Observing health awareness months provides an opportunity to educate the public about specific health conditions, promote early detection and prevention, and advocate for research and resources. It raises awareness, reduces stigmas, and offers support to those affected. Additionally, it encourages individuals to take proactive steps towards maintaining their well-being and seeking necessary medical attention. Overall, it fosters a sense of community and solidarity among those impacted by various health challenges.
On top of the earlier blogs for this month, here are important health issues you should be aware of that we observe this month.
Scleroderma is a group of autoimmune diseases that may result in changes to the skin, blood vessels, muscles, and internal organs. It can range from mild to severe and can affect different parts of the body. Below are symptoms:
- Thickening and hardening of the skin
- Raynaud’s phenomenon (changes in skin color in response to cold or stress)
- Gastrointestinal issues such as acid reflux and difficulty swallowing
Scoliosis is a medical condition in which a person’s spine has a sideways curve. The curve is usually “S”- or “C”-shaped. In some, the degree of curve is stable, while in others, it increases over time. Mild scoliosis does not typically cause problems, but severe cases can affect breathing. The symptoms are:
- Sideways curve of the spine, often forming an “S” or “C” shape
- Uneven shoulders or waist
- Back pain or discomfort
Aphasia is a condition characterized by the loss of ability to understand or express speech, caused by brain damage. Here are some symptoms:
- Loss of ability to understand speech
- Loss of ability to express speech
- Caused by brain damage
Congenital cytomegalovirus refers to an infection with the cytomegalovirus (CMV) that is present at birth. CMV is a common virus that can cause serious health problems in newborns if the mother becomes infected during pregnancy. Top 3 causes are:
- Maternal infection during pregnancy: When a pregnant woman contracts cytomegalovirus (CMV) for the first time, the virus can be transmitted to the fetus.
- Prior CMV infection in the mother: If a mother had a previous CMV infection, the virus can reactivate during pregnancy and be transmitted to the fetus.
- Exposure to young children: Contact with the bodily fluids of young children, especially saliva and urine, who are actively shedding the virus can increase the risk of CMV infection in pregnant women.
Dr. Kre Johnson is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician and the sole owner of Brownstone Healthcare and Aesthetics. She is the Medical Director of the City of Birmingham’s Employee Health Clinic-Brownstone BWell Birmingham. She is the Event Producer of Wifeology and the founder of Three Twenty Girls, Inc. She loves God, traveling, and all things Southern!!
Brownstone BWell: Brownstone Healthcare has partnered with the City of Birmingham to offer primary care services to the employees of the City of Birmingham for $0 copayment. This partnership is for preventative services & screenings and sick visits. We partner with your current primary care physician and our goal is to keep you out of the ER and urgent care. We do not share your information with the City of Birmingham. We uphold HIPPA and professional standards. You can visit us at our downtown location 1700 5th Ave N Birmingham, AL 35203 or Trussville: 4643 Camp Coleman Road #117 Trussville, AL 35173 205-202-5650 call for your appointment today.
