Do I Need To Do Anything Special the First Time I See a Doctor (Hint: Health history is key)

Dr. Sarah Van WagnerWelcome back to Mount Sinai Queens’ brand new blog featuring useful news and tips to help you lead a healthier life. I am Dr. Sarah Van Wagner, a board-certified family medicine physician who works at Mount Sinai Queens’ Steinway Medical Group. Please remember that this information is not a substitute for direct medical advice.

When you arrive at a new doctor’s office, before you actually see the doctor, the office staff will ask you to fill out paper work to establish your patient chart. At Mount Sinai Queens, this information is entered into an electronic medical record which is designed to follow you through the Mount Sinai Hospital in Queens and Manhattan. Demographics, insurance information, health history including allergies and medications taken are all crucial to a comprehensive chart. The office staff will need to make a copy of your insurance card and need to see identification so be sure and bring those with you. (more…)

The Three-Legged Stool of Well Being (Hint: There is a fourth leg: reduce stress)

Dr. Sarah Van WagnerWelcome back to Mount Sinai Queens’ brand new blog featuring useful news and tips to help you lead a healthier life. I am Dr. Sarah Van Wagner, a board-certified family medicine physician who works at Mount Sinai Queens’ Steinway Medical Group. Please remember that this information is not a substitute for direct medical advice.

It is not always easy to stay healthy. Your cubicle mate comes to the office with a bad cold. Your favorite sushi place loses its “A” rating and your digestive system pays the price. Your weekend basketball game includes a bad landing and a sprained ankle…. However, no matter the circumstance, maintaining a healthy foundation will help you stay healthy, and help you recover faster if you get sick or injured. (more…)

How To Pick the PCP That’s Right For You (Hint: Finding a doctor that accepts your health plan is only the first step)

Dr. Sarah Van WagnerWelcome back to Mount Sinai Queens’ brand new blog featuring useful news and tips to help you lead a healthier life. I am Dr. Sarah Van Wagner, a board-certified family medicine physician who works at Mount Sinai Queens’ Steinway Medical Group. Please remember that this information is not a substitute for direct medical advice.

You want to enter into a long-term relationship with your Primary Care Physician (PCP). Like any relationship, you should try to find the person that best meets your needs. As I mentioned in my last blog post – there are several different types of doctors who are PCPs: (more…)

New Guidelines for Cholesterol-Lowering Statin Drugs

Recent media reports have caused some alarm and confusion about newly published guidelines for statin drugs. Statin drugs reduce cholesterol levels and also decrease cardiac and vascular disease, independent of their cholesterol-lowering effect. Statins provide multiple benefits, but the mechanisms of their actions are not yet fully understood. Like any medication, there is a risk of side effects, which can occur in up to 18 percent of patients and most often consist of muscle pain or temporary derangement of liver function. Rare serious side effects have been described. (more…)

National Handwashing Awareness Week 2015 (December 7-13)

Guest post by Danielle Jardine, MD

National Handwashing Awareness Week is December 7-13. Make sure you are washing your hands the right way to prevent the spread of cold and flu this season.

When you see that sign in the restroom with instructions on how to wash your hands, you can’t help but roll your eyes, right? It’s OK to admit it. We all know the best way to wash our hands and how important this simple act is to helping us stay healthy and avoid disease. At least that’s what many people think. (more…)

Heatstroke: Stay Safe this Summer

Guest post by Danielle Jardine, MD

New Yorkers know the drill. When summer temperatures soar into the 90s, we run from one air-conditioned venue to the next, stopping only to refill our ice-cold beverages. Breezes from approaching trains deep within the subway provide temporary relief on our way to beaches, pools or community cooling centers. But what if our jobs or activities have us outdoors or exposed to the summer heat for extended periods of time? (more…)

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