When You Should Visit Your Prenatal Doctor

Your baby is precious to you and your partner. You love them unconditionally and want them to grow healthy. A part of doing that is visiting your prenatal doctor often. They will check on the health of the baby and monitor for any early warning signs of potential issues. Your doctor will also provide you with advice on how to best prepare for the birth of your child and any dietary or lifestyle changes that you should be making. So, how often should you be visiting your pregnancy doctor?

How often you should be scheduling your prenatal appointments will depend on how far along into the pregnancy you are. For example, you should be having one every four weeks during weeks 4-28 of the pregnancy. During weeks 28-36 of pregnancy, you should have an appointment every 2 weeks. For the rest of the pregnancy, you should be scheduling weekly visits.

Contact Our Pregnancy Doctor Today!

Olean Medical Group has pregnancy doctors serving the Olean, NY area. If you are pregnant, you should be routinely having prenatal appointments. It is paramount to ensure a successful delivery and a healthy baby. We will answer any questions that you may have and monitor the baby’s health for any concerns. Contact us today to schedule your prenatal appointment!

A neurologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating illnesses and diseases that affect the nervous system. Your nervous system includes elements such as the brain, nerves, and the spinal cord. It controls everything you feel, think, and do - from moving your limbs to the regular beating of your heart. 

Conditions that affect the nervous system include problems with coordination, muscle weakness, dizziness, confusion, and other changes in sensation. People who are experiencing problems with their senses, such as vision, touch, or smell, may also need to visit a neurologist. Because this system is so complex, there are many conditions and sub-conditions that a neurologist can diagnose and treat. 

If you have never visited a neurologist before, you might not be sure what to expect. At Olean Medical Group, we want to make sure that you feel prepared. Here is what you can expect when you visit the neurologist for the first time. 

Preparation

To get the most out of your appointment with the neurologist, it helps to prepare in advance. Depending on your specific situation, we might have specific instructions; however, we do recommend doing all or some of the following: 

• Make a List: It can be difficult to remember everything you want to discuss in the moment. Start keeping a list before your appointment of the important issues that you want to discuss with your neurologist. This includes any changes in your overall health, as well as any new or changing symptoms.
• Keep a Log: If your neurologist is well-informed, they can provide the most appropriate treatment. Before your appointment, start keeping a symptom diary to bring with you. Record events, including day and time they occurred, how long each event lasted, triggers, severity, symptoms you noticed, and any action you might have taken to end the event. This can be especially useful if you have a condition in which symptoms are not constant, such as sleep apnea, headaches, epilepsy, or Parkinson’s disease. 
• Assemble Records: Before your appointment, gather records so your neurologist has a complete picture of your overall health history. Include copies of test results, including any images or lab work ordered by other healthcare providers, 
• Gather Information: To provide a complete picture, make a list of your current prescription or over-the-counter medications, as well as any vitamins or supplements you might take. You should also write a list of any known allergies you have. 

If you come to your appointment prepared with as much information as possible, it allows your neurologist to have a complete picture as they search for possible answers. 

Complete Exam

During your first appointment with your neurologist, they will likely perform a physical exam and a neurological exam to get a complete picture. A neurological exam will test your coordination, muscle strength, and reflex. This helps your neurologist get an idea of your physical health and neurological status before gathering more information. Your neurologist will also review any test results and other documentation you bring to get an idea of where to begin.

Tests

Since different disorders can have similar symptoms, it may be necessary to order additional tests to make a confident diagnosis. We may recommend a combination of procedures to help identify a condition and make a treatment plan. Most typical neurological procedures include: 

• Electromyography (EMG): An EMG measures electrical activity between your brain or spinal cord to a peripheral nerve in your arms or legs. This type of test helps diagnose spinal cord disease or general muscle and nerve dysfunction. During the EMG, small electrodes will be inserted into your muscles to help measure activity during movement and rest. 
• Nerve Conduction Velocity Test (NCV): An NCV assesses how well your nerves send the necessary signals to control a given muscle. This is often performed in conjunction with an EMG; small pulses are sent from electrodes into your muscles to stimulate your nerves, while another set of electrodes measures the results. 
• Electroencephalogram (EEG): An EEG measures electrical activity in your brain. It uses small electrodes around your scalp and measures brain signals as it reacts to small changes in your environment. This helps your neurologist identify conditions of the brain such as inflammation, tumors, and injuries; it can also help diagnose seizures and psychiatric disorders. 
• Tensilon Test: During this type of test, your neurologist will inject you with a medicine called Tensilon. Then they will observe how it affects your muscle movements. 
• Lumbar Puncture: If your neurologist believes that your symptoms are caused by a problem with your nervous system, your spinal fluid can provide answers. The lumbar procedure involves numbing the spine, then inserting a needle and taking a sample of spinal fluid. 
• Other Tests: There are other tests that might apply to your situation, including sleep studies, imaging tests, and angiography. Your neurologist will order those tests as recommended. 

If you have an appointment with your neurologist coming up, knowing what to expect can help you feel less nervous. Your neurologist might work with your primary care physician or other members of your healthcare team to diagnose and treat any symptoms or conditions you might have. Your appointment is the first step to getting answers and working toward a comprehensive care plan. 

If you are located in the Olean, NY area, Olean Medical Group is here to help with any neurological questions you might have. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment! 

Gynecology Doctors Serving Olean, NY

Upon reaching a certain age, every female will need to start seeing a gynecologist. While it is always valuable to have a good relationship with the medical professionals you visit, due to the sensitive nature of gynecology, finding the right OB-GYN is extra important. You want someone with whom you feel comfortable that is capable of adapting to your changing needs. If you live in the greater Olean, NY area, Olean Medical Group can help set you up with a caring and professional gynecology doctor who can assist you with everything from preventive screenings and fertility advice to intense bleeding and cramping issues or menopausal guidance. When it comes to choosing your preferred gynecologist, follow the tips below!

Your first consideration should be determining which OB-GYNs are covered by your health insurance. Whether you need to visit the gynecologist frequently or only for the occasional check-up, having to pay for an out-of-network provider can really add up. There are online database tools to search for gynecology doctors within your plan, but it is always a good idea to double check things by calling the office for confirmation.

The next factor to take into account is the doctor's reputation. Look for gynecologists with rave reviews or who come recommended by other women in your life who trust. If you are aware of the types of qualities you like in other doctors, you can look out for identifiers of similar demeanors, ideologies, and communication styles while reading online reviews or listening to personal anecdotes.

Ultimately, the most important aspect of choosing the right gynecology doctor for you, however, is your comfort level. Do you feel like you can be open and honest with them about your body, menstrual cycle, sex life, etc.? If you have questions, will you be given time to ask them fully and get clear, non-judgmental answers? You and your gynecology doctor may not share all the same views and values, but it should always feel like the two of you are on the same team with the same goal in mind: the best possible reproductive health.

For further tips or assistance with the process of finding a gynecology doctor in the Olean, NY area, feel free to contact Olean Medical Group today!

Neurologists are medical professionals that focus on treating conditions affecting the muscles, nerves, and spinal cord. Your brain is a complex organ that controls many physiological functions. Understanding the symptoms that call for a trip to the neurologist is essential for early intervention and successful treatment. We'll look at the main signs that warrant a consultation with a neurologist:

1. Persistent Headaches: Frequent or severe headaches that disrupt your daily life may require evaluation by a neurologist. They can assess whether your headaches are migraines, tension headaches, or related to other underlying conditions.

2. Chronic Dizziness & Balance Issues: Experiencing recurrent dizziness, vertigo, or problems with balance could indicate a neurological disorder. A neurologist can conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.

3. Memory Loss: Unexplained memory loss, confusion, difficulty concentrating, or other cognitive issues may be signs of neurological conditions like Alzheimer's disease or dementia. A neurologist can perform cognitive assessments and develop a personalized management plan.

4. Seizures & Epilepsy: Seizures can be the result of various neurological disorders. If you or someone you know experiences seizures, seeking a neurologist is essential for proper diagnosis, seizure control, and long-term management.

5. Vision Problems: Sudden vision loss, double vision, or any other significant changes in your vision should be evaluated by a neurologist. They can determine if these issues are related to neurological conditions or other causes.

6. Sleep Disorders: Disorders like insomnia or sleep apnea can have neurological connections. A neurologist can conduct sleep studies and recommend appropriate interventions to improve your sleep quality.

Your brain health is valuable; recognizing signs that indicate a visit to a neurologist is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this post, it is important to seek professional medical advice. The Olean Medical Group provides the finest care possible in Olean, NY, and the surrounding areas. Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation and take control of your neurological health.

Sometimes after a pap smear, results come back with abnormal cells. This is commonly caused due to HPV infections, but other types of infections including those caused by bacteria or yeast may also be the cause. When your gynecologist receives the results from the lab and abnormal cells are present, they may request a colposcopy. This procedure closely examines the cervix, vagina, and vulva for any signs of diseases. It can be used to diagnose genital warts, inflammation of the cervix, and precancerous changes in the cervix, vagina, and vulva.

What You Can Expect

The procedure can be completed in the office and takes about 10 to 20 minutes. Patients will lie on their backs with their feet in the supports, just as you would during a pelvic exam. The gynecologist doctor will insert the speculum and position a magnifying instrument, also known as a colposcope, a few inches away. The doctor will shine a bright light into the vagina and look through the colposcope lens. The cervix and vagina will be swabbed to clear anything away and a solution will be applied to the area that may cause some tingling to help highlight suspicious cells.

If there are any suspicious areas, the gynecologist doctor will biopsy the area to remove a small piece of tissue to be sent for testing. A chemical solution is applied to the biopsy area to prevent bleeding. After the colposcopy, you may be left with some cramping and/or bleeding for the next day or two. It is important to avoid tampon use and intercourse for a week after the procedure.

Patients should get the results back within two to ten days. After that, your doctor will go over the results and discuss the next steps that will need to be taken.

Contact Our Gynecology Doctor

The gynecologist at Olean Medical Group can perform a colposcopy procedure for our patients. Routine, annual gynecological exams are important as abnormal cells can be detected early. If you need a colposcopy, it will give you the peace of mind you are looking for and give you a diagnosis as soon as possible so you can get the treatment that is needed. Contact our doctor today to schedule your yearly appointment.

Choosing a Neurologist That’s Right for You

Whether you are referred or are personally seeking a neurologist, finding the one that works best with you is important. Neurologists specialize in understanding the nervous system and its parts, including the brain and spinal cord. There are many reasons why you may need to see a neurologist. Constant headaches, loss of sensation in parts of the body, issues with vision, and memory loss are examples of reasons for visiting a neurologist.

Five Tips for Choosing a Neurologist

• Recommendations & Referrals: Speak with your doctor and look for neurologists in your area. Once you’ve gathered a list of names, you can ask for your doctor’s personal recommendations and their referral to a neurologist.
• Experience & Credentials: Research the neurologists in your area and their experience and credentials. How long have they been practicing? What hospitals have they worked in, or how long have they worked at their private practice? You should also consider patient reviews.
• Hospital Quality: The hospital your doctor works in is tied to the quality of care you will likely receive. Where the hospital is located can also play a role in the frequency of your care.
• Communication: If you can, set up a consultation to meet the neurologist you would like to work with. This way, you can get a better understanding of their personality and how they talk with you. This is a part of realizing if you are comfortable enough to entrust your wellbeing and health concerns with that doctor. The relationship you have with your doctor can impact your quality of care.
• Insurance Coverage: Lastly, finances and insurance can determine the neurologist you choose to see. Although this might leave you with fewer choices, you should still consider the other tips before making a final decision.

Contact Olean Medical Group Today

Olean Medical Group has neurology specialists that can help with health concerns related to the nervous system. Contact us today to set up a consultation or schedule an appointment with our neurologists.

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!

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.

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.

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.