myths are not true. These vaccines help our immune systems recognize the virus to help fight it off. They will keep you from getting seriously ill if you should be infected by COVID-19. It's important to stay well-hydrated before and after your vaccine as well as continue to social distance, wear a mask, and wash your hands often. If you are experiencing shortness of breath, you should consider seeing one of our heart doctors.

Contact Our Family & Pediatric Doctors

If you or someone in your family are having common COVID-19 symptoms in the Olean, NY area, rely on the family and pediatric doctors at Olean Medical Group. We can give you further information on the steps you should take including getting tested, quarantining, and more. We can also give you important vaccination information.

Our family and pediatric doctors are still seeing patients during this time as your health is important to keep up with. We are following New York State and local public health guidelines and are taking special measures to physically distance inside our waiting rooms. Patients and employees are screened daily. We are committed to ensuring that our patients receive appropriate medical care, especially during this time. For more information or to schedule service with one of our family, pediatric, or heart doctors, contact Olean Medical Group today.

 

How to Avoid the Flu This Season

Each year in the United States 10 to 35 million cases of the flu arise each year. The Flu is responsible for around 140,000–710,000 hospitalizations and 12,000–56,000 deaths annually. But what is the flu?

The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness that is caused by influenza types A and B viruses. Flu season begins in October, peaks in December, and sometimes lasts as late at May. There are certain groups of people who are at the greatest risk of experiencing complications from the flu including young children, pregnant women, adults who are over 65, and those who have chronical medical conditions.

Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people also may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.

Recommendations on How to Avoid the Flu

  • Get the flu shot – This is the single best thing you can do to protect yourself from severe illness. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every year before flu activity begins in October.
  • Take preventative actions – To stop the spread of germs try to avoid close contact with those who are sick, stay away from others if you are sick, remember to cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands with soap and be sure to disinfect surfaces.
  • Try flu antiviral drugs - Flu antiviral drugs are prescription medications that reduce flu severity and complications. They may also prevent you from getting flu when taken before getting sick. They work by fighting the flu virus and preventing it from multiplying in your body. These are not available over the counter.
  • Give your immune system a boost – When your immune system is in tiptop shape it launches an attack on threats — such as the flu. Implement healthy living strategies such as consuming a fruit- and vegetable-rich diet, exercising frequently, aiming for a healthy BMI, sleeping for 7–9 hours each night and reducing stress.