Email

Cool Springs Internal Medicine & Pediatric Clinic

Your Health This Month

Preventing a Second Attack

Did you know if you’ve had an ischemic stroke or heart attack, you’re at a higher risk of having a second one? You may not see the risk of another heart attack or ischemic stroke, but you can reduce the chances of having another one. Talk to your doctor about a prevention plan which may include medications, such as aspirin, and other small steps that may have a big impact. Learn more at https://www.stroke.org/en/life-after-stroke/preventing-another-stroke.

March Employee of the Month

Congratulations to our March Employee of the Month, Jenny Simmons!!!! Jenny has been with us for many, many years and has worked in multiple departments. Most of our patients know her as Dr. Swarr's nurse, but she is currently one of our triage nurses who answers urgent patient calls. Jenny is one of the sweetest people you will ever meet and constantly puts others before herself. Patients love her and make sure to let us know it as well. She is also someone that all the nurses know they can count on for help. These qualities make Jenny a great asset to have had for all these years and hopefully for many more. Congratulations, Jenny, on being March's employee of the month!

Alternatives to Prescription Opioids

Nearly 19,000 people a year die from prescription opioid painkillers—sometimes known by more familiar names like Oxycontin and Vicodin. That amounts to 52 people every day, and the numbers show no signs of slowing. The National Safety Council wants you to know that safer alternatives are available. Many people don’t realize that opioids are less effective at relieving acute pain. In fact, one of the most effective pain relief combinations is one Extra Strength Tylenol and one Advil. Talk with your physician about alternatives to opioid painkillers and visit http://www.nsc.org for more information.

Wearing a Mask

The most common question about masks right now is, "Should I wear a mask if I have received my COVID vaccine." The overwhelming answer to this question is, yes. Wearing a mask not only protects you, it also protects your loved ones and others around you. It takes two weeks after completing your second dose of the COVID Vaccine to reach 95% protection and even then there is still a 5% chance you can be infected. A bigger concern in not wearing a mask is for your loved ones and those around you. If you have completed the COVID vaccine you may not display symptoms when exposed, therefore bringing the virus to those around you who are not yet protected. Make sure to continue wearing a mask and washing or sanitizing your hands often. For more information about the COVID vaccine visit https://www.coolspringsinternalmedicine.com/contents/patient-information/covid-19-vaccine-faqs

Colon Cancer Screening

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, yet it can be prevented or detected at an early stage. Preventing colon cancer, or finding it early, doesn’t have to be expensive. There are several screening options available, including simple take home options. Talk to your doctor about getting screened. For more information visit the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org or call us at 1-800-227-2345.

Introducing Dr. Allen

Help us welcome the newest member of our team, Dr. Brandon Allen. A few weeks ago we sent an email to our patients with his full bio, but if you missed it you can read more about Dr. Allen here: https://www.coolspringsinternalmedicine.com/provider/brandon-allen-md-faap. He will be joining our North Franklin location starting in the beginning of April. He is accepting new patients, including patients with Medicare insurance. Call our office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Allen at (615)435-3854.

Healthy Foods for a Healthy Mouth

Do you know which foods are good for your dental – and overall – health? Water, especially fluoridated water, is one of the best things you can drink to maintain your dental health. Dairy is also a dental health win. Milk, and other dairy products such as cheese and yogurt, are low in sugar, contain protein and are full of calcium, which can help to strengthen your teeth. Go to MouthHealthy.org to discover other foods that are healthy for your mouth.

Strep Throat

Strep throat is a sore throat that is caused by bacteria known as group A Streptococcus. Strep throat is a common diagnosis and most frequently used in children ages 5-15 years old. The bacteria is spread through infected people coughing and sneezing, which projects small droplets into the air and onto nearby surfaces. You can get strep throat by breathing in these droplets, touching an infected surface and then touching your mouth/nose area, or by eating and drinking after someone who is infected. The most common symptoms are sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, and red/swollen tonsils. Children also experience headaches and nausea or vomiting. Strep can be diagnosed quickly with only a throat swab and treated with antibiotics. Our office has PCR testing for strep, which provides results in 15 minutes. If you are experiencing any symptoms consistent with Strep, call our office to get a PCR test at (615)376-8195 for the Cool Springs location or (615)435-3854 for the North Franklin location. To read more about strep throat visit https://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/strep-throat.html.

Look for the monthly Provider Newsletter on our blog. March will feature an article from our Cool Springs primary care provider, Peter Swarr, MD. This is new content available only on our blog and direct from your provider. Check it out at https://www.coolspringsinternalmedicine.com/blog.

Email Us

Find Us on the Web

CSIMP Facebook Page

NFIMP Facebook Page

This email is provided as a service by Cool Springs Internal Medicine & Pediatric Clinic.It and any documents attached to it are confidential and may contain information that is protected from disclosure by various federal and state laws, including the HIPAA privacy rule (45 C.F.R., Part 164). This information is intended to be used solely by the entity or individual to whom this message is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, be advised that any use, dissemination, forwarding, printing, or copying of this message without the sender's written permission is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. Accordingly, if you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by return e-mail or call (615) 376-8195, and then delete this message.Click here to unsubscribe.